shot-button
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Articles

Read Mumbai News

Mumbai Fire Brigade brings home 4 medals from World Police and Fire Games 2025

The Mumbai Fire Brigade secured two bronze and two silver medals at the World Police and Fire Games 2025, held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. A team of six officers from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, including four women firefighters, represented the city as part of a 47-member Indian Fire Services delegation. The team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dr. Deepak Ghosh, included firefighter Govind Bijle and women firefighters Ekta Golkar, Siddhi Sonawane, Shweta Davane, and Unnati Chilkewar. The competition took place in Birmingham from June 28 to July 6, 2025. More than 5,000 athletes from over 70 countries participated, showcasing their prowess in more than 60 sporting and skill-based events. India secured third place overall with a total of 588 medals, comprising 280 gold, 178 silver, and 130 bronze. From Mumbai, Dr. Deepak Ghosh won a bronze medal in the Ultimate Firefighter category (age 55 individual group). Unnati Chilkewar clinched a silver medal in the Stair Race – Casual Wear category, while Shweta Davane earned silver in the Stair Race – Full Gear category.

10 July,2025 07:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
Pic/Konkan Railway

Konkan Railway hosts session on women’s safety and cybercrime

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) conducted a special session under its Management Insight Program at its Corporate Office in Belapur on Wednesday, focusing on the critical themes of women’s safety and cybercrime. The keynote address was delivered by D. Sivanandan, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police, Maharashtra. Drawing on his vast experience in law enforcement, Sivanandan offered valuable insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding women’s safety and the growing menace of cybercrime in the digital age. His session concluded with a lively question-and-answer interaction, engaging employees on practical strategies to stay informed and secure. The event was presided over by Santosh Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway. The program saw active participation, especially from women employees, reflecting KRCL’s commitment to promoting awareness of crucial social issues within the workplace.

10 July,2025 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Representational Image. File Pic

Maharashtra records 10 new COVID-19 cases on July 10, zero deaths

On Thursday, Maharashtra reported 10 new COVID-19 cases. Since the major COVID-19 outbreak in the last few months, Maharashtra has been observing a severe decline in active cases. With ten COVID-19 cases reported on July 10, 2025, the total number of active cases in Maharashtra is now 2613 since January 2025. Importantly, all the active cases are showing mild symptoms, and none of them require intensive care.  Along with the decline in active cases, Maharashtra has also been observing improvement in the recovery rate, offering much-needed relief to the public and health officials. According to data released by the Maharashtra Public Health Department, a total of 35,024 COVID tests have been conducted across the state since January 2025. Out of all the tests, only 2,613 individuals tested positive. The best thing about the infectious virus is that a total of 2,524 patients have successfully recovered. The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients has been inclined to 96.59 per cent, as per the data released by the Public Health Department on July 10.  With consistent efforts and public cooperation across the state, Maharashtra is moving towards better control of the virus. On July 10, 2025, out of the 10 new cases that have been reported positive, 5 are from Mumbai, 2 are from the Pune Municipal Corporation, and 3 have been reported from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, Mumbai has seen a total of 1,035 positive COVID-19 cases since January. The majority of the cases were reported in May and June. During May and July, Maharashtra recorded a total of 986 cases.  Unfortunately, since January 2025, 41 deaths have been reported in the state. However, out of the 41 deceased individuals, 40 of them had underlying comorbidities, and one other person was also experiencing an unknown disease. Despite the gradual decrease in COVID-19 cases, the state government and civic authorities of the state have ensured the availability of COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities. Moreover, the Public Health Department continues to monitor and manage the situation effectively. Authorities are urging citizens not to panic and to rely on official information.

