Throughout academic year 2025-26, the civic body assessed Std I (after the first term), Std II, Std III, and Std IV students through foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) tests to identify learning gaps and apply remedial practices. The education department analysed the performance of nearly 27,000 students per standard across two tests. The first test served as a baseline, testing students on a grade lower than theirs — Std II on Std I syllabus, Std III on Std II. After assessing the score and conducting remedial classes, the students were then tested for their own grade. Score trends Data shows that while Std I students showed notable progress across the tests, Std II and III students largely performed in the average bracket, while the scores for Std IV students largely remained stagnant. With the next checkpoint in April, remedial lectures are underway. Teacher gap “As the grade increases, the curriculum gets tougher, too. However, we also noted that the teachers were caught up with the election duty in November and December, so their presence in the classrooms was reduced. Since students are very used to their own teachers, it could be a direct impact of the same,” said officials from the education department. Next step The civic body has proposed running these tests in private schools to check if they are true benchmarks of learning systems. Pilot gains 2024-25 FLN (Std II)2.76 per cent scored low in pre-school linguistics3.16 per cent scored low in pre-school mathematicsPost-remedial: 0.27 per cent low in languagePost-remedial: 0.07 per cent low in mathematics Question levels Std I: Making words, counting shapesStd II: Subtraction, identifying speakersStd III: Picture-based answers, opinions, word problemsStd IV: Descriptive, self-expression, math word problems 27,000No of students assessed per standard
27 March,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarIn a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court, while dismissing a writ petition filed by GK Developers and members of the Bhise family, has held that contractual clauses cannot override the legal rights of flat purchasers, reaffirming that statutory provisions prevail over developer-drafted agreements. The court made it clear that builders cannot retain long-term control over a property once flats are sold, and that complete ownership must pass to the housing society or residents. The judgment was delivered by Justice Amit Borkar in Writ Petition No. 1647 of 2025, reserved on February 23, 2026, and pronounced on March 17, 2026. Case details Petitioners:>> GK Developers and partners>> Members of the Bhise family (landowners)Respondents:>> State of Maharashtra>> District Deputy Registrar, Pune>> Dwarka Flora Residency Phase-2 Co-operative Housing Society Project background Location: Pimple Saudagar, PuneDevelopment initiated: 2005Construction: 2 wings, 42 flats + 8 shopsCompletion Certificate: December 31, 2010 Key developments 2010- Apartment condominium formed2011- Land conveyed to condominium2022- Shift to cooperative housing society model Core dispute >> Society sought unilateral deemed conveyance (2023)>> Developers objected, arguing: Property already conveyed in 2011>> “Double conveyance” is illegal>> Authority granted deemed conveyance (Nov 2024), leading to court challenge Society’s stand Developers transferred an incomplete title The sale deed included:>> Retention of FSI (development rights)>> Future redevelopment rights Argued:>> Full ownership was never passed>> Deemed conveyance necessary for clear title Court’s key observations >> Ownership must ultimately vest with flat purchasers>> A promoter cannot retain residual development rights indefinitely>> Statutory laws override contractual clauses>> Partial conveyance defeats the purpose of housing laws Impact of the judgment Strengthens homebuyers’ ownership rights Limits developers from:>> Retaining control post-sale>> Using contractual clauses to bypass law Reinforces:>> Full and clear conveyance is mandatory Petitioners’ arguments >> Property cannot be conveyed twice>> Title already transferred to the condominium in 2011>> The registrar exceeded jurisdiction>> Only civil courts can decide the validity of an earlier conveyance Legal framework >> Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Act, 1970>> Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, 1963 (MOFA) Court clarified>> Property remains with apartment owners even after legal structure changes>> Promoter must transfer the complete title, not selective rights Court’s reasoning Developers:>> Retained FSI and redevelopment rights>> Failed to disclose the full project scope initially Such clauses:>> Violate statutory intent>> Undermine buyers’ ownership Final order >> Writ petition dismissed>> Deemed conveyance upheld>> No interim relief granted>> No order as to costs Expert view Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, expert director at the Maharashtra State Housing Federation, represented the society“The true spirit of cooperative housing is rooted in the constitutional vision under Article 43B. When promoters retain control after selling flats, it undermines statutory rights under MOFA and the principle that citizens must have complete ownership and dignity in their homes. This judgment reaffirms that statutory law will always prevail over developer-driven contracts.”
