Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Friday directed the administration of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital to make concerted efforts for the effective implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). She asked all department heads to regularly review the data and dashboards generated under the HMIS and ensure that health services for patients become easily accessible and technology-friendly. Bhide directed the hospital administration to integrate Central and state government schemes with HMIS so that patients can avail their benefits in minimum possible time. The BMC Commissioner visited the hospital on Friday and reviewed various aspects including hospital redevelopment, implementation of health schemes, efforts to reduce load on primary health services, and capacity expansion works. During the visit, she inspected the registration counter, intensive care unit (ICU), male general ward, and casualty (accident) department. She also took stock of ongoing projects, infrastructure development, new building constructions, increase in bed strength, and capacity enhancement of various medical departments. At the registration counter, Bhide personally understood the working of the HMIS and reviewed how patient registration, medical tests, and reports are being integrated into the system. She similarly reviewed patient registration, treatment records, and medical reports in the male ward. Mumbai civic chief directs KEM Hospital to make HMIS more patient-centric She was briefed about the facilities being provided in the casualty and ICU departments. Bhide directed the hospital administration to overcome the challenges faced in HMIS implementation and make the system more effective and patient-centric. She stressed the need to give priority to patient-friendly services under the HMIS. For hospital redevelopment and capacity expansion, she asked the administration to plan meticulously so that multiple services are available under one roof for the convenience of patients. She suggested that integrated operation theatre complex and pathology laboratory should be housed together to save patients’ time. Bhide also asked officials to explore the possibility of creating underground spaces in new buildings for heavy equipment like MRI and CT scan machines. She instructed the administration to make efforts to introduce advanced multi-specialty robotic surgery facilities in the operation theatre through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. The commissioner directed that government schemes such as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and PM-Rahat scheme for accident victims should be effectively implemented so that admitted patients can avail their benefits. She also asked to rationalise charges for other schemes on the lines of the Phule Jan Arogya Yojana to increase hospital revenue. To reduce the burden on KEM Hospital, Bhide instructed that patients requiring primary and secondary care should be diverted to nearby dispensaries and peripheral hospitals. She emphasised strengthening services at suburban hospitals, maternity homes, and dispensaries. She also directed revival of the linkage system for smooth referral of patients between peripheral and major hospitals. The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, KEM Hospital dean Dr Sangeeta Rawat, and heads of various departments.
17 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire was broke out at a residential high-rise in Mumbai's Tardeo area on Friday afternoon, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. According to preliminary information, the fire broke out at around 12:44 pm at Sai Leela Cooperative Housing Society, located in the M P Mill Compound area of Tardeo. The blaze was reported on the third floor of a ground-plus-16-storey high-rise building, officials said. The alert was received by the Mumbai Fire Brigade control room, following which teams from the fire brigade, police, BEST, and local ward staff were rushed to the scene. Firefighters began efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze. No injuries reported As of now, there have been no reports of injuries. The officials said that they were continuing to monitor the situation and assess any potential damage caused by the fire and the emergency teams were on site. Further details are awaited. Fire breaks out at Malad studio Meanwhile, in an another incident, a Level-I (minor) fire broke out at a studio in Malad, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) stated. According to MFB, the incident was reported at 6.13 am in the Dana Pani Bular Studio near Yoga Aashram on the Madh Marve Road in Malad West. According to the officials, the Mumbai Fire Brigade said the that fire was declared Level-I at 6.48 am and brought under control after nearly three hours of firefighting operations. It was fully extinguished at 9.12 am. No injuries were reported in the incident. Apart from Mumbai Fire Brigade, the police, ambulance services, and civic ward staff were mobilised to the spot to assist in containment and safety operations. According to officials, the fire was confined to electrical installations and materials stored within the premises. The affected items included wall papers, foam matrix, carpets, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets, wooden furniture, perfumes, office furniture, office records, shooting equipment, air-condition (AC) units and bamboo, spread across an estimated 3,000 square feet area in five–six galas in a ground-plus-one structure. Firefighting operations were carried out by four fire engines, three jumbo tankers, one all-weather tower tender (AWTT), an ambulance, an assistant divisional fire officer (ADFO), two senior station officers and two station officers.
