The Maharashtra government has passed a Bill amending certain provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to better protect women from online harassment and misuse of digital content. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday introduced the Bill to address the rising problem of cybercrime and the misuse of social media and other digital platforms. The amendments also include changes similar to those in rape and molestation cases, clearly stating that the identity or name of victims cannot be revealed. On the same lines, the identity of acid attack victims cannot be revealed or published in any form. Expansion to Digital Crimes Under the new provisions, the law explicitly covers crimes committed through modern communication methods, including social media, email, mobile phones, and other digital platforms. Sending obscene or offensive messages via these channels will now be treated as a criminal offence. The amendments make the law stricter for crimes against women online, including the following - - Threatening to upload or share a woman’s photos or videos without her consent, including fake or edited (morphed) images or videos. - Spreading sexual content or showing such material. - Using the internet to defame women, damage their reputation, or misuse their name or photos. - These measures are designed to tackle modern challenges such as deepfakes and digitally altered content. Objective of amendments The government stated that these changes will enhance protection for women from online abuse, harassment, and privacy violations, while enabling police to take action more effectively.
25 March,2026 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday said the recent elections to the posts of president and vice president of the Satara Zilla Parishad (ZP) have exposed internal rifts within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti, turning what was meant to showcase unity into an episode marked by violence and chaos, the IANS reported. “What was supposed to be a standard democratic process devolved into a ‘comedy drama’ reminiscent of the old Marathi film ‘Ashi Hi Sataryachi Tanha’ (This is the Way of Satara), but with a much darker tone. Witnesses reported a significant physical altercation between ministers who publicly present themselves as ‘brothers’ in the same government,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) said in Saamana. Thackeray camp alleges minister roughed up by police In a scathing editorial in its mouthpiece, the Thackeray camp claimed that Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai was allegedly roughed up by police personnel acting under the orders of a rival faction within his own alliance. Desai arrived at the legislature visibly injured, claiming that the police had dragged him and that “democracy has been murdered”. “Despite the Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions holding a clear majority, BJP ministers Shivendraraje and Jaykumar Gore reportedly executed a localised ‘Operation Lotus’,” it claimed, the news agency reported. Allegations of cross-voting, voter suppression and police intimidation The editorial further alleged that key tactics used to secure the ZP presidency included engineering defections, voter suppression, and police intimidation. “Two members of the Shinde faction were reportedly induced to cross-vote, while two others were allegedly prevented from voting altogether. Plainclothes police were reportedly used to create an atmosphere of tension and forcibly remove opposing officials,” it said. According to the editorial, minister Shambhuraj Desai, the grandson of the “Lion of Satara” Balasaheb Desai, was dragged away by plainclothes police. Injured and bleeding, he cried out, “Democracy has been murdered!” While Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed these concerns, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his police department allegedly paid no attention. Sena (UBT) mocks allies as ‘meowing’ during legislature protest “While MLAs of the ruling Shiv Sena and NCP protested on the steps of the legislature, BJP MLAs and ministers reportedly ignored them entirely. Ministers like Gulabrao Patil, who usually growl when in power, were seen ‘meowing’ in protest on the steps. Even a cat strikes back in defence, but these leaders preferred merely sitting on the steps,” the editorial remarked. “These individuals previously left the Shiv Sena with the BJP’s help, an act that was also a ‘murder of democracy’, yet they felt nothing then. They claimed to have joined the BJP for ‘self-respect and Hindutva’, but the Satara incident makes it clear they have been reduced to subordinates. Those who used the police as a tool of ‘mobocracy’ to split the Shiv Sena and grab power now have no right to complain when those same police are used against them,” the Thackeray camp said, IANS reported. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said the incident has sparked a broader debate about political culture in Satara and Maharashtra. “Historically, Satara was a leader in the freedom struggle, known for its discipline and culture. However, corrupt politics has replaced that rugged simplicity with hooliganism, and the region is now being characterised by ‘mob rule’ and ‘corrupt power-seeking’. As the saying goes, ‘As is the king, so are the subjects’; today, ministers fight in the streets and use the police for bullying,” it added. The “centre of this mobocracy” is now the legislature itself, where those who allegedly subvert democracy now sit in power, the editorial said. (With IANS inputs)
