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Metro-3 to run extended services for India–England T20 WC semi-final clash

With the excitement building for the high-profile ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final between India and England on Thursday, March 5, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) has announced extended services to ensure smooth and convenient commuting for thousands of fans heading to the venue. The match, starting at 7 pm, is a crucial knockout encounter expected to draw massive crowds to South Mumbai. Wankhede Stadium, located near Churchgate and Marine Drive, will see heavy footfall from cricket enthusiasts across the city, leading to potential congestion on roads and local trains. To support spectators and reduce travel hassles, Metro Line-3 will operate additional trains on both up and down lines throughout the day and into the late evening. Metro Line-3, spanning 33.5 km with 27 stations from Cuffe Parade to Aarey Colony (JVLR), passes through key central and southern areas of Mumbai. Important stations close to Wankhede include Churchgate (underground, a short walk from the stadium), Vidhan Bhavan, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, and others like Grant Road and Mumbai Central. This makes the metro an ideal, air-conditioned, and reliable option for fans coming from suburbs like Aarey, SEEPZ, Airport areas, Worli, BKC, and Dadar, avoiding overcrowded Western and Central Railway lines during peak event hours. A key highlight for match-goers is the extended timing: The last train departure from Churchgate Station (towards Aarey and Cuffe Parade) has been scheduled at 11:59 PM on March 5. This allows ample time for fans to exit the stadium after the night match concludes and catch a metro home safely, minimising risks associated with late-night road travel or last-minute rushes. Special Metro-3 services part of wider preparations for high-voltage India–England semi-final  Authorities have urged commuters to plan their journeys well in advance, check real-time metro updates via official apps or stations, and arrive early to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere without stress. The special arrangement underscores Mumbai's commitment to efficient public transport during major sporting events, helping decongest roads and promote safe, eco-friendly travel. "Enjoy the match. Travel safe!" the public notice concludes, encapsulating the spirit of the semi-final while prioritising commuter welfare. This initiative is part of broader preparations for the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede, one of cricket's most electric venues, where India will aim to overpower a strong England side in front of a packed home crowd.

03 March,2026 11:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A total of 159 cases were registered against drivers caught under the influence of alcohol (drunk driving). PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Mumbai Police issue 16,727 challans during Holi road safety drive

In a major enforcement push to ensure road safety during Holi and Dhulivandan celebrations, Mumbai Traffic Police launched a special campaign during which they issued a total of 16,727 challans and recovered fines amounting to Rs 1,99,91,650. The drive targeted common violations such as drunk driving, overspeeding, riding without helmets, triple seating on two-wheelers, signal jumping, and obstructing traffic flow. Checkpoints were set up at key junctions, major roads, and highways across the city. A total of 159 cases were registered against drivers caught under the influence of alcohol (drunk driving), with legal proceedings and licence suspension processes initiated against them. Key violations and fines include: Without helmet: 4,317 challans, Rs 42,97,000 Causing obstruction to free flow of traffic: 2,532 challans, Rs 29,64,000 Speed limit violation: 4,486 challans, Rs 8,29,100 Jumping signal: 610 challans, Rs 5,90,000 Triple seat: 530 challans, Rs 5,27,000 Without valid driving licence: 431 challans, Rs 3,89,500 No entry in one way: 278 challans, Rs 3,12,500 Other violations: 2,603 challans, Rs 18,67,650 Wrong side driving: 20 challans (sent to court) Honking: 2 challans, Rs 1,000 Grand total: 16,727 challans, Rs 1,99,91,650 in fines. The action was carried out effectively using CCTV footage, e-challan systems, and online enforcement tools. Mumbai Traffic Police appealed to citizens to celebrate the festival responsibly by strictly following traffic rules and prioritising safety. The force remains committed to protecting commuters on the roads. Six booked for carrying Holi tree bamboo on Mumbai local train Railway authorities have taken action against six commuters for carrying a large bamboo pole—believed to be part of a Holi tree—inside a suburban local train travelling from Virar towards Mahim, briefly disrupting services at Borivali station. According to railway officials, the incident occurred aboard local train number CCG-91018. Acting on information received from station staff, on-duty Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Israr, along with Station Master Ranjit Kumar, reached Platform No 5 at Borivali station to inspect the situation. Upon checking coach number 5294/C, authorities found that a group of passengers had brought bamboo inside the compartment, obstructing movement and creating operational difficulties. The train guard, identified as Purushottam, informed officials that the obstruction forced the train to halt temporarily, affecting scheduled services. Railway staff questioned the individuals involved and asked them to deboard the train. The group was subsequently escorted to the railway police post for further inquiry. Officials confirmed that all six individuals admitted to their actions during questioning. Separate cases were registered against the accused under Sections 145(B) and 145(C) of the Railways Act. 

