Connect with us
Advertisement

Latest News

Maharashtra Declares January 15, 2026 Public Holiday for Local Body Elections; Bank and Market Status Unclear

The Maharashtra government has declared January 15, 2026, a public holiday in 29 municipal corporation areas, including Mumbai, to facilitate voting in local body elections. Banking and stock market operations remain unclear.

Published

on

Maharashtra Declares January 15, 2026 Public Holiday for Local Body Elections; Bank and Market Status Unclear
Summarise This Article With

The Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on January 15, 2026 under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to facilitate voting in the local body elections across the state. This decision was announced through a notification issued by the General Administration Department on January 7.

This public holiday will be applicable in 29 municipal corporation areas including Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban districts under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The order has been issued under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act which grants powers to the state government through a 1968 Home Ministry notification.

This public holiday will be applicable in 29 municipal corporation areas including Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban districts under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

This order has been issued under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and the state government has been granted these powers through a 1968 Home Ministry notification.

The BMC and 28 other municipal bodies will hold elections in a single phase on January 15 with results to be declared on January 16. The BMC, considered Asia’s richest municipal body operates with an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,000 crore making these elections politically significant.

Advertisement

This holiday was not part of the original list of 24 public holidays declared for 2026 and will only be applicable in the notified election areas. The notification also states that registered voters in these areas will be entitled to the holiday even if they work outside their voting constituency.

Government offices semi-government bodies, public sector undertakings and banks in the notified areas will be covered under this order.

Uncertainty remains regarding the functioning of banking and financial markets during this period. So far, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not issued any formal circular confirming the closure of banks.

Generally, RBI-regulated markets, which include government securities, call money, tri-party repo and foreign exchange, remain closed on holidays declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Meanwhile, the stock exchanges BSE and NSE have not declared any trading holiday for January 15. Importantly this date is not listed as a market holiday. It coincides with the expiry of weekly Sensex derivatives. MCX has also not marked this day as a trading holiday.

According to election data, 1,03,44,315 voters are eligible to vote in the BMC elections. This includes 55,16,707 men, 48,26,509 women and 1,099 voters from other categories.

Advertisement

In the 2017 municipal elections the undivided Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 84 seats.

Officials stated that the holiday was declared to allow citizens to cast their votes without any work-related disruptions and to encourage maximum participation in the voting process.

Also Read: New Expressway and Missing Link Project Will Reduce Mumbai-Pune Travel Time to 90 Minutes

Advertisement
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Latest News

India Seizes 3 US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers Near Mumbai Over Suspected Iran-Linked Transfers

India has reportedly seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia — off the Mumbai coast after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfers within its EEZ. The move comes amid a wider crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade and sanctions evasion linked to Iran.

Published

on

India seizes three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran, steps up maritime surveillance
Summarise This Article With

According to sources familiar with the matter, India has seized three oil tankers: Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia.

These were sanctioned by the US and suspected of having links to Iran.

This incident comes amid a major crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade.

Interceptions off the Mumbai Coast

Indian authorities reportedly intercepted three vessels in February 2026, approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These operations are believed to have been used to conceal the origin of the oil cargo and evade coastal law enforcement.

It’s worth noting that security sources told Reuters that the tankers frequently changed their identities to avoid detection.

Advertisement

This tactic is often employed by ships seeking to evade sanctions. It’s reported that these ships are owned by foreign entities making surveillance difficult.

International Sanctions and Oil Smuggling Concerns

Surprisingly last year, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) banned ships named Global Peace, Chill 1, and Glory Star 1.

These ships reportedly have the same IMO numbers as the ships now seized by India. Shipping data shows that the Al Jafzia transported Iranian fuel oil to Djibouti in 2025.

The Stellar Ruby flew an Iranian flag. However the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) denies any connection between the tankers, their cargo and its operations.

According to shipping intelligence, the Asphalt Star was mostly active in routes around China, revealing global movement patterns of such vessels.

Surveillance Efforts Stepped Up

In response to these incidents the Indian Coast Guard has significantly increased its maritime surveillance.

Advertisement

Approximately 55 ships and 10-12 aircraft have been deployed to monitor activities in Indian waters and prevent future illegal activities.

Officials say this move demonstrates India’s determination to keep its waters free from illegal oil trade and unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers. This could undermine international sanctions regimes and complicate enforcement efforts.

Also Read: Mumbai Traffic Advisory: HMVs Banned on Western Express Highway on February 17 for PM Modi and Macron’s Visit

Continue Reading

Latest News

Mumbai Silver Rates Update February 17, 2026

Published

on

Mumbai Silver Rates Update February 17, 2026
Summarise This Article With

Silver Rates in Mumbai Today

Silver price for 10 grams in Mumbai is Rs 2,679. For 100 grams, it is Rs 26,790. If you want 1 kg of silver, the rate is Rs 2,67,900.

Silver is more affordable than gold and many people in Mumbai buy it for small savings, gifts, or household use. People often buy silver coins or small bars during festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Silver is also used in jewellery, but not as much as gold. Some families buy silver utensils for special occasions.

Rates change every day. Bank rates, shop rates, and online rates may not always match. Check with your local jeweller before buying. In Mumbai, silver usually costs a bit more than in smaller towns, mostly because of higher taxes and making charges. Transport and demand also play a small part.

There is no GST on old silver you sell, but new silver jewellery has 3% GST. If you buy silver in a shop, ask for the receipt. It helps if you want to sell it later.

Don’t expect to make quick profit from silver. Prices move slowly and sometimes even go down for weeks. Silver is good for long-term savings, not for daily trading. If you buy big amounts, store them safely. Silver can get black stains if not kept in dry place.

Advertisement

Most people in Mumbai still buy silver the traditional way—from stores or trusted jewellers. Some try online, but not everyone is comfortable. Always check the current rate before you buy, as it keeps changing.

That’s the simple truth about silver rates in Mumbai today.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Mumbai Gold Rates Update February 17, 2026

Published

on

Mumbai Gold Rates Update February 17, 2026
Summarise This Article With

Gold rates in Mumbai today are: Gold 24k: Rs 1,56,430 for 10 grams. Gold 22k: Rs1,43,390 for 10 grams. Gold 18k: Rs 1,17,320 for 10 grams.

These prices keep changing throughout the day. Shops in Zaveri Bazaar, one of Mumbai’s oldest gold markets, usually follow these prices. You’ll find that actual charges can be a bit different in each shop because of making charges, GST, or small fees.

In Mumbai, a lot of people buy gold for weddings, festivals, and investments. It is easy to check gold rates online or by asking in jewellery markets. Most families still prefer to check rates themselves before buying, especially during big festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Sometimes, prices go up if demand is high because Mumbai is a big centre for the gold trade.

Gold rates in Mumbai mostly depend on international market prices and the Indian Rupee’s value. If the rupee becomes weak, gold becomes more expensive. If there is some international issue, gold prices go up quickly. Many sellers in Mumbai update their rates two or three times every day.

If you are buying gold, always check for hallmarks. This shows the gold is pure. 24k gold is purest, but it is soft, so people often buy 22k for jewellery. 18k gold is usually used for modern styles or lightweight ornaments.

Prices might look high now. But many people in Mumbai still choose to invest in gold for safety. Always check the latest price before deciding. And, ask for a bill for every purchase. This helps if you want to sell or exchange the gold later.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Google Preferred Source Badge