A fire broke out early Sunday morning at a wedding stage in an open venue in Diva area of Thane district in Maharashtra, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. According to information received by the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the incident occurred at around 4:47 am at the wedding open lawn, located opposite Sahara City in the Mannat Compound on Khardi Road. The fire reportedly started on the stage area of the wedding lawn, which covers approximately 2,400 square feet. After receiving the alert from the Shil Fire Station, firefighters rushed to the spot with one rescue vehicle and one fire engine. Officers and personnel of the fire brigade worked swiftly to contain the blaze. The officials quickly rushed to the spot and prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the venue. Fire brought under control Officials said the fire was completely extinguished by around 5 am, bringing the situation under control within a short time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, and authorities confirmed that there were no casualties at the site. Fire breaks out at residential tower in Borivali West, no injuries reported Meanwhile, in an another incident on Saturday, a blaze was reported in the air-conditioning duct of a residential building in MHB colony of Borivali West during the early hours of March 14. The blaze prompted a response from multiple emergency agencies. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in the incident so far, officials said. Furthermore, the blaze was extinguished at 11:50 am on Saturday. As per the official statement from the authorities, the incident occurred at Prathamesh Tower, a ground-plus-eight-storey building located in the MHB Colony area. The fire was reported at 10:55 am to the Mumbai Fire Brigade. Soon after receiving the information, fire officials rushed to the spot. MFB declared it a Level-I fire at around 10:46 am, indicating a minor blaze that was brought under control with prompt action. Authorities said the fire originated in the AC duct of the building, which led to smoke in parts of the structure. Firefighters were quickly dispatched to the site to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other sections of the building.
15 March,2026 11:59 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai on Sunday morning woke up to a hazy morning. The city witnesses clear skies with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting temperatures likely to touch 33 degrees Celsius on March 15. After the hazy start, the weather is expected to remain largely pleasant across Mumbai. Meteorologists predict mainly clear skies throughout the day, providing stable weather conditions for residents. Such conditions are typical during this time of the year when humidity remains moderate and skies stay largely cloud-free. The maximum temperature in Mumbai is expected to be around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle at approximately 23 degrees Celsius. The weather is likely to remain warm during the afternoon hours, though mornings and late evenings may feel relatively comfortable. AQI in Mumbai Despite the rising heat, Mumbai’s air quality has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Sunday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 10:05 pm and stood at 93. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 97 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 30 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 97 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 111 (Moderate) Chembur: 92 (Satisfactory) Colaba: 108 (Moderate) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 96 on Sunday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 100, and in Navi Mumbai at 94 both were in 'Satisfactory' categories. Akola records high temperatures as Vidarbha remains hot The India Meteorological Department’s reported dry weather conditions across the Vidarbha region, with no rainfall recorded during the latest observation period. According to the weather bulletin, the highest maximum temperature of 41.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Akola on Saturday, making it the hottest district in Vidarbha. Meanwhile, the lowest minimum temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Washim. Thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds likely in parts of Maharashtra from March 17-20 Earlier this week, the weather department had predicted that parts of Maharashtra were likely to witness stormy weather accompanied by rain and thunderstorms from March 17 to March 20. Cautioning about the unexpected weather conditions, authorities have asserted that they may turn cloudy during the afternoon hours in many districts, increasing the likelihood of rain, lightning, and gusty winds. The weather pattern is expected to affect regions of the state, including Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and parts of Central Maharashtra. As per the officials, overcast skies may lead to intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms in these regions. Experts also cautioned that we cannot rule out the possibility of lightning strikes and strong winds during this period.
