Your Aqua Line wait just got shorter! Mumbai Metro-3 adds 46 weekday services
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has introduced 46 additional train services on the Aqua Line…
Your Aqua Line wait just got shorter! Mumbai Metro-3 adds 46 weekday services
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has introduced 46 additional train services on the Aqua Line (Metro Line-3), taking the total number of daily weekday trips from 291 to 337, with effect from Monday. The increase in services comes amid growing ridership on the corridor and is aimed at reducing overcrowding and commuter waiting times. With…
Dia Mirza Diwali video row: Fadnavis downplays issue after Bombay HC order
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday downplayed the controversy over actor Dia Mirza’s video for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) eco-friendly Diwali campaign, saying the issue was not significant enough to warrant attention at his level. His remarks came after the Bombay High Court expressed “deep pain and displeasure” over the removal of Mirza’s…
Shiv Sena (UBT) hails 'Chalo Delhi' rally as start of democratic revolution
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has described the opposition-led ‘Chalo Delhi’ rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi as the beginning of a wider movement for democratic restoration, accusing the ruling establishment of undermining electoral institutions. In an editorial published in the party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction said the rally, organised to…
NCP leaders acting on BJP's directions, will join saffron party: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday alleged that leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were functioning at the Bharatiya Janata Party’s direction and would eventually join the saffron party, amid speculation over internal differences within the NCP following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, the…
BEST adds 44 electric buses to Mumbai fleet, to operate on five routes
Mumbai’s public transport operator BEST has inducted 44 new fully air-conditioned electric buses into its fleet, with the vehicles set to operate on five routes from the Magathane Depot. The addition is expected to increase passenger capacity on busy routes and improve commuting convenience across parts of the city. The 12-metre-long buses were introduced on…
Dia Mirza asks for a cleaner Diwali, BJP sees an ‘anti-Hindu’ agenda and BMC hits delete: The ‘tukde-tukde’ jibe, the ‘paise nahi liye’ retort and a civic body’s swift retreat, how the row unfolded
The Bombay High Court has slammed the “petty mindset” behind the Dia Mirza video row, expressing “deep pain and displeasure.” Taking suo motu cognisance, the bench ordered the BMC to re-upload her eco-friendly Diwali clip, calling its removal a knee-jerk reaction after BJP leaders attacked the actor, and stressing everyone breathes the same air.
‘Very small issue’: CM Devendra Fadnavis says Dia Mirza video row ‘not at his level’ after Bombay high court order, backs BMC
In response to the controversy over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s removal of Dia Mirza’s Diwali firecracker awareness video, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the BMC has the authority to manage its social media postings. This remark comes after the Bombay high court ordered the video’s re-upload following objections from political leaders that led…
Dia Mirza’s cracker-free Diwali appeal: HC expresses deep pain and displeasure; asks BMC to re-upload her video
The Bombay high court found the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s removal of Dia Mirza’s video unfortunate and requested its restoration. This action followed objections from BJP’s Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam, linking the video to anti-India sentiments. Mirza’s video urged citizens to avoid firecrackers and pollution during Diwali celebrations. Despite the removal, other celebrity campaign videos…
Rs 500 crore cyber fraud trail: Mumbai Police examine mule accounts linked to betting network
Mumbai Police have initiated an investigation into a network of mule bank accounts facilitating illegal transactions. The probe is linked to online gaming, betting, and cyber fraud activities allegedly involving significant financial amounts. Individuals named in a complaint, including Samundar Singh Rathod and Mukesh Jain, are under scrutiny for their involvement. The Enforcement Directorate is…
Tusshar Kapoor gets Rs 5 crore extortion threat in name of Bishnoi gang; police suspect impersonator
Tusshar Kapoor received an extortion call demanding Rs 5 crore from someone posing as a gang member. The Mumbai Crime Branch conducted a preliminary investigation into the threatening call received by the actor. Their technical team analyzed the audio and found no matching voice with official samples. Police believe the impersonator used the gang’s name…
Fire breaks out at electrical shop and bike service centre in Thane
A fire broke out at the premises of an electrical shop and a bike service centre in Thane’s Wagle Estate on Monday afternoon, damaging electrical equipment, chemicals and documents. No injuries were reported in the incident, civic officials said. The fire was reported at around 12.59 pm in Keni Nagar in Wagle Estate area of…
NCP denies rift after senior leaders meet Amit Shah in Delhi
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, on Monday rejected reports of internal differences within the party over a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and its senior leaders in Delhi, describing the meeting as pre-planned and formal, reported the PTI. The party’s national chief spokesperson, Umesh Patil,…
Navi Mumbai: Indian rock python found resting on bicycle in Vashi, rescued
A large Indian rock python was found resting on a bicycle in a residential area of Vashi, Navi Mumbai, prompting a rescue operation by members of wildlife NGO Sahyadri Rescue Warriors. Following a rescue call, team members Akshay Dange and Dhiraj Gaikwad rushed to the spot and safely rescued the reptile. The sighting raised concerns…
BMC removes Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed a video message by actor Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali from its social media platforms following objections from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam, triggering a political controversy over the civic body’s decision. Mirza’s video, which urged people to avoid noise and air pollution during the festival, was…
Karjat bandh protests tree felling for proposed 3,000-MW pumped storage project
Residents of Karjat observed a bandh on Monday to protest against the felling of trees for the proposed 3,000-MW pumped storage project in the region. The project is expected to require the felling of 32,490 trees, triggering opposition from local residents and environmental groups. Why is the project controversial? The proposed Saidongar I Karjat Off-Stream…
Dia Mirza row divides Mumbai civic leadership: Mayor seeks say in BMC campaigns, deputy mayor backs actor
Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is experiencing a conflict regarding Dia Mirza’s pollution-free Diwali campaign. Mayor Ritu Tawde demands pre-approval for future campaigns featuring celebrities, criticizing Mirza’s involvement. Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi supports Mirza’s appeal against firecrackers and questions the campaign’s removal from social media.
