Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday said the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) currently has adequate diesel supply to operate its bus services for the next two months, despite global fuel concerns arising from the West Asia conflict, reported news agency PTI. However, he cautioned that the state-run transport body has no contingency plan if fuel supplies are disrupted beyond this period. Fuel supply stable for now Sarnaik said MSRTC, which operates around 15,800 buses across Maharashtra, is not facing any immediate issues with diesel availability, reported PTI. “We are getting sufficient diesel at present. There is no disruption in supply, and operations are running smoothly,” he said, reported PTI. He added that discussions with Indian Oil Corporation officials confirmed that fuel allocation is being prioritised to ensure uninterrupted services, with state transport corporations placed after defence and railways in the supply chain. No ‘plan B’ if supplies are disrupted Despite the current stability, the minister acknowledged that MSRTC does not have an alternative strategy in case fuel shortages arise. “We cannot have a backup plan beyond the available supply. If fuel is not available after two months, there is little we can do,” he said, highlighting the vulnerability of the transport system to prolonged disruptions, reported PTI. Electric buses offer limited relief Responding to suggestions of shifting to electric mobility, Sarnaik said the existing fleet of around 780 electric buses is insufficient to sustain the entire network. “These buses can provide limited support on select routes, but they cannot replace the full-scale operations of the corporation,” he said, reported PTI. Rising operational costs and expansion plans MSRTC currently consumes approximately 10.87 lakh litres of diesel daily, amounting to nearly 40 crore litres annually at a cost of about Rs 3,400 crore. The minister said this expenditure is expected to increase to around Rs 4,700 crore with the planned addition of 8,000 new diesel buses. Savings through new procurement system Sarnaik said the corporation has adopted a competitive bidding process for diesel procurement, which is expected to generate annual savings of around Rs 241 crore, reported PTI. Under the new system, MSRTC has secured a higher discount of Rs 5.13 per litre compared to Rs 3 earlier, resulting in a saving of Rs 2.13 per litre. Supply arrangements across state MSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Madhav Kusekar said Indian Oil Corporation will supply diesel at 233 locations across Maharashtra. For 91 locations near the Gujarat and Goa borders, fresh tenders will be invited to avoid revenue losses linked to value-added tax. Financial strain remains a concern Sarnaik noted that MSRTC continues to face financial challenges, with accumulated losses of around Rs 12,000 crore. The corporation has already incurred losses of nearly Rs 750 crore in the current financial year till February, reported PTI. Global energy tensions impact outlook The minister also pointed to the broader impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on fuel availability and pricing. India relies heavily on imports for crude oil, natural gas and LPG, with a significant share sourced from the Middle East. Disruptions in the region have raised concerns about long-term energy security. While MSRTC operations remain stable for now, officials acknowledged that prolonged global disruptions could pose serious challenges in the months ahead. (With inputs from PTI)
20 March,2026 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has initiated consultations with multiple stakeholders on the issue of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Legislative Council was informed, following a demand from BJP MLC Parinay Fuke for a law similar to the one enacted in Uttarakhand, reported news agency PTI. Govt seeks time amid ongoing consultations Responding to a Calling Attention Motion raised by Fuke, the government said it requires more time to present a detailed response as the matter involves consultations across several departments, reported PTI. Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe informed the House that the issue has been referred to multiple departments for comprehensive inputs. Multiple departments involved in deliberations Gorhe said the proposed legislation requires inputs from departments including law and judiciary, women and child development, and general administration, reported PTI. She directed that all concerned departments submit written responses within a month, emphasising the importance of a coordinated and well-considered approach. “If responses are not received, the Chair will intervene and convene a meeting,” she said, underlining the seriousness of the issue, reported PTI. Demand for common law across communities Fuke argued that the Constitution envisages efforts toward a common civil code and highlighted the existence of different personal laws governing marriage, divorce and adoption across communities, reported PTI. He urged the Maharashtra government to introduce a uniform framework to ensure equal legal standards for all citizens, reported PTI. Reference to developments in other states The BJP legislator pointed out that Uttarakhand has already enacted a law on the Uniform Civil Code and noted that Gujarat has also taken steps in this direction, reported PTI. He said Maharashtra should consider similar legislation to bring uniformity in civil matters. Govt emphasises need for detailed framework The state government indicated that due to the complexity and sensitivity of the subject, a comprehensive and consultative approach is necessary before any decision is taken, reported PTI. Officials said the ongoing consultations aim to examine legal, social and administrative aspects to ensure that any proposed law is balanced and implementable. The issue is expected to be taken up again in the council once inputs from all departments are compiled and reviewed. (With inputs from PTI)