03 March,2026 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Passengers can pay via cash or digital modes, making the process quick and hassle-free. Representational pic

Mobile UTS Sahayaks at CSMT help CR earn Rs 3.54 crore in 4 months

Central Railway's Mobile UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) Sahayaks initiative has proved highly successful in easing unreserved ticketing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), registering earnings of Rs 3.54 crore from the sale of nearly 1.90 lakh tickets over four months. Introduced on October 31, 2025, in the Mumbai Division at CSMT, the service has facilitated on-the-spot booking for 2.70 lakh passengers until February 28, 2026. The scheme, aimed at reducing long queues and providing convenient ticketing options, has seen steady growth in popularity, with ticket sales, passenger numbers, and revenue increasing each month, Central Railway said in a press release on Tuesday. February 2026 topped the performance with 53,033 tickets sold, serving 72,783 passengers and generating Rs 1.08 crore—the highest monthly earnings so far. The monthly breakdown is as follows: November 2025: 37,285 tickets, 54,184 passengers, Rs 67.73 lakh December 2025: 49,167 tickets, 70,462 passengers, Rs 80.56 lakh January 2026: 50,306 tickets, 72,569 passengers, Rs 97.19 lakh February 2026: 53,033 tickets, 72,783 passengers, Rs 1.09 crore Total: 1,89,791 tickets, 2,69,998 passengers, Rs 3,54,34,575. Currently, three Mobile UTS Sahayaks (M-UTS Sahayaks) operate at CSMT. Equipped with mobile phones and small portable ticket-printing machines strapped to them, they move around the concourse, holding areas, and railway premises to issue unreserved tickets directly to waiting passengers. They also have the option to operate from counters. Passengers can pay via cash or digital modes, making the process quick and hassle-free. This passenger-friendly initiative aligns with Central Railway's ongoing efforts to enhance ticketing through systems like ATVMs, UTS, and mobile options, especially during peak and festive seasons. The Mobile UTS Sahayaks scheme has been rolled out at other major stations across Indian Railways, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Central Railway has encouraged commuters to use these services for time-saving convenience and better travel experience. CR's Solapur Division adds advanced 8-wheeler tower wagon for future electrification upgrades The Solapur Division of Central Railway (CR) has inducted a new 8-wheeler tower wagon for its traction distribution (TRD) department, aimed at strengthening electric traction infrastructure and enhancing operational reliability. Designed for improved stability, safety, and efficiency, the tower wagon will support maintenance teams in carrying out overhead equipment (OHE) works more effectively. It will play a crucial role in the upgradation of the OHE network from the conventional 1X25 kV AC system to the advanced 2X25 kV AC traction system, enabling the division to meet future traffic growth and higher power demands. With this addition, the Solapur Division now operates 11 tower wagons, improving its capacity for OHE inspection, preventive maintenance, and restoration activities. Officials said the move will help minimise failures, enhance reliability, and ensure smoother and safer train operations across electrified routes. The new tower wagon was inaugurated by the additional divisional railway manager (ADRM), Solapur, in the presence of officials and staff from the electrical and TRD departments. 