25 March,2026 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhat began as mild leg pain and heavy bleeding soon turned life-threatening for a homemaker, as months of ignored symptoms led to a near-fatal lung clot and a massive tumour. “I thought it was just a leg pain due to heavy bleeding during my menstrual cycle. I assumed it was a common thing, especially during menopause. I regret avoiding these signs for months,” said Oneza Gite, who recently underwent life-saving surgeries at Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai. Sudden collapse On February 4, Gite’s condition worsened. She fainted while bending at home and was rushed to a nearby hospital before being shifted for advanced care. She had acute breathlessness, cold sensation in her lower limb, repeated vomiting, loose motions and persistent calf pain before the episode. The four kg fibroid removed from the patient’s body. Pics/By Special Arrangement Critical diagnosis The patient with her husband “She was shifted to the ICU. A CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)confirmed a life-threatening saddle-shaped thrombus in the main pulmonary artery extending into both the right and left pulmonary arteries, a condition that can rapidly turn fatal if not treated immediately. Further CT abdomen imaging revealed a giant fibroid with degenerative changes, reaching up to the lower part of the chest bone,” said Dr. Badal Taori. Treatment dilemma Dr Anuranjita Pallavi Doctors faced a dual challenge of treating both the lung clot and the fibroid. “We decided to remove the clot first as operating on the fibroid could have increased pressure on her lungs and heart,” said Dr Taori. We opted for mechanical catheter-directed thrombectomy over IV treatment to directly remove the clot and avoid complications. This also allowed immediate surgery for the fibroid the next day. The clot weighed nearly two litres. Missed warning Doctors said ignoring symptoms worsened her condition. Breathlessness, prolonged calf pain, heavy bleeding, vomiting and weight loss, there were so many signs that her body was giving her. If she had paid attention, the condition wouldn’t have worsened to this level – neither physically nor monetarily. Patient speaks “I remember feeling sudden breathlessness, and then everything went blank. I was told later that my condition was critical. I never imagined that calf pain could lead to something so serious. I feel grateful and blessed to be alive.”
25 March,2026 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarThe Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns over financial mismanagement in the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights for the financial year 2018-19, citing weak internal controls and accounting lapses, reported the PTI. In its audit report tabled on Tuesday, the CAG pointed out that interest amounting to Rs 10.23 lakh earned on government grants was required to be returned to the state exchequer as per rules, but the commission instead accounted for it as its own income. However, the commission instead recorded this amount as its own income, in violation of established norms, the news agency reported. The report highlighted that expenditure worth Rs 1.93 lakh incurred on services and materials during 2018-19 was not entered into the accounts. This omission resulted in an inflated depiction of the commission’s financial surplus, as per the PTI. Asset valuation discrepancies Auditors also found inconsistencies in the calculation of depreciation on assets such as computers and printers. Incorrect accounting methods led to an overstatement of asset values by Rs 0.26 lakh. Lack of transparency in financial records According to the PTI, the audit pointed to unclear financial documentation, noting that Rs 2.45 lakh was listed as an advance drawn from a non-salary fund. However, the commission failed to provide supporting documents or clarify the purpose and timing of this withdrawal. Additionally, the absence of comparative expenditure data with the previous financial year further undermined transparency. Systemic weaknesses identified Flagging broader governance issues, the CAG observed that the commission lacked an internal audit mechanism—an essential tool for ensuring accountability. It also noted that no physical verification of inventory was being carried out. Grant utilisation The report stated that the commission received government grants totalling Rs 1.14 crore during 2018-19, all of which were fully utilised by 31 March 2019, leaving no unspent balance, reported the PTI. Despite the seriousness of the findings, the commission has not yet provided any explanation, the report noted. The audit was tabled in the state assembly on Tuesday by women and child welfare minister Aditi Tatkare, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