20 March,2026 03:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde paid a courtesy visit to Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Lok Bhavan in Walkeshwar on Friday, in keeping with long-standing civic protocol. As the First Citizen of Mumbai, the Mayor traditionally calls on the Governor after assuming office. Following this custom, Tawde met the newly appointed Governor at his official residence. During the meeting, Tawde congratulated Dev Varma on his appointment and presented him with a bouquet, shawl, and a commemorative memento. The Governor, in turn, congratulated Tawde on her election as Mayor and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. Highlighting the Governor’s administrative experience, the Mayor requested that he allocate time for an interaction with a delegation of newly appointed office-bearers of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), enabling them to benefit from his guidance. Dev Varma assured full cooperation and support to the civic body in its initiatives aimed at the overall development of Mumbai. Jishnu Dev Varma sworn in as Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, a member of the Manikya royal dynasty of Tripura and former Governor of Telangana, was on March 10 sworn in as the 22nd governor of Maharashtra. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, at Darbar Hall of Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar congratulated the governor by presenting bouquets. Soon after, the Indian Navy accorded him a ceremonial guard of honour. Following the election of Governor CP Radhakrishnan as Vice-President of India on September 12, 2025, the additional charge of Maharashtra Governor had been given to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. Earlier, Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal read out the warrant of appointment issued by President Droupadi Murmu in both Hindi and English. Before his appointment in Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma served as Governor of Telangana from July 31, 2024. From 2018 to 2023, he was the deputy chief minister of Tripura, handling the portfolios of finance, rural development, and power. Dev Varma has a keen interest in modern art, painting, and sculpture. He was the convener of the Tripura chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and coordinated the organisation’s activities in Northeast India. He is also a noted writer and poet.
20 March,2026 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said that selfish interests and the desire for dominance are the primary causes of conflicts across the world, asserting that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity, discipline and adherence to dharma, reported news agency PTI. He was addressing a gathering in Nagpur after laying the foundation stone for a Vishwa Hindu Parishad office. ‘Conflicts rooted in dominance and self-interest’ Bhagwat said that global conflicts are largely driven by the pursuit of power and self-interest, which continue to fuel divisions among societies and nations, reported PTI. He noted that despite centuries of attempts to resolve conflicts, including various ideological and political experiments over the past 2,000 years, lasting peace remains elusive. Concerns over intolerance and forced conversions The RSS chief pointed out that issues such as religious intolerance, forced conversions and notions of superiority and inferiority still persist globally, reported PTI. He said these factors continue to create friction and hinder efforts to build a more harmonious world order. Call for unity and harmony Emphasising India’s philosophical outlook, Bhagwat said the country’s ancient wisdom teaches that all beings are interconnected. He urged a shift in global thinking from conflict and competition towards cooperation and harmony, adding that even modern scientific thought is gradually aligning with this perspective, reported PTI. Dharma must reflect in conduct Bhagwat stressed that the concept of dharma should not remain confined to scriptures but must be reflected in everyday behaviour, reported PTI. He said practising discipline and moral values requires sustained effort and often involves personal sacrifice. ‘World needs harmony, not conflict’ Contrasting different worldviews, Bhagwat said while India emphasises collective well-being and humanity, other approaches often focus on competition and survival, reported PTI. He reiterated that the path to lasting peace lies in fostering unity and mutual respect rather than continuing cycles of conflict. The remarks come amid ongoing global tensions, with Bhagwat calling for a broader shift in values to address the root causes of discord. RSS chief calls for unity among communities in Mumbai address Earlier in February, during his two-day visit to Mumbai to mark 100 years of the organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on several issues, including linguistic disputes, corruption, and advocating for families to have three children for social balance. (With inputs from PTI)
