The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stop-work notices to 106 construction sites after finding that air quality sensors were missing at project spots, officials said on Thursday. They said that the BMC officials have taken strict action against construction projects in its efforts to curb Mumbai air pollution. "The stop-work notices were issued to sites that failed to install mandatory air quality monitoring systems," officials said. According to an official statement, under the direction of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, and Additional Commissioner (East Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, the civic body has made it compulsory for all ongoing construction sites in Mumbai to operate air quality sensors. For large projects costing over Rs 1,000 crore, the BMC has also ordered the installation of a reference-grade air quality monitor. Despite repeated reminders, several construction sites have not complied with the orders. As a result, the BMC issued stop-work notices to 106 construction projects by Thursday evening. These include private building projects as well as railway bridge works, SRA projects, and MHADA housing schemes. Orders issued for immediate compliance The BMC’s Environment and Climate Change Department has directed non-compliant projects to submit compliance reports immediately after receiving the notices. The civic body has been continuously following up on the matter since May 2025, and strict action is being taken where there is no response. The BMC has also stated that further inspections are underway and additional stop-work notices will be issued to other projects found violating the rules. Court hearing scheduled on Friday A court hearing regarding the air pollution case is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026. The civic administration has ordered all departments to continue field inspections, record observations, and take immediate action as needed. Action against bakeries too The crackdown is not limited to construction sites, the statement said, adding that the BMC’s Public Health Department has been instructed to issue stop-work notices to bakeries and other units that violate emission, fuel use, and smoke standards. BMC emphasises no compromise on air quality The civic administration has reiterated that there will be no compromise in improving air quality in Mumbai. While the BMC supports rule-abiding projects, strict action will be taken against violators. According to the BMC, air quality in most areas of Mumbai is currently in the “satisfactory” or “moderate” category, and continuous measures are being taken to improve it further. Air quality monitoring network in Mumbai Mumbai currently has 28 continuous air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS). - 14 stations are operated by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board - 9 by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology - 5 by the BMC These centres follow national protocols and standards, and the data is available on the CPCB website as well as the “Sameer” mobile app. The BMC has urged citizens to use the app to check air quality in their areas and avoid burning waste outdoors to support the civic body’s pollution control efforts.
22 January,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a bid to ensure “Justice for All… Speedy Justice,” the Maharashtra government, under the guidance of Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, has launched a special drive to expedite the disposal of pending cases in the state’s Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL). Under the initiative, shortcomings in the justice delivery chain are being addressed, with a focus on clearing backlogs and accelerating case analysis under the new criminal laws. In 2025, the laboratories had 1.81 lakh pending cases and received 2.94 lakh new cases. By the end of December, a total of 3,96,879 cases were disposed of, bringing the pending count down to 79,542. The CM directed regular reviews and extended working hours to ensure momentum in the disposal process. According to a press release issued by the government, officers and employees worked from 8 am to 8 pm, including on government holidays, to clear the backlog. While the available manpower had the capacity to dispose of around 2 to 2.15 lakh cases, as per the CM's directions, 3,96,879 cases were successfully resolved, the press release added. The ‘conventional forensic’ division alone cleared 3,96,275 cases by December 2025. From next month, DFSL plans to start analysis of new cases on the day they are received, effectively eliminating delays. Pending cases in computer crime, cyber, audio, and audio-visual divisions are also being addressed on a priority basis. To strengthen the justice delivery system further, the government is rolling out mobile forensic vans to every sub-divisional police officer office across the state. With these measures, the government aims to significantly reduce the time victims wait for justice, ensuring faster and more efficient resolution of cases across Maharashtra. Maharashtra to chart nuclear transition with small modular reactors, says Devendra Fadnavis Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday confirmed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding with one Indian and one Russian company. The Chief Minister said these collaborations will concentrate on “Small Modular Reactors” to address the state’s growing