25 March,2026 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Mumbai as the city on Wednesday continued to witness hot and humid weather conditions. A similar alert was issued for Thane and Raigad for the second consecutive day, forecasting hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets. The mercury in Mumbai and its adjoining areas has been rising since mid-March. According to the IMD's weather bulletin on Wednesday morning, Mumbai is likely to experience hot and humid conditions in the city and suburbs. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remained in the moderate category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 83 on Wednesday. AQI across Mumbai Air quality levels across key locations in the city were as follows: Bandra Kurla Complex: 87Borivali East: 107Byculla: 74Andheri East: 95Chembur: 76Colaba: 73Deonar: 103 Maharashtra weather update: Temperatures soar across Maharashtra, IMD flags rising heat Maharashtra continued to witness warm conditions on Wednesday, with several districts recording above-normal temperatures, according to the IMD's latest weather report issued at 8:30 am. Interior regions reel under rising heat Among the hottest locations, Malegaon recorded the highest maximum temperature at 38 degrees Celsius, followed by Sholapur at 38.6 degrees Celsius, Jalgaon at 37.7 degrees Celsius, and Jeur at 37.5 degrees Celsius. Other cities such as Satara (37.2 degrees Celsius), Sangli (36.9 degrees Celsius), and Osmanabad (36.9 degrees Celsius) also reported high temperatures, indicating widespread heat across interior regions. Mumbai and coastal belt see moderate conditions In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Santacruz recorded 36.6 degrees Celsius, significantly above normal by 3.4 degrees, while Colaba reported a comparatively lower 34.2 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas such as Ratnagiri (33.3 degrees Celsius) and Alibag (32.7 degrees Celsius) experienced relatively moderate temperatures. Night temperatures remain stable Minimum temperatures remained stable across the state, generally ranging between 18 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, with Harnai (25 degrees Celsius) and Mumbai-Colaba (25 degrees Celsius) recording the highest night temperatures. Coastal humidity high, interiors relatively dry Humidity levels were notably higher in coastal regions, with Mumbai-Colaba (83 per cent), Ratnagiri (84 per cent), and Dahanu (80 per cent) reporting elevated morning humidity. In contrast, interior regions such as Beed (54 per cent) and Parbhani (50 per cent) saw relatively drier conditions. Mixed weather pattern across the state Overall, the weather pattern indicates hot conditions in interior Maharashtra and humid weather along the coast, with temperatures in several areas remaining above normal for this time of year.
25 March,2026 11:33 AM IST | MumbaiA fire broke out at a godown storing plastic and air-conditioner scrap materials in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Wednesday. No one was injured in the incident which occurred on Tuesday night, they said. The blaze was reported at 9.01 pm at the warehouse located near a school in the Dahisar Mori area, the officials said. Firefighting teams from multiple stations, including Thane, Vashi, Airoli and Koparkhairane in Navi Mumbai, were deployed. "The fire was brought under control at around 1.30 am on Wednesday after sustained efforts. Cooling operations are currently underway. No injuries have been reported in the incident," Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management officer Yasin Tadvi said. The plastic and AC scrap materials stored in the godown were gutted in the fire, officials said. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, they added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 March,2026 10:05 AM IST | Thane | PTIA gas pipeline leak was reported late on Tuesday night within the area of Sion Hospital in central Mumbai, prompting a swift emergency response, officials said, according to the PTI. According to officials, the leak was detected near Gate No. 1, close to the college building inside the hospital campus, at approximately 11 pm. The information was relayed by the Mumbai Fire Brigade shortly after the situation was identified. The leak originated from a pipeline operated by Mahanagar Gas Ltd. In response, at least four fire engines, along with additional firefighting vehicles, were deployed to the site to contain the situation, reported the PTI. Police personnel and MGL teams also arrived promptly, working alongside fire officials to manage the leak and secure the surrounding area, the news agency reported. Safety measures undertaken Authorities acted quickly to ensure public safety within the hospital premises, coordinating efforts to prevent any escalation and minimise risk to patients, staff, and visitors. Mahanagar Gas Limited assures uninterrupted supply Meanwhile, amid the LPG supply concerns due to the ongoing West Asia war, the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) distribution across its operational areas in Maharashtra and Karnataka. In an official statement, the MGL stated that it is taking necessary steps to ensure reliable and safe fuel supply for households and transport, in line with the Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026, which gives top priority to domestic PNG and CNG. MGL’s services extend across several regions, including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander, Raigad, Ratnagiri, as well as areas in Karnataka such as Chitradurga and Davanagere, the official statement said. Concerns have been growing after Iran announced closure of Strait of Hormuz, a major oil and gas supply route, in response to joint attacks on it by US and Israel. New benefits for domestic customers To encourage wider adoption of PNG, MGL has introduced several customer-friendly initiatives including - - Free gas worth Rs 500 for new registrations between 16 March and 30 April 2026 - Rs 1,000 bill adjustment for customers in buildings with over 60 per cent PNG usage - Rs 500 instant discount for online registrations - Waiver of minimum charges during non-usage periods - Plans to introduce zero upfront registration charges - Flexible payment options for customers - Incentives for Commercial Users For commercial