20 March,2026 12:40 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAn eight-year-old boy lost his life after falling into a water-filled construction pit in Malad East, police said on Friday. The incident was reported in the early hours of Thursday by Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital, where the child was taken after being rescued. According to police, the incident took place around 8 pm on Thursday at Chagan Patel Chawl in Ambewadi, Kurar Village. The boy, identified as Divyansh Rajesh Mourya, had reportedly entered the site to retrieve a ball when he accidentally fell into a pit filled with water. The excavation work was being carried out by a private contractor. Personnel from Mumbai Police rescued the child and rushed him to the hospital in Kandivali. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending medical officer. Officials from Kurar Village Police Station have registered the incident and further investigation is underway. Man dies after accidentally falling into old well near restaurant in Borivali amid T20 WC celebrations The celebrations turned into a tragedy for 42-year-old Tejas Tawde, who died after falling into a packed well in Borivali’s Babhai Naka. Police said Tawade, a resident of Virar, was celebrating India’s T20 World Cup win with his friends in Borivli last week. Tawde, along with his friends, went to buy Chinese food at a restaurant. “Tawde and his friend gave the order and were waiting. Tawade wanted to go to the bathroom but the restaurant did not have any facilities. He then crossed the road in the dark and accidentally fell into a well,” said a police officer. The well is too old, and it was covered with grills. But a part of the grill was broken, and it was covered with leaves. Tawade didn’t realise that there was a well, and he fell into it, said police, adding that rescue efforts were made to pull him out alive; however, he had died upon falling. Borivli police have registered an accidental death report in connection to the incident. Official Speaks Shiva Shetty, Corporator‘I rushed to the spot, but he drowned. The locals tried to help him but failed to do it because the water level was too deep. I rushed to the fire brigade at Don Bosco, but all the fire officers were busy. Somehow, they arranged a team. They arrived at the spot and pulled Tawde out. We rushed him in an ambulance, but he was declared dead before admission.
20 March,2026 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast mainly clear skies over Mumbai and its suburbs. According to IMD observations, the city recorded minimum temperatures of 23.1 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 21.1 degrees Celsius at Santacruz, both close to seasonal averages. No rainfall was reported at either station in the last 24 hours. Air quality in Mumbai showed noticeable improvement. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s Sameer App recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 58, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category and marking an improvement compared to the past three days. AQI across Mumbai Across the city, AQI levels remained within the satisfactory to moderate range. Chembur recorded the lowest AQI at 48, while Deonar reported the highest at 75. Other areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (70), Andheri East (74), Colaba (63), and Ghatkopar (68) also reflected stable air quality conditions. However, parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) witnessed brief rainfall late Thursday night. Residents in Vasai and parts of north MMR reported light drizzling around 11 pm. Maharashtra weather overview After several days of widespread rain alerts, the IMD has now predicted largely dry weather across most districts of Maharashtra. The latest IMD bulletin, based on observations recorded at 08:30 am on Friday, indicated no significant rainfall activity across the state. Minimum temperatures varied widely, ranging from 13.8 degrees Celsius in Mahabaleshwar to 23.2 degrees Celsius in Harnai. Interior regions recorded below-normal temperatures, with Ahmednagar at 15.4 degrees Celsius, Aurangabad at 16.8 degrees Celsius, and Nashik at 15.6 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas such as Dahanu (19.6 degrees Celsius) and Ratnagiri (21.4 degrees Celsius) experienced relatively moderate conditions. Humidity levels remained high across most parts of the state. Stations including Jalgaon, Jeur, and Sangli reported around 75 per cent humidity, while Mumbai (Colaba) recorded 76 per cent. Mahabaleshwar stood out with comparatively lower humidity at 41 per cent. Rainfall activity remained largely subdued. Most stations reported ‘nil’ precipitation, although Aurangabad received 8 mm of rainfall and Sholapur recorded the highest at 9 mm. Light rainfall was also reported in Sangli (0.2 mm), Satara (0.4 mm), and Kolhapur (0.1 mm). Overall, Maharashtra is expected to witness predominantly dry weather conditions over the coming days, with isolated light rainfall and slightly below-normal minimum temperatures in some interior regions.