‘Always been anti-Hindu’: Mumbai mayor’s jibe at Dia Mirza after BMC removes Diwali campaign video; actor responds
In a surprising turn of events, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation decided to pull Dia Mirza’s video from its pollution-free Diwali campaign, bowing to political pressure from the Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam, who voiced concerns over her participation. Mayor Ritu Tawde’s remarks labeling Mirza as anti-Hindu sparked further outrage, while other celebrities like Madhuri Dixit…
Construction boom calls for dust control rethink: Experts
Mumbai is grappling with severe dust pollution linked to construction activities like the demolition and excavation of aged structures. Industry players are calling for better practices to address this pressing issue. They propose implementing stage dismantling strategies and requiring dust netting during excavation. Additionally, opting for precast materials can help minimize dust emissions. Policymakers should…
Mumbai’s pollution can be halved in five years, but target must be MMR, not just the city
Mumbai faces severe air pollution challenges, primarily driven by rapid urbanization and industrial growth that extends beyond city limits. Since 2011, vehicle registrations have nearly tripled, while pollution sources include dust, industries, and waste burning. A comprehensive regional clean air plan is essential to address these issues effectively across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Efforts must…
Nimble fingers craft leisurely handmade suits in an age of mass-cloned garments
MN Rao, a notable tailor in Mumbai, founded a successful tailoring house in 1965. His craftsmanship attracted many prominent personalities, including politicians and businessmen. The workshop continues under the guidance of his sons, who emphasize hand-crafted quality. Despite modern machine production, the meticulous craft of bespoke suits retains its charm. Employees, some of whom have…
Man gets eight years in jail for culpable homicide in 2018 Badlapur assault case
A court in Maharashtra’s Thane district has sentenced a man to eight years’ rigorous imprisonment for culpable homicide in a 2018 assault case. The court said that the prosecution failed to prove he intended to commit murder. As per PTI, Kalyan court’s Additional Sessions Judge R V Tamhanekar, in the order on Friday, sentenced Pravin…
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis accuses Congress of 'Samvidhan chori' during Emergency
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday hit back at the Opposition over its “vote chori” charge, accusing the Congress of committing “Samvidhan chori” (theft of the Constitution) during the Emergency and attempting to undermine democratic institutions. Speaking at the BJP’s ‘Save Democracy’ march organised in Thane against what he described as attempts to create…
BJP kicks off counter-protest with 'Lokshahi Bachao, Anarajakta Hatao' padyatra
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Mahayuti allies on Sunday held a ‘Lokshahi Bachao, Anarajakta Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padyatra in Mumbai, with BJP Maharashtra President Ravindra Chavan accusing the Congress of spreading false narratives about constitutional institutions, including the judiciary and Parliament. Speaking to ANI, Chavan said the Opposition was attempting to…
Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray says he stopped calling to BJP after 2019
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that the communication with the BJP, his party’s former ally, stopped in 2019 and never resumed. Speaking at the launch of Sena (UBT) MP and ‘Saamana’ executive editor Sanjay Raut’s latest book, “Bodh Kirtan,” Thackeray referred to Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis’s comments two days…
Thane: Two friends lose Rs 7.59 lakh in alleged overseas job scam
Police have registered a case against an individual for allegedly cheating two friends from Thane in Maharashtra of Rs 7.59 lakh after promising them jobs abroad, officials said on Sunday. According to PTI, the accused lured the 38-year-old complainant, a resident of Kopri Colony in Thane, and his friend with promises of securing them jobs…
Tsunamis, storm surges and rising sea levels: Mumbai University, INCOIS plan research centre to strengthen Maharashtra’s coastal safety
A joint research centre is planned by University of Mumbai and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services. This centre will enhance disaster preparedness and early warning systems along Maharashtra’s 720km coastline. The collaboration aims to support coastal communities in responding to climate change and natural disasters. It will also involve research and development projects…
Mumbai local train megablock today: Central Railway to suspend Trans-Harbour services, block slow lines between CSMT and Vidyavihar; check timings and routes
Today, Central Railway’s Mumbai division will initiate a megablock to carry out essential engineering work, impacting train operations. The Main Line will face interruptions from 10.55 am to 3.55 pm, specifically between CSMT and Vidyavihar. Meanwhile, Trans-Harbour services will not run from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm between Thane and Vashi/Nerul/Panvel. However, Harbour Line trains…