large-scale power requirements, reported news agency ANI. Responding to a question on discussions around deploying nuclear energy through smaller clusters, Devendra Fadnavis said, “We have essentially taken the lead on this, and the first project is likely to come up in Maharashtra. This is because we have entered into MoUs with an Indian government-owned company as well as a Russian company,” reported ANI. He further said, “Now, with new advances in the civil use of nuclear energy, we plan to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are a way to meet the large electricity demands we will face in the near future, particularly when data centres, the circular economy, municipal corporations, the private sector, and financial institutions come together to finance them,” he added, reported ANI. Meanwhile, at the ongoing Davos Summit, the head of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Pradip Kumar Das, said on Wednesday that the robust clean energy ecosystem created by the Indian government over the past decade has become a benchmark for the world. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, he noted that India has built an ideal environment for global companies to invest in green energy projects. Elaborating on the success of the Indian approach, Das stated, “We have come here to share details about the ecosystem that the Government of India has developed over the last 10–11 years in particular. The manner in which renewables have expanded in India over the last decade and beyond is an example for global players to learn from the ecosystem created by the Government of India. The CAGR over the last five years stands at 22.5 per cent. Such CAGR growth is rarely seen in any sector. Several foreign investors are investing in India, and IREDA is the leading agency for renewable energy financing in the country. We are the largest pure-play green finance company in India." Additionally, an MoU was also signed with Sembcorp Development Ltd, Singapore, to develop sustainable, low-carbon industrial ecosystems across key corridors in Palghar, Raigad, and Kharbav (Palghar). The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) signed an MoU with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, for advanced mobility engineering, climate-resilient planning, and transit-oriented development, along with Urban Futures Collective, London, and a global academic consortium including MIT Media Lab and University College London, to create open-source digital twins for evidence-based metropolitan governance. (With inputs from ANI)
22 January,2026 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe construction of BMC's first cable-stayed flyover in Mahalaxmi area of Mumbai was progressing steadily, with 55 per cent of the work on the 78.5-metre-high pylon completed, the Mumbai civic body said on Thursday. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar carried out an on-site inspection of the project and directed officials to complete all works within the stipulated timeline, while strictly following safety and quality standards, an official statement said. The flyover, being built on Keshavrao Khadye Marg, is the first cable-stayed bridge constructed by the BMC over railway tracks. It will connect Saat Rasta to Mahalaxmi Racecourse, easing traffic congestion in the busy area close to Mahalaxmi railway station. The total length of the bridge is 803 metres, with a width of 17.2 metres, while the portion within the railway limits measures 23.01 metres. Pylon work a key engineering challenge Officials said the pylon is the most critical load-bearing component of the cable-stayed bridge, as it supports the cables that hold up the bridge deck. The 78.5-metre-high steel-and-concrete pylon has been designed using advanced engineering techniques, keeping in mind wind pressure, seismic forces, traffic load and long-term durability. A special crane, taller than the pylon itself, has been installed at the site to carry out the work in stages. The remaining pylon construction and related works are scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2026. Span-wise construction plan The bridge has two major spans- - 95 metres on the western side, targeted for completion by end of February 2026 - 165 metres on the eastern side, within railway limits, to be constructed after receiving necessary blocks from the railway authorities - Work on the eastern span is planned between March 15 and October 15, 2026. Approach roads and remaining works Most of the pillars on both sides of the pylon have been completed. However, construction of five pillars is pending due to traffic diversions. Work on approach roads on both sides is yet to begin. BMC has planned to complete all remaining pillars and approach road works by June 30, 2026. Deadline set for Oct 2026 Bangar directed officials to speed up fabrication work to ensure timely availability of steel segments and materials. He also asked departments to procure materials from alternate suppliers if required, to avoid delays. He stressed close coordination with ward offices and traffic police, parallel execution of works wherever possible, and planning to ensure construction continues even during the monsoon. The BMC aims to complete the flyover, along with all allied works, by October 31, 2026. Officials present Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam, Deputy Chief Engineer (Bridges) Rajesh Mule, and other senior engineers were present during the inspection.
