The Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), a unit of the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), successfully organised the 1st International Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Summit as part of OTCAN REHAB 2026 at its Kharghar campus. This initiative marks a major step towards advancing multidisciplinary cancer care. The summit, inaugurated by Navin Khattry, Deputy Director, CRC-ACTREC, brought together leading experts, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to deliberate on comprehensive rehabilitation strategies for breast cancer patients. Delegates across India addressed the summit In his welcome address, Jagmohan Lal Meena, Organising Secretary and In-charge of the Department of Occupational Therapy at ACTREC, emphasised the need for a holistic and collaborative approach in improving patient outcomes. The event was further enriched by insights from John Boyages, Senior Oncologist and Founding Director of ALERT, Australia, who highlighted global best practices in breast cancer rehabilitation. The hybrid-format summit witnessed participation from 238 delegates across India and countries including the UAE, UK, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Attendees comprised oncologists, clinical pharmacologists, occupational therapists, faculty, and students engaged in cancer rehabilitation. Experts at the summit discussed the importance of multidisciplinary teams in enhancing functional recovery and quality of life for breast cancer survivors. The scientific programme featured eminent national and international faculty, including Dileep R. Hoysal and Anbarasan Sekar, and specialists from the United States such as Manisha Agarwal, Shaloo Choudhary, and Geeta Santosh Nath. The in-house faculty from Tata Memorial Centre, including Savita Goswami, Sarika Mahajan, and Mohua Chatterjee, also contributed significantly, alongside distinguished occupational therapy experts like Sunita Koutarapu and Shailaja Jayavant. First international summit in Asia exclusively for breast cancer awareness Being among the first international summits in Asia dedicated exclusively to breast cancer rehabilitation, the event provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange and showcased emerging innovations in patient care. Participants lauded the initiative, noting its role in strengthening rehabilitation services and improving long-term outcomes for patients. The organisers expressed gratitude to Sudeep Gupta, Pankaj Chaturvedi, and other senior leadership for their continued support in making the summit a success.
01 April,2026 08:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonIn a significant boost to railway finances and resource optimisation, the Central Railway has earned a record Rs 459.52 crore from the sale of scrap materials during the financial year 2025–26. This marks the highest revenue from scrap disposal in the last two years and surpasses the Railway Board’s target of Rs 450 crore. The zone said the achievement aligns with its “Zero Scrap Mission”, aimed at converting idle and waste materials into revenue-generating assets while promoting efficient resource utilisation and environmental sustainability. As on March 31, the zone achieved this figure through systematic identification, collection, and disposal of various categories of scrap and unserviceable materials. Major contributors Rail permanent-way scrap: 47,502 metric tonnesFerrous scrap: 31,298 metric tonnesNon-ferrous scrap: 3,616 metric tonnesSleepers: 2,65,625 unitsRolling stock: 50 locomotives, 78 coaches, and 137 wagons The stores department conducted coordinated scrap disposal drives across locations, including Kurla Cutting Yard, Traction Machine Workshop (Nashik), Parel Workshop, Manmad Workshop, and all five divisions. These efforts led to an improvement in overall sales performance. Division-wise performance Bhusawal Division emerged as the top performer with Rs 105.39 crore in scrap sale revenue. It was followed by: Matunga Workshop: Rs 68.39 croreNagpur Division: Rs 64.02 croreMumbai Division: Rs 55.49 crorePune Division: Rs 50 crore Other divisions and production units also contributed to the total revenue. Meanwhile, Central Railway avoided scrapping a serviceable Rotatek Printing Machine. The machine, which was lying unused but in working condition, was transferred to the Nashik Printing Press at a value of Rs 8.75 crore. Central Railway said the initiative not only generates non-fare revenue but also supports operational efficiency and sustainable practices by clearing unused assets. It added that it will continue to focus on unlocking value from underutilised assets.
01 April,2026 08:31 PM IST | MumbaiChief of the Naval Staff, Dinesh K Tripathi, on Wednesday, April 1, conferred prestigious gallantry and distinguished service awards to Indian Naval personnel at the Naval Investiture Ceremony 2026 held in Mumbai. As per the official statement, the awards were presented on behalf of the President of India to honour exceptional bravery, leadership, professional excellence, and distinguished service by naval personnel and units. During the ceremony, individual honours included two Yudh Seva Medals, twelve Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), eight Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), and eighteen Vishisht Seva Medals, recognising outstanding contributions across various operational and service domains. Award ceremony In a poignant moment, the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded posthumously to the spouse of the late Deepak Kumar, Petty Officer Marine Engineering, for acts of exceptional courage. The Chief of Naval Staff also presented the Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal for promoting flight safety and the Lt VK Jain Memorial Medal for excellence in applied research. Unit Citations were awarded to several operational afloat units and shore establishments for exemplary service over the past year. Additionally, the CNS Rolling Trophy for Best Green Practices was conferred in both industrial and non-industrial categories, highlighting the Navy’s focus on sustainability. Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, senior officers, sailors, and families of the awardees were present at the felicitation ceremony, marking a proud and solemn occasion celebrating the dedication and valour of the Indian Navy.