10 July,2025 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Image/File Pic

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis tables Special Public Security Bill in assembly

During the ongoing Maharashtra Monsoon Assembly Session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday tabled the Special Public Security Bill. The bill aimed at preventing left-wing extremism, with a focus on urban Naxalism.  As reported by news agency PTI, CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “More than 12,500 suggestions received from the public have been taken into consideration while finalising the bill.” The Special Public Security Bill, which was tabled on Thursday, includes provisions for an 'Advisory Board,' which will be headed by the Chief Justice of the high court or a retired chief justice. The members of the board will include district magistrates or high court government pleaders, while the investigating officer will be of the rank of a superintendent of police instead of a police sub-inspector. The Joint Committee, which convened five times, reviewed the Special Public Security Bill more than 12,500 times as per the suggestions submitted by citizens, activists, and organisations across the state. Based on the feedback by the public and activists, the committee then further incorporated several safeguards into the bill. One of the key provisions mandates that any proposal to declare an organisation as unlawful must be approved by an Advisory Board.  The bill was earlier reintroduced in the last winter session of the assembly. After being introduced earlier, it was sent to the joint select committee. The Special Public Security Bill was originally introduced to curb urban Naxalism and safeguard public order. However, the bill, since its introduction, has been undergoing significant revisions aimed at widespread public concerns.  On July 9, the Maharashtra Minister of Revenue Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasised that the bill’s scope has now been narrowed to specifically target unlawful activities related to left-wing extremism or actions ideologically aligned with it. This ensures that political and social organisations are not wrongfully targeted under the law. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reviewed the draft of the bill before tabling it in the assembly, the officials said, as reported by news agency PTI.  However, during the presentation of the Special Public Security Bill by the CM, the opposition parties raised objections to some aspects of the bill, including what they claim is an extensive interpretation of the term "urban Naxal." (With inputs from PTI)

10 July,2025 07:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/RAWW

Mumbai: Baby spectacled cobra rescued from Mulund, safely released into the wild

A baby spectacled cobra hiding beneath a gas cylinder was safely rescued from a residence in Mulund West on Tuesday, following a prompt response by wildlife rescuers. The Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) helpline received a distress call from the household. Rescuers Ritik Jaiswal and Atharva Bhosle immediately rushed to the location and successfully rescued the young snake without incident. The cobra was later examined by wildlife veterinarian Dr. Rina Dev and subsequently released into the wild in coordination with the Maharashtra Forest Department. Following the rescue, RAWW volunteers educated the residents about basic dos and don’ts when encountering snakes in urban areas. “People need to be alert and aware—particularly those living on the ground floors or near forested areas like Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey, and mangroves,” said Pawan Sharma, President of RAWW. “In such situations, it’s important not to panic or attempt to handle the animal. Instead, contact the Forest Department at 1926 or local wildlife rescue organizations for assistance.” Sharma further explained that during the monsoon, snakes and other reptiles often get displaced due to flooding, tidal changes, and waterlogging. Urban drainage systems can also act as temporary habitats for these creatures, increasing the chances of human-snake encounters. Safety Guidelines for Snake Sightings: Precautionary Dos: - Maintain a safe distance and keep visual track of the snake’s location. - Immediately call the police control room, Forest Department’s 24x7 helpline (1926), the fire brigade, or a registered wildlife rescue NGO. - Remain calm and wait for trained help to arrive. Critical Don’ts: - Do not attempt to approach, touch, poke, or throw objects at the snake. - Avoid taking photographs or videos from close proximity. - Do not try to identify or examine the snake yourself—only trained professionals can safely distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species.

10 July,2025 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
File pic.

Man convicted of sexually assaulting child in Thane, acquitted of rape charges

A special court in Thane, Maharashtra, has convicted a man on charges of sexually assaulting and harassing a seven-year-old girl in 2019, but acquitted him of the rape and unnatural sex charges, citing a lack of evidence, reported news agency PTI. Meanwhile, in the order passed on July 4, Special Court Judge D. S. Deshmukh sentenced Santosh Kashinath Shinde to the time he has already served in jail since his arrest in 2019. Moreover, the prosecution stated that the incident occurred on August 28, 2019, following which the victim's mother lodged a complaint at the Chitalsar police station in Thane. She alleged that Shinde lured her daughter into his home and engaged in sexual acts with her while she (the mother) was away at work, according to PTI. However, special Public Prosecutor Rekha Hiwrale said that the victim later told her mother that Shinde, the accused, had dragged her into his house, luring her with chocolate. After that, he removed their clothes and engaged in obscene acts with her. The prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim and her mother. Further, the court had noted that the victim stated the accused tried to commit unnatural sex with her. However, the court relied on the medical evidence, which found no external injury on the girl's private parts. The doctor also admitted during cross-examination that injury marks, such as redness, would be present in the case of penile penetration. The court further stated, "Medical evidence ruled out the theory of the prosecution about the penetrative sexual assault by the accused on victim girl. Therefore, charges under sections 376 (AB) (rape), 377 (unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are not made out." Nevertheless, the court found sufficient evidence to prove the charges of sexual assault and harassment of the girl by the accused. According to PTI, the victim stated in her evidence that while she was playing outside the house, the accused called her, dragged her into his house, closed the door, removed her clothes and his own before engaging in sexual acts with her. The court dismissed the accused person's defence of false implication due to a prior quarrel with the victim's family. The court commented, "Nobody can use his small girl for implicating the accused in a false offence only because of a grudge of the previous quarrel and defaming himself in the society. Therefore, this defence is not acceptable." Furthermore, the accused, Shinde was convicted under sections 7 and 8 (sexual assault) and sections 11 and 12 (sexual harassment) of the POCSO Act. He was sentenced to the period he has already served in jail, which amounts to over five years, and fined Rs 1,000. The court also recommended compensation for the victim from the District Legal Services Authority in Thane. (With inputs from PTI)