customers, MGL has waived registration charges and will also invest in downstream infrastructure at its own cost, making it easier for businesses to switch to PNG. Advisory to prevent fraud MGL has also issued a safety advisory to customers and stated to avoid the following - - Avoid clicking on unknown links - Do not download suspicious files or apps - Never share OTPs or bank details - Use only MGL’s official verified communication channels Official statement Managing Director Ashu Shinghal said, "the company remains focused on expanding access to natural gas and supporting the transition to cleaner energy." MGL stated that it will continue to strengthen its infrastructure and customer engagement efforts to ensure dependable service and promote the use of cleaner fuel alternatives across its network, the official statement said. (with PTI inputs)
25 March,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will install 547 dewatering pumps to prevent flooding during the coming monsoon at a cost of Rs 144 crore. Last year, the civic had installed 510 such machines. According to an official from the stormwater drains department, “The increase in the number of dewatering pumps to be used this year is due to a higher demand from the wards.” Of the 547 pumps, 146 will be allotted to the island city between Colaba to Mahim and Matunga, 178 for the eastern suburbs, between Sion and Mulund, and the remaining 223 will be allotted to the western suburbs, between Bandra and Dahisar. Pump allotment Hindmata Junction in Dadar: 14 pumps. This saucer-shaped low-lying area in Dadar East witnessed over two feet of logged water for up to eight hours during the monsoon. The BMC constructed an underground water holding tank at Hindmata in 2020-21, which has reduced the time taken for accumulated water to recede by more than half. Gandhi Market: 5 pumps at the shopping space, and 5 pumps in the surrounding areas Andheri subway: 3 pumps are at this chronic waterlogging spot. According to information from BMC, the ward office is unable to use more pumps at Andheri subway due to a lack of sump pits, holes designed to collect water to prevent flooding. While only one pump out of 3 is set up at the subway, two others are installed in its vicinity. Who operates the pumps? The stormwater drains department takes charge of waterlogged areas after offices of the respective wards raise a request. The waterlogging situation is monitored by control rooms set up at the ward level, and pumps are operated by contractors. How dewatering pumps help Deployed in low-lying areas, these machines help pump rainwater from the surface to drains faster after or during of heavy rainfall. This can reduce the time taken for water to recede.
25 March,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSOut of 33 major cities in the state, Mumbai ranks 26th, placing it in the lower half. Within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), its position is mixed, performing better than Navi Mumbai (22) and Virar (24), but worse than Mira Bhayandar (29) and Thane (33), which is the least polluted city in the state. On a larger scale, Mumbai ranks 358th out of around 9500 cities globally and 150th in India, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report 2025, which analysed data from 9446 cities across 143 countries. Thick layer of haze and smog around Coastal Road in Mumbai earlier this year. File pic/ASHISH RAJE The report also highlights a broader crisis. India is the sixth-most polluted country in the world, behind Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Chad and Congo. The world’s most polluted city is Loni in Ghaziabad, with PM2.5 levels of 112.5 µg/m³, over 22 times the WHO guideline. Globally, the burden is concentrated in the region, with the 25 most polluted cities located across India, Pakistan and China, and India accounting for three of the four worst. What’s driving the pollution (CPCB) Winter (Jan-Feb): Dust-driven pollution>> Dominant pollutant: PM10>> Sources: construction, road dust, and infrastructure activity>> Weather: cooler temperatures and low wind trap pollutants March onwards: Shift to emissions >> Dominant pollutant: NO>> Source: vehicle emissions and fuel combustion>> Rising temperatures reduce dust but increase the emission impact Seasonal pattern (IQAir) Mumbai’s pollution follows a clear cycle:>> November to February: worst air quality, often exceeding WHO limits by over 10 times>> August (monsoon): cleanest period, but still 2 to 3 times above safe limits Monthly snapshot January 8 satisfactory, 23 moderateFebruary 7 satisfactory, 21 moderateMarch 19 satisfactory, 5 moderate Delhi comparison (IQAir) Mumbai is often benchmarked against Delhi. Delhi is ranked 4th most polluted city, while New Delhi is 16th most polluted city in the world. 2026 so far (Jan 1 - Mar 24) (CPCB) Total days analysed: 83 Worst AQI: 145 (February 21)Moderate: 49 days (59 percent)Satisfactory: 34 days (41 percent) 2025 snapshot (CPCB) Good days 55Satisfactory 167Moderate 142Unhealthy 160 per cent of the year fell under good or satisfactory AQI Where Mumbai stands State rank: 26 / 33Global rank: 358 / 9446 Within MMR Navi Mumbai more polluted (295 globally)Mumbai 358 globallyThane less polluted (437 globally)Kalyan: 265 (global ranking)Mira Bhayandar: 382Virar: 332Pune: 267Lonavala: 249 Where money goes (IQAir) 13 percentVehicle emissions 15 percentBiomass burning 1 percentIndustrial pollution 63 percentRoad dust control
