Ready for Republic Day Female cadets of the Maharashtra Police take a break during the full dress rehearsal ahead of the 77th Indian Republic Day parade at Shivaji Park in Dadar A tribute in verse The passing of the respected ecologist and academic Madhav Gadgil earlier this year was a reminder of the few names who fight for the increasingly shrinking natural resources of the country. “The late Maruti Chitampalli (right) was among those names. He was not just a naturalist, but also a writer; quite a brilliant one at that,” shared Revati Jogekar, co-founder, Yellow Door Studios. A moment from Swapnil Phadke’s reading. Pic Courtesy/YellowDoor Studio For birders in Mumbai, Chitampalli might be a familiar name owing to his contribution to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. To commemorate the Padma Shri Award-winner’s contributions, the studio hosted a reading of his poetic works, Aranya Akshar Hotana, and recalled his contributions to conservation efforts on Sunday, January 25. “It was incidental that we ran into Swapnil Phadke, a nature conservationist, and someone who had closely worked with Chitampalli in his early years. During the conversation, we realised that few people remembered him, and even those that did talked of his conservation efforts, but not his writing. So, we decided on hosting the session. We had a narration of his stories and works, followed by readings from his verses by Phadke,” shared co-founder Sanveed Jogekar. Poetic break from the city Priya Malik at a performance The calm reservoir of Panshet will play the venue for the 4M Festival that will open doors on February 14. Hosted by Tape A Tale, the two-day event will combine storytelling, music, and community experiences amidst nature to offer a new experience away from the rush of the city. Co-founder Kopal Khanna shared, “The festival will transform Panshet into a living, breathing cultural playground. Set against a lakeside backdrop, and open skies, the festival brings together mountains, music, mic, and magic that unfold from day to night.” Kabir Cafe jams on stage. Pic Courtesy/@priyasometimes;@kabircafealive Headlined by names such as Priya Malik, Amandeep Singh, Vanika Sangtani, Kabir Cafe, Yahya Bootwala, Divyam and Khwab, among others, the events cater to a diverse range of creative performances. “Panshet won’t just be the location. It is also an unplugged, intimate setting designed for conversations, stargazing, and shared moments away from the rush of the city,” Khanna told this diarist. Belly good news The wall of the new space also sports a map of the state of Nagaland After a brief break to increase their space, go-to Naga food spot, Naga Belly, reopened on January 23. The restaurant has now shifted to a larger address in the same building in Andheri. (From left) An arrangement on the wall; Watirenla Longkumer, Zhuvikali Assumi “We were a small set-up, and wanted a comparatively larger area. The space crunch, at times, used to make people stand in queues outside, leading us to disappoint them at times. We also plan on expanding the menu to more indigenous ingredients,” revealed founders Watirenla Longkumer and Zhuvikali Assumi. The Constitution in the limelight A moment from the performance in Solapur What goes into the making of a document that reshaped an entire Subcontinental culture? For Darshan Mahajan, this curiosity led to the creation of the play, Rashtragranth. Backed by the artist support initiative, The ShubhLab, the production toured Maharashtra in 2024, and finally opened at the Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi on the eve of Republic Day. Darshan Mahajan. Pic Courtesy/Artistic Humans Mahajan, founder, Artistic Humans, shared, “Our objective has been to work with marginalised, and struggling groups of India using arts as a medium of expression. The play was envisioned as a project that empowers the younger generation of college students, through the story of the Indian Constitution, and how their rights came into being.”
26 January,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayIn a brief interview with mid-day, Government Railway Police (GRP) Commissioner M Rakesh Kalasagar spoke about the details of a cold-blooded murder that has sent shockwaves across the city. Excerpts from the interview How was the Malad incident handled?What happened was unfortunate. But we were on the job throughout the night. We nabbed the accused within 12 hours of the murder. That says everything. Our response was prompt, and we managed to track down the accused. The deceased’s family has made allegations regarding a delay in medical help...No. This is incorrect. There was no delay in conducting procedures. The victim was shifted to the nearest hospital immediately. Our teams handled the situation deftly. How was the accused tracked?Teams led by our DCP Sunita Salunkhe-Thackeray, with five inspectors, worked throughout the night and scanned the footage and localities. The accused was tracked down with the help of a facial recognition system and his movements tracked. He was arrested by laying a trap.