20 March,2026 11:00 AM IST | MumbaiWith demand for civic-run CBSE schools outpacing available seats, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to expand capacity by adding new divisions in five schools across the city. A Borivli-based CBSE school will add a fourth division to its existing three, while schools in Ghatkopar, Chembur, Govandi and Vikhroli will each introduce a third division. Typically, each classroom accommodates around 40 students. The move follows a surge in applications, reflecting a clear parental shift towards national-board education within the public system. Educators speak Educators say the appeal lies in a mix of affordability, continuity and infrastructure. “At BMC schools, parents are getting national-board education free of cost, which is a strong incentive. The availability of schooling up to Std X and well-developed infrastructure also help in attracting and retaining students,” said Mohammad Zeeshan, principal of MPS Natwar Parekh CBSE School in Govandi. Where expansion is happening Total schools: 5Locations: Borivli, Ghatkopar, Chembur, Govandi, VikhroliNew CBSE school planned: Andheri East Demand vs seats Nursery1514 seats1851 applications Jr KG272 seats476 applications Sr KG272 seats415 applications Std I238 seats264 applications
20 March,2026 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarFor more than 15 days, a severe water crisis has gripped some units in Aarey Milk Colony. Residents shared with mid-day that the only reliable option at their disposal is unhygienic and non-potable cattle farm water; while drinking needs are being met by fetching water from outside the colony and water tankers. Children have started getting skin rashes from the use of farm water, and senior citizens are forced to trek long distances to carry heavy water pots home. A resident ventures out of Aarey Milk Colony in an auto to fetch water Official Speak A public works department (PWD) official from Aarey Milk Colony said the primary reason for the reduced or disrupted water supply to several units in Aarey Milk Colony is the low pressure in the Tulsi pipeline supplying the area, which has adversely affected distribution. A father-son duo with cattle farm water The cause of water shortage Residents claim that there’s been no clarity from the authorities even after two weeks. Multiple residents stated that “the authorities first said it’s a valve issue, then they said it was a pipe issue, then a water supply issue at Tulsi Lake.” “Whatever may be the reason, how is it that they are unable to solve the issue even after 15 days?” the residents questioned. An unhygienic drinking water supply tank near New Zealand Hostel with rusted parts due to lack of upkeep Residents speak Bhavna Kamble‘I manage water for my kitchen needs from milk containers filled with water that we request from cattle farms’ Meena, 84‘I arrange water from cattle farms in the colony on foot, or else I have to go as far as Goregaon Check Naka in an auto to get a basic amount of water’ Kaish Ali Shaikh‘Many of us, including kids, get skin rashes from using water sourced from nearby cattle farms. Ramadan is ongoing, and we have to prepare iftar, and also break roza using this unhygienic water’ Meena, an 84-year-old resident of Aarey, carries water on her head. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Arrangements for survival >> Using non-potable water available at nearby cattle farms; farms receive this water via a separate pipeline from Powai>> Sourcing from helpful individuals residing in areas outside their colony that have active BMC connections, like Goregaon Check Naka>> Water tankers, but occasionally, because of higher cost and lesser availability A PWD official ‘We have already informed the BMC P South ward that several units are still not receiving water, despite repairs to leakages and other issues in the supply line being fixed a few days ago by the BMC’
20 March,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaNearly a month after work on the long-awaited rejuvenation of Bandra Talao (Swami Vivekanand Sarovar) was officially flagged off, the ground tells a different story. Despite a December tender and a January 12 start date, the iconic waterbody near Bandra station remains untouched, with only metal beams erected around the lake but no visible activity on site, prompting residents to question whether the project has stalled before it even began. A woman walks over broken tiles along the Bandra Talao promenade on Thursday Project snapshotProject cost: Rs 15.13 crore Start date (on paper)January 12, 2026 Contract period 18 months(excluding monsoon) Metal beams erected around the Bandra Talao, but no visible rejuvenation work of the lake has begun on site ContractorWTE Infra Projects Pvt Ltd Delay decodedDelay so far 2 months Action takenShow-cause notice issued by BMC Penalty Proposed against the contractor“There has been a delay of about two months. We have issued a show-cause notice and proposed a penalty,”- Dinesh Pallewad, H West ward