17 April,2026 01:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTHE investigation into the deadly drug overdose at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon has widened, with the arrest of a seventh accused, Vineet Gerelani, 22, exposing what police believe could be a well-organised narcotics network operating at high-profile music events across the city. The Vanrai police arrested Gerelani from the Kalyan-Ulhasnagar belt on Wednesday, identifying him as a key intermediary in the drug supply chain. According to investigators, Gerelani supplied Ecstasy pills to accused Anand Patel, 24, who subsequently distributed the drugs among students at the NESCO concert and other events Police probing the case uncovered crucial digital and financial evidence linking the accused to a larger network. According to the police, call detail records (CDRs) confirmed frequent contact between the arrested accused and absconding suppliers, Ayush Sahitya and Shubh Agarwal. WhatsApp chats and deleted group conversations revealed drug procurement and payment details, while Snapchat transactions indicated bulk drug deals and distribution to multiple individuals. Investigators said Gerelani’s mobile phone contained “critical chats” proving large-scale drug supply and monetary exchanges with the main accused. Police officials stated that such large-scale drug circulation at the venue was “unlikely without insider involvement.” Students’ statements Around 25 students had attended the concert on April 11. Two, including a young woman, died after a suspected drug overdose, while one female student remains hospitalised, currently in stable condition. So far, the Vanrai police have recorded the statements of 17 students who attended the event, though granting them temporary relief to appear for exams. Two of the accused also sat for an exam after obtaining permission from the court. Police custody extended Meanwhile, on Thursday, all seven accused were produced before the Borivli metropolitan magistrate court, which extended police custody of accused no. 1 to 6, and granted fresh custody for Gerelani, till April 18. Main suppliers on the run Sahitya and Agarwal were at the concert venue on the night of April 11 They were in constant touch with the arrested accused before and during the event Gerelani was in direct financial and communication contact with them A massive manhunt has been launched to trace the duo. During interrogation Accused number 5 (a student) admitted receiving Ecstasy pills from Patel Patel confessed to sourcing the drugs from Sahitya Investigators found that 20 pills were supplied in one instance alone Organisers under scanner The probe has now extended to event organisers and internal staff: Allegations of allowing drug consumption for profit motives The event reportedly continued beyond permitted hours (till 12.30 am) Claims of illegal alcohol service to underage attendees Suspicion of internal support enabling drug distribution at scale Recurring pattern? Investigators have flagged a disturbing trend: Similar drug use was reported at previous events held at the same venue Arrested accused admitted to consuming drugs during earlier techno parties Location data places multiple accused at past NESCO events as well Defence challenges arrests Advocate Surendra Landge, secretary of the Borivli Bar Association, along with his associate advocate Azad Gupta, appeared in court to represent Anand Patel (accused no. 6) and Vineet Gerelani. The defence argued before the court that both individuals were arrested solely on the basis of mobile phone conversations and chat records. They further contended that no drugs were recovered from either of the accused, questioning the grounds of their arrest.
17 April,2026 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanMumbai and areas such as Thane and Palghar are likely to experience a longer summer and a weaker monsoon this year. However, owing to the El Nino effect, the heat intensity will be much lower in comparison to the interior parts of Maharashtra, if the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is to be believed. According to information from the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Mumbai, El Nino is likely to cause below-normal rains this season, and can lead to hotter weather, not just during the monsoon days, but during the summer months until May 2026. However, officials said that coastal regions will feel a much muted impact of heat waves due to El Nino in comparison to interior Maharashtra, due to high humidity dissipated by winds from the sea. Pedestrians try to keep cool in Andheri on Thursday afternoon. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE A senior IMD official said, “El Nino can lead to a boost in temperatures, an increase in the possibility of extreme heat events, and humidity. However, in Mumbai, after around 1 pm, wind patterns get stronger, as is the case across Maharashtra’s coastal areas. This dissipates the feelings of hot and humid weather. The interior parts of the state are likely to feel heat with greater intensity.” What is El Nino? The official explained that El Nino and La Nina are climate patterns occurring in the Pacific Ocean. While El Nino leads to warmer waters in the Pacific, its impact felt in India includes warmer climates and a weaker southwest monsoon. La Nina, on the contrary, can lead to cooler temperatures, longer winter months, and unpredictable winter rain in parts of India. These events are cyclical and can occur every three to five years, the official said. Graphic/Sanil Dhawde Mumbai impact Hot weather is experienced with much more intensity during El Nino events. While this is possible for Mumbai, being a coastal city, the impact is not felt as strongly as in the interior parts of