27 March,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) kick-started its work for the Mumbai Gateway project, announced in the civic budget 2026, to construct tall clock towers and carry out beautification of the precinct at four entry points of the city — Dahisar, Vashi, Airoli, and Mulund. Work on the Airoli checkpoint will start first as a pilot project, to be used as a blueprint for work at all other checkpoints. In a meeting convened by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde at the BMC headquarters on Wednesday, the administration was directed to finalise the blueprint of the beautification plan over the next 15 days. The project will be implemented through funds from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) under the Corporate Social Responsibility model. About the project The BMC made the announcement of installing clock towers at Mumbai’s entry points as part of the civic Budget 2025-26, which was presented on February 25 to the newly-formed civic standing committee. The project aims to mark the entry points into Mumbai with grand signage as a tribute to the spirit and identity of the city. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde What is planned >> Grand entrance>> Clock tower>> Beautification of precinct Civic body’s aim >> To reflect Mumbai’s rich heritage, aesthetic excellence and architectural character>> To enhance tourism>> To monetise project, located at former toll booths of Mumbai that became defunct after the introduction of GST>> To integrate area development and beautification with the gateway project>> To enhance green cover with horticulture projects at the site Project timelineBlueprint will be ready in 15 days Project fundingWork will be undertaken through a PPP model
27 March,2026 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSStealth mode A panther decal on a luxury bus seems to sneak up on travellers passing by in Borivali The real chef’s table at Akerkar’s book launch Rahul Akerkar’s book, Biting Off More Than I Can Chew (HarperCollins India) launched at Flint, NCPA on Wednesday was literally a mini-Indigo reunion. Family, loyal customers-turned-friends, and chefs associated with his career since the 1990s were present to cheer and take jibes too! (From left) Atul Kasbekar, Rahul Akerkar, and Aryaman Birla at the book launch. Pics/Special Arrangement His OG chef gang was in attendance: the elusive chef Nitin Kulkarni, who worked with him at Indigo, and chef Irfan Pabaney, from his days at Under the Over and later, Indigo. Chef Mukhtar Qureshi, who worked alongside him at his catering arm Moveable Feast, and now master chef at Waarsa, Neel, who is chef partner at Waarsa, and Jaydeep Mukherjee, who jammed with Akerkar at Indigo Deli, and heads Flint, were also spotted. His 95-year-old mother, fondly called Jinx, read an excerpt from a chapter she had contributed in the book. Daughters Amalia and Shaan read a few sections too. Akerkar read an extract from the time he spent with his Aji (father’s mother) in Nashik; suggesting how the food influenced his cooking the most. Chefs Mukhtar Qureshi and Nitin Kulkarni Over martinis, his childhood buddy Atul Kasbekar indulged the audience in a light-hearted Q&A. Stories and anecdotes included Akerkar getting Vijay Mallya to fly down a selection of meats for a bash; evolving palates and quirky guest requests. Akerkar, at his nonchalant, honest best, recalled the ups and downs, often ending his experiences with his life mantra: “Life happens.” Chef Irfan Pabaney Akerkar, who today is culinary director at Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), invited Aryaman Birla (newly appointed RCB chairman) to unveil the book at the event. The chef who gave Mumbai its first real taste of European cuisine in the ’90s, always ensured the good times rolled. Even with the book, he dished out a delicious serving peppered with nostalgia and inspiration in every page. We are already a few chapters down! Rolling the dice on Mumbai Designed on spun Khadi, the game also features Mumbai landmarks Ahead of World Heritage Day (April 18), the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Mumbai chapter will launch a board game that captures the hustle and buzz of Mumbai. “We were ideating on ways to encourage members of all ages to be involved in the heritage of the city, and that’s how the idea of designing a game along snakes and ladders emerged,” shared Rajul Dhaimade (left) co-convenor. Designed in collaboration with convenor, Katyayani Agarwal (below), the game titled Flyovers and Potholes will be launched on April 12. Maharashtra sweeps META awards Jay Shah, Amol Palekar, and Sanjoy K Roy (right) Dusha with Rajit Kapur. Pics Courtesy/META Delhi might boast of the best drama schools, but it was all Maharashtra at the recently concluded META 2026 awards. The awards concluded on March 25 with productions from the state taking home awards for Best Production, Best Original Script, Best Actor in Supporting Role for Sahil Ahuja (Mithyasur), Best Actor in A Lead Role (Dusha, Something Like Truth), Best Sound and Music Design (Kaizad Gherda, Chandani Raatein), and Best Costume Design (Ashish Deshpande, Karunashtake). Veteran Amol Palekar received the META Lifetime Achievement Award. “This year’s festival showcased a diverse spectrum of stories and voices from across the country, underlining theatre’s ability to provoke thought, foster empathy, and spark meaningful dialogue,” shared Jay Shah, vice president, head, cultural outreach, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