26 January,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturDo 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 January 26. Aries March 21 – April 20Preparing a presentation keeps you involved with the team. Do you want to be extra self-protective or build a wall around yourself?Cosmic tip: Be aware if spending excessive amounts of time alone. TaurusApril 21 – May 20There’s a sudden rush of new work coming in, so the new year begins well for you.Cosmic tip: Follow through with any advice from a senior even if it’s an effort to do so. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Missing your soulmate is understandable since work requires extensive travel. Those who have had the last meeting with a potential client receive an answer.Cosmic tip: Try and turn early. Cancer June 22 – July 23Waiting for help from colleagues might be a waste of time, especially if on a deadline. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Maintain a positive mindset as you go about sorting an issue at home. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A traumatic situation comes to an end and life begins moving ahead at full speed.Cosmic tip: Be appreciative at receiving karmic justice for all you’ve managed all these years. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23There’s still time till classes online begin. Some may be waiting to receive an interview intimation. Improve communication levels with elders.Cosmic tip: Wait out this slow-moving karmic cycle patiently. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Last minute work trips up plans for the evening too. Wisely planned investments bring a rich harvest.Cosmic tip: Maintain transparency in relationships, but be tactful instead of verbalising everything. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22News of a promotion comes as a pleasant surprise. Beat stress with yoga or whatever works for you.Cosmic tip: Don’t ignore problems. Deal with them, first by asking if they are self-created. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Being aware of the smallest point in an assignment saves making an embarrassing mistake. Cosmic tip: Work through old habits that act as speed-breakers in life. You know what needs to be changed. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Self-employed Capricorns wanting to cut down expenses must not do so at the expense of quality. Emotional IQ remains high.Cosmic tip: Spend the evening with your soulmate. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19An old relationship could rekindle if not careful about it. Be realistic when quoting selling amount for one of your properties.Cosmic tip: Avoid eating packaged/ junk food even if there are no medical issues. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Honesty with yourself is important if you want to make changes in lifestyle/ thinking process/ how you deal with people.Cosmic tip: Know when to let go as this is a sign of emotional maturity.
26 January,2026 03:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseDays after the conclusion of Maharashtra local body elections, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has stated that the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) should have informed the party before deciding to ally with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), reported the PTI. Varun Sardesai, secretary of Yuva Sena, expressed disappointment over the MNS decision, stressing that the two parties had fought the municipal polls together. He said the MNS, being a separate political entity, ought to have discussed the move with Sena (UBT) first. “We had fought the polls together. If they had to make a different decision, they should have discussed it with us. There could have been a way out after the discussion,” Sardesai told reporters, according to the PTI. “This was our only expectation,” Desai said. Political background to the move The remark comes shortly after MNS chief Raj Thackeray referred to the political climate in Maharashtra as a “market of slaves” during an event where he shared the stage with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray. In the Kalyan Dombivli context, Sardesai said the Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 11 corporator seats in KDMC while the MNS has five. New alliance changes KDMC equations A new political equation emerged in KDMC on Wednesday when all five MNS corporators declared their support for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is allied with the BJP. Local MNS leader and former MLA Raju Patil said the decision was taken to ensure political stability, and claimed it was done with Raj Thackeray’s approval, as per the PTI. KDMC election results and alliances The KDMC has 122 seats in total. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats, followed by its ally BJP with 50 seats. With the support of the five MNS corporators, the alliance now holds 108 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) won 11, 2 and 1 seats respectively. Five MNS corporators offer support to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena Five corporators of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have offered support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the BJP. (with PTI inputs)