Maharashtra, the official said. Summer in the city Mumbai recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees C on March 10, the highest in five years since 2021. In 2025, Mumbai recorded its highest temperature, 39.2 degrees C, in March. “Heat is felt with more intensity this year. Also, if monsoons are weaker, atmospheric temperature will collect slowly, leading to a feeling of very hot and humid days,” a senior official said. Expert Speak Pradeep Awate, former surveillance officer, Maharashtra health services, said, “Heat is felt in greater intensity between noon and 3 pm. While advisories are in place for those who primarily work outdoors, it is important to note the impact of heatwaves on social events that many of us attend on a routine basis, such as weddings and religious gatherings. Everyone is exposed to heat events, so we cannot stress enough that everyone needs to take care.” Weather alert Yellow alert for April 16 and 17:Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Mumbai, Nashik, Jalgaon, Sangli, Solapur, Sambhajinagar, JalnaYellow alert for April 16: Dhule Max temperatures on Thursday Solapur: 43.4°CParbhani: 42°CJalgaon: 41.5°CSatara: 41.2°CBaramati: 40.5°CUdgir in Latur: 40.4°CKolhapur: 38.1°CNashik: 37.5°CPune: 39.7°CThane: 36.6°C City sizzles Santacruz 33.1Colaba 33.6
17 April,2026 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA birthday party in Navi Mumbai’s Digha area turned into a night of horror when five men, drunk and seething over an old dispute, allegedly murdered their friend in a savage, booze-fuelled attack on April 13. Police have arrested the accused in connection with the incident. The victim, Sonraj Suresh Shinde, 30, had joined the group to celebrate a birthday. But what started as a friendly gathering quickly spiralled out of control as alcohol kicked in and tempers flared over a lingering house construction dispute. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly turned on Shinde, beating him mercilessly before smashing his head with a stone. The brutal assault left him dead on the spot. Sonraj Suresh Shinde, the victim Accused arrested Acting swiftly, Rabale MIDC Police launched a late-night manhunt and arrested all five accused within 12 hours of the crime. The arrested have been identified as Kunal alias Ghanshyam Chaudhary, Kunal Rathod, Vaibhav More, Mahindra Narayanakar, and Akash Lad. A murder case has been registered, and the accused are in police custody until April 18. Investigators are also probing whether others were present during the incident and if they played any role in the deadly assault. Police speak Sunil Waghmare, Senior Police Inspector of the Rabale MIDC police station said,“An argument broke out during the party over a past issue. All the accused were under the influence of alcohol, and the situation escalated rapidly”. Police sources said the violence was extreme, pointing to deep-rooted tension between the victim and the accused. “We are investigating whether this was a spur-of-the-moment attack or had elements of prior planning,” Waghmare added.
17 April,2026 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghMumbai will continue to experience mainly clear skies on Friday, with the temperature expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest forecast. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to range between 35 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. The Colaba station, which is representative of the Island City, is likely to record a minimum temperature of 24 degree Celsius, while the maximum temperature could reach around 35 degrees Celsius. The Santacruz station, which is indicative of the suburbs, is likely to record a minimum temperature of 23.7 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported in the city, and none is expected in the immediate forecast period. Light wind patterns are expected to continue, keeping overall weather conditions stable without major fluctuations. Air quality remains in satisfactory range Mumbai recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 60 (satisfactory) at 10 am, as per the Centre's SAMEER app. At this level, minor breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals. The air quality is expected to remain in the satisfactory to moderate range in the coming hours. Maharashtra weather alert: Yellow warning issued Despite stable conditions in Mumbai, the IMD has issued a yellow warning for several districts across Maharashtra. Latur, Nashik, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Satara may experience light spells of rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds during daytime on Friday. The warning, issued at 7 am, said these districts could see unusual weather activity for around three hours. Gusty winds may reach speeds of 30–40 kmph along with light to moderate rain. Heatwave continues in interior Maharashtra While coastal regions remain relatively cooler, Vidarbha continues to be the worst-hit region, with temperatures consistently crossing 43 degrees Celsius. Marathwada and parts of Madhya Maharashtra are also experiencing severe heat conditions. In contrast, Mumbai and the Konkan coast are relatively cooler, with temperatures ranging between 31.5 degrees Celsius and 33.6 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels of 65 per cent to 80 per cent are making conditions uncomfortable for residents. Nashik records lowest minimum temperature Nashik recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 16.3 degrees Celsius on Thursday. This sharp contrast highlights the uneven weather patterns across the state, with Vidarbha being the worst affected by extreme dry heat, Marathwada faring slightly better than Vidarbha, and Mumbai, the Konkan region, as well as Pune, remaining comparatively cooler.