22 January,2026 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA senior citizen from Mulund in north-east Mumbai lost Rs 40 lakh after cyber crooks used the 'drugs in parcel' modus operandi and issued 'digital arrest' threats, a police official said on Saturday. The 70-year-old man, who lives alone while his two sons are settled in the United States, received a phone call in December from an unknown person claiming to represent a private courier company, the official said. "The caller claimed a parcel booked in the victim's name using his Aadhaar details had been seized by customs authorities in Bangkok. Another person posing as a cyber cell officer told him drugs had been recovered from the parcel and the case was linked to an MLA," the official said. Threatening him with 'digital arrest', the accused got him to reveal bank details and also forced him to transfer Rs 40 lakh, the official said. "He was told he would get the money back after verification. A few days later, the accused claimed the inquiry was complete and promised to refund the amount after deducting 2 per cent as charges. However, the money was never returned, and the accused stopped responding to calls," the official said. After the elderly man approached the local police and the Eastern Cyber Cell, an FIR was registered against four unidentified persons under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act. Efforts are on to identify and nab those involved, he added. Incidentally, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 15 informed the Supreme Court that it had formed a high-level committee to examine issues regarding digital arrest scam cases. Digital arrest is a growing form of cybercrime in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement, court officials or personnel from government agencies to intimidate victims through audio and video calls. They hold the victims hostage and put pressure on them to pay money. Earlier in December last year, the apex court had asked the CBI to carry out a unified pan-India probe into digital arrest scam cases. It had passed the directions in a suo motu case registered on the complaint of an elderly couple from Haryana apprehended, the weapon recovered, and further investigation is underway. 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.
22 January,2026 06:20 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIPune, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur and Nashik are among the 15 cities in Maharashtra to have women as mayors following the reservation announcement on Thursday, officials said. The state has announced the reservation for mayoral posts in 29 municipal corporations. The draw of lots was held under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal and will be applicable for the next two-and-a-half years, an official statement said. It said that of the 29 civic bodies, 15 will have women mayors from various reserved categories, marking a strong push for women’s representation in urban local governance. Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Dr K. H. Govindrajan, was present during the draw, the statement said. As per official information, only one mayoral post has been reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. In line with existing rules, there is no provision for reservation for Scheduled Tribe women. Three mayoral posts have been reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) category, of which two are reserved for Scheduled Caste women. Eight mayoral posts have been reserved for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, including four posts for OBC women. Among the remaining 17 municipal corporations, nine mayoral posts have been reserved for women under the general category, while eight posts fall under the open general category. Municipal corporations and reservation details Scheduled Tribe (ST): Kalyan-Dombivli Scheduled Caste (SC): Thane (General), Jalna (Women), Latur (Women) OBC (Women): Jalgaon, Chandrapur, Ahilyanagar, Akola OBC (General): Panvel, Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur and Ulhasnagar General (Women): Pune, Dhule, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nanded-Waghala, Malegaon, Mira-Bhayandar, Nagpur and Nashik. General Category: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Amravati, Vasai-Virar, Solapur, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Bhiwandi-Nizampur Women’s leadership Officials said that the reservation aims to strengthen inclusive governance and ensure wider participation of women and marginalised communities in city administration during the next mayoral term. Mumbai's next mayor to be from open women category Mumbai's mayor will be from the open women category, as per the reservation lottery drawn by the Urban Development Department on Thursday morning, clearing the way for the majority party to decide on the name of Mumbai's next mayor. According to UDD's laws for urban local bodies, each city's mayoral seat is reserved on a rotation for elected candidates from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, open category, and women. The reservation is decided through a lottery that was conducted by the UDD at 11 am on Thursday for 29 municipal corporations across the state, where polls have been recently concluded. Parties will now be able to officially name their mayoral candidate for Mumbai by submitting a letter of intent to the municipal secretary in BMC.
