In a significant push towards digitising public transport services, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched the ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-enabled smart card for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) at Mantralaya in Mumbai. The initiative aims to make travel more seamless, transparent, and accessible for various sections of society, particularly those eligible for concessional fares on state-run buses. High-Level Presence at Launch The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, along with other senior ministers and MSRTC officials. The presence of top state leadership underscored the government’s focus on leveraging technology to improve public transport services and ensure efficient delivery of benefits. Smart Cards Distributed to Beneficiaries During the event, select beneficiaries were handed over the newly launched NCMC smart cards. Among them were Amrit Mahotsav senior citizen Ramesh Dhavare and concession beneficiaries Sangita Palkar and Varsha Kamble. The cards were distributed by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, symbolising the rollout of the scheme for wider public use. Focus on Inclusive and Digital Travel The Aadhaar-linked NCMC smart cards will be distributed to a wide range of eligible passengers, including students, senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, and others entitled to travel concessions. With the introduction of this card, beneficiaries will be able to access concessional travel in MSRTC buses in a more streamlined and hassle-free manner. The card is expected to eliminate the need for manual verification processes, thereby reducing delays and enhancing convenience for passengers. Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency Officials stated that the NCMC-enabled system will not only simplify fare collection but also bring greater transparency to the overall travel process. By digitising concession benefits and integrating them with a unified mobility card, the system aims to minimise discrepancies and improve operational efficiency. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Maharashtra government to modernise public transport infrastructure and adopt digital solutions that benefit both passengers and service providers. With the rollout of the NCMC smart card, MSRTC is expected to take a major step forward in aligning with national digital mobility initiatives, offering a more user-friendly and accountable travel experience across the state.
01 April,2026 04:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has registered its highest-ever property tax collection, garnering Rs 7,610.90 crore in the financial year 2025–26. This marks a historic achievement for the civic body, as it is the first time such a significant revenue milestone has been crossed. The Assessment and Collection Department surpassed its revised annual target of Rs 7,341 crore, achieving an impressive 103.68 per cent of the goal. The record-breaking performance underscores the corporation’s strengthened financial position and improved tax compliance across Mumbai. Record-Breaking Single-Day Collection In a notable feat, the BMC also recorded its highest-ever single-day property tax collection on March 31, 2026, amounting to Rs 399.74 crore. This surge reflects last-mile efforts by the administration and increased responsiveness from taxpayers toward meeting deadlines. Civic Chief Commends Department’s Efforts Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide praised the officers and staff of the Assessment and Collection Department for their exceptional dedication and efficiency. She credited their consistent efforts and strategic approach for achieving this landmark figure. Property Tax Remains Financial Backbone Property tax continues to be one of the most reliable and significant sources of revenue for the BMC. The funds play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery and enhancement of essential civic services across Mumbai, including infrastructure maintenance, sanitation, healthcare, and public amenities. Strategic Planning and Administrative Leadership The achievement was driven by focused administrative leadership and sustained efforts. Under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, and the supervision of Joint Commissioner Vishwas Shankarwar and Assessor and Collector Gajanan Bellale, the department implemented targeted strategies to maximise tax recovery. Despite the added responsibilities of conducting municipal general elections, officials maintained consistent momentum in tax collection activities throughout the year. Citizen Outreach and Digital Push Improve Compliance The BMC undertook extensive awareness campaigns to encourage timely tax payments. Citizen facilitation centres remained operational even on weekends and public holidays, improving accessibility for taxpayers. Additionally, enhanced online payment systems enabled seamless transactions. Special drives targeting major defaulters and recovery of arrears also contributed significantly to boosting overall collections. Penalties and Additional Revenue Apart from the primary tax collection, the civic body also collected Rs 301.13 crore in penalties, further strengthening its revenue base. Top Performing Wards Lead Collections Among administrative wards, K East emerged as the top performer with collections of Rs 719.23 crore, followed by G South (Rs 670.64 crore) and K West (Rs 622.16 crore). H East and H West wards also recorded strong performances with Rs 577.78 crore and Rs 536.55 crore, respectively. Zone-Wise Collection Highlights In the city area, total collections stood at Rs 2,102.60 crore, led by G South ward. The western suburbs contributed the highest share of Rs 3,721.33 crore, with K East and K West dominating collections. Meanwhile, the eastern suburbs recorded Rs 1,457.41 crore, with S Ward leading the region. Strong Public Participation Drives Success The BMC attributed this achievement not only to administrative efficiency but also to the cooperation of Mumbai’s citizens. The combination of strategic governance, digital facilitation, and public participation has set a new benchmark in municipal revenue collection.
01 April,2026 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA court in Maharashtra’s Nashik has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to 14-day judicial custody in connection with multiple sexual assault allegations, officials said on Wednesday, reported news agency PTI. Court Orders Judicial Custody After Police Remand Ends Kharat was produced before the court after the end of his police custody on Wednesday. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case, sought judicial custody during the hearing, reported PTI. Sessions judge B N Ichpurani subsequently ordered that Kharat be sent to judicial custody till April 14. He will be lodged at Nashik Road Central Jail, reported PTI. Arrest Followed Multiple Allegations Kharat was arrested on March 18 after a 35-year-old woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over a period of three years. Following his arrest, several more complaints of a similar nature surfaced. Authorities have registered at least 10 FIRs against him at Sarkarwada police station, including eight related to alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two for cheating, reported PTI. SIT Probe Expands as Complaints Rise The SIT has been actively investigating the case and has reportedly received over 100 complaints via phone, indicating a wider pattern of alleged misconduct. Officials said the probe is ongoing, with investigators examining evidence and statements from multiple complainants. Family Members Under Scanner On Wednesday, the SIT detained Kharat’s son, Harshvardhan, for questioning from their residence in Karmayogi Nagar. He was later released the same day, reported PTI. Investigators are also attempting to trace Kharat’s wife, Kalpana, who has been named in a cheating case registered in Ahilyanagar district, reported PTI. Evidence Seized from Premises Last week, the SIT conducted a search operation at Kharat’s office in Nashik along with a forensic science team. During the raid, officials recovered documents, files, and other materials relevant to the investigation. Among the items seized was a 20-foot remote-controlled mechanised snake, which Kharat allegedly used to create an illusion of possessing supernatural powers. Godman’s Influence Under Scrutiny Kharat, who heads a temple trust in Sinnar, had reportedly built a following over the years, with several political figures visiting him in the past. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to further examine the extent of the allegations and identify any additional victims or associates linked to the case. (With inputs from PTI)
01 April,2026 03:05 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday announced plans for an ambitious pod taxi project in Thane aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity and easing urban transport challenges, reported news agency PTI. Pod Taxi Project Planned for Ghodbunder Area Addressing an event in Thane, Shinde said the proposed pod taxi system will be introduced in the Ghodbunder region, with the foundation stone for the project set to be laid soon, reported PTI. He described the initiative as part of a broader push to modernise the city’s infrastructure, drawing parallels with major projects such as Metro corridors, the Coastal Road, and the Thane-Borivali twin-tunnel project. What is a Pod Taxi System? A pod taxi operates under the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, featuring small, automated, driverless electric vehicles running on dedicated elevated tracks. These vehicles are designed to carry a limited number of passengers and provide efficient, point-to-point connectivity. The system is expected to offer faster travel, reduced congestion, and an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transport options. Focus on Modern Urban Transport Solutions Shinde emphasised that the pod taxi service will provide a modern and convenient mode of transport for Thane residents. With rapid urbanisation and increasing traffic congestion, the project aims to improve connectivity, especially in areas that are not directly served by existing mass transit systems, reported PTI. The initiative aligns with the state government’s broader vision of integrating advanced mobility solutions into urban planning. Twin Tower Project Also on the Cards In addition to the pod taxi system, Shinde revealed plans to construct a landmark “Twin Tower” in Thane, inspired by iconic global structures such as the Eiffel Tower. The project is expected to enhance the city’s skyline and boost its identity as a growing urban hub, reported PTI. Appreciation for Journalists and Civic Efforts During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister also appreciated the role of journalists, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that media professionals have played a crucial role in keeping the public informed during emergencies, reported PTI. Shinde thanked the civic administration for renovating the press room at the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters and stressed the importance of providing better facilities for journalists, reported PTI. Balancing Development with Green Cover Highlighting Thane’s development journey, Shinde said that despite rapid urban growth, the city has managed to preserve its greenery. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable development while expanding infrastructure. The proposed pod taxi project is expected to be a significant step towards improving urban mobility and positioning Thane as a forward-looking city embracing innovative transport solutions. (With inputs from PTI)
01 April,2026 02:58 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAn autorickshaw driver brutally assaulted a four-year-old boy by lifting him by his legs and slamming him to the ground before smashing his head on an iron rod following an argument with the minor's father in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place in a housing society at Vasai on Monday night, following which the accused was arrested, they said, adding that the critically-injured child is battling for life in a hospital, reported PTI. The incident was captured on a CCTV camera. CA student critical after assault over Rs 10,000; three booked A 21-year-old student pursuing his CA articleship is battling for his life in Sion Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) after being allegedly abducted and brutally assaulted by three men over Rs 10,000. The youth, a resident of Sion, was initially rushed to the hospital’s emergency ward in critical condition with head injuries, bruises on his face, and swelling on his back. Doctors later confirmed that he is currently out of danger but has a fracture under his eye. According to the police, the student was returning home from a Ganeshotsav event around 2.30 am on Saturday, September 6, when he was stopped by a man named Prasad Sakpal, who had been pressuring him for months to pay a so-called “settlement fee” linked to an old quarrel. Sakpal, along with two unidentified accomplices, allegedly forced him onto a scooter, took him to Wadala’s Bhim Nagar area, where they beat him with a wooden stick before extorting Rs 10,000 through online transfers. The victim’s father, a tempo driver, broke down while speaking to mid-day, “I am not thinking about what the police are doing. I am only thankful my son is alive,” he said in tears. When asked whether he knew the accused, he replied, "I don’t know." I became aware of the entire incident when I got to know about my son’s condition at the hospital. I go to work early in the morning at 4 and return home late. All I did was work so my family gets food and shelter.” Talking about his son, the father said, “He always wanted to be a chartered accountant. Since he was in Std XII, that was his dream, which he kept telling us (family). He gave two attempts but did not clear; now he is doing his articleship and hoping to clear the exam and become a CA. But now, he is lying in the ICU, helplessly.” Wiping his tears off, he once again repeated, “I am thankful he is alive. We did not lose our son; that’s all that matters. I believe the police will do what’s needed, but I don’t have the time or bandwidth to go check on them for an update.” Sion police have registered a case of kidnapping, extortion, assault, and intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. After the FIR was registered, the police on Monday arrested Prasad Sakpal from his residence in Sundar Kamla Nagar in Matunga East. A Sion police officer confirmed that Sakpal is currently in police custody and cops are on the lookout for the two other unknown accused.
01 April,2026 02:51 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Wednesday clarified her statements regarding her recovery with the help of a Jain spiritual leader, amid controversy over misinterpretations of her remarks. Speaking at a Mahavir Jayanti event in Borivali, Tawde had said, “The Jain godman helped me get well from my throat issue. His prayers helped me recover.” At a press conference, she explained, “People are taking this in the wrong way. I do not support superstitions; I support our faith and believe in my faith. All the false claims and derogatory comments about me are very shameful. All I said was that the Jain Maharaj helped me… he told me to say ‘Om,’ and with the vibration of the sound of Om, my throat came back to life.” Mayor hits dig at Sanjay Raut Tawde also objected to attempts to link the Maharaj’s name to criminal cases, calling it “extremely shameful.” She said, “He is a very well-known and learned personality. Do not attach his name to criminals like Kharat.” Taking a dig at Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, she added, “Sanjay Raut should watch his mouth. How can he speak about a woman like this? He has a wife and daughters, yet he does not understand how to respect women.” She further elaborated, “Some people, including Sanjay Raut, have spoken without understanding. This is not about superstition; it is about faith. Eknath Shinde was also present at the Jain-focused program. I had visited Gurudev Namramuni Maharaj when I was suffering from throat issues. He advised me to chant ‘Om.’ When we chant ‘Om,’ it exercises the throat and provides relief. At that time, we, including MLA Parag Shah, corporator Rakhi Jadhav, and Dharmesh Giri, went to Gujarat to receive his blessings. I was simply sharing my experience: Ritu Tawde “The Maharaj guided us to chant Om, and I have been practising it consistently every day since. As a result, my throat has improved. I was simply sharing my experience, and there was no intention of promoting superstition. We are all devotees of Swami Samarth and Sai Baba, and we follow the respected Namramuniji.” Tawde expressed frustration at the media coverage, saying, “Before I even reached home, such news had already been circulated. It is filthy and disgusting. Who are you associating with whom? I truly feel bad about this.” The clarifications came following her participation in the “Bhagwan Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Mahotsav” in Borivali, celebrated with great enthusiasm in the auspicious presence of Rashtrasant Param Gurudev Shri Namramuni Maharaj. The event, imbued with the inspiring thoughts of Bhagwan Mahavir, was attended by several prominent leaders. State dignitaries present included Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, Cabinet Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, BJP Mumbai President Shri Amit Satam, and MLAs Shri Paragbhai Shah, Shri Sanjay Upadhyay, and Shri Murji Patel, along with other ministers and officials.
01 April,2026 02:22 PM IST | MumbaiThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded compensation of Rs 7.76 lakh to a man who suffered permanent disability in a road accident in 2015. The order, passed on March 25 by Presiding Officer K P Shrikhande, brings relief to the petitioner after a long legal process as per PTI. How the accident happened The incident took place on August 28, 2015, near a mosque on the Sion-Kurla road in Mumbai. At the time, Wahid Aziz Khan, then 40 years old and working as a driver, was offering namaz by the roadside. According to the tribunal’s findings, a school bus being driven in a rash and negligent manner crashed into a tempo. The impact caused the tempo to overturn and fall on Khan and others nearby, leaving them seriously injured. After the accident, Khan was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for fractures to his ribs and shoulder blade. The tribunal accepted that he suffered permanent partial disability and assessed his functional disability at 30 per cent, which affected his ability to work, reported the news agency. Tribunal’s observations The tribunal noted that a criminal case had been registered against the bus driver under relevant laws. The driver was later charge-sheeted and convicted, which supported the claim of negligence. It rejected the insurance company’s argument that the victim was partly responsible for the accident or that there was a violation of policy conditions. The tribunal observed that no evidence was presented to support these claims. The bus owner did not appear before the tribunal, and the case was decided ex parte against him. Compensation details Although Khan had sought compensation of over Rs 39 lakh, the tribunal assessed his monthly income at Rs 10,500 due to lack of proper income proof. Based on this, it calculated the total compensation at Rs 7,76,590. This amount includes medical expenses, loss of income during treatment, future loss of earnings, and compensation for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. The tribunal held both the vehicle owner and the insurer responsible but directed the insurance company to pay the amount and recover it from the owner if necessary. It also ordered that the compensation be deposited within 30 days. The tribunal directed that the compensation amount will carry an interest of 9 per cent per annum from November 3, 2022, until the amount is fully paid. However, it noted delays in pursuing the case and limited the interest period accordingly. (With PTI Inputs)
01 April,2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra State Onion Growers' Association has called on the government to swiftly roll out the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to curb the steep decline in onion prices, which it says is driving farmers into a serious financial crisis Onion prices have declined by more than 50 per cent, clearly indicating distress sale conditions and meeting the criteria for MIS implementation, association president Bharat Dighole said, PTI reported. He also warned of state-wide protests if immediate steps are not taken, urging the government to act swiftly to provide relief to onion farmers. Focus on perishable agricultural commodities The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), a component under PM-AASHA, is aimed at providing remunerative prices to farmers for the procurement of agricultural and horticultural commodities that are perishable in nature and not covered under the Price Support Scheme. In a representation sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Dighole highlighted that onion growers across Maharashtra were suffering heavy losses due to a steep decline in prices at Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). According to PTI, he said that if the scheme is implemented, the government's entry as a buyer in the market would help stabilise prices, curb panic selling, and prevent traders from suppressing rates. Current rates fail to cover harvesting and transport Currently, farmers are receiving only Rs 300 to Rs 800 per quintal for onions, less than half of the production cost estimated at Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800 per quintal. The prevailing prices are insufficient even to cover harvesting and transportation costs, forcing farmers into distress sales. In several instances, farmers have been compelled to dump onions on roads due to unviable market rates, Dighole pointed out. He demanded that the state government immediately send a proposal to the Centre for the implementation of MIS and ensure the scheme is executed at the taluka level rather than being restricted to districts. He also called for setting up government procurement centres in every onion-producing taluka and fixing a minimum procurement price based on production costs. Dighole also stressed the need for effective implementation of the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) scheme to ensure direct financial support to farmers. (With PTI inputs)
01 April,2026 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBangladeshi students, who love to call Mumbai their home, continue to look forward to building their future and hope that the diplomatic strains between the two countries will soon improve. Their hope flickers amid news of suspended tourist visas and evident manifestos against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. We speak to these students about the challenges they faced in 2025. Ananya Raha, who has made Mumbai his home since the last 17-months, says for her, things are in fact looking better. “I am doing my Master’s in English Literature at a university in Mumbai, and my academics and personal life have still been smooth sailing,” he says. Raha had left her homeland in the early days of the unrest, “My scholarships and visas were already spoken for. While the tensions in the country were definitely a matter of concern, I never felt them creep into my life in Mumbai. Out of all the places I have lived, Kerala, Delhi, and West Bengal, this felt the most like home,” he said while talking to Sunday mid-day. Uthsa Sarker loves how Indian academics include the international perspective; (right) Shajib Kumar Das says that news coverage of his country on sometimes lacks nuance Raha never experienced any discrimination but the room does quiten when his nationality is mentioned. “Some students get slightly uncomfortable, but that too is very rare, and most importantly, it hasn’t impacted my academics,” he says. Students, though look for few essential factors when deciding to move — safety, diversity, liberal outlook, and social life. “I love how Hinduism is practised in Mumbai, then back home. Also, staying in the financial capital of the country works best for my career,” said Shajib Kumar Das, who arrived in Mumbai only seven months ago to pursue MCom. To live in a city that is a pot of cultures was essential for Das. “I am here to experience diversity and different opportunities,” he said. Das’s only grouse? The representation of his country in news coverage. “At times Bangladeshi residents do see civil unrest and even safety issues, however, I have realised that it is not really shown in right light by the Indian media. At times, there isn’t enough context in the coverage,” he adds. Ties eased and the ice thawed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman, the newly elected Bangladesh Prime Minister from the BNP. The immediate effect was the reopening of Visa offices; students relay that things are getting better. “If the leaders accept each other, the citizens do too. However, while studying, we are always more than our nationality, we are good students and much more,” said Das. For many, the syllabus was the key factor. One of them is Uthsa Sarker, who studies at Mumbai University’s sociology department and says that what he learnt during his Master’s in Mumbai varies from what he studied back home. “There we focused more on the social dynamics within Bangladeshi society from an international perspective. Here, my course also has an international aspect, but I have been introduced to multiple Indian perspectives on Indian society. I can relate to various aspects and have been learning about concepts such as caste, gender,” he adds. Hitesh Sharma Edupeer ‘The world in general, has been experiencing a largely political climate. It’s crucial that the students are comfortable with it before travelling. When it comes to India, we can still be attracting many more students from Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and even countries from the West, since we already have a robust education culture and we can bring in a larger diversity and a bigger influx of international students’
01 April,2026 12:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarPolice have arrested two motorcycle thieves and recovered 58 stolen two-wheelers in Maharashtra’s Thane district, an official said. Following a surge in motorbike theft cases in the Bhiwandi area, police intensified surveillance and laid a trap, after which the duo was apprehended on Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav told PTI on Tuesday. Vehicles linked to multiple theft cases During the investigation, police recovered 58 motorcycles and scooters, valued at more than Rs 10 lakh, linked to 41 theft cases registered across multiple police stations in the district, he said. Police suspect that the accused, Ganesh alias Ganu Raju More (21) and Sahebali alias Chotu Sultanali Sheikh (19), were part of a larger network involved in vehicle thefts, and efforts are underway to trace other accomplices, the official added. Mumbai Police bust motorcycle theft racket, recover 46 stolen bikes worth Rs 12.85 lakh Earlier in January, the DN Nagar police cracked a well-organised motorcycle theft racket, arresting three accused and recovering as many as 46 stolen two-wheelers valued at approximately Rs 12.85 lakh. The arrests led to the detection of seven theft cases registered across multiple police stations in the city. According to the police sources, the case leading to the arrests was filed by Raju Balakrishna Pujari, 23, after his Honda Aviator scooter (MH02 BX 3352) was stolen around July-August 2025, from outside Jeevan Jyot Medical Centre on CD Barfiwala Road in Andheri West. Based on his complaint, DN Nagar police registered an offence under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to theft. CCTV analysis and tip-off lead to breakthrough During the investigation, police analysed CCTV footage from the crime scene and acted on inputs from a confidential informant, leading to the arrests of Janardan Vishwas Bane alias Nana, 36, Munna Kedar Mali, 52, and Ashfaak Ibrahim Mansuri, 34. The trio was arrested and sent to police custody. Police investigations revealed that Bane would steal motorcycles from areas including Juhu, Goregaon, Versova, and DN Nagar, with the help of Mali. The stolen vehicles were then taken to Mansuri’s workshop in Behram Baug, Oshiwara, where they were dismantled, and the parts were sold individually to avoid detection. In addition to the 46 motorcycles recovered, the police also seized multiple two-wheelers from Mansuri’s shop, leading to suspicions that the racket may be linked to several more thefts. (With PTI inputs)
01 April,2026 11:49 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department has forecast a partly cloudy sky over Mumbai, with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers in the city and suburbs towards evening or night. According to the IMD, the city recorded minimum temperatures of 25.5 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 25.6 degrees Celsius at Santacruz on Tuesday. No rainfall was reported at either observatory, with both stations logging 0.0 millimetres of precipitation, indicating largely dry conditions through the day. Yellow alert issued for multiple districts Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts including Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Kolhapur ghats, Kolhapur, Satara ghats, Sangli, Sholapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, Akola and Amravati, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kilometres per hour at isolated places. Orange alert warns of hailstorms, stronger winds An orange alert has been sounded for Nashik, its ghat areas, Ahmednagar, Pune, Pune ghats, Satara, Latur, Dharashiv and Yavatmal, where thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms and stronger gusts of 50–60 kilometres per hour are likely at isolated locations. Cooling trend observed across Maharashtra Across Maharashtra, several regions recorded below-normal maximum temperatures on Wednesday, pointing to a mild cooling trend. Cities such as Ahmednagar (35.2 degrees Celsius), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (32.8 degrees Celsius), Beed (34.0 degrees Celsius), Jalgaon (35.6 degrees Celsius) and Parbhani (34.0 degrees Celsius) saw daytime temperatures dipping 2 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius below normal. Kolhapur (34.6 degrees Celsius), Satara (34.8 degrees Celsius) and Nashik (34.2 degrees Celsius) also reported below-average daytime heat. Malegaon hottest; interior regions stay near normal Among the warmer pockets, Malegaon recorded 38.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Dharashiv at 37.6 degrees Celsius and Sholapur at 37.2 degrees Celsius, though these too remained close to seasonal averages. Mumbai temperatures remain near normal In the Mumbai region, Colaba and Santacruz recorded maximum temperatures of 32.8 degrees Celsius and 33.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, remaining near normal, while minimum temperatures stayed slightly above average. High humidity persists along coast Coastal areas such as Dahanu and Ratnagiri continued to witness high humidity levels, with morning relative humidity at 76 per cent and 70 per cent respectively, while Harnai recorded 76 per cent humidity in the evening. Slightly warmer nights across state Night temperatures across the state ranged between 20 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, with places like Mahabaleshwar (20.4 degrees Celsius), Nashik (20.6 degrees Celsius) and Parbhani (22.7 degrees Celsius) experiencing slightly above-normal minimum temperatures. Overall, the IMD data suggests a marginal dip in daytime temperatures across Maharashtra, even as humid conditions persist along the coast and thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify in several districts.
01 April,2026 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1775034789714_d.png "Child fights for life after brutal beating. Representational Image/Pixabay")
-1775030195246_d.png "Man hit in 2015 accident gets Rs 7.76 lakh relief. Representational Image")