17 April,2026 11:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Level-I (minor) fire broke out at a studio in Malad on Thursday morning, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) informed. According to MFB, the incident was reported at 6.13 am in the Dana Pani Bular Studio near Yoga Aashram on the Madh Marve Road in Malad West. According to the latest update issued at 9.29 am, MFB said the fire was declared Level-I at 6.48 am and brought under control after nearly three hours of firefighting operations. It was fully extinguished at 9.12 am. No injuries were reported in the incident. Apart from MFB, the police, ambulance services, and civic ward staff were mobilised to the spot to assist in containment and safety operations. According to MFB, the fire was confined to electrical installations and materials stored within the premises. The affected items included wall papers, foam matrix, carpets, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets, wooden furniture, perfumes, office furniture, office records, shooting equipment, air-condition (AC) units and bamboo, spread across an estimated 3,000 square feet area in five–six galas in a ground-plus-one structure. Firefighting operations were carried out by four fire engines, three jumbo tankers, one all-weather tower tender (AWTT), an ambulance, an assistant divisional fire officer (ADFO), two senior station officers and two station officers. Further details are awaited. Fire breaks out at Goregaon decoration shop in Motilal Nagar A Level-I fire that broke out at a decoration materials shop in Goregaon West, Mumbai, on Thursday morning was successfully extinguished, with no injuries reported, officials said. The blaze was reported around 9.25 am at Nidhi Decorator, located in Motilal Nagar No 2, opposite D-Mart. Officials further stated that the fire was confined to decoration materials stored at the premises. As soon as the fire was reported, firefighters rushed to the spot along with multiple agencies, including local police, 108 ambulance personnel, and ward staff. A coordinated response helped contain the fire quickly, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. The fire was completely extinguished at 11.08 am. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further investigation is underway. Residents in the vicinity reported brief panic as smoke was seen billowing from the shop, but timely intervention by emergency responders ensured the situation was brought under control without escalation.
17 April,2026 10:28 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe last group of six families from Haaji Noorani building, one of two structures slated for demolition to make way for the connector that replaces Parel’s 112-year-old Elphinstone bridge, have finally been allotted new homes following a delayed rehabilitation process. The final lottery, conducted late Wednesday evening at the MMRDA office, saw the last six families receive housing allocations, finally ending the rehabilitation process. The fifth floor of D-Abero Building where Manish Shirodkar was allotted Flat No. 504, which doesn’t exist. Pic/By Special Arrangement However, this has still not ended the problems of these residents. From being given a one-week deadline to arrange for money and to get all their belongings shifted to the allocated homes, to discrepancies in the allotted houses, the residents are frustrated with the treatment given to them. Authorities speak Shivaji Davbhat, addition collector‘We do have extra vacant flats. So the problem of Flat No. 504 will be resolved easily. We will also ensure that the lift in D-Abero will be repaired in a couple of days so that the families can move in quickly. It is MHADA’S responsibility to maintain the building and all its facilities’ Residents’ voices Manish Shirodkar ‘I was allotted Flat No. 504 of D-Abero Building. However, such a flat does not exist. The building’s numbering system includes units such as 003, 103, and 203 and continues in that pattern up to 703. There are only three flats on each floor, with no provision for a 504. When I informed MMRDA, I was assured another vacant flat. Officials also need to provide proper legal documents of these allotted houses, as these are our permanent addresses. Apart from allotment letters, none of the 23 project-affected families of has received any legal documents’ Suhas Badade ‘Though we are happy that our struggle ended with good houses, giving us just one week to arrange money and shift to a house on the higher floors of a building where the lift is non-functional is inhuman. Because the last few of us kept fighting for our rights, others, who had received good houses earlier, got almost three months to make arrangements. This process wouldn’t have been delayed if the authorities had made arrangements during the blueprint stage itself. Now, just because they have a deadline, they cannot expect us to rush’ Break-up of allotted houses FiveNo of families accommodated in Priyadarshini Building, Prabhadevi EightNo of families accommodated in D-Abero Building, Prabhadevi FourNo of families accommodated in EON Building, Prabhadevi TwoNo of families accommodated in Sapphire Building, Jacob Circle TwoNo of families accommodated in Shimpoli, Borivali OneNo of family accommodated in Loksatta Building, Lalbaug
17 April,2026 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarOften referred to as “floating gold” and prized in the luxury perfume industry, ambergris — a rare substance formed in the digestive system of the sperm whale — was at the centre of a forest department crackdown at Tungarphata near Virar recently. Four people were arrested trying to sell close to 2 kg of the substance, also known as sperm whale vomit. Ambergris seized from the accused Sources told mid-day that the prime accused in the case is currently lodged in jail in connection with another offence. The forest department is likely to approach the court seeking permission to question him as part of the ongoing investigation. Preliminary investigation suggests that the seized item is ambergris. The substance will be sent for laboratory tests for a scientific examination. Official Speak Prashant Deshmukh, range forest officer‘Acting on a tip-off about an attempt to sell ambergris on April 13, our team posed as prospective buyers and laid a trap near Tungarphata. When the suspects arrived, they were caught red-handed with the contraband. Rajesh Jaywant Patil, Mahesh Motiram Vaishnav, Anant Keshav Gaikwad, and Sunil Vaishwekar have been arrested and booked under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Further investigation is underway to ascertain where they procured the ambergris.’ Did you know? Ambergris, a dull grey waxy substance that’s created in the intestines of the sperm whale, is sought-after across the world since it is used as a fixative that stabilises the scent of perfumes to make them last longer, and in the manufacture of aphrodisiac products. This has often led wildlife conservationists to demand a ban on the sale of perfumes that use it. The now-dying sperm whale species consumes cephalods like squid and cuttlefish in large quantities. The indigestible portions are usually ejected from the body as intestinal slurry. Appeal to citizens The forest department has appealed to citizens to immediately report any information about illegal trade in wildlife and related items. About sperm whale The sperm whale, or cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. It is the only living member of the genus Physeter, and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia. Weighing 14,000-41,000 kg, the sperm whale is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In India, possession, transport, or sale of ambergris is illegal.