27 March,2026 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayMumbai’s mornings run on soft idlis and crispy vadas, many of them coming out of tiny, steaming kitchens tucked inside Dharavi. But that rhythm is breaking. A sharp shortage of commercial LPG due to the war in West Asia has forced these home-run setups to go silent, cutting off the daily supply chain that feeds commuters across the city. For many vendors, this is not just a slowdown; it is survival slipping away. With no viable alternative fuel and no steady gas supply, kitchens are shutting, savings are thinning, and a reverse migration back to villages has already begun. On the ground voices Chinna, (Dharavi resident, sells in Vakola East)“Shut my shop two days ago. No cylinder. I am going back to my village in Madurai. I will return only if things improve.” Kumar, (Dharavi resident, sells near Lower Parel railway station)“Dealers are not giving us even one cylinder. I used to earn 27-33 percent profit on R5500-6000 daily sale, now it’s zero. If not for our children’s school, would’ve gone to my village.” Ammashi, 57, (Dharavi resident sells in Andheri East)“My rent is Rs 10,000. With irregular gas, I can only work some days.” Panja, (Dharavi resident sells in Kurla)“No cylinders. No business. No income.” Kanal, (Sells at Ghatkopar East)“Other fuels don’t give the same heat. I don’t know how I will earn now.” Mutturamu, 35 (Dharavi resident sells in Sunder Nagar, Kalina) “We are stuck. Can’t farm back home due to the weather, can’t work here without gas. Surviving on savings.” The numbers behind the crisis Scale of impact>> Hundreds to thousands of home kitchens affected >> Each vendor needs 1 LPG cylinder every 2 to 3 days Daily economics>> Daily sale of Rs 2.5K-Rs 5K make vendors Rs 750-Rs 1.5K >> Zero income once gas runs out Housing pressure>> Monthly rent: Rs 3K to Rs 10K >> No fallback income to sustain it The silent casualties Balaji, the kirana shop owner“All my regular buyers are idli vendors. I am losing Rs 30,000 worth of business daily. Almost all my regular buyers have stopped.” Mohammad Yusuf, shopkeeper“30 per cent less demand, 50 per cent less revenue this month. All vendors have discontinued business.” Narendra Thorbole, coconut supplier“From 150 regular buyers, only 50 remain. Sales dropped from 400 kg to nearly 100 kg.”ve extra gas for milk.” Supply chain collapse Ripple effect on local businesses 30 percent to 50 percent drop in monthly revenue50 percent to 80 percent fall in daily rice demandAround 50 percent dip in coconut sales Why are alternatives not working Charcoal and firewood: Unsafe in congested lanesInduction cooking: Slow, expensive, not for bulk cooking
27 March,2026 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaThe Dadar police have booked two persons for cheating a 36-year-old man of Rs 12.5 lakh. According to the police, the accused lured the victim with promises of doubling his money, claiming that funds were urgently needed to clear a Supreme Court-imposed penalty and unfreeze a bank account. The fraud took place over the course of one year (March 2025-March 2026). Police said that the complainant, a Dadar resident and a driver by profession, was approached in March last year through his acquaintance Rakesh Shikari, who introduced him to the main accused Hem Ketan Thakkar, 45, a resident of Lower Parel. Thakkar allegedly told the victim that his bank account had been frozen due to large financial transactions and that he had approached the Supreme Court, and once the amount was paid, the account would be unfrozen. In return, he promised to double the money. Victim pays money The victim (name not given) initially arranged Rs 2 lakh through a friend and gave it to the accused. The next day, he gave an additional Rs 3.5 lakh in cash. To gain confidence, Thakkar issued a post-dated cheque of Rs 14 lakh, asking the victim to deposit it later. However, when the cheque was deposited on April 28, 2025, it bounced. Demand for more Thakkar allegedly convinced the victim to arrange more money, citing additional court penalties and claiming he needed further Rs 10 lakh to release the account. Believing the assurances, the victim borrowed Rs 5 lakh from his two friends and Rs 2 lakh from his wife and handed over Rs 7 lakh more to Thakkar. Fake cheques issued The accused allegedly issued multiple high-value cheques, including Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore cheques in the names of the victim’s associates, assuring repayment within eight days. However, all cheques bounced, police said. Police Speak Officer, Dadar police stationThe fraud took place between March 2025 and March 2026, during which the accused allegedly collected Rs 12.5 lakh from the victim and his associates and offered higher returns. Two accused have been booked for cheating and criminal intimidation under the BNS Act. The accused persons will be sent legal notices to appear for investigation. Threats and intimidation Police further said that another accused, Madan Jha, an associate of Thakkar, later contacted the victim and pressured him to not ask for money or make further demands. He also issued threats if the victim continued to pursue the matter.