22 January,2026 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have signed two major investment agreements worth USD 26 billion including Artificial intelligence (AI) and green industry, calling it the biggest-ever Davos success. The deals were signed on day three of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, marking a major step towards building future-ready and sustainable economic ecosystems in Maharashtra, officials said. According to an official MMRDA statement, the agreements were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and form part of a record-breaking investment mobilisation at WEF 2026, where cumulative commitments to MMRDA have reached USD 226.65 billion, the highest in the Authority’s 51-year history. The two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) include - - USD 11 billion partnership with the Tata Group for AI-led technology, innovation, and infrastructure - USD 15 billion Bharat–Switzerland (B-SWISS-MMR) collaboration for sustainable industrial development "Together, the projects aim to position the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as a global hub for artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and green industries," officials said. Record investments MMRDA has signed 24 MoUs at WEF 2026, including 13 investment agreements and 11 strategic partnerships, securing the highest-ever foreign direct investment commitments by any parastatal agency at a single WEF event, the statement said. Last year, the Authority had secured USD 40 billion at WEF, highlighting a sharp rise in global investor confidence in Maharashtra’s growth vision. Agreements represent long-term investment in Maharashtra’s future: CM Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the agreements represent a long-term investment in Maharashtra’s future. “These partnerships will strengthen innovation, sustainability, and employment opportunities. Maharashtra is emerging as a global growth engine,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also Chairman of MMRDA, said the collaborations reflect global confidence in the state. “By combining Swiss innovation and Indian strengths, we are creating smart, people-centric industrial ecosystems,” he said. MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said the agreements mark a shift from isolated infrastructure projects to integrated economic development. “These investments will create quality jobs, modern infrastructure, and position MMR as a globally competitive region,” he said. Key impacts of the agreements - World-class AI and industrial hubs near Navi Mumbai International Airport - Around 1.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs across AI, manufacturing, logistics, and allied sectors - Integrated industrial parks and logistics networks - Focus on renewable energy, R&D, tourism, and smart infrastructure - Strengthened global investment profile for Maharashtra - Bharat–Switzerland Industrial Collaboration "The USD 15 billion B-SWISS-MMR project, developed with the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce, will cover around 5,000 acres across the MMR. It will focus on sustainable manufacturing, smart infrastructure, education, finance, and logistics," the officials said. MMRDA will oversee land development, approvals, and infrastructure, while Swiss partners will bring technology, investment, and global best practices. Innovation partnership Under the USD 11 billion Tata Group MoU, a large Innovation City and Artificial intelligence (AI) data centres will be developed near the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The project will support AI, semiconductors, renewable energy, core industries, and tourism-linked economic clusters. MMRDA will support land and infrastructure needs, while the state industries department will provide policy support and fast-track approvals.
22 January,2026 05:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is witnessing a wave of devotion today as Magh Ganesh Chaturthi—also known as Ganesh Jayanti or Maghi Ganpati—is being celebrated with traditional fervour. The day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, believed to have been created by Goddess Parvati from sandalwood paste. Considered highly auspicious, devotees observe the festival to seek wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in the year ahead. The city’s spiritual focus is firmly on the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, home to the revered Navasacha Ganpati. From the early hours, the temple witnessed massive footfall, with long queues stretching across adjoining lanes. Devotees arrived carrying flowers, coconuts, fruits, and other pooja essentials, as the surroundings echoed with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and devotional hymns. For those unable to visit in person, the celebrations were live-streamed on the temple’s official platforms. The day began with the traditional Kakad Aarti and Ganesh Yaag, followed by abhishek pooja, during which the deity was ceremonially bathed with water, milk, and other sacred offerings. The idol was adorned with elaborate floral decorations, while heaps of fruit offerings added to the grandeur. At specific intervals, temple doors were temporarily closed to facilitate essential rituals, including Naivedhya and the Shejaarti, with devotees allowed only limited-distance darshan during these periods. These observances are part of the week-long Magh Shri Ganesh Jayanti Mahotsav, celebrated across Maharashtra. Many devotees also install Ganpati idols at home during this period. The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust has organised a series of devotional programmes, bhajans, and cultural events, with today’s celebrations forming the highlight. The centrepiece of the day is the grand Rath Shobhayatra, scheduled for the afternoon. A ceremonial chariot carrying a replica of Lord Ganesha will traverse key routes in Dadar and Prabhadevi, including S.K. Bole Marg, Agar Bazar, Gokhale Road, Portuguese Church, Sayani Marg, and Veer Savarkar Marg, before returning to the temple. The procession features 14 dhol tasha troupes and vibrant Maharashtrian folk performances such as Lezim, Tarpa, Bangar, Gawli, and Adivasi dances, seamlessly blending devotion with cultural heritage. In view of the heavy turnout, Mumbai Police and civic authorities have deployed additional personnel and implemented strict crowd-management measures in and around the temple premises. Regulated entry points and enhanced security arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of devotees. As the day draws to a close, worshippers will gather for the Shree Darshan Night Aarti and the concluding Shejaarti, marking the end of a spiritually charged day. At Siddhivinayak, Magh Ganesh Chaturthi remains more than a festival it is a powerful expression of faith, tradition, and collective devotion that continues to draw thousands to the city’s iconic shrine.