03 March,2026 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Chhagan Bhujbal. File Pic

Why nobody saw plane carrying Ajit Pawar hitting trees: Chhagan Bhujbal

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday questioned the finding in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report that the ill-fated chartered plane carrying Ajit Pawar hit a few trees before crashing in Baramati, asking why nobody saw this happening, reported news agency PTI. The Learjet 45 aircraft crashed in Baramati on January 28, killing all the five persons on board including then Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar. "I am surprised. If the plane hit the trees, someone would have seen it," said Bhujbal, a senior state minister, talking to reporters, reported PTI. As per the AAIB's preliminary report, CCTV footage from cameras installed in a nearby village showed the aircraft banking rightward and hitting some trees before crashing to the ground which is at a lower elevation than the runway surface. It was immediately engulfed in fire. Ajit Pawar's son shares video alleging VSR Ventures owner slept in pilot's seat; demands arrest Meanwhile, Jay Pawar, son of Maharashtra's late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, has shared a purported video on social media alleging that VSR Ventures owner Rohit Singh was seen dozing off in the chief pilot's seat during a flight, and demanded his immediate arrest. He also demanded that all aircraft of VSR Ventures be grounded till the inquiry into his father's plane crash is completed. VSR Ventures operated the Learjet 45 aircraft which crashed on January 28 with Ajit Pawar and four others on board at Baramati in Pune district. Sharing the clip on a social media platform, Jay Pawar on Sunday stated, "We lost our father...this pain will stay with us for a lifetime. In this video, Rohit Singh, owner of VSR, is seen asleep in the chief pilot's seat during the flight. Such negligence while the aircraft is in the air is unacceptable. This is extremely serious and shocking." He demanded that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take immediate and strict action in the matter. "All VSR aircraft must be grounded with immediate effect until a complete investigation is conducted, and Rohit Singh should be arrested without delay and subjected to stringent legal action. This is a son's anguished appeal...for my father and for the safety of every passenger," he said. (With inputs from PTI)

03 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

Six booked for carrying Holi tree bamboo in Mumbai local train

Railway authorities have taken action against six commuters for carrying a large bamboo pole—believed to be part of a Holi tree—inside a suburban local train travelling from Virar towards Mahim, briefly disrupting services at Borivali station. Bamboo Carried Inside Coach Causes Disruption According to railway officials, the incident occurred aboard local train number CCG-91018. Acting on information received from station staff, on-duty Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Israr, along with Station Master Ranjit Kumar, reached Platform No. 5 at Borivali station to inspect the situation. Upon checking coach number 5294/C, authorities found that a group of passengers had brought bamboo inside the compartment, obstructing movement and creating operational difficulties. The train guard, identified as Purushottam, informed officials that the obstruction forced the train to halt temporarily, affecting scheduled services.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Atul Tambe (@atul_tambe_vlogs) Six Individuals Booked Under Railways Act Railway staff questioned the individuals involved and asked them to deboard the train. The group was subsequently escorted to the railway police post for further inquiry. Officials confirmed that all six individuals admitted to their actions during questioning. Separate cases were registered against the accused under Sections 145(B) and 145(C) of the Railways Act. The individuals have been identified as Akash Dhone (33), Sagar Tulsidas Bane (22), Ashok Karnam Gunjalappa (27), Anil Kumar Mahadev Singh (22), Brahma Dena Hussain Appa (38), and Shekhar Kohli Ashtafa Koli (37). The cases have been recorded under numbers BVI CR-1099/26 to BVI CR-1104/26. Train Services Delayed by Over 20 Minutes The incident led to a temporary disruption in train operations at Borivali station. According to the Station Master’s report, services were delayed from 12:24 am to 12:46 am, resulting in an overall delay of approximately 20 minutes. Railway authorities reiterated that carrying oversized or hazardous materials inside train coaches poses serious safety risks and can disrupt suburban rail services, which are considered the lifeline of Mumbai. Decades-Old Koli Tradition Behind the Act The bamboo was reportedly being transported as part of a long-standing Holi tradition observed by members of the Koli community. The custom involves carrying a Holi tree from Virar to Mahim for Holika Dahan, a ritual that dates back to the British era. Historically linked to the Mori Road area in Mahim—once home to several chawls inhabited by fishing families—the tradition has continued even after many families relocated to Virar due to urban redevelopment. Despite the shift, the community maintains strong cultural ties to Mahim. Festive Spirit Meets Urban Challenges Every year, the journey begins at Virar railway station, where community members carry the Holi tree on their shoulders, accompanied by singing, dancing, and chants of devotion. The tree is then transported via a local train to Mahim. In a striking visual, the long tree trunk is often secured along the exterior of the train while participants stand at the doors to maintain balance. While the atmosphere remains celebratory, officials have raised concerns over the safety implications of such practices in a densely populated transport network. Authorities have urged citizens to celebrate festivals responsibly and within the framework of railway regulations to ensure passenger safety and uninterrupted services.

