The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted that areas in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and parts of Maharashtra were likely to witness light rains and thunderstorms. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40/kmph) was very likely at isolated places," a weather bulletin said. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Thane, Raigad and several parts of Maharashtra including Ratnagiri, Satara, Ghats in Pune, Sangli, Solapur, Parbhani, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Washim, Wardha and Yavatmal. An orange alert was also issued for districts in Maharashtra including Dhule, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Beed. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, gusty winds (50-60/kmph) and hail at isolated places was very likely," the weather bulletin said. Meanwhile, Mumbai on Thursday morning woke up to clear skies with the IMD predicting temperatures likely to touch 32 degrees Celsius on April 2. The weather was expected to remain largely pleasant across Mumbai on Thursday with the minimum temperature likely to settle at approximately 26 degrees Celsius, the IMD said in its morning weather bulletin. AQI in Mumbai Mumbai’s air quality has gradually improved over the week. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Thursday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 09:05 am and stood at 60. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 91 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 76 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 56 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 55 (Satisfactory) Deonar: 99 (Satisfactory) Colaba: 63 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 74 on Thursday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 57 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 68 was also in 'Satisfactory' category. Thunderstorms and rains likely in parts of Maharashtra from March 30 Meanwhile, the IMD had last week predicted a fresh spell of cloudy weather and thunderstorms was expected in parts of Maharashtra this week, with light rain likely in several regions. According to the weather department, Maharashtra's ghat regions may also witness thunderstorms, gusty winds, rain and possible hail in some places. Other parts of Vidarbha may also see changes in weather conditions.
02 April,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a rare avian sighting, two great white pelicans, also known as “rosy Pelicans”, were spotted at the Nandur Madhmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Nashik on the morning of March 28. This is the first recorded sighting of the species at the site since 2005, and the first reported presence in Maharashtra since 2013, when it was last observed in Mumbai. Currently, the two great white pelicans are present at Nandur Madhyameshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, sparking excitement among birdwatchers. The sighting On Saturday morning, local guides at the sanctuary spotted two unusual birds circling overhead. Shortly after, the birds descended into newly created water bodies, revealing themselves to be the rare great white pelicans. ‘Zholiwala pelican’ Commonly referred to in Marathi as “pandhra pankoli” or “motha pandhra pelican”, this striking waterbird is easily identified by the pouch beneath its long bill, often earning it the nickname “Zholiwala”. This pouch, known scientifically as a gular pouch, is made of stretchable, featherless skin and hangs like a sling from the lower mandible. It acts like a fishing net, enabling pelicans to scoop up fish — an extraordinary feeding method not seen in other bird groups. Birds with the longest bills Pelicans are large aquatic birds known for their long bills — the longest among birds. A male’s bill can reach up to 20 inches. Despite its size, the pouch is not used to store food but to catch it. The pouch is highly elastic due to a network of collagen fibres, lacks feathers, and is rich in blood vessels. These birds have fully webbed four toes, making them excellent swimmers. Pelican habitats Pelicans prefer shallow wetlands as their habitat. Though fish form the bulk of their diet, they may occasionally prey on other aquatic organisms. Elegant and majestic, these birds have now made a temporary home in the sanctuary.
02 April,2026 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA 20-year-old almond tree, planted and cared for by autorickshaw drivers, was allegedly chopped down overnight near the E Wing gate of the Masala Market inside the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), reportedly to clear space for a stall during the market’s Sunday shutdown, raising fresh concerns over unchecked violations and official apathy. Not the first tree cut near market This is not the first such incident in the area. Around three years ago, a 25-year-old tree outside the Grain Market was illegally cut for a cultural event, after which a temporary shade structure was erected at the site. Then, NMMC Commissioner Abhijit Bangar had ordered the demolition of the structure. However, no FIR or complaint was registered against those responsible for the tree’s felling. APMC passes the buck When contacted, APMC Deputy Secretary Yeshwant Deshpande, told mid-day, “Maintenance of the Masala Market is handled by maintenance engineer Satish Deshmukh. You may speak to him.” However, Deshmukh remained unavailable despite repeated calls at the time of going to press, raising questions about accountability. People Speak The tree, locals said, was more than just greenery — it was a daily resting spot for auto drivers, transporters and traders. “We planted this almond tree 20 years back. It was in good condition. Recently, it had bent slightly, so we even tied a rope to support it,” said an autorickshaw driver. He alleged that the Bajrang Store owner wanted to set up a stall at the spot, but the tree was seen as an obstruction. “On Sunday, March 29, when no one was around, it was cut after paying contractors,” he said. The driver added that he will approach the Garden Department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) Turbhe ward to file a complaint over the alleged illegal felling. Mar 29Day the tree was allegedly chopped down
02 April,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghAhead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, the Supreme Court of India has issued strict guidelines cautioning against the use of stem cell therapy for autism. Authorities have been directed to act against misleading advertisements and unproven treatments. The move follows concerns raised by advocacy groups that families have spent over Rs 10 lakh on such therapies without scientific backing or positive outcomes. “Many families faced severe financial strain chasing these treatments and got nothing in return,” said Parul Kumtha, trustee and co-founder, Forum for Autism, and one of the petitioners in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed at the SC. NMC guidelines >> Stem cell therapy is allowed only for conditions approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as standard care>> For all other conditions, including autism, it is permitted only in approved clinical trials>> Trials must follow the norms, including informed consent, no cost to patients, and compensation for injury or death >> Any unapproved stem cell treatment will be considered illegal and invite action Supportive therapies are working! At the Autism Intervention Centre (AIC), Sion Hospital, 40 children have shown progress through supportive therapies. “The centre has helped children go from non-verbal to studying in regular schools,” said Dr Rashmi Yeradkar, who heads the Occupational Therapy Department. The centre offers occupational therapy, parent counselling and a sibling support programme (SPOT). However, lack of funding has affected speech therapy services. Manisha Pokhriyal said her son, diagnosed at 3.5 years, improved after joining the Sion centre. “Private therapy costs R800 to R2000 per session, which is unaffordable long-term. Here, he has improved and now attends a regular school,” she said. Family Speak Several families shared their experiences of financial loss and worsening conditions. KS Ganapathy, a petitioner, said he spent over R3 lakh on a session for his 33-year-old son. “Instead of improving, his condition worsened, and he became more aggressive,” he said. Nita Colaco said her family spent around R5 lakh after being promised a cure. “My son lost his ability to concentrate. Later, we realised we still had to depend on speech and occupational therapy.” Expert view Dr Abhijat Sheth, chairman, National Medical Commission‘Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a disease with a definitive cure. There is no credible scientific evidence supporting stem cell therapy for its treatment. Such interventions are unethical, exploit vulnerable families, and must be restricted to approved clinical trials’ April 2World Autism Awareness Day
02 April,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarDifferently-abled students across Maharashtra will now get more financial support for their education as the state cabinet approved a hike in scholarships. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, the state cleared the proposal to increase monthly scholarships. The hike will range from Rs 500-1000. A total of Rs 23.11 crore has been sanctioned for the hike. In the previous scheme, the financial assistance ranged only from Rs 100 to Rs 200. Hike range Std I to VIIIRs 500 Std IX and X (for residential students)Rs 800 Std IX and X (for non-residential students)Rs 600 Std XI and XII (for residential students)Rs 1000 XI and XII (for non-residential students)Rs 800 Revised annual expenditureRs 23.11Cr Additional benefits for blind studentsRs 150 For study tour (yearly), up toRs 1500 for Std XI and XII
02 April,2026 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarResidents of Siddharth Nagar in Goregaon, known as Patra Chawl, are locked in a standoff with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) after the Bombay High Court set an April 2 deadline to accept newly allotted flats or risk losing them altogether. Residents reuse possession Several families have refused to take possession, alleging incomplete and unsafe construction. Residents, including women, senior citizens and teenagers, have launched an indefinite chain hunger strike, raising concerns over structural safety. What High Court said A bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe criticised the society for refusing to execute PAAA. The court warned that failure to comply by April 2 would allow MHADA to reallocate the tenements for public purposes and permitted the authority to stop paying transit rent from April 1, 2026. Voices Naresh Sonawane, 50Our draft DA was submitted in December 2022, but MHADA began work only in October 2025. The government waived '887 crore for developers, yet we are being given substandard flats. Handing homes to PAP after 18 years will destroy faith in the system. Shaila Vyas, 62We are being removed from our own homes. Possession was to be given only after registration of the Development Agreement (DA) and Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreement (PAAA). But citing court pressure over rent, MHADA is forcing possession. Our DA registration is delayed due to MHADA constructing 72 unauthorised shops. We want our homes, but we are worried about our future.’ Bala Sakarkar, 67We came here in 1948 and cared for this land for 65 years. Under the 2008 tripartite agreement, we became partners in redevelopment, enabling MHADA to earn crores from the sale component. Today, we are being pushed out of our own land. Dr Vishakha Kanse, 33Patra Chawl existed before 1948. We are partners in this redevelopment, yet delays and irregularities have led to 18 years of injustice. How can our homes now be given to PAP? We will move the high court and the Supreme Court for justice. Suresh Vichare, 45We are not slum dwellers. Our homes were given up for redevelopment, but '1,200 crore was siphoned off and MHADA aided it. Now we are being denied our rightful homes. We have been on a hunger strike for 26 days, but no one is listening.
02 April,2026 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Anushree GaikwadWhat a shot Youngsters play cricket at Khar Danda during low tide Bring your dance moves to Bandra (From left) Pradeep K and Yash Popper perform at the Red Bull Dance Your Style qualifying rounds. Pics courtesy/Pradeep k, Yash Popper Brace yourself for an electrifying evening on April 5 when the Red Bull Dance Your Style India National Final will take over the Bandra Fort Amphitheatre. It will bring together 16 finalists for a high-energy dance battle. Among these class acts is Bengaluru’s Pradeep K, a seasoned participant returning for his fifth year. “I’m looking forward to it. This is my fifth year now, and in the past, I’ve made it to the top eight as well. I have a few artistically inclined people in my family, so this felt natural. My main area of expertise is be hip-hop and breaking, but I’ve recently branched out into popping and locking,” he shared, reflecting both experience and evolution in his craft. Also stepping into the spotlight is Yash Popper from New Delhi, who enters the competition with a sense of long-awaited fulfilment. “When I was preparing for this, I had planned to give it one solid chance and make it to the top finalists. As luck would have it, this is my first time trying this, and I managed to get through all the qualifying rounds, and everything else fell in place. Funnily enough, I’ve waited almost five years for this. I’m excited to show audiences my moves,” he told this diarist, while being grateful for this opportunity. Pecking order at Tolly Club Pradeev Divgikar pics/ BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT On a recent whirlwind visit to Kolkata, Mumbai’s Pradeep Divgikar was staying at the charming, historic Tollygunge Club. He sauntered into the cafeteria to grab a bite, post his afternoon swim and a wading bird and a crow perched nearby. (Left) The Egret with some table manners; one French fry before I fly, says the Egret Divgikar said, “As my order arrived, the wading bird with a long bill plonked itself on my table and eyed the French fries accompanying my cutlets. I was naturally anxious, and was being watched by club members at adjacent tables with some amusement. I was hesitant to offer the bird the fries, fearing being rebuked by the management. The bird decided to take matters into its own hands, its bill, actually. It pecked at one of the fries in my plate, and nibbled at it. That was my signal to offer it a few more, which I placed on the tray meant for sauces. All this while, the poor crow waited for its turn. However, the bird monopolised my table, and kept the crow at bay. It flew away as soon as I rose to leave.” A quick search on Google revealed that the French fries-eating bird was an egret. “I was informed that egrets and various species of exotic and migratory birds are common sights at the Club.” That’s what we call a Tolly-jolly experience. Frames with a phone The Indian Gazelle; (right) Karan Solanki. Pics courtesy/Karan Solanki ONE of the best things you can take a photo with, is already in your pocket,” says Karan Solanki, recalling advice from photographers he met early in his career. The Andheri-based photographer has begun his series called Wildlife At, featuring images shot with 600mm and 50 mm lenses in forests. He teases us with his next idea, “Let’s go back to the basics; my next series, Wildlife shot on the Phone, is where I want to see what my phone can do for me now.” Chef’s open secret Chicken Ruby Pie. Pics courtesy/@dishoom Last month, we spotted celebrated British chef Calum Franklin cafe-hopping across Kyani & Co, Britannia & Co, and Sassanian in SoBo in an Instagram video titled The Bombay Puff Hunt. Little did we know, he was on a mission. Calum Franklin Back in London now, the chef has introduced the Chicken Ruby Pie at popular Indian restaurant Dishoom. The flower-stamped pastry inspired by the puffs at Mumbai’s Irani cafes, comes with a flavourful grilled chicken filling. An inside job, one may say. Do these classic cafes know, we wonder. It might be a matter of time before we see a ‘No hunting for inspiration’ rule on their walls.
02 April,2026 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayEleven auto-rickshaws were gutted in a fire that broke out under the Ramabai bridge near Chedda Nagar Junction in Ghatkopar East on Wednesday, April 1. The incident occurred around 1 pm. According to the Pant Nagar police, a call about the fire was received at 1.10 pm, and officers reached the spot by 1.17 pm. The Vikhroli fire brigade arrived earlier at 1.12 pm and brought the blaze under control by 1.20 pm. Despite the swift response, all eleven autorickshaws were destroyed. No injuries were reported. Drivers’ loss One of the affected drivers, Bakeel Jaiswal, said he had bought his autorickshaw eight years ago and had recently repaid the loan. “We had parked our autos under the bridge and gone home for lunch when we got a call about the fire,” he said. Fire brigade personnel at the spot Another driver, Santosh Gaur, said he had purchased a new auto-rickshaw just ten days ago on loan. The vehicle was yet to be registered with the RTO and had been parked under the bridge for the past three days before being gutted. Another owner said his 13-year-old auto-rickshaw was also destroyed in the blaze. Cops’ suspicions Police suspect the fire may have originated from a garbage dump beneath the bridge, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. “The fire is suspected to have started from burning garbage. Further investigation is underway,” said Senior Inspector Lata Sutar, Pant Nagar police station.
02 April,2026 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Dinesh VaktaniaRail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES) — the project management company of Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s (SGNP) mini-train ‘Van Rani’ — has reportedly sent one of their directors on the ground to ensure the robustness of the mini-train as its operations came to a halt just 10 days after its formal inauguration, and three months after the service was launched. The train is being tested under the observation of experts this week, with park officials expecting that they might be able to reopen it for public as soon as Friday. A RITES official shared on Tuesday that they are overseeing all the repairs, part replacements, and upgrades that the electric mini-train needs. “We will conduct and observe trial runs for around a week, making sure that the train is robust. We can then clear it for reopening for the public,” added the official. Did you know? The mini-train service has been operating for three months, not just since 10 days when the service was formally inaugurated on March 14, 2026. SGNP officials, in a press statement last week, said the operations had commenced earlier on January 6, 2026. SGNP forest officer says... ‘The toy train had started in January, following all the final safety trials in December 2025. The train remained operational from January 6 to March 23 with regular ticket sales. Only the formal inauguration ceremony took place on March 14. We believe this is the first battery-powered electric mini-train across all national parks, so the technical issues faced are fresh and require a bit more time to resolve’ Moneymaker Operational since January 6, 2026Total ridership Over 15,500Total ticket revenue Over Rs 13 lakhDaily ticket revenue Around Rs 20,000Expected ridership 200-300 visitors per day‘We expect the footfall to increase in the coming months with the rainy season approaching’ A forest officer. Official Speak Anita Patil IFS (Indian Forest Service), field director, SGNPI had a meeting on Monday with a director and technical team from RITES regarding the ongoing issues with Van Rani. They are working towards solving the issue, and I will get an update from them on the situation on Friday. We are trying to get at least one train on track by this weekend.” Issues with Van Rani Slightly sunken tracks at a few points and limit-exceeding loads led to breakage of the train’s shaft. The coupling system was also impacted. Technical updates >> Earlier coupling system upgraded to redesigned newer, robust system aligned with soft-end motor>> Shaft, the intermediate part between the motor and the coupling, replaced>> Engine motor upgraded to one with higher power and load-bearing capacity>> Track work ongoing under regular maintenance Mar 24Day toy train service broke down
02 April,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaRivers across Maharashtra that are heavily polluted may soon see a major clean-up push, after the state cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of the Maharashtra State River Rejuvenation and Management Authority (MSRMDA) to restore them. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (2025) data, India has 296 polluted river stretches, and Maharashtra alone accounts for 54 of them, including the Mithi, Mula-Mutha, Bhima, Pavana, Nag, Chandrabhaga, and Panchganga. Pvt participation The MSRMDA will also be assisted by environmental groups and organisations like the Bombay Natural History Society and the Mangrove Cell. Besides, public awareness and people’s participation will also be a key part of the effort. MSRMDA members The CM will head the body, while the environment minister will be the vice-chairperson. Key ministers from finance, urban development, water resources, industries, and rural development will also be part of it. Also, a dedicated secretariat will support the authority in its functioning. Role of authority The new authority will act as the main decision-making body to clean and restore these rivers. Work will be taken up in phases, with focus on reducing sewage, controlling industrial waste, and preventing encroachments along riverbanks. The authority will ensure better coordination between departments, land acquisition where needed, and solving issues like power supply and contracts that often delay such projects. Project funding Rs 2000 CRTo be raised through the pollution control board Rs 1000 CRApproved initial contribution of the government 10 per centof the total revenue from minor mineral mining will be given to the authority every year CSR and financial institutions can also contribute
02 April,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIn a breakthrough driven largely by human intelligence, Trombay police have arrested 72-year-old Popat Govind Vaydande, who had been absconding for 45 years, in an attempt to murder case registered in 1981. The case was recently reopened after a court sought a search report and issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the CrPC, formally declaring him an absconder and directing him to appear — an order he had evaded for decades. Shenoli link emerges As the probe progressed, police pieced together his past, including multiple offences involving violence, and confirmed he had been externed from Mumbai in 1981. Inputs led them to Shenoli in Satara district, where he had once lived with a woman named Begum. The accused (centre right) in police custody. Pics/By Special Arrangement At Shenoli railway station, officers located Begum, now 74, living in a hut under a bridge. A former street dancer, she had separated from him years ago due to his alcohol-fuelled violence. While she could offer little due to her age, her daughter provided a key lead, indicating that he had moved towards the Sangli district. Criminal background Police said Vaydande has more than nine cases registered across Maharashtra, along with multiple marriages and a history of violence and alcohol abuse, which often exposed his whereabouts. The first lead The first lead emerged when police revisited 1981 case documents. While no direct trace of the accused was found, officers identified a friend linked to him in PNG Colony, Govandi. Though the man had died, a family member recalled a surname used by the accused as cover and a possible link to Sangli, said PSI Sharad Nanekar, the investigating officer. Hunt without identity With no photograph, mobile number or digital footprint, police worked off minimal clues — a cover surname and basic physical features recalled by a relative. Teams, along with local police and informants in Sangli, began tracing individuals matching the description. Life on the run Locals knew him as “mama”, a drifter who never stayed in one place for more than six months. He survived on odd jobs at garages and farms, constantly moving to avoid detection. Arrest in a field Acting on the final tip, police reached Ambegaon in Kadegaon taluka, where Vaydande was found resting in a field after work. He was arrested on the spot, and his identity was confirmed using a voter ID card.
02 April,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