22 January,2026 02:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGirls studying in more than 21,000 schools across Maharashtra will be provided structured self-defence training as part of a year-long programme being rolled out to mark the birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray. The initiative forms a key component of the “Nation First” campaign, which will see a series of educational, motivational and skill-based activities conducted across the state throughout the year. Programme to focus on safety, resilience and national values The programme, guided by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, aims to strengthen physical safety, mental resilience and national values among students. Under the plan, self-defence training will be imparted to girls in 21,279 schools, while basic military-style training will be introduced through the services of 10,000 ex-servicemen. In addition, 10,000 motivational speakers will conduct guidance sessions focusing on personality development, discipline and national ideology. 67 training sessions planned between January and March According to officials, the self-defence training programme is scheduled to begin around January 15, 2026, and will continue until March 20, 2026. As many as 67 sessions have been planned during this period, ensuring sustained engagement rather than one-time instruction. The curriculum has been designed to address real-life safety concerns while also supporting overall physical and mental well-being. Multiple martial arts and yoga to be part of curriculum The training will include basic self-defence movements and techniques to handle everyday situations, along with exposure to multiple martial arts disciplines such as Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Krav Maga, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Aikido and Wushu. Yoga sessions focusing on postures and pranayama will be an integral part of the programme to improve flexibility, concentration and emotional balance among adolescent girls. Smart skills and military discipline modules included In addition to physical training, “smart skills” modules will be conducted to enhance decision-making abilities, communication skills, stress management and self-confidence. Towards the concluding phase of the programme, students will also receive an introduction to basic military training, including discipline, parade, marching and an overview of the three defence services. Programme coordinated by education department with NGO support The entire initiative is being coordinated by the Maharashtra Primary Education Council under the School Education Department, with support from selected non-governmental organisations. Separately, NCC and Scout-Guide cadets, along with ex-servicemen, will play a role in imparting military discipline and lessons related to national defence. Balasaheb Thackeray centenary to be marked with school activities Throughout the birth centenary year, schools will also organise drawing, essay writing and elocution competitions based on the life and legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. Additionally, 100 schools run by local self-government bodies across Maharashtra will be developed as “Model Schools” during the year. Minister calls initiative a step towards women’s empowerment Reacting to the initiative, Minister Dadaji Bhuse said the government’s objective is to ensure that every girl student is not only educated but also safe and self-reliant. He said the combination of self-defence, yoga and military discipline would help build confidence, strength and a deep sense of national pride among students, calling the programme a significant step towards women’s empowerment in Maharashtra.
22 January,2026 01:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrom designing and planning the alignment of Mumbai Metro’s Yellow Line-2 and Green Line-4 as an engineer with India’s premier rail planning body, RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service), to resisting pressure to push through an unviable monorail project in Kalyan more than a decade ago, he has largely remained a behind-the-scenes architect of Mumbai’s evolving transport network. A 1988-batch officer of the Indian Railways Service of Engineers (IRSE), Vivek Kumar Gupta today occupies one of the most consequential positions in the city’s transport ecosystem—general manager of both Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR), the twin lifelines that move millions daily and operate among the most complex suburban train systems in the world. Gupta was also the chief of the bullet train, National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL), while making him a leader of all aspects of Mumbai's rail-based transport sector. At 58, Gupta has effectively turned out to be a virtual planner of Mumbai's upcoming transport network. He has now taken up the task of completing the jigsaw puzzle of incomplete rail lines and upgrading the city’s railway systems across both CR and WR, which operate some of the world’s most complex train networks. On January 18, a big piece of the puzzle – the fifth and sixth line corridors between Mumbai’s Bandra and Borivali – was completed. When asked if the metro network, once completed, will impact crowding patterns on the suburban railway, Gupta said, "The suburban system is the lifeline and it needs to be maintained in its best form. It will complement the metro network as it comes up slowly. The suburban trains will continue to be busy, hence there is huge investment in their upgrade and growth. The metro lines are so designed where traditionally there have been no railway trains." "The Mumbai suburban network is being levelled up to be integrated with the upcoming metro rail network," he added. Asked about what is being done to alleviate the problem of crowding as an immediate measure in addition to the new corridors coming up, he said WR and CR are working on plans to systematically increase the number of 15-car local trains. On CR, work is underway to expand platforms and upgrade infrastructure, while WR is doing it phase-wise on the Slow corridor. Work is on to introduce 15-car trains between Andheri and Bandra sections, followed by Dadar and Mumbai Central. There is also a plan to increase the number of air-conditioned (AC) local services on both CR and WR from January 26. 