15 March,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBangladeshi students, who love to call Mumbai their home, continue to look forward to building their future and hope that the diplomatic strains between the two countries will soon improve. Their hope flickers amid news of suspended tourist visas and evident manifestos against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. We speak to these students about the challenges they faced in 2025. Ananya Raha, who has made Mumbai his home since the last 17-months, says for her, things are in fact looking better. “I am doing my Master’s in English Literature at a university in Mumbai, and my academics and personal life have still been smooth sailing,” he says. Raha had left her homeland in the early days of the unrest, “My scholarships and visas were already spoken for. While the tensions in the country were definitely a matter of concern, I never felt them creep into my life in Mumbai. Out of all the places I have lived, Kerala, Delhi, and West Bengal, this felt the most like home,” he said while talking to Sunday mid-day. Utsha Sarket loves how Indian academics include the international perspective; (right) Shajib Kumar Das says that news coverage of his country on sometimes lacks nuance Raha never experienced any discrimination but the room does quiten when his nationality is mentioned. “Some students get slightly uncomfortable, but that too is very rare, and most importantly, it hasn’t impacted my academics,” he says. Students, though look for few essential factors when deciding to move — safety, diversity, liberal outlook, and social life. “I love how Hinduism is practised in Mumbai, then back home. Also, staying in the financial capital of the country works best for my career,” said Shajib Kumar Das, who arrived in Mumbai only seven months ago to pursue MCom. To live in a city that is a pot of cultures was essential for Das. “I am here to experience diversity and different opportunities,” he said. Das’s only grouse? The representation of his country in news coverage. “At times Bangladeshi residents do see civil unrest and even safety issues, however, I have realised that it is not really shown in right light by the Indian media. At times, there isn’t enough context in the coverage,” he adds. Ties eased and the ice thawed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman, the newly elected Bangladesh Prime Minister from the BNP. The immediate effect was the reopening of Visa offices; students relay that things are getting better. “If the leaders accept each other, the citizens do too. However, while studying, we are always more than our nationality, we are good students and much more,” said Das. For many, the syllabus was the key factor. One of them is Utsha Sarket, who studies at Mumbai University’s sociology department and says that what he learnt during his Master’s in Mumbai varies from what he studied back home. “There we focused more on the social dynamics within Bangladeshi society from an international perspective. Here, my course also has an international aspect, but I have been introduced to multiple Indian perspectives on Indian society. I can relate to various aspects and have been learning about concepts such as caste, gender,” he adds. Hitesh Sharma Edupeer ‘The world in general, has been experiencing a largely political climate. It’s crucial that the students are comfortable with it before travelling. When it comes to India, we can still be attracting many more students from Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and even countries from the West, since we already have a robust education culture and we can bring in a larger diversity and a bigger influx of international students’
15 March,2026 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarAn 18-year-old youth has been detained by Pune (Shivajinagar) police for allegedly running a fake board examination question paper leak racket on Telegram and duping students by promising access to SSC and HSC question papers in advance. The accused, identified as Chaitanya Vinod Shende, a resident of Jatpura in Chandrapur, had created a Telegram group titled “Maharashtra State Board 2026 Papers”. On the group, he claimed that he could provide PDF copies of upcoming Maharashtra State Board examination question papers. According to police, Shende allegedly fixed the rate of the question papers at Rs 600. He shared a QR code with interested students and asked them to transfer the money through UPI transactions. The fraud came to light after a complaint was registered at the Shivajinagar police station. During the technical investigation, the police established contact with Telegram through email correspondence to trace the account details linked to the group. The police officials informed that payments were being routed through UPI IDs including chaitanya03@fam and another ID linked to PhonePe. After verification police confirmed that the account used to receive the money was registered in Shende’s name. Police said the accused used a clever trick to convince students that he had access to leaked papers. He would upload a PDF file in the Telegram group beforehand and keep it password-protected. After the actual exam was conducted the next day, he would edit the same file and insert the real question paper into it. Since the original upload timestamp remained unchanged, it created the impression that the paper had been uploaded before the exam. The action was carried out under the guidance of Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Rajesh Bansode, Deputy Commissioner Rishikesh Rawale and Assistant Commissioner Chandrakant Bhosale. The operation was executed by Senior Police Inspector Girishkumar Dighavkar and his team from Shivajinagar police station. Rs 600Rate the victims were charged Modus operandi? Shende would upload a PDF file in the Telegram group beforehand and keep it password-protected. After the actual exam was conducted the next day, he would edit the same file and insert the real question paper into it. Since the original upload timestamp remained unchanged, it created the impression that the paper had been uploaded before the exam.
