The Pune district administration announced on Wednesday that 111 residents, including students stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran military conflict, have returned safely. Among those who returned were 80 students and four faculty members from the Pune-based Indira School of Business Studies (ISBS). A total of 184 residents from Pune district were stranded in the United Arab Emirates, and authorities are continuing efforts to bring back the remaining travellers. Flight schedules of 19 Pune residents still in Dubai have been rescheduled, while arrangements for the remaining 54 residents are underway, said District Collector Jitendra Dudi. Special flights for stranded travellers In addition to Pune residents, a total of 164 tourists from Maharashtra stranded in the UAE due to the ongoing West Asia conflict were brought back through two special flights arranged by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to a Shiv Sena official. These flights landed at Mumbai International Airport on Tuesday night and included travellers from Pune, Thane, and Ahilyanagar districts who were visiting the UAE when the conflict erupted over the weekend. Dr Janardhan Pawar, Dean at Indira University, expressed gratitude to both the Centre and Maharashtra government for ensuring the safe return of ISBS students and faculty members from Dubai. Safety advisories for Indians in West Asia Flight operations to and from most West Asian airports have been disrupted since Saturday due to the conflict, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. In response, the Centre and Maharashtra government have issued advisories to ensure the safety of Indian citizens residing abroad. Indian nationals in Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly follow instructions from local authorities and Indian embassies. In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the 24x7 helpline numbers of the respective Indian embassies, which are actively monitoring the situation. The Maharashtra government has appealed to residents from the state living abroad to maintain patience and rely only on official information. For assistance within Pune district, citizens can contact the District Disaster Management Control Room at 020-26123371/26133522, Dudi added.
04 March,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory for spectators attending the T20 semi-final match between India and England at Wankhede Stadium, Marine Drive, on Thursday. The high-profile match is scheduled to begin at 7 pm, with gates opening at 4 pm. A large turnout is expected, and traffic congestion is likely in and around the Marine Drive area. Mumbai Traffic Police has appealed to motorists to plan their travel in advance and, if possible, use alternate routes to avoid delays. Spectators are strongly encouraged to use public transport, the police said in a press note. Recommended public transport options: Western Railway: Churchgate and Marine Lines railway stations Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line): Churchgate station. Gate-wise travel advisory Gates 1, 2 and 7: Use Churchgate Railway Station/Churchgate Metro Station via E Road Gates 3 and 4: Use Marine Lines Railway Station foot overbridge near Roopkala Showroom on Maharshi Karve Road Gates 5 and 6: Use Churchgate Railway Station/Churchgate Metro Station FOB on Maharshi Karve Road opposite Income Tax Office The Mumbai Traffic Police emphasised that public cooperation is essential for smooth traffic movement during the event. Spectators have been requested to reach the venue early and follow designated routes to ensure hassle-free entry and minimal disruption in South Mumbai. Mumbai Metro-3 to run extended services for India–England T20 World Cup semi-final clash With the excitement building for the high-profile ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final between India and England on Thursday, March 5, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) has announced extended services to ensure smooth and convenient commuting for thousands of fans heading to the venue. The match, starting at 7 pm, is a crucial knockout encounter expected to draw massive crowds to South Mumbai. Wankhede Stadium, located near Churchgate and Marine Drive, will see heavy footfall from cricket enthusiasts across the city, leading to potential congestion on roads and local trains. To support spectators and reduce travel hassles, Metro Line-3 will operate additional trains on both up and down lines throughout the day and into the late evening. Metro Line-3, spanning 33.5 km with 27 stations from Cuffe Parade to Aarey Colony (JVLR), passes through key central and southern areas of Mumbai. Important stations close to Wankhede include Churchgate (underground, a short walk from the stadium), Vidhan Bhavan, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, and others like Grant Road and Mumbai Central. This makes the metro an ideal, air-conditioned, and reliable option for fans coming from suburbs like Aarey, SEEPZ, Airport areas, Worli, BKC, and Dadar, avoiding overcrowded Western and Central Railway lines during peak event hours. A key highlight for match-goers is the extended timing: The last train departure from Churchgate Station (towards Aarey and Cuffe Parade) has been scheduled at 11:59 PM on March 5. This allows ample time for fans to exit the stadium after the night match concludes and catch a metro home safely, minimising risks associated with late-night road travel or last-minute rushes.
