Mumbai city and its suburbs are likely to experience mainly clear skies, with hot and humid conditions expected to prevail in isolated pockets of the suburbs, and temperatures ranging between 25 degree Celsius and 35 degree Celsius. According to the Sameer app, Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 76 at 9 am, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. At this level, minor breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals. Among various locations, Deonar recorded an AQI of 138, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Other areas such as Chakala (120) and Ghatkopar (101) also indicated moderate air quality levels. Areas including Bandra-Kurla Complex (82), Borivali East (54), Colaba (67), Bandra East (72), Mazgaon (85), Navy Nagar (87), and Sion (84) remained within the satisfactory range. Meanwhile, Kandivali East recorded relatively cleaner air with an AQI of 36, which falls under the ‘good’ category. At this level, minimal health impact is expected. No rainfall is expected in the immediate forecast, and wind patterns are likely to remain light. Overall, weather conditions are expected to stay stable with no major fluctuations, while air quality is likely to remain within the satisfactory to moderate range in the coming hours. Vidarbha records high temperatures, dry weather prevails The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra is experiencing intense heat, with maximum temperatures across most cities crossing 42 degree Celsius. Akola recorded the highest maximum temperature at 44.2 degree Celsius, followed closely by Amravati at 44.0 degree Celsius and Wardha at 43.9 degree Celsius. Nagpur also remained extremely hot at 43.4 degree Celsius. Minimum temperatures across the region ranged between around 21.8 degree Celsius and 26.4 degree Celsius, with Yavatmal recording the highest minimum temperature at 26.4 degree Celsius, indicating warm nights as well. Most locations have recorded a positive departure in maximum temperatures, ranging between +1.7 degree Celsius and +4.6 degree Celsius, suggesting temperatures are significantly above normal for this time of year. Buldana showed the highest departure at +4.6 degree Celsius. Humidity levels in the region remain relatively low to moderate. The lowest humidity was recorded in Nagpur at 28 percent, while Bhandara recorded the highest at 78 percent. There has been no rainfall reported across the Vidarbha region in the past 24 hours, indicating dry weather conditions. Overall, Vidarbha continues to reel under severe heatwave-like conditions, with above-normal temperatures, low humidity in several areas, and no rainfall, contributing to persistently hot and dry weather.
16 April,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentA retired civic worker was allegedly beaten to death following a parking dispute near Dadar TT in central Mumbai on Sunday night, with Matunga police arresting two men in connection with the case. Police said that after retirement, Narottam Waghela, 63, had taken up the role of managing the parking spot, and was known to aggressively shoo away vehicle drivers. In some cases, he would allegedly deflate the tyres of vehicles parked despite his objections. The deceased, Naresh alias Narottam Waghela, 63, a retired BMC garbage collector, had been working as a standee at a small informal parking spot near the Dadar TT flyover, where he would sit near his scooty and keep watch on the roadside space, often confronting motorists who attempted to park there. Illustratoins/Uday Mohite The Matunga police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assault and murder. The accused duo have been booked and remanded to police custody, while further investigations are underway. Background of Waghelas Waghela had consumed alcohol before the incident. His wife told police that he was a habitual drinker and would often consume alcohol before sitting at the spot. Savita works as a domestic help. She and Narottam lived in Pratiksha Nagar in Sion, but their home was demolished. Narottam Waghela. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT They moved to a chawl in Dadar, but were evicted as they couldn’t pay rent. For the past few weeks, they lived under the Dadar TT bridge. Savita said they managed their livelihood with the payment she got from doing household work and Waghela’s pension. Wife witnessed assault According to Savita, Waghela’s wife, who was standing near the spot, the duo allegedly slapped her husband during the confrontation. “They hit him, and he fell to the ground,” 45-year-old Savita said. Savita Waghela points to the spot where her husband was assaulted. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI “They dragged my husband from under the bridge to the other side of the road near the bus stop and then assaulted him again, knocking him to the ground. They even placed a knee on his chest while punching him by grabbing his shirt. Then they fled. I tried to wake up my husband, but he became unresponsive.” Died due to injuries Waghlela was rushed to KEM Hospital by Savita and bystanders, where he was declared dead on arrival. Post-mortem findings confirmed that he died due to head injuries sustained during the assault, said senior police officers. Savita Waghela at the spot where Narottam objected to the car being parked. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI Night of the murder Around 9.30 pm on April 12, a car arrived at the spot with driver Shanawaz Shaikh and car owner Sahil Ghadge, who were attempting to park briefly. “They had come from Pune to Mumbai, and wanted to take a short break, hence wanted to park,” said a police officer. “However, Waghela objected and began shouting at them, leading to an argument that quickly escalated.” Police officers added that after being slapped, Waghela fell. The accused then grabbed his shirt and shoved him back and forth, causing his head to repeatedly hit the road.