01 April,2026 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonThe Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has achieved its highest-ever property tax collection, raking in a record Rs 876 crore in the financial year 2025–26, marking a major milestone since its inception. Civic officials attributed the surge to a combination of citizen participation, strategic planning, and the success of the Abhay Yojana implemented between March 10 and March 31, 2026. The scheme offered a 50 per cent waiver on penalty for lump sum payment of arrears, encouraging thousands of defaulters to clear dues. Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde credited the achievement to a “transparent, tech-driven and citizen-friendly approach,” while thanking taxpayers for their cooperation. Under his leadership, the civic body emphasised digital adoption, streamlined processes and consistent follow-ups to boost compliance. Nerul tops collection charts Among administrative wards, Nerul emerged as the top contributor with Rs 182.09 crore in collections. It was followed by Koparkhairane (Rs 163.40 crore) and Ghansoli (Rs 150.11 crore), indicating strong recovery across key nodes. Tech and data-driven recovery Officials said the property tax department leveraged data analytics to identify defaulters and plan targeted recovery drives. SMS alerts, WhatsApp messages, RCS communication and physical follow-ups were extensively used. In a first, the civic body also deployed AI-based calling systems to reach out to defaulters, nudging them to pay pending dues. Digital payments dominate A significant behavioural shift was observed among taxpayers, with nearly 61 per cent opting for online payment modes. Of the total 2.25 lakh property owners who paid tax this year, the majority preferred digital platforms, while 39 per cent paid offline at civic collection centres. To further ease payments, NMMC kept tax collection centres operational even on weekends and public holidays in March, ensuring last-mile convenience. March rush boosts numbers The final month of the financial year saw a major spike, with over 28,800 property owners contributing around Rs 192.81 crore alone, underlining the impact of deadline-driven compliance and incentives. Municipal Commissioner Shinde said, "The record-breaking figures reflect growing tax discipline and improved trust between the administration and citizens." NMMC Mayor Sujata Patil and senior officials also congratulated the property tax department for the achievement.
01 April,2026 07:34 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Abhitash SinghIn a move aimed at improving daily travel for millions, Central Railway has announced the extension of its collaboration with the Yatri App, strengthening access to real-time train information across Mumbai’s suburban rail network. The five-year-old partnership has played a key role in providing accurate and timely updates to commuters. Initially formalised through a five-year tender awarded in April 2021, the agreement has now been extended until March 2031, reflecting the success and reliability of the collaboration. As part of the arrangement, the Yatri app contributes an annual licence fee revenue of Rs 22.05 lakh to Central Railway, making it both a service-oriented and revenue-generating initiative. Mumbai’s suburban railway is among the busiest urban transit systems globally, serving millions of passengers every day. Through this partnership, commuters benefit from crucial features such as live train tracking, delay alerts, and platform information. The app utilises GPS-enabled data from local trains to deliver precise, real-time updates, assisting over 2.5 million users daily. Officials from the Central Railway further noted that the integration of real-time train data has significantly improved commuter convenience, enabling better travel planning and smoother coordination with other public transport systems, including city buses and the metro network. Moreover, the continued collaboration underscores Central Railway’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to enhance passenger services. Railway and Yatri App expected to strengthen the suburban rail network By supporting digital platforms like the Yatri App, the railway aims to make travel information more transparent, accessible, and reliable for everyday commuters. With the partnership now secured through 2031, both Central Railway and the Yatri App are expected to further strengthen Mumbai’s suburban rail experience, making it more efficient and commuter-friendly.
01 April,2026 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a significant step towards education welfare, the Maharashtra State Cabinet has approved an increase in scholarship amounts for thousands of differently-abled students across the state, offering long-awaited financial relief. The decision was cleared during a recent cabinet meeting and will benefit students from Class 8 to Class 12. Furthermore, this marks the first revision in scholarship amounts in over twelve years, addressing a long-pending demand from students and parents. This is the first increase in scholarship amounts in 12 years, bringing major relief to students in Classes 8 to 12. Over 93,000 scholarship applications await verification in Maharashtra More than 93,000 scholarship applications from students seeking higher education are currently pending verification in Maharashtra, the state government informed the legislative council on Tuesday, reported the PTI. In a written reply, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said that 93,326 applications were awaiting verification on the MahaDBT Portal as of February 27. Patil explained that the verification process is often delayed because applicants fail to upload required documents, submit incorrect files, or do not provide hard copies of their applications to colleges. These issues slow down the scrutiny process carried out by the concerned authorities.
01 April,2026 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has recorded its highest-ever property tax collection, amassing Rs 878.37 crore in the financial year 2025–26. The civic body achieved 96 per cent of its annual target of Rs 915 crore, reflecting strong compliance and improved administrative efficiency. Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao expressed gratitude to citizens for their cooperation and timely payments, crediting taxpayers for the milestone achievement. Significant Growth Over Previous Year The latest figures mark a substantial increase of Rs 68.37 crore compared to the Rs 810 crore collected during the financial year 2024-25. Officials attributed this growth to a combination of streamlined processes, enhanced outreach initiatives, and strict enforcement measures against defaulters. Strategic Measures Boost Collections To maximise revenue, TMC implemented a series of targeted measures throughout the year. Property tax bills were generated on April 1, 2025, and shared with citizens through SMS notifications and online access links, ensuring early awareness. The corporation also strengthened its payment infrastructure by offering multiple convenient options, including online payments, cheque, demand draft, and card facilities at collection centres across the city. Notably, collection centres remained operational even on public holidays between January and March 2026 to facilitate last-minute payments. In addition, awareness campaigns were carried out through auto-rickshaw announcements, while mobile van camps were organised in housing societies to assist residents directly. SMS reminders further nudged taxpayers to clear dues within deadlines. Strict action was taken against defaulters, including issuance of warrants, property seizures, and disconnection of services, reinforcing compliance. Administrative Oversight and Team Effort Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao closely monitored the collection process through regular reviews, while deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, tax inspectors, and ward-level staff ensured consistent follow-ups. Deputy Commissioner (Property Tax) G.G. Godepure highlighted the role of social and mass media in spreading awareness and encouraging prompt payments. Digital Payments See Strong Adoption A key highlight of this year’s collection drive was the growing preference for digital transactions. As much as 87.37 per cent of the total property tax was collected through non-cash modes, underlining the success of technology-driven initiatives and alignment with the Digital India push. Ward-wise Collection Highlights Among the wards, Majiwada-Manpada recorded the highest collection at Rs 236.51 crore, followed by Headquarters and other divisions at Rs 188.62 crore. Vartak Nagar contributed Rs 120.40 crore, while Naupada-Kopri registered Rs 97.06 crore. Other areas such as Uthalsar, Mumbra, Diva, Wagle Estate, Lokmanya Savarkar Nagar, and Kalwa also posted steady contributions. Outlook for the New Financial Year Encouraged by the strong performance, Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and Commissioner Saurabh Rao expressed confidence that the Property Tax Department will continue its focused efforts to meet and exceed targets in the upcoming financial year, further strengthening the civic body’s financial position.
01 April,2026 05:37 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentIn a sudden fire incident on Wednesday, at least eleven autorickshaws were completely gutted after a blaze broke out under the Ramabai Bridge near Chedda Nagar Junction in Ghatkopar. PSI Kohli from Pant Nagar Police Station, while briefing about the incident, said that the fire was reported at around 1 pm. Preliminary information suggests that the flames rapidly spread, engulfing the parked autorickshaws within minutes. Officials suspect that the fire may have originated from a garbage dump located beneath the bridge, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the site, causing panic among commuters and residents in the vicinity. Fire breaks out at a residential building in Diva; no injuries are reported A fire broke out in a residential building in Diva in the early hours of Wednesday but was swiftly brought under control with no injuries reported, officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident was reported at around 1:54 am by the Diva Beat Fire Station. The blaze occurred at Baburao Residency, located near Hanuman Temple, close to Diva Railway Station in Diva (West). The fire originated in the kitchen of Room No. 103 on the first floor of the ground-plus-four-storey building. The flat is owned by Dinesh Sawant and was occupied by tenant Sushil Mestri. Preliminary information suggests that a short circuit in the kitchen’s electrical board triggered the fire, which spread to the refrigerator. Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot with a rescue vehicle and managed to contain the blaze. No casualties or injuries were reported. Sion Hospital to conduct a fresh safety audit after AC fire Following two safety incidents within a week, authorities at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, popularly known as Sion Hospital, have decided to conduct a fresh audit to assess safety systems and maintenance of electrical appliances to prevent future mishaps. “The fire on Tuesday was due to a blast in the split AC installed in the X-ray department. While generally the window AC compressor is the reason for such blasts, in an unusual incident, this time the split AC’s main body exploded inside the closed room. We are thinking of checking electrical appliances as well as electrical points,” said Dr Pramod Ingale, dean, Sion Hospital.
01 April,2026 05:08 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIn 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