03 March,2026 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
 The first prize was awarded to Devansh Raulo from DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

AI innovation takes centre stage at Technovanza hackathon at Mumbai's VJTI

The m-Indicator AI Hackathon 2026 was hosted on February 28 and March 1 at Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) in Mumbai as part of its annual technical festival, Technovanza.  The hackathon witnessed an overwhelming response, receiving over 1000 applications from across the country. After a rigorous screening process, 90 participants comprising both students and working professionals were selected to compete in this intensive innovation challenge. Participants engaged in a 24-hour non-stop coding marathon, developing AI-driven solutions addressing real-world problems across diverse sectors. A wide range of innovative projects were showcased, including: AI-based transport planning systems  Citizen missile alert system  Cybersecurity solutions  AI tools for generating business leads from Google Business listings Housing society cost estimators (painting and flooring)  PragnaPath: A cognitive-adaptive EdTech AI system that personalises learning styles  e-waste management platforms  Missing person detection systems  Cybercrime prevention tools  Disaster management training modules for children  AI-based Forest Rights Act management  Job scam detection systems  Construction safety monitoring using AI-powered drones  Automated legal draft preparation  Voice pattern analysis for medical wellness  Product warranty management systems  Audio guides for Divyang (persons with disabilities).  Transport innovation wins top honours; Rs 1 lakh distributed among winners The first prize was awarded to Devansh Raulo from DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, Vile Parle, for his innovation in the transport sector.  The event was evaluated by Sachin Teke, founder of m-Indicator; VJTI Professor Mahesh Shirole, and Naval Patel, founder of Mobigic.  A total cash prize of Rs 1 lakh was distributed among the winners. The hackathon highlighted the power of AI-driven innovation and provided a platform for young minds and professionals to develop impactful solutions for societal challenges.

03 March,2026 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Pic/Special Arrangement

Mumbai mayor hosts flower Holi event, calls for eco-friendly festivities

In a bid to promote sustainable festive practices, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Ritu Tawde on Tuesday spearheaded an eco-friendly Holi celebration titled ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’ at Rajawadi Garden in Ghatkopar (East). The initiative aimed to encourage citizens to celebrate Holi and Dhulivandan responsibly while prioritising environmental conservation. Eco-Friendly Celebration at Rajawadi Garden The event witnessed the participation of local residents, along with the presence of MLA Parag Shah. Instead of conventional chemical colours and excessive water usage, participants celebrated using flower petals, reinforcing the message of sustainable festivities. The initiative was designed not only as a symbolic gesture but also as a practical model for citizens to adopt eco-conscious methods during festivals. The Mayor emphasised the importance of balancing cultural traditions with environmental responsibility. From Flowers to Compost: A Sustainable Step In a unique approach to waste management, the flowers used during the celebration will be collected and processed into organic compost. Following the event, the venue was thoroughly cleaned, ensuring that no waste was left behind. This step highlights the BMC’s broader focus on circular waste management, transforming what is typically discarded into a valuable resource. The compost generated will contribute to maintaining green spaces across the city. Mayor Urges Responsible Festivities Addressing attendees, Mayor Ritu Tawde called upon citizens to celebrate Holi, Dhulivandan, and Rangpanchami in an environmentally responsible manner. She urged people to avoid cutting trees for Holika Dahan and instead use dry wood. Additionally, she cautioned against burning plastic, tyres, rubber, or chemically treated materials, which can release harmful pollutants. She also appealed to citizens to minimise water usage during Dhulivandan and opt for natural, eco-friendly colours. The Mayor noted that while the BMC has already issued guidelines for safe celebrations, initiatives like ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’ aim to lead by example and strengthen public awareness. Call for Citizen Participation MLA Parag Shah lauded the Mayor’s efforts, stating that the initiative sets a strong precedent for environmentally conscious celebrations. He urged citizens to be mindful of environmental concerns and adopt responsible practices during festivals. Shah also highlighted the need to control noise pollution, particularly in residential areas, near hospitals, and in sensitive zones, by adhering to permissible sound levels. He described the initiative as a model for balancing celebration with civic responsibility. Towards a Greener Mumbai The ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’ initiative aligns with the city’s broader vision of sustainability and cleanliness. By converting floral waste into compost and encouraging eco-friendly practices, the BMC aims to inspire citizens to actively contribute to building a cleaner, greener, and healthier Mumbai. The Mayor reiterated her appeal for widespread public participation, stressing that collective efforts are essential to preserving the environment while celebrating cultural traditions.