27 March,2026 08:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerTraffic moved at a crawl-like pace on a 650-metre section of SV Road in Bandra West on Thursday, sparking speculation that this was the result of the stretch near Lucky Restaurant giving way and collapsing. mid-day learnt, however, that cordoned-off metal plates placed in the middle of the southbound carriageway were to blame. Over the past few months, road surface at the junction between Hill Road and SV Road has been dotted with metal plates due to water pipeline work. Official Speak The congested spot on Swami Vivekanand Road in Bandra West, where water pipeline work is being carried out. PICS/NIMESH DAVE A contractor, requesting anonymity, said, “While many believe that the road on the spot has given out, it is not the truth. As Mumbaikars know, water pipelines are being changed, and by this Sunday we will finish the work, but till then we have to keep the metal plates, as filling and emptying the trench every day will slow down the process by weeks.” He added, “Though it is causing heavy traffic and inconvenience to commuters, we aim to finish this work as soon as possible and leave the spot with a proper road.” Assistant Engineer Dharmatejas Prasannadas of H West ward said the work entails the replacement of an old corroded inlet water main of Pali Hill reservoir with a new mild steel pipeline. “The decision to use or not use metal plates must have been taken after evaluating the pros and cons of every other possible methods by officers of that department,” he said. Noise concerns Rafik Bashi Sayed This reporter noticed pedestrians driving and riding on the edges of the plates, causing them to warp as they are unsupported from beneath. Rafik Bashi Sayed, who lives near the spot, told mid-day, “There is constant noise in the area due to this work. We have told the workers to pad the plates, but nothing has been done. At night, we hear the noise of work in progress, and in the morning, heavy vehicles roll over the sheets, creating a racket as well.” What is happening underground? >> Work being done: Commissioning of a main water pipeline 750 mm in diameter>> Connection work is happening from: 11 pm on Saturday to 5 pm on Sunday>> Water supply suspended on Sunday in H West ward, other areas to witness low pressure>> Stretch affected: Ramdas Naik Marg, SV Road, and RK Patkar Marg junction in Bandra West Cops Speak (From left) Constables Salim Tamboli and Nitesh Ashok More Salim Tamboli, Traffic Police Constable‘This road sees heavy vehicular traffic, and in the past few days, three metal plates have been placed over a water chamber under it. Since then, I’ve seen two or three accidents take place’ Nitesh Ashok More, Traffic Police Constable‘Today [Thursday], when the contractor came to the site, we told them about the issues, and he told us that they will cordon off the patch. We have been stationed at the spot while others are managing other parts of the junction to prevent vehicles from getting onto the plates to avoid accidents’
27 March,2026 07:55 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 March 27. Aries March 21 – April 20By now there’s no question that someone you met fairly recently is a karmic soulmate (if single). Be careful about what you eat or drink today.Cosmic tip: Circumvent any avoidable extreme situation. TaurusApril 21 – May 20An unbreakable bond with a friend is evident as you meet after a very long time. Health is good. Cosmic tip: Don’t look far and wide for what you are seeking. It is near you. GeminiMay 21 – June 21For some, a change of job brings financial stability and appreciation, which feels so good. Be careful with money/ documents.Cosmic tip: Don’t blame someone else. Take responsibility. Cancer June 22 – July 23Finding the right words to express your love is a surprise even for you. This karmic cycle is auspicious for employment. Travel for work is slightly less. Cosmic tip: Accept a change of plans. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Overdone generosity may annoy you later. Be helpful towards colleagues, even the irritating ones. An assignment requires more focused work.Cosmic tip: Just accept that some situations are meant to be. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Maintain balanced daily living intertwined with practical spirituality. A project placed on hold due to geographical tension is just temporary. Cosmic tip: Express gratitude at having learnt a lesson. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Those with a farmhouse may be considering spending 3-4 days there. Singles may presently be too commitment shy.Cosmic tip: Make taking care of health a conscious daily choice. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Use diplomacy in an unexpected situation. Don’t accept responsibility if you are in no way to blame.Cosmic tip: Accept what fell by the wayside and what became your lucky mascot. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Those in a troubled relationship should ideally work towards resolving issues instead of just giving up. Cosmic tip: Choose one out of two options (both are excellent). Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Helping a relative/ friend navigate a rough patch in life makes a big difference to them. Be aware if carrying money/valuables.Cosmic tip: Think positive thoughts to keep vibes peaceful. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Being patient is an invaluable mindset to preserve as issues both big and small normally get sorted out in due course of time.Cosmic tip: Use music therapy to relieve stress. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A karmic cycle brings in welcome changes in aspects of life important to you (these are different for every Piscean and depends on karma).Cosmic tip: Be professional at work, ignore idle talk.