10 July,2025 06:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

More than 14,500 women detected with cancer-like symptoms in Hingoli

More than 14,500 women in Maharashtra's Hingoli have been detected with "cancer-like symptoms" during screening under the Sanjivani scheme, state health minister Prakash Abitkar informed the assembly on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. A total of 2,92,996 were surveyed since March 8 there during which they had to answer a questionnaire related to cancer symptoms, Abitkar said in a written reply in the House. "Out of these, 14,542 women were detected with cancer-like symptoms. So far, three have been diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, one with breast cancer and eight with oral cancer after screening and tests. The campaign in Hingoli was an initiative of the district collector for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer," he said, reported PTI. The minister also said there is no proposal to set up a separate cancer hospital for women, though he added that health camps and screenings are held in rural areas for diagnosis of cancer. Diagnostic facilities are provided at district hospitals and medical college hospitals and 'cancer warriors' trained by Tata Memorial Hospital visit 11 district hospitals twice every month with experts, the minister informed the assembly, reported PTI. Day-care chemotherapy centres have started at eight district hospitals and the process to establish these in all districts is underway, Abitkar said. Maharashtra govt will take strict action against unnecessary Hysterectomies, says Health Minister Prakash Abitkar In June, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said that the government will take strict action against hospitals performing illegal or unnecessary hysterectomies. He stated that monitoring will be done under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to stop such practices. "In order to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies, monitoring will be carried out through the vigilance committee under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. Strict action will be taken against those performing illegal and unnecessary hysterectomies on women, stated Prakash Abitkar," an official statement said. It said that a recent newspaper report claimed that some hospitals in the Beed district of Maharashtra were carrying out unnecessary hysterectomies on women who work in sugarcane fields. In response, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Chitra Wagh requested a meeting to address the issue. Taking the matter seriously, Health Minister Abitkar held a meeting at his office. (With inputs from PTI)

10 July,2025 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. File pic

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad refuses to apologise after assaulting canteen staff

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was caught on camera allegedly slapping a canteen worker at Mumbai’s Akashwani canteen, has refused to apologise and said he has “no regrets” over his actions. Defending himself, Gaikwad claimed the food served at the canteen was “no less than poison.” “I will not apologise. What the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister said is their responsibility. I respect their statements, but they also called for an inquiry into the canteen. I have no regrets, what I nearly consumed was poison, and those who haven’t experienced it won’t understand,” Gaikwad stated, according to news agency ANI.  A video showing Gaikwad allegedly hitting a staff member at the MLA hostel canteen went viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism. The Buldhana MLA alleged that the canteen staff repeatedly ignored his complaints about the poor quality of food being served. Following the controversy, the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action and suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, which manages the Akashwani canteen. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad was caught on video slapping a canteen staff member at Mumbai’s Akashvani MLA hostel after claiming he was served stale dal and rice. The Buldhana legislator, upset over repeated complaints about food quality, stormed into the canteen, berated the… pic.twitter.com/E6SkubDhNn — Mid Day (@mid_day) July 9, 2025 Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad thrashed a canteen employee yesterday, alleging poor quality of food. "Samples of paneer, Schezwan chutney, oil, and toor dal have been taken. These will be sent to the lab and the report will come in 14 days, an FDA official said, according to news agency ANI.  Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday condemned the alleged assault incident involving the Shiv Sena MLA. Speaking in the State Legislative Council, Fadnavis stated that such behaviour is unacceptable and not honourable for anyone. The CM also emphasised that Gaikwad's actions as an MLA have tarnished the reputation of all legislators and highlighted the need for accountability among public representatives. (With ANI inputs)