25 January,2026 10:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 75 Maharashtra Police personnel including 31 cops from Maoist-affected Gadchroli have been awarded medals on the occasion of Republic Day 2026 celebrations. The 31 officials from Gadchiroli were recognised for acts of gallantry in the fight against Maoists, according to an official list released on Sunday. Of the 31 gallantry awardees from Gadchiroli district, two personnel, Naik Constable Bitaji Veladi and Constable Kare Irpa Atram, were honoured posthumously after laying down their lives while combating Naxalism, according to the list said. DCP Balkrishna Yadav of the Mumbai Police was recognised for his key role in implementing major policing initiatives such as CCTV surveillance, Dial 100/112 emergency response systems, the Radio Trunking System, and tactical communication networks for the Quick Response Team and Force One commando unit. The honours form part of a nationwide list released by the Union Home Ministry, which includes 982 personnel from police, fire services, home guards and civil defence units selected for gallantry and service medals this year. As per the Union Home Ministry, gallantry medals are awarded for acts of rare and conspicuous bravery, including saving lives and property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals while facing significant personal risk. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is conferred for an exceptional and sustained record of service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service recognises valuable service marked by dedication, initiative and professional commitment. Maharashtra Police officials awarded Sr. No. Name Rank Medal Remarks 1 Amol Nanasaheb Phadtare Assistant Police Inspector GM — 2 Wasudeo Rajam Madavi Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police GM — 3 Madhukar Pochayya Naitam Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police GM — 4 Santosh Vasantrao Naitam Naik Police Constable GM — 5 Late Sudhakar Bitaji Veladi Naik Police Constable GM Posthumous 6 Vilas Maroti Portet Naik Police Constable GM — 7 Vishwanath Sanyasi Sadmek Naik Police Constable GM — 8 Dnyaneshwar Sadashiv Tore Naik Police Constable GM — 9 Dilip Wasudeo Sadmek Naik Police Constable GM — 10 Ramsu Devu Narote Naik Police Constable GM — 11 Anandrao Bajirao Usendi Naik Police Constable GM — 12 Raju Pandit Chavhan Naik Police Constable GM — 13 Arun Kailas Meshram Police Constable GM — 14 Nitesh Gangaram Veladi Police Constable GM — 15 Mohan Lachhu Usendi Police Constable GM 1st Bar to GM 16 Sandip Ganpat Vasake Police Constable GM — 17 Kailas Devu Kowase Police Constable GM — 18 Haridas Maharu Kulyeti Police Constable GM — 19 Kishor Chanti Talande Police Constable GM — 20 Anil Raghupati Alam Police Constable GM — 21 Narendra Dashrath Madavi Police Constable GM — 22 Akash Ashok Uikey Police Constable GM — 23 Late Kare Irpa Atram Police Constable GM Posthumous 24 Raju Masa Pusali Police Constable GM — 25 Mahesh Dattuji Jakewar Police Constable GM — 26 Rupesh Ramesh Kodape Police Constable GM — 27 Mukesh Shankar Sadmek Police Constable GM — 28 Yogendrarao Upendrarao Sadmek Police Constable GM — 29 Ghissu Vanja Atram Police Constable GM — 30 Atul Bhagwan Madavi Police Constable GM — 31 Vishwanath Laxman Madavi Police Constable GM — Maharashtra – President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) awardees Sr. No. Name Designation State 1 Mahesh Udaji Patil Additional Commissioner of Police Maharashtra 2 Balkrishna Motiram Yadav Deputy Commissioner of Police Maharashtra 3 Cyrus Boman Irani Assistant Commissioner of Police Maharashtra 4 Vitthal Khanduji Kubade Assistant Commissioner of Police Maharashtra According to the Home Ministry, the list of nationwide police officials comprises: Delhi- Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Amit Nara Inspector GM 2 Braj Pal Singh Kushwaha Sub-Inspector GM 3 Satish Kumar Sub-Inspector GM 4 Udham Singh Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 5 Manoj Kumar Inspector GM 6 Anshu Choudhary Sub-Inspector GM 7 Aleem Ahmad Head Constable GM 8 Pramod Singh Kushwah Additional Commissioner of Police GM 9 Rajeev Kumar Sub-Inspector GM 10 Shibu R.S. Sub-Inspector GM 11 Nishant Dahiya Inspector GM 12 Manjit Jaglan Sub-Inspector GM 13 Amit Bhati Sub-Inspector GM 14 Krishan Kumar Inspector GM Bihar - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Kundan Krishnan, IPS Superintendent of Police GM 2 Arjun Lal Sub-Inspector GM 3 Jitendra Singh Constable GM Jammu and Kashmir - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal / Remarks 1 Javaid Ahmad Lone Deputy Superintendent of Police GM 2 Younis Khan Inspector GM 3 Davinder Kumar Assistant Sub-Inspector 1st Bar to GM 4 Shabeer Ah. Narwaroo Head Constable GM 5 Rakesh Kumar SgCT GM 6 Rattan Lal SgCT GM 7 Ms. Tanushree, IPS Senior Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 8 Mohmad Saleem Dar Constable 1st Bar to GM 9 Vicky Khajuria Constable GM 10 Reyaz Ahmad SgCT GM 11 Mohd Rafiq Inspector GM 12 Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan SgCT GM 13 Safeer Lone Constable 3rd Bar to GM 14 Javaid Ahmad Lone Deputy Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 15 Younis Khan Inspector 1st Bar to GM 16 Sameet Pal Singh Head Constable GM 17 Umar Nazir SgCT GM 18 Ab. Rashid Lone Constable GM 19 Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh Constable GM 20 Shabir Nawab Senior Superintendent of Police GM 21 Mohammad Shafi Magray Head Constable GM 22 Mohd Ramzan Rather Constable GM 23 Ajit Dhar Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 24 Ravi Kumar Head Constable GM 25 Abid Ali Dar SgCT GM 26 Sohail Ahmad Dar Constable GM 27 Manzoor Ahmad Bhat Constable GM 28 Malik Bashir-u-Din Head Constable GM 29 Mohd Ashrif Deputy Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 30 Sunil Raina Head Constable GM 31 Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir Constable GM 32 Mohan Lal Deputy Superintendent of Police 3rd Bar to GM 33 Abdul Rouf Wani SgCT 1st Bar to GM Manipur officials awarded as part of Republic Day 2026 celebrations - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Langoljam Lenin Singh Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 2 Sidrath Thokchom Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 3 Thounaojam Nichal Singh Havildar GM 4 Kumam Premananda Singh Rifleman GM 5 Ngasepam Vim Singh Constable GM Telangana - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Marri Venkat Reddy Head Constable GM Uttar Pradesh - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal / Remarks 1 Santosh Kumar Inspector GM 2 Saurabh Mishra Sub-Inspector GM 3 Kavindra Head Constable GM 4 Vinod Kumar Singh Additional Superintendent of Police GM 5 Ameet Inspector 1st Bar to GM 6 Baijnath Ram Head Constable GM 7 Manoj Kumar Singh Head Constable GM 8 Atul Chaturvedi Sub-Inspector GM 9 Pradeep Kumar Singh Sub-Inspector GM 10 Sushil Kumar Singh Head Constable GM 11 Rakesh Additional Superintendent of Police GM 12 Dharmesh Kumar Shahi Deputy Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 13 Satya Prakash Singh Inspector GM 14 Yaswant Singh Sub-Inspector 1st Bar to GM 15 Rajanish Kumar Upadhyay Deputy Superintendent of Police GM 16 Jarrar Hussain Sub-Inspector GM 17 Sunil Singh Sub-Inspector GM 18 Kunal Malik Constable GM
25 January,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA businessman from Dombivli area in Thane district of Maharashtra lost Rs 77.10 lakh in a WhatsApp-based share trading scheme, a police official said on Sunday. As reported by news agency PTI, between November 17, 2025, and January 8, victim Prashant Prabhu (43) was added to a WhatsApp group by the accused. The victim, after being manipulated by the accused, invested the amount. As per the Manpada police station, he was promised high returns in share trading. The official further said, "The complainant neither received the promised profits nor a refund of the Rs 77.10 lakh he invested. The accused stopped responding thereafter, following which he approached police. An FIR was registered under the Information Technology Act, and efforts are on to trace the money trail and nab the accused, as per PTI. Goregaon businessman loses Rs 9.71 lakh after opening an APK file In a different scenario, a 53-year-old businessman from Mumbai's Goregaon lost Rs 9.71 lakh after falling victim to a cyber fraud linked to a fake e-challan message received on WhatsApp, police said on January 20. According to the police complaint, the fraud came to light when the businessman checked his bank statement and noticed three unauthorised IMPS debit transactions totalling Rs 971,380. The debits included amounts of Rs 500, Rs 4.80 lakh and Rs 4.90 lakh, all carried out without his knowledge or consent. The victim said that he did not receive any SMS or email alerts for the transactions. When he approached his bank, officials confirmed that most of the stolen money had been transferred to accounts held with Union Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank. The bank assured him that an internal inquiry would be conducted. Malicious APK file found on phone Further investigation revealed that a malicious APK file named “RTO Challan.apk” had been installed on the businessman’s mobile phone without his awareness. A security scan using a mobile safety application detected the file, which was later found to have been received via WhatsApp a few days earlier. Cyber experts believe the APK gave fraudsters remote access to the victim’s phone, allowing them to operate banking applications and transfer funds electronically. (With inputs from PTI)