A former Air Force officer claims wife accused him of extra-marital affairs and alcoholism without evidence. Now after 12 years, Mumbai court grants divorce, says unsubstantiated allegations about spouse’s character without proof amount to mental cruelty
A Family Court in Mumbai ruled that unsubstantiated allegations of character and behavior can constitute mental cruelty. This ruling resulted in the divorce of a former Air Force officer after a lengthy legal battle. The court recognized the husband’s claims of mental cruelty due to his wife’s accusations without supporting evidence. It also ordered the…
‘I’ll frame you in a women’s case’: Digital media COO, Juhi Mehta, arrested for ‘driving BMW at Mumbai traffic cop’, gets bail later
Juhi Mehta, the COO of a digital media company, collided her BMW with another vehicle in Vile Parle West. After the incident, she refused to move her car when instructed by traffic constable Prashant Hake. Witnesses recorded the confrontation as Mehta allegedly threatened the constable while attempting to flee the scene. The constable subsequently filed…
BJP plans to go solo in Maharashtra Zilla Parishad elections: Former MP Gavit
Former BJP MP from Nandurbar Heena Gavit on Saturday said the party was preparing to contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections in Maharashtra independently, while leaving the possibility of a post-election alliance open, reported the PTI. Gavit’s remarks come amid differences between the BJP and its ruling alliance partner, the Shiv Sena led by…
Mumbai airport to shut both runways for six hours on November 19
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will temporarily shut both its runways for six hours on November 19 as part of its annual post-monsoon maintenance programme. Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which operates the airport, said runways 09/27 and 14/32 will remain non-operational from 11 am to 5 pm IST. Runway maintenance planned after monsoon…
MACT awards Rs 1.80 cr to kin of couple killed in Mumbai-Pune Expressway crash
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has awarded compensation of Rs 1.80 crore to the heirs of a couple who died in a crash on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in 2018. The accident took place on December 23, 2018, when a car driven by Ankit Bhupindersingh Chugh rammed into the rear of a truck after the…
Mumbai: Woman rams multiple vehicles, tries to run over cops in Juhu; booked
A woman allegedly rammed her car into multiple vehicles, attempted to run over police personnel and created a ruckus at a traffic signal in Mumbai’s western suburbs, police said on Saturday. The incident took place near the Sangeet Bharati Chowk signal in Juhu at around 8.30 pm on Friday. The woman allegedly sped away after…
Mumbai Harbour line trains disrupted after cloth gets entangled in OHE at Sewri
Local train services on Central Railway’s Harbour line were disrupted during the morning rush hour on Saturday after a piece of cloth became entangled in the overhead equipment (OHE) at Sewri station, officials said. The incident occurred on platform number two of Sewri railway station at around 9.45 am, bringing CSMT-bound local train services to…
Lift crashes down at high speed in Nalasopara seven-storey building; 8 seriously injured
Eight individuals suffered injuries when a lift malfunctioned and fell in Dhananjay Avenue, Nalasopara. Residents reported that the lift dropped suddenly while occupants were traveling to the ground floor. Witnesses helped rescue those trapped inside the lift and transported them to a local hospital. Among the injured was advocate Satish Bhondve, along with his guests…
Woman in BMW drives at traffic cop trying to stop her after crash in Mumbai; video viral
A woman driving a BMW collided with another vehicle in Juhu, prompting a traffic policeman to intervene. After the collision, the woman allegedly attempted to flee the scene, ignoring warnings from bystanders. The policeman stood in front of her car to stop her, but she continued driving despite the danger. She only stopped when a…
Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Gupta dies at 57 after fall at Mumbai residence
Tragic news broke late Friday night as renowned Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Gupta was found dead at his Mumbai home. At 57 years old, Gupta suffered injuries from a fall, and authorities have ruled out foul play. Colleagues from the film industry have voiced their disbelief and offered their heartfelt condolences. Gupta’s legacy includes acclaimed works…
BJP now left with just one graduate constituency seat in Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s recent MLC elections have shown a decline in BJP’s influence in graduate constituencies. The party now has only one MLC from the seven graduate constituencies. NCP and Congress have gained ground, winning key areas like Pune and Nagpur. Historically, these constituencies were considered strongholds for BJP’s leadership and voter base. This shift indicates a…
Bombay HC accepts apology of litigant who tried to throw her purse at judge
In a recent development, the Bombay High Court, under Justice Madhav Jamdar, accepted an unconditional apology from a litigant involved in court misconduct. This arose during a contempt case related to an eviction issued against the Thukral family, who had unlawfully returned to the property in question. Following a court directive, they are now required…