04 March,2026 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has appointed Sujit Sonawane as the Taluka President of Panvel, strengthening the party’s organisational structure in the region. "Sujit Sonawane has been appointed as the Taluka President of Panvel for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Heartfelt congratulations on the new responsibility, and best wishes for the journey ahead!," MNS said in a post on X. महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेना ‘पनवेल’ तालुकाध्यक्ष पदी श्री. सुजित सोनावणे यांची नियुक्ती.नव्या जबाबदारीसाठी मनःपूर्वक अभिनंदन आणि पुढील वाटचालीसाठी शुभेच्छा!#MNSAdhikrut pic.twitter.com/orl9ua4uk4 — MNS Adhikrut - मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) March 4, 2026 Party leaders extended their congratulations to Sonawane on taking up the new responsibility and wished him success in his future endeavours. The appointment is expected to boost the party’s grassroots activities and organisational outreach in the Panvel taluka. Sonawane’s elevation to the post comes as part of the party’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its leadership at the local level and expand its presence across Maharashtra. Party workers and supporters also congratulated him, expressing confidence that his leadership will contribute to strengthening the organisation in the area. Rohit Pawar meets Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, seeks MNS chief's support for wider investigation Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Rohit Pawar met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on February 27 and discussed concerns surrounding the recent plane crash that claimed the life of his uncle and the then Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Speaking to reporters after the meeting at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai, Rohit Pawar said he briefed Thackeray about the doubts he has regarding the crash and the ongoing investigation into the incident. He claimed that the MNS chief assured him of full support. “Raj Thackeray felt this is not just about a case. It is about a Marathi person not getting justice and assured all help from MNS,” Rohit Pawar said after the meeting. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near his hometown Baramati in Maharashtra’s Pune district on January 28. Since then, Rohit Pawar has been holding press conferences, making presentations and even visiting Delhi to demand a deeper probe into the incident. Over the past two days, he has been pressing for a first information report (FIR) to be registered against the company operating the aircraft, VSR Aviation, after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reportedly grounded its aircraft.
04 March,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced in the legislative council that the state government has formed a special cell to search for missing women in Maharashtra, with Additional Director General (ADG)- level women officers appointed to head it, reported news agency IANS. The cell will focus on planning and implementation of search operations. He informed that the number of women found in the last year has increased by 10 per cent due to the work done by this special cell during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council, reported IANS. Niranjan Davkhare raised a question, while Bhai Jagtap raised a sub-question. Regular review meetings and statewide search campaigns Fadnavis said that through the Special Cell, regular meetings are being organised under the leadership of women officers to review the progress, and campaigns are being undertaken across the state to search for missing women, reported IANS. Recovery rate improves to nearly 90 per cent In the first year, about 55 to 60 per cent of women are found, while over two and a half to three years, this figure reaches 90 per cent. He further stated that the state government's target is to reach 95-96 percent, and the work will not be stopped until then. He said that the government is focusing on improving the search for missing women by implementing new operations every year. Operation Muskan helps trace thousands of children Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said that 13 Operation Muskan campaigns have been conducted in the state from July 2015 to December 2024 to locate missing boys and girls, during which 41,193 boys and girls have been found, reported IANS. Further, 14 Operation Muskan campaigns are underway between January 20 and February 20, and a total of 1,401 children, including 454 boys and 947 girls, have been found by February 16, 2026. Operation Shodh, Nirbhaya squads strengthen safety measures “A special campaign called ‘Operation Shodh’ has been implemented to search for missing women and children. A Nirbhaya squad has been established in the state for the safety of women and children. Measures such as increasing police patrols, police uncles and police sisters are being taken to prevent atrocities on women and girls,” said Minister Bhoyar, reported IANS. He added that women's helplines have been established at all police station levels in the state. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway (CR) operated 862 Holi special trains in addition to its regular services to manage the festive travel rush, carrying over 24.18 lakh passengers in the four days leading up to Holi. The large-scale operation was aimed at helping passengers travel conveniently to celebrate the festival with their families across the country. According to Central Railway, the special trains included fully air-conditioned services, unreserved specials, and trains with a mix of AC, sleeper, and general second-class coaches, connecting several high-demand destinations across India. High Occupancy on Holi Special Services Out of the total special services, 670 trains were operated directly by Central Railway, recording an average occupancy of 105.06 per cent, indicating strong demand for festival travel. The railway administration operated Holi special trains to multiple states. A total of 409 trains were run for intra-state travel within Maharashtra, while 142 trains were operated to Uttar Pradesh, 82 trains to Bihar, and 21 trains to Goa, catering to the heavy passenger rush during the festive period. Over 24 Lakh Passengers Travel in Four Days Central Railway reported that 24.18 lakh passengers travelled on both regular and special trains between February 27 and March 2, 2026, in the days preceding Holi. Of these, around 7 lakh passengers travelled from Mumbai, highlighting the significant festive travel demand from the city. These special trains were carefully planned to connect key destinations across the country, ensuring smooth movement of passengers travelling to their hometowns and other cities for Holi celebrations. Extensive Crowd Management and Passenger Facilities To manage the surge in passenger movement during the festive season, Central Railway implemented several arrangements at major stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Pune. Holding areas were created at these stations to regulate passenger flow and manage crowds effectively. Stations were equipped with covered sheds, adequate lighting, ventilation, drinking water facilities, fans, toilets, charging points, food stalls, and passenger address systems to enhance passenger comfort. Help desks were also set up at several stations to provide proper guidance to travellers, while Mobile UTS Sahayaks were deployed at CSMT to assist passengers with ticketing services. Technology and Security Measures Strengthened Central Railway also ensured effective crowd management with the deployment of ticket checking staff and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at major stations. Queue formation for passenger boarding was strictly monitored under the supervision of RPF personnel and commercial staff. Railway officials used AI-based systems and dedicated war rooms to monitor ticket availability and passenger trends in real time. Coordination with RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) was also maintained to ensure safety and security at major stations. Railway authorities stated that the planning and operation of additional trains is a continuous process, with demand assessed through various communication channels such as media reports, social media platforms, the Railway Integrated Helpline number 139, and waitlist data from the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). With enhanced passenger services, efficient arrangements, and continuous monitoring, Central Railway said it remains committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and convenient travel for passengers during the festive season.
04 March,2026 04:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that Indians stranded in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict are expected to return home within the next two to three days, reported the ANI. Speaking during the Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, CM Fadnavis stated that the Central government has taken the lead in organising evacuation efforts, while the state government is extending support and maintaining contact with affected citizens. The Chief Minister said that as soon as airspace closures began following the outbreak of hostilities, distress messages were received from Indians in the region. “We immediately contacted the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs. We also reached out to Indian embassies,” he said, as per the ANI. CM Fadnavis added that Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned responsibility for coordination. A dedicated WhatsApp helpline and advisories have been issued to assist stranded citizens. The state government is also in touch with Marathi Mandals — community groups of Maharashtrian residents — in several Gulf countries to track the situation on the ground. Flights gradually resuming According to CM Fadnavis, some airspaces remain closed due to security concerns, while others have reopened. He said Air India Express is gradually operating flights to bring passengers home. He noted that in Kuwait, some travellers faced visa-related difficulties. Authorities have since gathered them at a common location and are working to ensure their safety and comfort, as per the ANI. Centre sensitive to tourists and students The Chief Minister assured the House that the Centre is handling the matter with sensitivity, particularly regarding Indian students and tourists. “We discussed bringing back people from Maharashtra, but the Centre advised caution to avoid chaos, as some airspace remains unsafe,” he said, the news agency reported. He expressed confidence that Indian nationals stranded in the region would be repatriated safely within the coming days. Conflict enters fourth day The crisis began on 28 February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked assets and allies in the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, reported the ANI. Earlier in the day, some Indians stranded in Dubai returned home and described the challenges they faced during the conflict. (with ANI inputs)
04 March,2026 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Wednesday said efforts to reunite the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have come to a complete standstill following the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reported news agency IANS. Speaking to reporters, Patil revealed that discussions aimed at merging the Ajit Pawar faction with the Sharad Pawar-led group had been underway for the past four months and were close to reaching a final stage before the tragedy, reported IANS. He described Ajit Pawar as the main driving force behind the proposed reunification. Secret Meetings Held for Months According to Patil, several confidential meetings had taken place between leaders of both factions, including multiple discussions at his residence. He said Ajit Pawar was keen to see the party reunite while Sharad Pawar remained in good health. The two sides had reportedly agreed