17 April,2026 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAround 900 teachers staged a city-wide protest on Thursday, raising multiple concerns with the education department. Demonstrations were held at the offices of education inspectors across the city, where teachers voiced grievances over long-pending issues. A key concern was the halted salaries of surplus teachers. Many from government and aided schools have been left without postings after several institutions shut down due to low student enrolment, affecting their livelihoods. The protesting teachers, affiliated with the Shikshak Sena, demanded strict disciplinary action against the education secretary for the ongoing crisis. Other issues highlighted included pending arrears, additional responsibilities as booth-level officers, and the burden of organising student headcounts during examination periods. Official statement “The teachers have been forced to bear the brunt of the laxity of the education department, which is why this protest took place. We were here to express our anger against an administration that has disregarded numerous issues within the education department. The head of our group, JM Abhyankar, has also shared our demands with the education secretary” said Hitendra Chaudhari, district president of Maharashtra Rajya Shikshak Sena. April 16Day of the protest
17 April,2026 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarAn uneven and elevated footpath outside DN Nagar metro station in Andheri West is posing a safety risk to commuters, with residents and auto drivers reporting frequent trips and near-falls, particularly among the elderly. The problem is located at the base of the station’s entry/exit point opposite Bank of Baroda, a key drop-off spot for passengers arriving from Bandra and nearby areas. At a glance Location: DN Nagar metro station, Andheri WestProblem: Uneven, high footpath without slopeAdditional hazard: Exposed, rusted metal fence edgesMost affected: Elderly pedestrians, daily commutersAlternative access: Available on other sides with a proper slope The high, uneven step without a slope at DN Nagar Metro entry point makes access difficult, especially for the elderly. Pics/Atul Kamble Civic response awaited mid-day contacted the K West ward office of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for a response on why the footpath has not been levelled, but no reply came till the time of going to press. What the issue is The stretch lacks a proper slope and instead has a high, uneven step, making it difficult for pedestrians to access the footpath.A section of the metal fence at the spot has also been cut to allow easier movement, but sharp, protruding edges remain exposed. Commuters speak Kamal Siddiqui, a commuter who flagged the issue, said the design creates a serious hazard. “This issue presents a significant safety concern for pedestrians, particularly the elderly, due to the need to traverse the roadway to access the opposite side,” he said. He also pointed to the exposed metal. “The removed portion of the fence has left sharp edges which may cause injury to pedestrians walking close to it,” Siddiqui added. On-ground reality An auto driver, who requested anonymity, said assisting elderly passengers has become routine.“Other drivers and I have helped elderly men and women multiple times while they were trying to get onto the footpath,” he said. “I now stop on the other side of the Metro entry because that one has a slope, which this one does not.” A spot check by mid-day confirmed that... >> The junction-side footpath lacks a ramp or slope>> Other entry points around the station have accessible slopes>> The uneven step is isolated to this particular stretchThe driver also raised concerns about the condition of the fence.“The fence is rusted due to constant exposure to weather. If someone gets cut, there is a risk of infection. These issues need to be fixed urgently,” he said.
17 April,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturADVERTISEMENT
-1776403460020_d.png "Weather conditions expected to stay stable with no major fluctuations. Representational pic")