16 April,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA 76-year-old woman from Vikhroli East has approached police alleging sustained harassment, neglect, and being denied entry into her home by her daughter-in-law after her son’s death in November 2023. Family dispute The complainant said she lived with her elder son’s family at their Tagore Nagar residence, where tensions escalated following his death. She alleged her daughter-in-law demanded a share in the property, frequently picked fights, and verbally abused her. Speaking to mid-day, the woman further claimed she was neglected and denied necessities. “She would not give me food on time. My daughters, who stay nearby, had to take care of me. Sometimes they would take me with them because I couldn’t stay there,” she said. Neglect claims The situation reached a breaking point in March while the woman’s younger son was away from Mumbai. Tensions had already mounted in January when her daughter-in-law allegedly destroyed the CCTV cameras installed for her protection. “My younger son had put cameras so I would be safe, but on January 1, she broke them,” the woman alleged. Recalling the subsequent harassment, she added, “She kept telling me to leave the house; I was scared and had to go to my daughter’s place.” When she attempted to return on March 24, she was reportedly threatened and barred from entering. Police action Following failed mediation, Vikhroli police registered an FIR under Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with Sections 115(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigating officer PSI Mira Madhavrao More confirmed, “Based on the complainant’s statement, we have registered an FIR under relevant sections. The matter is currently under investigation.” Officials added that statements of all parties concerned will be recorded as part of the probe. No arrests have been made so far.
16 April,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Vaishnavi ShettyThe discovery of a dead Indian marsh crocodile near Vihar Lake, close to the SGNP, has raised concerns. A resident first spotted the carcass on April 5 and alerted forest authorities, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding its death. The villager, requesting anonymity, said “The condition in which the crocodile was found raised serious concerns, and I hope a proper probe will determine the cause of death.” Officials respond Range Forest Officer Pradip Chavan sent a team on Sunday afternoon to verify the information. Officials found that the crocodile had died outside SGNP limits, in an area under the Mumbai territorial range of the Thane forest department. Natural death Senior veterinarian Dr Shailesh Pethe, along with SARRP INDIA volunteers and Thane forest officials, visited the site on April 6. Dr Pethe said, “Prima facie, the death appeared natural, with no foul play suspected. A post-mortem was conducted, and the remains were disposed of as per protocol.”