on a roadmap for the merger, and a formal announcement was initially planned for February 12 following the Zilla Parishad elections. Power-Sharing Formula Was Being Finalised Sources within both factions indicated that the proposed merger included a significant power-sharing arrangement, reported IANS. Under the plan, Sharad Pawar was reportedly ready to hand over operational control and the post of national president of a unified NCP to Ajit Pawar. In return, key ministerial positions in the Maharashtra cabinet were expected to be allocated to leaders from the Sharad Pawar camp, including Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar, and Shashikant Shinde. A major meeting regarding the proposal had reportedly taken place on January 17 at Sharad Pawar’s Govindbagh residence in Baramati. Political Landscape Changes After Tragedy The merger talks collapsed after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, when the Learjet 45 carrying him crashed while attempting to land in Baramati in poor visibility, killing five people on board. Following the incident, Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government. Meanwhile, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare reiterated that the party remains committed to the Mahayuti alliance and dismissed speculation about a merger at present. Patil concluded that without Ajit Pawar’s leadership and his influence within the party’s legislative wing, the possibility of a reunification has effectively closed for the foreseeable future. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde may have faced a serious threat to his life during a 2023 flight to the World Economic Forum in Davos, reported news agency IANS. Addressing a press conference, Pawar alleged that the private jet carrying Shinde had entered Iranian airspace without prior clearance while travelling from Bahrain towards Zurich between January 16 and 20, 2023, reported IANS. He claimed that the Iranian Air Force issued a warning to the aircraft, stating it would be shot down if it did not immediately change course. According to Pawar, a similar warning was issued when the aircraft approached Iraqi airspace. Questions Raised Over Flight Clearances Pawar alleged that the aircraft was operated by aviation company VSR and questioned whether proper international flight clearances had been obtained before the aircraft entered restricted airspace, reported IANS. He pointed out that VIP and international flights require strict flight plans and approvals from Air Traffic Control authorities of all countries involved. Calling the incident a serious lapse, Pawar said such negligence could have endangered the lives of senior government officials travelling on the aircraft, reported IANS. Links Drawn to Ajit Pawar Plane Crash The MLA also attempted to draw parallels between the alleged 2023 incident and the recent plane crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He alleged that the aircraft involved in the crash had a history of irregular logging of flight hours, suggesting that the plane’s actual usage may have been higher than recorded, reported IANS. Pawar further claimed that unidentified individuals had conducted reconnaissance of the crash site before the accident, hinting at the possibility of a wider conspiracy. Demand for FIR and Fresh Investigation Rohit Pawar questioned discrepancies between investigation reports of the two incidents. He said the 2023 aviation report carried the signature of an Assistant Director, while the report on Ajit Pawar’s crash reportedly did not mention the investigating officer, reported IANS. He demanded that an FIR be registered against officials of the aviation firm involved and called for a thorough investigation into the alleged lapses. Pawar also urged Eknath Shinde to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged Bahrain–Iran airspace incident, adding that flight data from Bahrain’s aviation authorities could help verify the claims. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday strongly criticised the investigation into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, alleging serious discrepancies in the official findings, reported news agency IANS. Addressing a press conference, Pawar accused the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of attempting to cover up crucial details related to the accident. This was the third press conference held by the Baramati MLA on the issue, following earlier briefings on February 10 and February 19. Claims of Technical Errors and Inconsistencies Presenting videos and screenshots during the briefing, Pawar claimed that the AAIB report contains multiple factual and technical errors, reported IANS. Among the concerns raised was a discrepancy in the direction of the aircraft’s movement during the crash. According to Pawar, the report states that the aircraft banked to the right, whereas video footage allegedly shows it tilting to the left. He also questioned the aircraft’s fuel levels, claiming the plane reportedly carried between 90 and 95 per cent fuel capacity despite a routine flight plan, reported IANS. Additionally, Pawar alleged that the aircraft’s engine life had exceeded its permitted limit by over 3,000 hours, raising concerns about the aircraft’s maintenance and safety compliance. Questions Over Investigation Process Pawar also criticised what he described as basic errors in the official report, including referring to Baramati as a “district” and describing the Baramati Municipal Council as a “Municipal Corporation”, reported IANS. He said such mistakes raised doubts about the seriousness of the investigation. The MLA further claimed the report mentioned that the aircraft struck trees at the crash site, whereas, according to him, only small shrubs were present in the area and the aircraft did not hit them. Demand for CBI and CID Probe Alleging the possibility of a wider conspiracy, Pawar said local residents had reported seeing unidentified individuals surveying the crash site days before the incident, reported IANS. He demanded a criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) to examine the matter. Pawar also questioned why the names of the investigation team members were not mentioned in the report and pointed out the absence of photographs of the aircraft’s black box, reported IANS. Citing the Tyagi Committee recommendations formed after the death of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash, Pawar argued that VIP flights should not operate in low visibility conditions. He further demanded that an FIR be registered against officials of the aviation company involved, alleging that incorrect weather clearance was provided before the flight. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress on Wednesday alleged that the Nagpur factory blast was a result of Maharashtra government's negligence that led to the loss of live of 19 people, reported the PTI. The blast at an explosives manufacturing unit in Nagpur district has sparked sharp political criticism in the Maharashtra Assembly. The blast occurred on Sunday morning at the detonator assembly unit of SBL Energy in Raulgaon, Katol tehsil. Eighteen workers died on the day of the incident, while one more succumbed to injuries on Monday. At least 23 others were injured, according to the PTI. Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar termed the incident “tragic and shocking” and accused both the state and central governments of negligence. Raising a suspension motion in the assembly, Wadettiwar claimed that 43 workers have died in similar explosions at various factories in Nagpur district over the past one-and-a-half years. He said 25 of the deceased in these incidents were women. Referring to Sunday’s explosion, he stated that most of the victims were women labourers earning around Rs 300 per day. “Do the lives of the poor have no value for this government?” he asked during the debate. Demand for safety audits and accountability Wadettiwar alleged that repeated requests for comprehensive safety audits of explosives factories had been ignored. He claimed that no concrete steps were taken by either the Maharashtra government or the Centre to prevent such tragedies. He also questioned the role of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), noting that its office is located barely 10 kilometres from the blast site. In addition, he raised concerns about the functioning of the factories inspectorate and the labour department, asking why strict action had not been taken despite recurring incidents. Compensation not enough: Congress While compensation of Rs 15 lakh or Rs 50 lakh has been announced for the families of the deceased, Wadettiwar said financial aid cannot replace lost lives. He added that affected families are seeking stronger assurances of safety rather than monetary relief. He further pointed out that even basic infrastructure, such as a proper road leading to the factory, was lacking. Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the Assembly Speaker said the issue would be discussed in detail through a calling attention motion by Friday. The incident has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards and regulatory oversight in Maharashtra’s explosives manufacturing sector. (with PTI inputs)
04 March,2026 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in two parked four-wheeler vehicles near Nepro Ground on Ghodbunder Road in Thane (West) on Wednesday morning. The blaze was quickly brought under control by the Fire Brigade and officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell. No injuries were reported in the incident. Fire reported near Tuljabhavani temple According to officials, the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation received information about the incident at around 11:03 am on March 4. The alert was conveyed by a local resident identified as Sanket, who informed authorities about a fire in vehicles parked at Nepro Ground, opposite Tuljabhavani Temple in Manpada area of Thane (West). Soon after receiving the information, the Disaster Management Cell dispatched its staff to the spot with a pickup vehicle to assist in emergency response efforts. Emergency teams rush to the spot Fire Brigade personnel also reached the location with one fire engine and a jeep to control the blaze. With coordinated efforts from the Fire Brigade team, Disaster Management Cell officials, and local residents present at the scene, the fire was swiftly brought under control before it could spread further. Authorities confirmed that the fire was completely extinguished, preventing additional damage or risk to nearby vehicles and property. One vehicle gutted, another partially damaged Officials said the fire affected two four-wheeler vehicles parked at the location. A Maruti Suzuki Celerio (MH 43 BE 9224) owned by Amruta Madhukar Gade was completely gutted in the blaze, suffering extensive damage. Another vehicle, a Mahindra Xylo (MH 04 GE 0094) owned by Sandeep Jadhav, sustained minor damage after partially catching fire. Situation under control Authorities stated that the situation is now under control and confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported during the incident. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further investigation is likely to determine how the blaze started. Driver killed, cleaner injured as fire erupts in tempo on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway In another incident, a 28-year-old driver from Punjab was burnt to death, and a cleaner sustained serious injuries after their tempo caught fire on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Wednesday. The incident, which affected traffic on the busy carriageway, occurred around 10:30 pm on Tuesday on the Gujarat-bound lane near Somta.
04 March,2026 01:20 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1772636173406_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "111 Pune residents, including students, returned safely from Dubai amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Representational Pic")