27 March,2026 02:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseA tragic accident on the Central Railway network caused widespread delays on Thursday evening after a trespasser was run over and became entangled in a moving train’s engine. The incident occurred on the Kalyan–Kasara section between Ambivali and Titwala stations when the 12137 Punjab Mail train hit a person who was allegedly trespassing on the tracks. The train was brought to a halt near level crossing number 48 (km 59/32) after the impact. The victim’s body got entangled in the cattle guard of the locomotive, making it difficult to immediately resume operations. The train was later moved and arrived at Titwala railway station at around 9:10 pm. However, the situation required technical intervention, as the remains were stuck in the engine’s front assembly. Furthermore, engineering staff were called to the spot, and after a prolonged effort, they had to cut parts of the cattle guard iron rod to free the body. The process was completed at approximately 10:44 pm. Following clearance, the train departed the site at 10:53 pm, officials confirmed. The incident led to cascading delays across the Central Railway suburban and long-distance network, particularly affecting services on the busy Kalyan-Kasara route. Western Railway faces delays after Vande Bharat train runs over a man Train services on the Western Railway were severely disrupted on Thursday afternoon after an unidentified person was run over by a high-speed Vande Bharat Express in the Virar section. According to railway officials, the incident occurred between Vaitarna and Virar when the individual allegedly trespassed onto the tracks and got entangled with the fast-moving train, leading to a fatal accident. A spokesperson from Western Railway confirmed that the mishap led to significant delays and disruptions in suburban services. The spokesperson stated, “Due to a railway accident involving an individual between Vaitarna and Virar, the 3:00 pm Dahanu local train departing from Virar has been halted between Naringi and Ghaskopri in Virar. Additionally, the 3:45 pm Virar-Dahanu local train has been detained at Virar."
26 March,2026 11:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a move aimed at strengthening specialised healthcare services, Cama and Albless Hospitals will launch a dedicated Genetic Counselling Department starting April 1. The announcement was made by the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Tushar Palve. As per the official statement, the newly established department will focus on the diagnosis, counselling, and management of inherited disorders, offering patients access to advanced and specialised care. The counselling department will be headed by Dr Shabana Borate and Dr Kshamata Kindre, who are expected to lead the initiative with modern diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment approaches. Counselling services aim to understand inherited conditions A key feature of the department will be genetic counselling services, which aim to guide individuals and families in understanding inherited conditions and assessing the risk of passing them on to future generations. The service will also assist patients in making informed medical and reproductive decisions while offering emotional and psychological support. The department is equipped to diagnose and manage a range of genetic disorders, including Down syndrome, thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, and Turner syndrome, among other chromosomal and inherited conditions. It will also play a crucial role in the early detection of abnormalities during pregnancy and in identifying genetic issues in newborns. Hospital authorities stated that the initiative is expected to enhance preventive healthcare measures, enable early diagnosis, and improve overall treatment outcomes. By making advanced genetic services more accessible, the hospital aims to address a growing need for specialised care in the city.
26 March,2026 11:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarIn an unfortunate incident on MG Road in Goregaon West earlier on March 22, a 76-year-old senior citizen was hit by a speeding vehicle at around 6:40 pm. While the 76-year-old senior citizen is battling for his life after a hit-and-run incident, the case has triggered outrage among residents and the local community. As per reports, the impact after the hit-and-run incident left Chopra with severe head injuries and heavy bleeding. Sources said that the scooter rider fled the scene without offering any assistance, allegedly passing by a nearby hospital instead of stopping to help the injured man. The delay in immediate medical attention is believed to have worsened his condition. Victim Babulal Chopra was later rushed by his family to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Doctors are reportedly struggling to stabilise him due to the severity of the head trauma and excessive blood loss. Incident sparks outrage among residents The incident has sparked anger among residents and members of the Jain community, who have demanded swift action against the accused. Whereas the family members of the victim have appealed to the public and authorities to help identify the scooter rider responsible for the accident. Residents living near MG Road have been urged to check CCTV footage from the time of the incident to assist in tracing the suspect.
26 March,2026 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