03 March,2026 02:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Eknath Shinde arranges flights to bring back 164 Maharashtrians stranded in UAE

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has arranged two special flights to bring back 164 residents of the state stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, reported news agency PTI. According to an official statement, the flights are scheduled to depart from Fujairah Airport at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm and are expected to arrive in Mumbai later in the evening. The passengers include 84 students from Pune’s Indira School of Business Studies, along with residents from Thane, Ahilyanagar, and Pune. Helpline Launched for Stranded Residents In addition to evacuation efforts, the Maharashtra government has launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline to assist citizens stranded across the Middle East. Authorities said several hundred residents from Maharashtra are currently stuck in the region due to widespread airspace closures triggered by the conflict. Officials, however, confirmed that all individuals are safe, reported PTI. The helpline has been set up in coordination with the Indian People’s Forum in Dubai to provide immediate support and guidance to those in need. CM Fadnavis Monitoring Situation Closely Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally monitoring the situation and remains in constant touch with relevant agencies, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The state government is also coordinating closely with the Central government to ensure necessary assistance for stranded citizens. Minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned to oversee coordination efforts. Flight Disruptions Leave Hundreds Stranded The evacuation comes amid large-scale flight disruptions caused by the closure of multiple airspaces in West Asia following escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. Authorities are continuing to compile data on stranded citizens across Maharashtra. Among those affected is Congress MP Kalyan Kale, who is currently in Dubai. Officials said further steps will be taken based on the evolving situation, with priority being given to ensuring the safe return of all stranded residents, reported PTI. US President Donald Trump has said that the heavy and pinpoint bombing of Iran would continue through the week or as long as necessary. In the wake of the situation, many airspaces in West Asia have been closed, causing massive flight disruptions and leaving passengers stranded. (With inputs from PTI)

03 March,2026 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pratap Sarnaik. Pic/X

MSRTC to earn Rs 250 crore from ads, says Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik

Maharashtra’s state-run transport network, popularly known as the ‘Lal Pari’ (red buses), is set to unlock a major non-fare revenue stream through an ambitious advertising strategy. Transport Minister and Chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, announced that the corporation is expected to generate more than Rs 250 crore through advertisements over the next five years. The announcement was made during the 310th Board of Directors meeting held at the MSRTC headquarters in Mumbai. Senior officials, including Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, MSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Assistant Labour Commissioner Pallavi Sahare, and other departmental heads, were present. Extensive Network Offers Strong Advertising Potential Highlighting the scale of MSRTC operations, Sarnaik noted that the corporation manages 251 depots and operates over 610 large and small bus stations across Maharashtra. With a fleet of approximately 12,000 buses, MSRTC currently serves around 50 to 55 lakh passengers daily. He added that the daily ridership is expected to touch 1 crore in the coming years as the fleet expands, further strengthening its appeal as a powerful advertising platform. “With such a vast and deeply connected network, MSRTC offers a unique opportunity for brands to reach audiences across both rural and urban regions,” Sarnaik said. Advertisements Across Buses and Stations The corporation has devised a comprehensive plan to monetise its physical and transit assets. Advertisements will be displayed at bus stations, within station premises, and across both the interiors and exteriors of buses. This multi-pronged approach aims to ensure maximum visibility and utilisation of available spaces. From remote regions like Chandrapur to coastal areas like Banda, MSRTC’s reach spans the length and breadth of Maharashtra, making it one of the most effective mediums for widespread brand communication. Rs 250 Crore Tender Finalised To implement this initiative, MSRTC conducted a competitive bidding process. A tender projecting revenue of over Rs 250 crore for a five-year period has been finalised and accepted. According to Sarnaik, the transition to new advertising contractors will take place once the tenure of the current license holders concludes. Revenue Expected to More Than Double At present, MSRTC generates nearly Rs 22 crore annually through advertisements. With the new tender in place, this figure is expected to more than double, significantly strengthening the corporation’s financial position. Focus on Financial Sustainability Emphasising the importance of diversifying income sources, Sarnaik stated that increasing revenue from advertisements and other non-ticket avenues will help MSRTC reduce its financial burden. “Exploring alternative revenue streams is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and preventing future losses,” he said. The initiative marks a strategic shift for MSRTC as it looks to modernise operations and enhance financial resilience while continuing to serve millions of passengers across Maharashtra.