officer Damaged railings around Bandra Talao (captured on Thursday) highlight the need for urgent restoration What’s planned? >> Possible floating gardens>> Promenade restoration>> Overall beautification of the Talao precinct What the project aims to fix? >> Removal of aquatic weeds>> Reduction of pollutants Key approvals underway include >> Dumping and disposal of silt and solid waste>> Clearances from road and civic authorities>> Planning execution to avoid public disruption. “As this is a sensitive and heritage project, we are taking utmost precaution,”Rohit Patankar Why no work is visible The contractor maintains that groundwork is underway, just not on-site. “We are currently in the stage of taking permissions from all relevant authorities… physical work will begin only after all clearances are in place,”Rohit Patankar, engineer, WTE Infra Projects
20 March,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturThe BKC police have encountered a new kind of racket wherein riders allege vehicular damage and demand money. The location of this alleged racket is the BKC main road, which leads to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in BKC. The alleged scam >> A lady, in a post on X, alleged that two-wheeler riders stop other vehicles claiming that their bike had been hit by the latter>> After that, the riders demand money for damages via a QR code without involving any authorities The woman’s post on X Official Speak Sanchita Tanpure, Police Sub-inspectorWe contacted the lady who posted on X, but so far, we haven’t received a proper explanation of what happened with her. We have asked her to visit the police station so that we can ensure no such incidents happen with anyone else. So far, no other such complaints have been made. We will look into it if we receive any. Maneesh Kalwaniya, DCP, Zone 8There was an incident wherein a biker fell due to a car making a sudden turn. The injured biker was sent to Bhabha Hospital, and a medico-legal case was received at the police station for that. But no such gangs are suspected by us. Observer Speak Employee of a nearby restaurant,We are here from 10 am to 2 am and haven’t seen any such thing. If anything like this has happened it must have been in a corner with less lighting. Even our regular customers have not mentioned anything of this sort.
20 March,2026 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturMobile telecommunication inside the city’s first underground metro, Aqua Line 3, remains down after the third-party infrastructure provider was switched off for failing to meet contract conditions. Any new network will take time to install, with no immediate relief in sight. With the intent to provide cellular connectivity to all passengers, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), which operates Aqua Line 3, had invited bids to set up neutral or common infrastructure that could be used by any telecom operator. This was in line with best practices followed in large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports and metro systems across India. However, telecom companies disputed the model, alleging that Aqua Line 3 had created a monopoly by routing connectivity exclusively through a third-party vendor. The dispute has left the city’s first underground metro corridor without mobile connectivity. Commuters travel on an Aqua Line 3 train between stations as the underground corridor remains without mobile connectivity Asked about the status, a senior Aqua Line official said, “There has been no development. The third-party infrastructure provider has switched off the network after being terminated for failing to meet contract conditions. Any new network will take time to install.” What telcos say Telecom operators said they were always willing to provide connectivity. But, in the case of Aqua Line 3, they allege that a monopoly has been created by mandating connectivity exclusively through a third-party vendor, which is now seeking to charge high and unreasonable rates. They said under the new Telecommunication Act and its Right of Way rules, a public authority cannot deny telecom service providers access to public infrastructure. What MMRCL says MMRCL said it followed a fair and transparent process to ensure connectivity. “With the intent to provide cellular connectivity in the underground metro to all passengers, MMRCL invited bids to set up neutral/common infrastructure that could be used by any telco. This is in line with best practices followed by airports and metro rail systems across India.” MMRCL undertook an open tender process to onboard a neutral infrastructure provider. Telcos gave letters of support to bidders, thereby endorsing the process. As the provider was onboarded through a competitive, fair and transparent process, any allegations of irregularities are baseless and unfounded.
20 March,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
-1773982862774_d.png "Residents in Vasai and parts of north MMR reported light drizzling around 11 pm. Representational Pic")