25 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSIn a significant development in Navi Mumbai’s long-running land acquisition dispute, the Supreme Court on March 16 declined to hear CIDCO’s challenge to the Bombay High Court’s 2025 ruling, effectively lending it finality for now. The case involves landowners from Bamandongri, Ulwe, and nearby villages, whose lands were acquired for township development. While the high court upheld the acquisition, it flagged serious procedural lapses and ensured limited relief for affected landowners. When contacted CIDCO officials refused to comment on the matter. Where the process came under scrutiny Award confusionMultiple dates recorded: >> April 7, May 2 (draft), May 9, 2015>> Process appears to have continued till late May Court’s red flagsContradictory official records>> Possible lack of prior approvals>> Indications of document manipulation>> Misleading statements by officials What the court held Despite noting irregularities, the high court relied on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Girnar Traders (3):>> MRTP Act overrides restrictive provisions of land laws>> Procedural violations alone cannot invalidate acquisition What each side argued Petitioners>> Senior Counsel AV Anturkar alleged procedural violations and manipulation>> Said Girnar Traders ruling does not apply to new townships>> Sought 20 per cent developed land under 2014 policies State>> Senior Counsel AI Patel clarified acquisition carried out under the MRTP Act>> Said land laws were only procedural>> Maintained rules were followed CIDCO>> MRTP Act overrides land acquisition laws>> Urgency clause validates process>> No grounds to cancel acquisition Urgency clause Section 17 invokedSection 5A hearings bypassed Key timeline Section 4 notificationSection 6 declarationNew law comes into forceNotices still issued under old law What triggered the dispute Landowners vs acquisitionChallenge to compulsory acquisitionAlleged violations under the 1894 and 2013 land lawsDemand for cancellation or 20 per cent developed land Relief for landowners >> Claim for 20 per cent developed land to be considered>> Hearing must be granted>> Decision within three months Action against official >> Departmental inquiry ordered>> Allegations include record fabrication and misleading affidavits>> Timeline: six months Interim protection >> Possession stayed for 10 weeks>> Allowed petitioners to approach the Supreme Court>> SC refusal now ends that window
25 March,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his farewell remarks for Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday, described the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader as “not a typical political personality”. With Thackeray’s term as a Member of Legislative Council (MLC) ending in May, Fadnavis said that while he has shown aggression in politics when required, it is not his natural disposition but a response to circumstances, highlighting a softer, more personal side of him beyond politics. The six-year tenure of Thackeray and eight other members will end in May, making this their final session in the Maharashtra legislature. The ongoing session of the state legislature concludes on Wednesday (March 25). Good health and success Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde wished Thackeray good health and the best for his future. Fadnavis also wished him good health and success in politics, adding that Thackeray has completed six years and, if he chooses, could return for another term. NCP leader Sunetra Pawar also weighed in, saying, ‘Farewells are always emotional, and today is no different.’ “It is not an end, but a pause, a brief rest before the start of a new journey,” she said. Relation beyond politics CM Fadnavis said that differences of opinion are natural in politics; sometimes leaders stand together, and at other times they are on opposite sides, but relationships go beyond politics. He described his association with Thackeray as a long one, saying they have shared a journey over many years. Till 2019, the two were together in power but parted ways after the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), when Thackeray became Chief Minister with the support of the Congress and the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), while the BJP moved into the opposition. Uddhav takes swipe at BJP Thackeray likened current politics to an IPL (cricket teams) and called the situation “Indian Political League”, where alliances keep changing, and it becomes unclear who stands with whom, adding “that if all players are on one side, who will they compete against?” He stated that even if one gives a lot, it is not necessarily met with good treatment. Thackeray recalls his journey The UBT leader stated that it is a coincidence that his journey began on March 24, 2020, when the nationwide lockdown was announced, and now concludes on the same date (March 24, 2026). He recalled that his first decision (as the CM) was to allocate funds for Raigad, while one of his last was renaming Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He noted that in the past, even without adequate numbers, the post of Leader of the Opposition was granted. If that was right, then, he said, it should be followed now as well. The backstory When the MVA government came to power in November 2019, Thackeray took oath as CM without an MLC. He later entered the Legislative Council unopposed on May 18, 2020, to meet constitutional requirements. His tenure as the CM ended on June 30, 2022, following a split in the then-undivided Shiv Sena led by Shinde. June 30, 2022Day Uddhav Thackeray’s tenure ended as CM
25 March,2026 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