10 July,2025 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
PIC/ASHISH RAJE

Mumbai’s Sindoor flyover opens to public at 3pm today

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Sindoor Flyover, formerly known as the Carnac Bridge, in Mumbai on Thursday.  He was accompanied by Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar for the inauguration. Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation Chairman Narendra Patil, MLC Manisha Kayande, former MLA Raj Purohit, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, along with other senior officials were also present for the inauguration. 📍 मशिद बंदर, पीडी मेलो मार्ग, मुंबई#थेटप्रसारण‘सिंदूर’ उड्डाणपुलाच्या लोकार्पण समारंभातून मुख्यमंत्री @Dev_Fadnavis ...#LIVEhttps://t.co/2RL7HmNyyE — MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) July 10, 2025 The decision to rename Carnac Bridge renamed after Operation Sindoor was made following India's successful military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. The flyover will be opened for motorists at 3 pm, Fadnavis announced. The structure is located near Masjid Bunder railway station and connects to P D'Mello Road, re-establishing a critical east-west connection in South Mumbai. The new bridge replaces the 150-year-old Carnac Bridge, which was dismantled in August 2022 after being declared unsafe by Central Railway. It serves as a crucial connector between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Masjid Bunder, and Mohammed Ali Road areas. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, "In the Amrit Mahotsav year of independence, it was imperative to close the chapters of dark history, to erase the marks of the past, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said. The renaming of Carnac Bridge was part of this vision. After the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, crossing into Pakistan to destroy terror camps. This demonstrated that India could strike terror havens in Pakistan. Due to this unparalleled military achievement, the municipal corporation chose to rename the bridge to 'Sindoor', which I am happy about. The total length of the bridge is 342 metres, and with 70 metres in the railway zone, it will certainly be very useful for traffic in Mumbai." "For many years, it was called the Carnac Bridge, as it was named after James Rivett-Carnac, a British Governor. However, if we go through the governor's history, we see that he facilitated several atrocities against Indians. This is a black chapter in our history and needs to be erased. Accordingly, in an attempt to erase the black chapters of our history, we have changed the name of the bridge. The bravery of the Indian army while carrying out its Operation Sindoor is extraordinary. Hence the bridge has been named after the the Indian Armed Forces' Operation Sindoor," Fadnavis told reporters. The total length of the flyover is 328 metres, which includes the 70 metres under the railway jurisdiction. The remaining 230 metres comprise approach roads within BMC limits—130 metres on the eastern side and 100 metres on the western side. The bridge features two steel girders, each 70 meters long, 26.5 metres wide, and 10.8 metres high, weighing 550 metric tonnes, installed on reinforced cement concrete piers. The superstructure includes an RCC deck slab, asphalting, and fully developed approach roads. "The Sindoor Bridge is a railway overhead bridge and located in a congested area. Despite challenges, BMC has completed the construction of the Sindoor Bridge within the deadline," said Fadnavis, lauding the engineers and workers behind the bridge revamp. Following successful load testing and inspections, the Sindoor Flyover received stability and safety certificates, along with a No Objection Certificate from the Railway Department. It has concrete carriageways, mastic layering, anti-crash barriers, painting and road markings. The reopening of the bridge restores east-west connectivity that had been disrupted for nearly 10 years. It is expected to ease traffic congestion on P D'Mello Road, especially at the Walchand Hirachand Road and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road junction. Vehicular movement on adjoining roads such as Yusuf Meherally Road, Mohammed Ali Road, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road, and Qazi Sayyed Street will also improve. The bridge provides a seamless link between the port areas of South Mumbai and commercial zones including Crawford Market, Kalbadevi and Dhobi Talao.  