25 January,2026 05:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs part of the Mumbai road concretisation project, the city police have issued 3-month long traffic restrictions at Padmavati Road in Dindoshi area of the city. According to the Mumbai Police, concreting work is currently underway on Padmavati Road, between Aarey Junction, Dudh Sagar and General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg, under the jurisdiction of the Dindoshi Traffic Division. The work is being carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Due to the movement of heavy machinery and materials required for the construction, traffic congestion has been observed on this stretch of road, resulting in severe delays and disruption to smooth traffic flow, a traffic notification said. In view of the traffic congestion and to ensure public safety, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (Western Suburbs), Ajit Borhade, on Saturday issued a traffic order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The order imposes traffic restrictions on Padmavati Road as a precautionary measure. One-way road implemented Padmavati Road has been declared a one-way road for vehicles travelling towards General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter Padmavati Road from General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg towards the junction, the traffic notification said. No Parking Zone enforced It further stated that both carriageways of Padmavati Road, from Siba Junction to A. K. Vaidya Marg, have been declared No Parking Zones for all types of vehicles. This is intended to ensure smooth traffic movement during the ongoing work. Alternative Route Drivers travelling towards Siba Junction from General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg have been advised to follow an alternative route, the notification said. They must go up to Oberoi Junction, take a left turn, and proceed via the designated route, as instructed by traffic police. Order effective for 3 months The traffic restrictions will be in force on an experimental basis for three months. The public has been urged to cooperate with traffic officials and follow the instructions given on the ground, it said. Legal action against violators Anyone violating the traffic order may face legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws, the official traffic notification said.
25 January,2026 05:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Transport Minister and State Transport (ST) Corporation chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Sunday directed officials to immediately suspend drivers and other employees found consuming alcohol while on duty, warning that no compromise would be tolerated on passenger safety. The directive came during a surprise inspection of the Parel bus depot in Mumbai, where the minister visited restrooms used by drivers and conductors. Officials found empty liquor bottles at several locations, while some staff members were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. A visibly upset Sarnaik reprimanded senior officials present at the depot over the lapse. “Providing proper facilities at restrooms for drivers and conductors posted away from their hometowns is a priority for the government. However, alcohol consumption at such places is not just a case of indiscipline but a serious offence that directly endangers passengers’ lives,” Sarnaik said. He warned that employees reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol invite accidents and undermine the safety and credibility of ST services. “Such irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated and should lead to dismissal from service after due inquiry,” the minister said. Sarnaik also held senior officials accountable, stating that negligence by the ST’s safety and vigilance departments encourages indiscipline among staff. He ordered departmental inquiries against concerned safety and vigilance officers and directed strict action against those found responsible. The minister further instructed that breath analyser tests be made mandatory for all employees reporting for duty, particularly drivers. Any employee found intoxicated during the test should be suspended immediately, he said. He also ordered the appointment of a separate departmental inquiry committee to investigate the irregularities detected during the inspection and submit a report for further action. During the visit, Sarnaik reviewed sanitation facilities, cleanliness and bus operations at the depot, and directed officials to remain more vigilant about passenger safety and amenities. On Balasaheb Thackeray centenary, MSRTC rolls out statewide pilgrimage scheme On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday launched a statewide religious tourism initiative titled the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray — ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme. The initiative aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible, affordable and safe for ordinary citizens across Maharashtra. Launched under guidance of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde The scheme was launched under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik highlighting its people-centric approach. Addressing the launch, Sarnaik said the initiative reflects a harmonious blend of faith, social justice, convenience and public welfare, while staying true to the legacy and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. Focus on senior citizens, women and weaker sections According to MSRTC officials, the scheme is founded on the principle of “affordable and safe” travel. Its core objective is to provide organised religious tourism experiences at rates that are within the reach of common travellers, particularly senior citizens, women and economically weaker sections. All existing concessions offered by the state government to various social groups will continue under the new scheme.
25 January,2026 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major fire broke out at Pawane MIDC in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, January 24, around 12.30 pm, engulfing four industrial units and triggering panic across the industrial belt. The blaze spread rapidly to Beta Chemical, Raigad Chemical, and two units of National Rubber, officials said. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the industrial premises as the fire intensified, raising concerns due to the presence of chemical and rubber materials in the affected units. Workers in nearby factories rushed out as a precautionary measure, while police and civic authorities moved quickly to secure the area. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed multiple fire engines to the spot. Fire tenders from Koparkhairane, Shirvane, and CIDCO fire stations were deployed to tackle the blaze. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the fire under control. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Vashi division, Adinath Budhwant, who was present at the site, said swift coordination between emergency agencies helped prevent further damage. “As soon as we received information about the fire at Pawane MIDC, fire brigade teams and police personnel were immediately deployed at the spot. The fire spread to four industrial units, but timely action helped contain the situation,” Budhwant said. He added that safety remained the top priority during the operation. “The area was secured to avoid any untoward incident. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. The fire was brought under control after nearly three hours of continuous firefighting,” he said. Police personnel cordoned off the surrounding area to restrict movement, while nearby industrial units were advised to remain alert until the situation was fully stabilised. Civic officials said cooling operations were still underway to prevent any re-ignition. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Authorities said a detailed investigation will be carried out once the site is declared safe, and the extent of damage to the affected units will be assessed thereafter.
25 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghA 31-year-old man was brutally stabbed to death following a scuffle while alighting from a local train at Malad railway station in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The victim has been identified as Alok Kumar Singh, a resident of Kandivali. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 6 pm on the platform. During an argument while getting off the train, a person attacked Singh, stabbing him in the abdomen with a sharp object, which led to his death. The accused fled the scene immediately. A joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) has tracked down and arrested the prime accused in the fatal assault case at Malad station. The accused is currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. Timeline as per railway records The passenger was to get down at Malad station, deceased was at the gate. Some altercation on getting down, and then the incident happened. Churchgate-Borivali train Malad arrival at 5.45 pmInformation received at 5.55 pmMaster at the site with medical help at 6.00 pm Departure for Shatabdi Hospital in an ambulance at 6.05 pmHospital arrival 6.25 pm Victim worked as a professor in Vile Parle college Singh was employed as a mathematics professor at a college in Vile Parle, police said. Confirming the incident, Senior Inspector Datta Khupekar stated that a murder case has been registered and the Borivali Government Railway Police (GRP) is conducting further investigations. Efforts are ongoing to nab the absconding suspect.
25 January,2026 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Mangrove Cell on Saturday conducted a waterbird census as part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) programme, a citizen science initiative that monitors waterbirds and wetlands across Asia. The AWC is organised by Wetlands International under the global International Waterbird Census and is conducted annually in January. The census was carried out at four key waterbodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—Bhandup Pumping Station, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, T S Chanakya Wetlands, and NRI Wetlands. Around 100 citizen volunteers, along with Forest Department staff, participated in the exercise. Participants were divided into four groups, each assigned to a site where waterbird species and their numbers were systematically recorded. The survey was guided by experienced bird experts and researchers from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the nodal agency for the AWC programme in India. More than 30 species of waterbirds were recorded during the activity, including several migratory species such as Northern Pintails, Eurasian Spoonbills, Gadwalls, Temminck’s Stints, Marsh Sandpipers, Wood Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Shovelers, Whiskered Terns and Brown-headed Gulls. Speaking on the occasion, Madhumitha S., Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “The Asian Waterbird Census is an excellent programme for monitoring waterbirds and wetlands. It also plays an important role in raising awareness about the conservation of waterbirds and wetlands in the country.” S. V. Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “Such programmes provide a valuable opportunity for citizens and Forest Department staff to work together towards wildlife monitoring. The Mangrove Cell plans to conduct this census every year with the support of citizen volunteers.”
25 January,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