03 March,2026 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image (Pic/AFP)

Emirates flight from Dubai lands safely in Mumbai amid global tensions

Amid the escalated global tensions, an Emirates flight from Dubai to Mumbai landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday. The flight in Mumbai landed after the operations gradually resumed following disruptions. As reported by news agency ANI, Emirates flight EK 500 arrived in Mumbai amid tight coordination between airport authorities and airline officials. The arrival of AK 500 brought relief to stranded passengers who had faced uncertainty over the past few days due to widespread cancellations and delays. Ajay, a passenger on board the flight, recounted the tense situation in Dubai. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said, "We had a flight to the USA from Dubai." When it didn't take off, we thought there might be some issues with the flight. After 7-8 hours, we were told that a war had broken out," as per ANI. #WATCH | Maharashtra: An Emirates flight from Dubai to Mumbai has landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.Ajay, a passenger, says, "... We had a flight to the USA from Dubai. When it didn't take off, we thought there might be some issues with the flight.… pic.twitter.com/5dbauumf4A — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2026 While highlighting that the airline arranged accommodation for stranded travellers, he said, "Buses from Emirates came and took all the passengers to the hotels." As soon as we came to know that the flight to Mumbai would leave, we immediately contacted them and came here. Slowly, the situation is getting controlled there.” Stranded passengers return to Bangalore from Abu Dhabi In a similar development, the first flight from Abu Dhabi landed at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday night, bringing back passengers affected by the disruption in air travel services. A traveller who had been stranded in Abu Dhabi praised the arrangements made by Etihad Airways. Speaking to the media, he said, "Once we got stuck in the Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways took good care of us." They booked the hotels for all the passengers whose flights were cancelled," as cited by ANI.  On the other hand, another Emirates flight from Dubai to Bengaluru departed on Monday night, as operations at Dubai airports began to partially resume. Dubai Airports confirmed that a limited resumption of operations would begin on the evening of March 2 (Monday), with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Commercial aviation might soon become normal. With flights gradually taking to the skies once again, normalcy is slowly returning to the UAE, and for the thousands of Indians eager to get home, the wait is finally coming to an end. Following the US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory attacks, using drones and missiles targeting multiple Arab countries in the region as a retaliatory action, which resulted in flight cancellations.  (With inputs from ANI)

03 March,2026 01:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai residents can expect a warm and largely sunny day, typical of early March conditions in the city. File Pic/Ashish Raje

Mumbai weather: Clear skies with temp up to 34 Degrees Celsius; AQI at 102

Mumbai was on Tuesday likely to witness mainly clear skies across the city and its suburbs, according to the weather update as on March 3. The Regional Met Centre (RMC) in Mumbai predicted that the temperature in the city was recorded at 32 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 38 per cent. Winds were blowing from the north-east at a speed of 9.3 kilometres per hour. It stated that the maximum temperature is likely to reach around 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to settle near 22 degrees Celsius. According to the RMC, the sun rose at 06:57 am and is expected to set at 18:45 pm. The weather department have indicated stable atmospheric conditions, with no major changes expected during this period. Residents can expect a warm and largely sunny day, typical of early March conditions in the city. AQI in Mumbai According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Tuesday morning recorded 'Moderate' at 11:05 am and stood at 102. A health impact message stated, "The air quality is satisfactory with minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 121 (Moderate) Borivali East: 53 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 74 (Satisfactory) Andheri East: 119 (Moderate) Chembur: 115 (Moderate) Colaba: 64 (Satisfactory) Deonar: 114 (Moderate) In surrounding areas of the city including Thane and Navi Mumbai the air quality remained 'Moderate'. The air quality was recorded as 'Moderate' in Thane which reported an AQI at 118 on Tuesday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 112, and in Navi Mumbai at 123. Hot afternoons in Mumbai Mumbai is currently experiencing warm weather, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius in the mornings and rising up to 34 degrees Celsius during the day. The city and surrounding suburbs are seeing mainly clear skies, light north-easterly winds, and moderate humidity levels. Mumbai has been experiencing hot afternoons since last week of February, with hot weather conditions especially in afternoons. Since the start of March the skies have remained mostly clear, with light north-easterly winds and moderate humidity. The experts advised residents to stay hydrated and take precautions while outdoors during the peak daytime heat and scorching afternoon sun.

03 March,2026 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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