16 April,2026 10:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavOpposition ally backs rival NCP faction in Baramati, signalling rare unity beyond political divide, as NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday, April 15, began a three-day campaign in the constituency in support of his late uncle Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, the Mahayuti alliance candidate from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, for the upcoming by-election. Family priority Baramati, considered a stronghold of the Pawars, has witnessed intense political activity since the by-election was announced. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), has firmly maintained that it would not contest the seat. Also, Rohit’s active campaigning for the rival faction’s candidate is seen as an attempt to maintain the family’s cordial relationship and influence in the constituency. Three-day tour Sharad Pawar led NCP spokesperson, Sunil Mane, stated that Rohit Pawar will tour several parts of the constituency over the next three days, holding public meetings and interacting with local voters to drum up support for Sunetra Pawar. “Ajit Pawar played a key role in the development of Baramti. Post the death of Ajit Dada, Sunetra Tai is contesting from the constituency. It is time to support her to complete the vision of late Ajit Pawar,” Mane added. Party split In 2023, Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar engineered a split in the party and joined the Mahayuti alliance. Now, Rohit, participating in the campaign, has drawn attention as it reflects a rare crossover between two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which have been at odds since the party split. Poll schedule The by-elections were necessitated following the deaths of Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati, and Shivajirao Kardile, the sitting BJP MLA from Rahuri. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission, voting for both constituencies will be held on April 23, while the counting of votes is set for May 4. April 15Day the campaign began
16 April,2026 10:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 20 high-footfall locations across the city for focused action against unauthorised hawkers, as part of a renewed push to keep key stretches encroachment-free. The move comes alongside plans to introduce QR code identification for licensed hawkers and stricter enforcement in areas with persistent violations and low compliance. At a glance Action focus: 20 hawker-prone locationsObjective: Keep key footpaths hawker-freeEnforcement: Daily eviction drives with police supportTech measure: QR codes for licensed hawkersTotal licensed hawkers: ~12,567 Why these 20 locations>>High pedestrian movement>>Persistent unauthorised hawking>>Low presence of licensed vendors Licensed hawkers ward-wise snapshotHighest: P South (912), P North (845), H West (721)Mid-range: K East (689), K West (655), C (656)Lower: F North (152), F South (198), M East (215) List of identified hotspotsSouth Mumbai (A ward)>>CSMT to Court>>Churchgate, Bombay High Court>>CSMT subway Central and western suburbs>>Dadar station (east and west) – G/N>>Bandra station (east – H/E, west – H/W)>>Linking Road, Bandra – H/W>>Andheri (east –K/E, west – K/W) Western suburbs>>Malad station (west) – P/N>>SV Road – P/S>>Bharucha Road – R/N Eastern suburbs and beyond>>Mulund check naka – T>>Thane Road – T>>Khar station – H/W>>Tilak Nagar station (east and west) – L>>Chembur station – M/E>>LBS Road – Sqw BackgroundThe 20 locations were finalised in a June 2024 meeting chaired by then municipal commissioner Bhushan GagraniInstructions issued to keep these areas consistently hawker-free What is the plan >>Regular eviction drives at identified hotspots>>Joint action by BMC and Mumbai Police>>Daily reporting by the civic licence department Two enforcement shifts:Morning: 8 am to 4 pmEvening: 3 pm to 11 pm What the mayor said Mayor Ritu Tawde said the administration will create clear hawking and non-hawking zones across the city. “We will create hawking and non-hawking zones. There will be signage to indicate non-hawking zones. Specific places will be identified for licensed hawkers. My letters have gone to the departments concerned to pay attention to the issue,” she said. What officials said A senior civic official said:>>“All licensed hawkers will be issued QR codes by April-end.”>> “Stricter action will be taken at the 20 identified spots.”>> “Flying squads are already taking action every day.” QR code system All licensed hawkers to get QR codes by April-endTotal expected: 10,500 Purpose:>>Easy identification>>Prevent misuse of licences>>Improve monitoring Future allocationHawkers who have applied to be assigned pitches within one yearEstimated beneficiaries: 22,000Based on the town vending committee recommendations Licensed hawkers distributionIsland city: 3633Western suburbs: 6132Eastern suburbs: 2802
16 April,2026 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSAs the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced its Std X results on Wednesday — much earlier than the norm — mid-day saw several success stories spring up from schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. This year, for the first time, students from a total of 11 of 18 BMC-run CBSE schools sat for the board examinations, as opposed to one last year. With these 10 new schools entering the picture, the civic schools clocked a pass percentage of 92.80 per cent. Of the 339 students who took the exam, 35 secured more than 90 per cent. Arya Lamne, a student of Mumbai Public School (MPS) CBSE Mithagar S Division Mulund, stood first among her peers, scoring 97.80 per cent. Saurabh Yadav, a student of MPS CBSE Punamnagar K East Division, Andheri, secured second place with 97.20 per cent, and Kaustubh Tripathi, a student of MPS CBSE Rajawadi N Division Ghatkopar, stood third with 97 per cent. Four out of 11 schools have achieved 100 per cent results. Other success stories Kaustubh Tripathi, Thane resident, who scored 97%While Kaustubh Tripathi secured 97 per cent overall, he scored a perfect 100 in Marathi. Having only moved to Maharashtra a year before the Std 10 exam, the student had very little time to master the new language. “While the Marathi script is similar to that of Hindi, I had to catch up on the grammar and nuances of the languages. Having Marathi-speaking friends was my biggest help,” he said. Using YouTube and course books, the student is now a fluent Marathi speaker. Bharat Teli, Mulund resident, who scored 67%In Mulund East, another BMC student secured 67 per cent, all while helping his father run an ice-cream stand. Bharat Teli, 16, would typically start his day by helping his father prepare ice cream. The student would then head to school, go to tuition classes, and then join his father at the stall again. “I would wait around from 10 pm to 1 am, and then the next day would start again. I am happy with my results, and I hope to study Commerce and start my own business soon,” he told mid-day. Janvi Nirmal, Jogeshwari resident, who scored 62.4%In Jogeshwari, Janvi Nirmal, who was diagnosed with spina bifida, a locomotor disability, at birth, scored 62.4 per cent. The student, who used a wheelchair throughout her schooling years, would travel by auto to her exam centre in Malad. “My mother would accompany me and wait outside till I finished my papers. My school and my centre remained accessible to me throughout.” Studying at MPS Pratiksha Nagar, the student would often play basketball to clear her mind ahead of the exams. Topper’s tale Aarya Lamne, who scored 97.80%‘I expected to score above 90 per cent. Though my percentage was unexpected, I knew I deserved these marks because I had put in all the work throughout the year’ Significant stats Pune Region (which Mumbai comes under)>> Pass percentage - 96.66% - 7th rank>> Girls' pass percentage - 97.35%>> Boys' pass percentage - 96.1 %>> Nationwide pass percentage - 93.70% 97.80%Percentage scored by civic schools’ topper
16 April,2026 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarProtesting against a recent increase in rental charges for the use of theatres run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where Marathi plays are staged and cultural programmes are held, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) has demanded that the civic body reverse its move. Voicing concerns of producers and organisers, Amey Ghole, Sena group leader in the civic body, wrote a letter to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide in this regard. The BMC increases the rent by 10 per cent annually. On April 1, 2026, the rent payable by those organising shows was increased by Rs 3000 to Rs 4000. The issue was also raised by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad (All India Marathi Theatres Council), which pointed out that this could lead to venues passing on the cost to customers, proving a threat to the survival of regional performance art and theatre. Expert Speak Raju Patodkar, Actor and writer‘Already, there is hardly any audience for Marathi plays. The target audience may or may not be able to afford expensive tickets. Even Rs 500 for a ticket is considered a huge amount. However, organisers have to bear different kinds of expenses, such as air-conditioning costs, to compete with other cinema houses. Rent varies depending on prime time show bookings, seating capacity, and whether or not it’s the weekend. Unlike earlier times, when shows would run for 25 weeks at a stretch, demand is low. Now, pulling off 25 shows is considered a huge success. In such times, it is necessary to ease the financial burden on organisers’ Voice of concern Amey Ghole, Shiv Sena leader‘It is crucial for the survival of Marathi theatre and performance art that rent should be rationalised. I have voiced the concerns of various organisers and written to the administration’ Popular theatres >> Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi>> Shri Shivaji Mandir in Dadar>> Yashwant Natya Mandir in Matunga West>> Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha in Vashi Rs 150 to Rs 500General price range of a Marathi play ticket
16 April,2026 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSResidents of Worli Koliwada have been grappling with persistent and unexplained power outages over the past month, with the situation worsening significantly in recent days. While initial disruptions were tolerated as a seasonal occurrence during the summer months, complete electricity shutdowns lasting over five hours each night for the past three days have pushed residents to the brink of frustration. Locals report that repeated complaints to the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), as well as appeals to the offices of the municipal commissioner and the mayor, have gone unanswered. This lack of official communication or resolution has only deepened their concerns. Furthermore, residents have alleged that ongoing illegal construction activities in the area may be a major contributing factor to the outages. Authorities speak Deputy engineer from the Worli BEST office told mid-day, “Two faults were reported at two different locations in the area. The electricity was shut off as repair work was going on. It is not true that the area had a power cut for three consecutive days. However, it is true that the load on power lines has increased remarkably in the past few months due to multiple construction activities and also due to the summer season. We are trying to find out the exact problem spots and will come up with a solution at the earliest.” Voice of frustration Sharad Koli, resident who wrote to civic officials‘Unauthorised development across Worli Koliwada is placing undue stress on the local power infrastructure. Complaints have been filed with the G South ward office, but no action has been taken so far. We file the complaint, the ward office sends notices to the families concerned and the developer, the developer approaches the court and gets a stay order on the complaint and completes the work. They take electricity from our wires, install temporary water pumps, and all this puts extra load on the older wires and connections’Vaibhav Warlikar, resident‘How are we supposed to rest if the electricity goes off in the night? For the past three nights, the electricity shuts around 1 am and does not come back on before 6 am. When should we rest, and how should we go to our work if we are not well-rested in hot weather’ Thomas D’Souza, resident‘We were made to go from pillar to post. On Tuesday, we first visited the Worli BEST office, they asked us to visit their Mahim office. From there, we were sent back to the Worli office, and they said that we need to take up the matter with the Bandra main office. We also did not get any answers. Later, when BEST employees reached our area to check the situation, we stopped them and protested. The police were also present. Those employees did not give any answers. They simply gave us their seniors contact number and left. That senior hasn’t answered our calls’ 1 amTime power cuts began for past three days
16 April,2026 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarArt in your face A mural of traditional dancers offers an arty view to a customer at a roadside barber shop in Kandivli Teen summit at Everest Binoy Boban (extreme right, in yellow) with the group at the Everest Base Camp. Pic courtesy/Binoy Boban It feels like a long trek from Lower Parel to Nepal, but Binoy Boban is enjoying it. The fitness trainer and trekker recently became part of an unexpected record when he guided a contingent of Indian-origin teenagers from UAE to the Everest Base Camp. “I have been collaborating with schools, and training youngsters to take mountaineering seriously. So, when the Bhavans Abu Dhabi school reached out, I was pleasantly surprised,” Boban shared. Over the course of 15 days, the group of eight children — all between the ages of 13 and 16 years — found their way to 18,000 feet. What they did not know was that it was a UAE National Record for the youngest group to make it to the base of the famed mountain. “We hope that there are more children from India who are willing to take a step, and try this adventure,” expressed Boban. Farewell, Neela Bhagwat Neela Bhagwat at her residence at Matunga She was a fierce vocalist,” said singer Radhika Sood Nayak, remembering eminent Hindustani classical exponent and Gwalior Gharana artiste Neela Bhagwat, who passed away on April 14 at her Matunga residence after a prolonged illness. She was also known for digitising and publishing 337 compositions across 66 ragas. Radhika Sood Nayak with Neela Bhagwat. Pic courtesy/File pic, Radhika Sood Nayak Sood Nayak added, “I first encountered her in the early 2000s while training under Sushila Rani Patel ji. A friend, her student, introduced me to her, and our association deepened through music. Though my work lay in Punjabi folk and Sufi traditions, her Kabir bani, Sadho Dekho Jag Baurana, reflected her artistic intensity.” Lens of an artist Dabbawala lunchbox delivery in Mumbai, watercolour and pen on paper 16x11 inch. Pics courtesy/Mithil Thaker In a thoughtful tribute to one of Mumbai’s most remarkable systems, visual artist Mithil Thaker from Ahmedabad captured the spirit of the Mumbai dabbawalas through an illustration. His work highlights the dabbawalas as one of Mumbai’s main essential service providers, allowing the city to hustle. Mithil Thaker “My idea was to offer a tribute to discipline, precision, and human coordination,” he said, reflecting on their near-flawless service. Through careful observation and intricate linework, Thaker has made many illustrations portraying how he views the streets. He has also made artworks from the streets of Ahmedabad and Hyderabad into a compelling visual narrative. Global jazz takeover in Bandra Micheal Varekamp Mumbai’s cultural calendar is set for a jazzed-up vibe as the 6th edition of the World Jazz Festival kicks off on April 19 at St Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra. The line-up features Michael Varekamp Quintet with Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets, Wiboud Burkens Trio, Georgie Aué, Titi Luzipo and Muneeb Hermans. Georgie Aue at a previous performance. Pic courtesy/@georgie.aue “I’m very honoured to be a part of it. I was in India 30 years ago to study Indian music, and this would be my second visit,” Michael Varekamp told this diarist. “I’m especially looking forward to performing with Alexander — we are inspired by the same sources and share a strong drive to unite people through jazz.” Adding to this, vocalist and pianist Georgie Aué added, “Jazz is such an international language, so performing in this kind of global setting is incredibly special.”
16 April,2026 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayWhile speed breakers have been installed to curb two-wheeler accidents on the main road in Aarey Milk Colony, under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the absence of proper markings on these traffic-calming devices is increasing the risk of mishaps. Earlier, mid-day had highlighted concerns regarding internal roads, where unmarked speed breakers, constructed by the public works department, had led to safety hazards. When this reporter visited the spot, it was observed that 12 speed breakers had been installed on the main road between the Goregaon entry point and Picnic Point near Birsa Munda Chowk. Shockingly, at least eight of these devices, constructed within the past week, lack proper white markings, making it difficult for approaching two-wheeler riders and four-wheeler drivers to spot them. Though cautionary signboards have been placed near some speed breakers on either side of the road, motorists often miss these indicators. Over 25,000 vehicles use the road, which links Goregaon’s Western Express Highway to Powai and Marol, daily. Locals have urged the police and forest department to increase patrolling and take strict action against speeding motorists. Earlier, the Aarey main road had speed breakers and warning signage at accident-prone zones, but they were removed during road work. Tribal residents, wildlife activists, and nature lovers have also demanded speed restrictions, warning that reckless driving at night endangers both pedestrians and wildlife. ‘BMC at fault’ Locals alleged that the BMC installed the new speed breakers after complaints, but there were no markings on them. On February 25, mid-day reported on the lack of speed breakers, which had led to multiple accidents. The Aarey police had recommended speed breakers at 11 accident-prone spots, with Senior PI Ravindra Patil urging the authorities to install them at the earliest. Voices of concern Prasad Khandagale, resident and wildlife rescuer‘It’s good to see that speed breakers have finally been installed on the main Aarey road after several accidents and fatalities. However, it is alarming that these lack proper white markings. This makes the breakers dangerous especially at night, as motorists may not notice them in time’ Wasim Athaniya, Aarey resident‘Several animals, including spotted deer, leopards, and reptiles, cross this Aarey road. However, despite critical crossing points where wild animals frequently move between forest patches, there is not a single signboard indicating wildlife crossings. The need of the hour is to install such warning boards to ensure motorists slow down and drive with caution.’
16 April,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
-1776315292224_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Mumbai to experience clear skies; hot and humid condition in isolated pockets. File Pic")