'Work in progress for new corridors beyond Kalyan' Asked about the upgrades on CR, Gupta said works are on at several places, including building new corridors beyond Kalyan, the Kalyan station remodelling works, and upgrades at Panvel. “We are in the middle of a makeover, and in the next few years, most of these projects will be completed. Elaborating on Kurla Station, he said the upgrade is proving tricky, but work has begun from the Tilak Nagar end of the station.” When asked about the monorail in Kalyan, he said the project was a proposed extension of Mumbai's Monorail system connecting Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan. “I was one of the engineers with RITES working on the viability report and had assessed back then that it would garner low fare-box revenue and would not be sustainable. There were pressures, but we stuck to our guns, and the viability report by RITES indicated low fare-box revenue and high costs, suggesting a bus rapid transit system (BRTS) or metro would be better suited. Looking back today, we can say we were not wrong,” said Gupta.
22 January,2026 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai's mayor will be from the open women category, as per the reservation lottery drawn by the Urban Development Department on Thursday morning, clearing the way for the majority party to decide on the name of Mumbai's next mayor. According to UDD's laws for urban local bodies, each city's mayoral seat is reserved on a rotation for elected candidates from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, open category, and women. The reservation is decided through a lottery that was conducted by the UDD at 11 am on Thursday for 29 municipal corporations across the state, where polls have been recently concluded. Parties will now be able to officially name their mayoral candidate for Mumbai by submitting a letter of intent to the municipal secretary in BMC. The Mahayuti alliance comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena won 118 seats in the 227-member municipal corporation on Thursday last week, placing the Mahayuti in a position to seat its mayor in Mumbai.
22 January,2026 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe Maharashtra government will organise a simultaneous mass drill on patriotic songs in all schools across the state on January 26, 2026, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said on Monday. Addressing senior education officials through an online video conference, Bhuse said the programme would be conducted with great enthusiasm in schools of all managements and all mediums. He directed officials to complete all preparations in advance and to plan the event on a scale that reflects its global outreach. The minister instructed officials to ensure that students and teachers do not face any inconvenience during the programme. He also emphasised that public representatives, officials, villagers, farmers, women, children and other local residents should be encouraged to attend the event. Bhuse further directed that adequate publicity be given to the programme through electronic media, newspapers and All India Radio. During the interaction, the minister also reviewed preparations for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled to begin on February 10. He stressed that students should be able to appear for the examinations in a fear-free and pleasant atmosphere. Schools were instructed to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras and all necessary infrastructure, and to make appropriate arrangements at examination centres for the convenience of students. Maharashtra State Board Chairman Trigun Kulkarni was present at the meeting. Deputy directors from various departments presented district-wise plans for the January 26 mass drill and assured the minister that the programme would be conducted in a high-quality and disciplined manner across the state. 366 students from BMC-run CBSE schools to appear for Class 10 board exams for first time As many as 366 students from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will appear for the Class 10 board examinations for the first time this year. The students belong to 10 CBSE-affiliated BMC schools, which are part of the civic body’s education department. The CBSE Class 10 examinations will be held from February 17 to March 11, 2026. To prepare students for the examination, the BMC education department has initiated special practice sessions, mock tests and focused academic support. Students are being trained through practice question papers, while guidance from expert teachers from select private CBSE schools has also been sought to strengthen exam readiness. Under the guidance of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, the civic body’s education department continues to expand and strengthen its academic initiatives. The BMC currently runs 18 CBSE-affiliated schools, offering education across eight languages — Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, English, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
22 January,2026 01:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1768666255640_d.png "Representational Pic")
-1769067706299_d.png "Ganpati idol beautifully adorned with flowers at Siddhivinayak Temple on Magh Ganpati. PIC/X@SVTMumbai")