15 March,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalCheer squad Parents cheer during a MSSA boys U-8 final between Campion School and Jamnabai Narsee International School at Azad Maidan Renuka Shahane’s Looped finds a spot at MAMI Independent Renuka Shahane Renuka Shahane’s award-winning animated short Loop Line will screen in Mumbai on March 18 at PVR Lido, Juhu, as part of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image’s Independent Programme. The film arrives after a successful run at international festivals, including the Dharamshala International Film Festival and the New York Indian Film Festival. Stills from Loop Line Set in Mumbai, the hand-drawn animated short follows a middle-aged housewife trapped in a loop of domestic chores and a controlling husband. Her brief escapes come through vivid fantasies until a sexist remark from her husband’s friends pushes her imagination toward a darker rebellion. For Shahane, the screening marks a rare moment for adult animation to find a wider audience in India. “MAMI Independent is a huge platform for independent producers and filmmakers to showcase their films, which otherwise can be seen only at film festivals,” she says. “I think filmmakers are hungry to show their films to an audience keen to see films that might not be conventional or commercially viable.” The film’s animation was created by Paperboat Design Studios, founded by Soumitra Ranade, Mayank Patel and Aashish Mall. Actors Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar and Anand Alkunte performed the characters during previsualisation, shaping the final animation. Shahane hopes the film lingers with viewers long after the screening. “I always feel that films should either make you feel or think differently about something that you had a different perspective or experience of.” Mighty mom crowdfunds short film Mishael Martina Cardoza Mishael Martina Cardoza became a mother back in 2022, at the peak of her career. She had to take a break from her job as an Assistant Director in films, where she worked with directors like Anurag Basu, and Nitish Tiwari. Now with a toddler at home, she wants to get back to her passion and is crowdfunding a short film aptly named, Maternity Break. “The budget is around R5 lakhs. The short will look at postpartum depression and the emotional realities of motherhood. It will highlight how a woman’s choices are different for every mother, and why these decisions deserve empathy, not judgment,” she says. You can connect with Cardoza on Instagram at @martina_motherhood. Trueman Leeds the India praise gang Yashvant Cha and Fred Trueman Yashvant Chad, a famous Mumbai-based cricket scorer, called us after enjoying a recent piece published in mid-day on two fast bowling greats with contrasting personalities — Fred Trueman and Jasprit Bumrah. While the late Englishman was not coy to come up with utterances that showed how great a bowler he was, the Indian, who has excelled across formats, is as modest as they come. Chad’s call to us was not about what Trueman said about himself when they met after the Leeds Test of 1986, India’s first Test victory at the Yorkshire venue. Trueman (Test cricket’s first 300-wicket man), in fact, praised the Indians for beating David Gower’s team and winning the series with one Test to go. “Trueman said he couldn’t just believe that an Indian side could beat England in three and a half days with medium pacers in their ranks,” Chad told us. Skipper Kapil Dev and his 1983 World Cup teammates S Madan Lal, and Roger Binny formed India’s pace bowling attack. Of course, we should also mention that Dilip Vengsarkar helped himself to his second hundred of the series. Sindhi stories take stage at NGMA Nikhil Katara Pahinjo Kirdaar, a one-hour performance of seven monologues written and directed by Nikhil Katara, was staged by the Sindhi Saaz Foundation at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai. Performed on March 14, the production brought theatre artists Barkha Fatnani, Deesh Mariwala, Monica Mahendru and Nishank Verma. The four stepped into a series of deeply personal monologues rooted in Sindhi culture and lived experience. The performance explored themes that resonate across generations of the community, and about migration, language, family and the Sindhi heritage. For Katara, presenting the show at NGMA added much significance to the stories. “It feels truly special. These are simple yet powerful stories of a community that deserve to be told,” he says. “Bringing Pahinjo Kirdaar to NGMA is meaningful because it helps people reconnect with their roots and remember where they come from.” The director hopes the performance continues to find new audiences beyond this staging.
15 March,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDAfter concerns were raised over the raised road level along the stretch between the ISKCON temple and Juhu Church during ongoing road works, the BMC has begun corrective measures to address residents’ fears of worsening waterlogging. Last week, mid-day had highlighted how the newly laid road surface had been elevated significantly. “The increased road height compared to the entrances of nearby buildings could have resulted in water flowing into residential compounds and commercial establishments, worsening the already-existing problem of waterlogging that we have been facing every monsoon,” said Paul Creado, a resident. Following the report and subsequent complaints from residents, BMC officials inspected the site and acknowledged the issue. “Civic authorities have now started digging deeper to reduce the road level. Officials said they will ensure that the road height aligns more closely with the entrances of buildings,” resident Allan Coutinho said. Assistant ward officer Chakrapani Alle stated that the road will be regraded to maintain a proper slope and improve drainage flow toward stormwater systems. “The aim is to prevent rainwater from stagnating and reduce the risk of flooding in the area during heavy showers,” he said. Residents have welcomed the swift response. “We tried to approach the authorities, but they would simply give us technical jargon. But after the paper took up the matter, they actually began digging,” said Creado.
15 March,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarA father-son duo was injured in an encounter with a leopard near Kurar village, located adjacent to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on Saturday morning. The injured were rushed to Shatabdi Hospital and are currently stable. After the incident, the big cat hid in a trench. RFO Niket Shinde, along with SGNP team and the NGO WWA, prepared a plan and SGNP veterinary officer Dr Nikhil Bangar successfully darted the animal in less than an hour. The leopard was then shifted to the park’s rescue centre. Chandu Kharpade suffered a head injury while his son’s hand was hurt A source from the forest department said, “The leopard has been taken to SGNP rescue center for medical examination. It is an old female leopard with one of its canines broken.” Forest department officials are expected to visit the area to assess the situation and sensitise residents about precautions in leopard-prone areas. With inputs by Ritika Gondhalekar Doctorspeak The on-duty medical officer at Shatabdi Hospital, Kandivali, said, “The father has suffered a head injury, while a finger on the son’s right hand is injured. We will run some tests to be sure neither have any major issues. Otherwise, both are stable and conscious.” What happened? According to villagers, the injured, Chandu Bhimji Kharpade and his son Umesh Kharpade, had gone to fetch water from a well near their hamlet between 5.30 am and 6 am. “A woman from their house who had gone ahead first spotted the leopard and began shouting for help. The father and son ran towards her and tried to drive away the leopard that was sitting in the bushes. The animal might have got scared and ended up attacking them,” said a relative of the injured.
15 March,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav | Samiullah KhanDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Stop if you find yourself wanting to give in to a bad habit or taking an unnecessary risk. Make well thought out financial decisions.Relationship tip: Be very clear while speaking with elders in the family, and do not allow yourself to get manipulated in any way. This is a positive time for singles. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Avoid over-indulging when you are socialising, as you could fall sick. This is a positive time for negotiating and signing contracts.Relationship tip: Those in a long distance relationship or marriage may need to make an extra effort to remain connected. Be very clear in your communication. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Wait out any stressful situations and do not make impulsive decisions. Choose wisely from a long term perspective if you have too many options.Relationship tip: Singles looking for an arranged match need to do their own research regarding potential matches. An elder in the family may need a little extra attention. CancerJune 21 – July 22Handle any fast-moving and complex situation with intelligence and intuition. Avoid overspending and making risky financial decisions.Relationship tip: Those who need to make any relationship decision need to think it through carefully. Singles may prefer to date around. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Work on important projects quietly, without making it a big deal. Avoid taking risks if too much is at stake or if you are unprepared.Relationship tip: Right timing is crucial if you need to make an important decision. Avoid gossiping or complaining to in-laws. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Making the most of right timing is important, especially if you want to get the benefits from something you did in the past. Read documents carefully before signing.Relationship tip: Be careful about whose advice you take if you need to make any important decisions. Do small things to show you care. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Cutting corners may work at the moment, but could create more problems later on. Avoid extremes in your daily habits, and find the right balance for you.Relationship tip: Be very clear in communication, and say what you mean. This is a positive time for singles looking for a match abroad. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Any stressful situation can be sorted out if you keep a calm mind and do what needs to be done. Be proactive with investments after doing your research.Relationship tip: Think before you speak, and let go of what is unnecessary. Those in a committed relationship may take it to the next level. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Let go of any doubts, and focus on what you need to do to take your career to the next level. Avoid getting into arguments with authority figures.Relationship tip: Keep communication clear, but gentle and put your point forward in a logical manner. Avoid talking about personal matters with friends and family. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Do not let go of an opportunity because of doubt or confusion. This is a positive time for intentional projects and business in general.Relationship tip: A small issue can blow up into something major if you do not handle it immediately. Be very clear about your expectations. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Find the balance that works for you and be careful with any slow moving situations. This is a good time to take a hobby to the next level.Relationship tip: Be very clear about what is acceptable and what is not. Don’t let an elder in the family try to manipulate you. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Speak your mind, but be willing to deal with any consequences that may follow. Be very careful with investments and finances.Relationship tip: Express your feelings without getting over emotional or needy. Make time for a friend you have known for many years.
15 March,2026 02:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseAmid the annual budgetary senate meeting at Mumbai University, senate member Sheetal Devrukhakar-Sheth proposed conferring an honorary DLitt degree on late freedom fighter Swatantrya Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Several members of the senate, including those from the Yuva Sena, supported the proposal during the meeting. However, members of the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union (BUCTU) remained resistant to the notion. Bringing the discussion to a close, Pro Vice-Chancellor Ajay Bhamre said the process would have to follow the norms laid down under Section 129 of the Maharashtra Public University Act. The provisions of the Act will be reviewed and the discussion brought back to the senate, officials said. MU's association with Savarkar In 2025, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had called for the posthumous reinstatement of Savarkar’s barrister degree, according to reports. To carry out the process, Mumbai University was tasked with preparing a proposal to be sent to the institutions concerned in the United Kingdom. In May 2025, Fadnavis and the Governor inaugurated the Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Study and Research Centre to mark the freedom fighter’s 60th death anniversary.
14 March,2026 09:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarThe Maharashtra government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for the collection and recycling of used PET bottles. This MoU marks a significant step towards promoting a circular economy. The agreement between the Maharashtra Government and Coca-Cola was signed during Mumbai Climate Week in the presence of State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde. According to officials, this is the first time Coca-Cola has entered into such an MoU with a state government in India. As per the officials, the Environment and Climate Change Department signed the agreement with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages to roll out the “Maha-rPET Campaign” across the state. Furthermore, secretary Jayashree Bhoj and director of the State Climate Action Cell Abhijit Ghorpade formalised the agreements on behalf of the Maharashtra Government. Various initiatives to be launched in Mumbai for waste management Under the campaign, structured PET bottle collection systems, awareness drives and information-education initiatives on responsible disposal will be implemented in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, and Palghar. Collection facilities will be set up at retail outlets, hotels, workplaces and public places, with year-round coordination with schools, institutions and local self-governing bodies. Officials, while briefing about the MoU, said that the public-private partnership aims to create a practical and community-centred PET waste management model, aligning policy oversight with on-ground execution to enhance sustainability and climate resilience. State Climate Action Cell signs MoU with Climate Trade LLP The State Climate Action Cell signed an MoU with Climate Trade LLP to strengthen climate awareness, stakeholder engagement and capacity building, reinforcing implementation of Maharashtra’s State Climate Action Plan. During the event, Minister Munde also released two key guidance reports prepared by the State Climate Action Cell. A report developed in collaboration with the 'C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group' titled 'Net Zero Transition in Energy and Buildings in Maharashtra Cities' outlines a roadmap for climate-resilient urban development. Seven cities, including Mumbai, Amravati and Thane, have drawn up action plans focusing on net-zero municipal buildings and rooftop solar expansion. Another report, prepared with the Centre for Water and Sanitation, titled Climate-Responsive WASH Services, offers practical guidance on climate-aligned water and sanitation delivery, highlighting circular economy practices, energy transition and inclusivity based on urban experiences in the state. Officials said, “The agreements and reports will strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination and position Maharashtra at the forefront of city-focused climate action, creating a replicable model for other states.”
14 March,2026 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe University of Mumbai is planning to introduce battery-operated vehicles to improve mobility within its campus, with around four to five buggies likely to be deployed at different entry gates. According to university officials, the institution has secured a grant of Rs 30 lakh for the initiative. Each battery-operated vehicle is expected to cost between Rs 5.70 lakh and Rs 6.20 lakh. Move comes amid concerns over BEST bus route restriction The proposal comes amid concerns raised by several Senate members over the university’s decision to restrict the movement of BEST bus route 318 within the Vidyanagari campus. The bus route earlier passed through the campus, allowing passengers easier access to various university departments. Bus service stopped due to ongoing Kalina campus protest Earlier this month, the university stopped the BEST bus from operating inside the campus citing security concerns linked to an ongoing protest at the Kalina campus. The protest is being led by Bhadant Vimamsa, a former PhD student, who has been demanding aided status for the university’s Pali department. Senate members have said the restriction on the bus service has caused inconvenience to students, parents, and visitors who regularly travel to the campus. The proposed battery-operated vehicles are expected to provide an alternative means of transportation within the university premises.
14 March,2026 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