10 July,2025 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai. File Pic

Mumbai: Varun Sardesai slams government over poor condition of staff colonies

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai has voiced strong criticism against the Maharashtra government over the deteriorating condition of government residential colonies in Mumbai.  In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sardesai questioned the rationale behind the hasty eviction of employees from dilapidated buildings without providing adequate rehabilitation or beginning timely repairs. शासकीय वसाहतीकडे सरकारचे लक्ष्य आहे की नाही !इमारती जुन्या होऊन त्यांची डागडुजी नाही, स्वच्छता नाही. एका मोडकळीस आलेल्या इमारतीतून दुसऱ्या मोडकळीस इमारतीत पाठवले जात आहे.जर मा. उच्च न्यायालय च्या बांधकामाला अजून विलंब आहे मग घाई ने कर्मचाऱ्यांचे निष्कासन का केले? pic.twitter.com/osSZFAybi3 — Varun Sardesai (@SardesaiVarun) July 10, 2025 “Is the government paying attention to government colonies or not!” he asked, highlighting what he termed as “systemic neglect” of essential staff housing. According to Sardesai, several government residential buildings are decades old, structurally weak, and in urgent need of repair, yet neither renovation nor basic sanitation work is being undertaken. He further alleged that employees are being “shifted from one dilapidated building to another,” calling the relocation process both unsafe and inhumane. Referring to the ongoing construction of a new complex for the Hon’ble High Court, Sardesai questioned the logic of evicting government employees when there is still no certainty about the project’s completion timeline. “If there is still a delay in the construction of the Hon. High Court, then why was the eviction of employees done in haste?” he wrote. The MLA’s post quickly gained traction on social media, resonating with government employees and housing rights activists who have long demanded better living conditions in official quarters. Many pointed out that while large-scale infrastructure projects receive quick approvals and dedicated budgets, the maintenance and safety of government quarters are often overlooked. Varun Sardesai meets CM Fadnavis; says discussion was on issues related to constituency In March, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai met Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at the state legislature complex in Mumbai. Sardesai said that the meeting was over the pending issues in his Vandre East assembly seat, especially those connected to housing and slum rehabilitation projects. Sardesai is the maternal cousin of Aaditya Thackeray who is also a first-time MLA. Eknath Shinde hints at potential TDR shift to revive redevelopment A shift from basic Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) to potential TDR may be the key to unlocking stalled redevelopment projects in Mumbai's airport funnel zone, which includes areas like Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Kurla. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also holds the Urban Development and Housing portfolios, informed the State Legislative Assembly that the government had initiated a public consultation process to address redevelopment hurdles in these areas.

10 July,2025 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
There has been speculation that the MNS and the UBT Sena may come together to contest the BMC elections. File Pic

Nana Patole responds to Sanjay Raut’s remarks on alliance

Indian National Congress party leader Nana Patole replied to a statement made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding no alliance within the INDIA bloc and the probabilities of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray coming together for the Mumbai local body election. Patole stressed that local elections are fought based on the confidence and efforts of local party workers and leaders and added, "These elections should not be viewed in that manner." Patole stated, "There is no need for me to make a comment. I won't make any comments on Sanjay Raut. I have said this many a time that local body elections are contested by taking local workers and local leaders into confidence. So, these elections should not be viewed like that," reported news agency ANI.  He further added that the state government of Maharashtra is formed in alliance, but they have a different approach for the local elections as well. "Different alliances are formed in different districts as per the requirement. So alliances are made and broken...this will not be an issue here", he said, reported news agency ANI.  Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, "I have not said that Shiv Sena and MNS are contesting (local body) elections together. I said that there is pressure and demand from the public on Shiv Sena and MNS to contest local body elections together. People think that if the rights of 'Marathi Maanus' are to be protected, then Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray must come together.... Raj Thackeray has a different style of working," reported news agency ANI.  There has been speculation that the MNS and the UBT Sena may come together to contest the BMC elections. This could force a split in the Aghadi alliance. "I think he (Sanjay Raut) means that if Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray contest the upcoming BMC election together, it may cause rifts in the INDIA bloc... If this happens, it will benefit our Mahayuti and win the elections... Many Marathis support the BJP, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar... That is why we don't care if Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reconcile," said Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. The UBT Sena contested the Maharashtra Assembly polls in alliance with the Congress and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP.  (With ANI inputs)

10 July,2025 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK