After a brief spell of clean and breathable air, Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated on Sunday, slipping back into the ‘moderate’ category with a light layer of haze visible across the city in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer App, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 111, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. At this level, air quality may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart diseases. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast maximum and minimum temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively, indicating warm conditions alongside the decline in air quality. AQI across Mumbai AQI levels varied across different parts of Mumbai, with some areas recording higher pollution levels. Deonar reported the highest AQI at 179, followed by Bandra Kurla Complex at 165 and Andheri at 153. Borivali East recorded 126, Byculla 115, and Chembur 107, all falling under the ‘moderate’ category. Colaba remained relatively better with an AQI of 70, classified as ‘satisfactory’. In neighbouring regions, Thane recorded an AQI of 82, while Navi Mumbai stood at 116 and Kalyan at 71, indicating mostly satisfactory to moderate air quality levels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Experts advise vulnerable groups to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions as pollution levels rise again. Maharashtra weather update: Heat intensifies across state; Jalgaon, Malegaon cross 41 degrees Celsius Several parts of Maharashtra continue to reel under rising temperatures, with multiple districts recording above-normal heat levels, according to the Meteorological Department’s latest weather report issued at 08:30 am. Jalgaon and Malegaon emerged among the hottest locations in the state, both recording maximum temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius on April 11. Sholapur closely followed at 41.4 degrees Celsius, while Sangli (40.3 degrees Celsius) and Jeur (40 degrees Celsius) also experienced intense heat conditions. Temperatures in Marathwada In the Marathwada region, Aurangabad and Parbhani recorded highs of 39.4 degrees Celsius, while Osmanabad touched 39.6 degrees Celsius, indicating persistently warm conditions across the belt. Mumbai remained relatively cooler compared to the interior districts but continued to witness warm and humid weather. Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz reported 34.6 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 27.4 degrees Celsius and 23.4 degrees Celsius, respectively, both slightly above normal, reflecting uncomfortable humidity levels in the city. Coastal weather In coastal areas, Dahanu recorded a high of 35 degrees Celsius, while Ratnagiri saw a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius. Harnai reported relatively high humidity levels, with morning relative humidity at 75 per cent and rising further in the evening. Meanwhile, hill station Mahabaleshwar recorded a comparatively lower maximum temperature of 33.7 degrees Celsius, offering mild relief from the heat, while Pune division areas like Nashik reported temperatures nearing 39 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures across the state showed mixed trends, with some regions like Jalgaon (20 degrees Celsius) and Malegaon (19 degrees Celsius) recording below-normal night temperatures, while cities like Mumbai and Sholapur experienced warmer nights. The IMD data also indicated varying humidity levels across Maharashtra, with coastal regions witnessing higher moisture content, while interior districts recorded relatively drier conditions. With temperatures remaining above normal in several districts, residents are likely to continue experiencing hot weather conditions, especially during the afternoon hours.
12 April,2026 11:52 AM IST | MumbaiAn overhead equipment (OHE) breakdown between Bhayandar and Naigaon stations on Western Railway’s Mumbai Central division disrupted suburban train services on Sunday morning. According to railway officials, the disruption occurred on the down through line at around 7.52 am near kilometre marker 44/1-6. Initially, two local trains and one MEMU service were held up due to the technical snag. Officials said that one local and one MEMU have since been taken out, while the remaining EMU is in the process of being cleared. Diesel locomotive (DSL) power was being arranged to move the affected train, while a tower wagon was dispatched from Vasai Road to the site to carry out repairs. Restoration work is underway and normal services are expected to resume within an hour, officials added. More details are awaited
12 April,2026 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA seagull convention A bunch of seagulls gather to figure their day at Gorai Jetty, Borivali (West). The entrepreneurial little flea The event will also feature performances and interactive zones Special Hangout is an unique marketplace that celebrates the talents of neurodivergent individuals and persons with disabilities, with all stalls run by them. From handmade art and crafts to delicious home-baked treats, every purchase directly supports their journey towards independence and inclusion. The event will also feature live performances, interactive zones, and a vibrant, inclusive community spirit. Come shop, engage, and be inspired —because every small step of support creates a big impact in building a more inclusive world. “This flea market is a step towards creating a world where every individual is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to shine. At Special Hangout, we believe inclusion begins with understanding — and events like these bring our community closer to that vision,” says founder Ritu Vig. The market will be held on April 25 at the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Fun with Kapil and Borde in Pune Chandu Borde and Kapil Dev Social media was abuzz when a video of Kapil Dev bowling to golden great and former India captain, Chandu Borde surfaced recently. India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain met Borde, 91, in Pune recently during a function at the Pune Club. By the way, Borde was one of the five selectors who picked the 1983 World Cup team. Borde played Kapil with panache of old, which underlined the adage, once a great, always a great. Borde was delighted when we informed him about how popular the video had become. In response he told us that he even received calls from his friends in Australia about the video. Talking about Australia, there’s a story about pace terror Jeff Thomson bowling to Sir Donald Bradman in the backyard of a common friend during the 1977-78 season. Thomson was then one of, if not the fastest bowler in the world and he was stunned by how the 69-year-old Bradman tackled him even though the exchange was just for fun. The burn(out) book Harnidh Kaur’s new book, The Girls Are Not Fine; (right) Harnidh Kaur It's not going to surprise anyone to learn of a Deloitte study that found that 46 per cent Indian women suffer from burnout. We’ve all lived that double shift life — work at the office, and then work on your second job as a homemaker. And then there’s the mental and emotional cost of smiling through constant interruptions at work, of managing everyone else’s emotions, and all other invisible labour. It’s a problem that Harnidh Kaur tackles head on in her new book, The Girls are Not Fine: The Cost of Ambition, Careers and Becoming (Penguin Random House India, releases on April 30). If you’re a woman who has ever struggled to set boundaries at work, and then paid the mental cost for it, this book is for you. Each chapter offers practical exercises that help readers identify their burnout and its origin, and then set boundaries. “I wrote this book because I kept having the same conversation with the women around me about how exhausted we all were, and how none of us had language for why. The Girls Are Not Fine was my attempt to understand why we were trained to perform fineness long after we stopped being fine,” says the author. A Bollywood-esque shaadi takes the stage Actors Mohan Kapur and Apoorva Arora on stage A shaadi-baarat has come to town, and it’s bigger than what you may have in mind. Marry Go Round — Let’s Blame it on Bollywood, brings a big fat Indian wedding to the stage in the form of a play. Helmed by Ashvin Gidwani of AGP World, the musical arrives in Mumbai after a successful Singapore run. It opened at NCPA on Saturday night, and unfolded like a Bollywood blooper reel gone delightfully wrong. The play begins as a dream wedding and quickly spirals. There is a headstrong bride, an ex who refuses to exit, a business heir, frantic planners, and a perpetually tipsy Colonel, all navigating emotional meltdowns, collapsing dance routines, and hashtag-worthy moments. “Bollywood is influencing not just weddings but almost every facet of culture. So how can weddings be left out?” says director Bhavna Pani. “Its infectious energy is undeniable.” The production embraces this influence unapologetically, and Pani adds, “I was very conscious of making sure this play doesn’t mock Bollywood. In fact, it’s an ode to its beauty, grandeur and irrefutable effect on Indian society. I want the audiences to get so absorbed in this dramatic world of laughter, dance and spectacle, that they can’t help but return home with absolute happiness in their hearts, feeling proud of their culture and country.” But beneath the spectacle are questions around marriage. “This script doesn’t only entertain… but also questions the conditioning we have about marriage, family, love and companionship. This wedding has a lot of unexpected twists in the plot and starts a conversation about fake vs real,” she adds.With a cast featuring Vidya Malvade, Mohan Kapur, and Apoorva Arora, the show continues on April 18 at Nehru Centre, Worli.
12 April,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDThe flamingos that fly down to the wetlands in Navi Mumbai every year to feast on the aquatic life here, have met with a crappy welcome this year. The DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul, which draws thousands of avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts keen to observe the pink birds, is overrun with sewage. This despite the fact that a wetland emergency was declared in three major waterbird habitats within the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary Ramsar site. Green groups have demanded the immediate reopening of the lake’s main southern water channel from the creek, which they allegedly say was buried during construction of an access road to the water transport passenger terminal. The lake is one of the few remaining feeding grounds for the pink birds. File pic Expert opinion from a senior environmental scientist familiar with wetland ecology has reinforced fears that the lake water has turned toxic because of organic waste, making the wetland unsuitable as a feeding ground for water birds, according to a statement by NatConnect Foundation. The warning is underscored by a red flag: flamingos have not arrived at the lake this season, said NatConnect director B N Kumar. The situation has worsened, with thick sheets of algae spreading across the lake surface, turning the water body into what resembles dense sludge. Forest department teams have begun clean-up operations, Kumar said. “These thick layers of algae are not suitable for flamingos to rest or roost on,” read the NatConnect statement, quoting a scientist. When informed that local activists had also spotted froth and traces of oil on the water surface, the scientist said these could be signs of urban or industrial sewage entering the wetland. Kumar said a major drain connects to the lake through two inlets and outlets. While creek water enters the lake during high tide, sewage flowing towards the creek also finds its way into the wetland. Conservationist Jyoti Nadkarni said, “Stagnant water not being fully flushed out during low tide was also contributing to algae growth. Contaminated water does not support the microorganisms and small fish that sustain flamingos and other water birds.” Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society, which is fighting legal battles to protect the lake, said he was shocked to see froth floating on the wetland’s surface. Activists have long demanded action NatConnect Foundation had earlier commissioned water sample testing by SSAS Laboratory, which showed severe ecological stress. Key indicators, including TDS, pH, BOD and COD, were far beyond safe limits, pointing to stagnant water, heavy organic pollution and significant chemical contamination. The environmental organisation had earlier escalated the issue to the Prime Minister’s Office in a World Water Day appeal, following which the Centre referred the matter to the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority.
12 April,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentTension prevailed at Sion Hospital late on Friday after relatives of a 55-year-old labourer, Khalin Shaikh, refused to accept his body following his death during treatment. The deceased, identified as Kalim Shaikh, was working at a construction project in CGS Colony, GTB Nagar, when the incident occurred. Shaikh’s distant relatives, who live in the city, refused to accept the body, demanding proper inquiry in the matter on Friday. His son arrived here from Delhi on Saturday afternoon and consented to an autopsy after an FIR was registered against the project site supervisors. “The builder’s employees had first called us after the incident happened instead of calling an ambulance or the police for help. He may have survived if care had been provided to him rather than trying to manipulate and settle things by calling us first,” said Shaikh’s nephew. Shaikh was resting near a stack of marble tiles when the pile suddenly fell on him, injuring his spine. He collapsed on a table, hurting his chest. Doctors at Sion Hospital stated that he had succumbed to his injuries and blood loss. Though authorities from Sion Hospital informed Antop Hill police about the death immediately on Friday evening, the FIR was only registered on Saturday. “Naved Mohammed Rahim Shaikh and Nasib Alam — both site supervisors [at the TransIndia project] — have been booked under Sections 106(1) and 3(5) of BNS Act,” said DCP Ragasudha R.
12 April,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarWith one arm of the Parel TT bridge, officially christened Sant Namdev Maharaj Flyover, now undergoing major revamp and concretisation, traffic between north and south Mumbai has been hit pretty hard. The flyover is a key connector in central Mumbai and plays a vital role in dispersing traffic between Parel, Dadar, and nearby areas. The one open arm of the flyover is open to south-bound traffic till 4 pm, after which north-bound traffic gets the right of way. Meanwhile, one can see the spillover of traffic on the lanes under the flyover (on the right in the picture). Work on the ageing flyover is estimated to be over by the end of May, before the monsoon’s advent.
12 April,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashish RajeDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Be patient with any slow moving situations or projects and do not try to force it according to the timeline you want. Take a little extra care of your mental health.Relationship tip: Make careful and well thought out decisions. Do not let other people influence the choices you make. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Choose carefully from the options you have if you need to make a decision. Be patient with investments and focus on long term growth.Relationship tip: Avoid getting possessive over any situation that needs a relaxed response. Those in a long distance marriage should work on improving communication. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Find the balance you need to deal with any competitive or challenging situation. Avoid making impulsive decisions.Relationship tip: Small gestures to show you care are as important as the big ones. Pay a little extra attention to the people you live with. CancerJune 21 – July 22Be very clear about what you need to do and follow through. Pay attention to your valuables as you could misplace them.Relationship tip: This is a positive time for relationships in general, as long as you nurture the people important to you. Singles are in a positive phase. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Be willing to make changes and don’t procrastinate important work. Make sure you get enough sleep.Relationship tip: Those in a committed relationship may want to take it to the next level. This is a positive time for those who want to conceive a child. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Focus on what you need to do rather than getting distracted by non-essentials. Listen to your intuition while dealing with finances and investments.Relationship tip: Keep your communication clear, without going on tangents. A friend may need a little extra emotional support. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Any competitive situation at work may need intelligent and decisive action. This is a positive time for investments as long as you do your research.Relationship tip: Be mindful about whom you trust if you need to vent about a friend or family member. Singles should avoid getting into complicated equations. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21A situation may not be exactly as it seems and you would need to look deeper into it. Be careful with finances and don’t spend unnecessarily.Relationship tip: Those going through a challenging time in their relationship should try to not let it get worse. Think before you speak. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Any sudden change could throw you off balance, but can be handled properly if you deal with it calmly. Avoid overspending while out with friends.Relationship tip: Think carefully if you need to make a decision even if it seems like a small one. Don’t let other people influence your relationship choices. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Take a step back if you find yourself drawn to something reckless and impulsive. This is a positive time for those in a creative profession.Relationship tip: Make an extra effort if you have been feeling slightly detached from your spouse or partner. This is a positive time for those who want to conceive a child. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Pay attention to how you interact with bosses and authority figures. This is a positive time for any legal matters or documentation work.Relationship tip: A friend may need sensible advice or a shoulder to cry on. An elder in the family would require a little extra attention. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Avoid risky or unregulated investments even if you are promised high returns. Take a little extra care of your health.Relationship tip: Avoid listening to gossip about a family member or friend. Those with a busy schedule would need to make an extra effort to make time for their spouse or partner.
12 April,2026 02:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the lottery results for admissions under the 25 per cent quota of the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 for the academic year 2026-27. A total of 4,941 seats across 325 schools in Mumbai have been allotted to students through the online selection process. According to the civic officials, 10,383 valid applications were received for 6,023 reserved seats under the RTE quota. Out of these 252 schools (state board) offered 4,558 seats and 73 schools (other boards) offered 1,465 seats. The lottery draw was conducted on April 6, 2026 at the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training in Pune. The final selection and waiting lists were published online on April 10, 2026 after technical processing, an official statement said. Verify admission status online The statement said that the parents of selected students have been informed via SMS. However, authorities have advised them not to rely only on messages and instead check the official portal by entering their application number. Parents must download the allotment letter and follow further instructions provided online, it said. Deadline for document verification According to the officials, the BMC has urged parents to complete document verification and confirm admission by April 20, 2026. To secure admission, parents must follow the below mentioned rules - - Print the allotment letter - Carry required documents (already uploaded during application) - Visit the designated verification centre - Complete the online admission process After verification, the parents of the students must submit the school copy of the admission letter to the allotted school, the officials said. Warning for missing deadline Officials have warned that if the parents fail to confirm admission within the deadline, the allotted seat will be cancelled. In such cases, the seat will be offered to a student from the waiting list. In case of issues or lack of cooperation from the schools- - For SSC board schools, parents can contact BMC’s education office at Curry Road - For other boards, they can reach out to education inspectors or the Deputy Director of Education office at Charni Road.
11 April,2026 11:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has signed a key agreement to strengthen mental health support for children across the state. An official statement said that the initiative has been taken under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, with a focus on building a more inclusive and accessible mental health system. The state’s Public Health Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eklavya Foundation for Mental Health. The agreement aims to expand mental health services for children through community-based programmes and structured support systems. Focus on emotional wellbeing of children Speaking on the initiative, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that children’s mental health is a key foundation for the state’s future. He added that the programme will help children develop confidence, emotional strength and a positive outlook towards life. Statewide implementation plan The programme will be rolled out across all districts in Maharashtra through the caregiver-led self-help groups and offline and digital support systemsAwareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health, the statement said. It said that it will also provide support to families and caregivers, ensuring a more holistic approach to mental healthcare. Integration with existing health programmes The initiative will be implemented in coordination with the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), ensuring better reach and efficiency. Officials said the programme will help improve awareness, accessibility and quality of mental health services across the state. Three-year agreement The MoU will remain in effect for three years, during which the government aims to significantly strengthen mental healthcare systems for children. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior officials, including Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Prakash Abitkar, Dr Nipun Vinayak (Principal Secretary, Health), Dr Kadambari Balkawade (Health Services Commissioner) and the representatives from the Eklavya Foundation. Maharashtra plans stricter rules for safer school transport Meanwhile, with GPS tracking, CCTVs and fee controls, Maharashtra government has announced plans to introduce stricter and more comprehensive regulations to improve the safety, transparency and accountability of school transport. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the proposed rules aim to prioritise the safety of school children across the state. The draft notification, proposes the implementation of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (School Bus Regulation) (First Amendment) Rules, 2026. Citizens have been invited to submit objections and suggestions within 15 days of the notification, an official statement said on Saturday. Under the proposed rules, school bus fares will be fixed by the Regional Transport Authority. Schools and operators will only be allowed to charge monthly fees. Collecting lump-sum advance payments will not be permitted, providing financial relief to parents. Every school will be required to form a school Transport Committee. This committee will address complaints related to fees, safety and service quality. It will also be mandatory for the committee to submit quarterly reports. Mandatory use of modern safety technology All school buses and vans must be fitted with GPS-based Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) and panic buttons. In addition, fire detection and alarm systems (FDAS), CCTV cameras and seat belts for all seats will be compulsory, the statement said. A digital safety monitoring system will be required in every vehicle. This system will allow live tracking, digital attendance, automated alerts and direct communication with parents. It will also be integrated with a state-level monitoring platform, it said. Daily attendance of students, including boarding and drop-off times, must be recorded. For pre-primary and primary students (up to Class 5), a women attendant or authorised staff member must be present during every journey, the statement further said. The rules include provisions for children with disabilities or special needs. This includes trained staff, accessible transport arrangements and, where necessary, the presence of parents or teachers.
11 April,2026 11:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran singer Asha Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday evening after she suffered a heart attack. Officials said that she was shifted to the hospital at around 7:30 pm. Hospital authorities confirmed that her house help informed them of her complaining of uneasiness and severe headache before she had the heart attack. She was rushed to the hospital where, according to hospital sources, she remains critical. She has been shifted to the ICU. Further details are awaited.
11 April,2026 10:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarA Badlapur-bound Mumbai local train on Saturday evening overshot the platform at Vikhroli railway station in the eastern suburbs of the city, officials said. According to the railway officials, the train, identified as number BD 37, overshot platform 3 on the down through fast line at around 5:52 pm. The train went past the platform by nearly four coaches. The situation was brought under control after the train guard applied the emergency brake immediately. The train was halted safely, preventing any major incident, officials said. Short delay in services Following the incident, the train was detained at Bhandup station for about eight minutes, from 5:52 pm to 6 pm, before normal movement resumed. No injuries reported A railway spokesperson confirmed the incident and stated that platform overshoot had also been reported earlier at Vikhroli station. However, no injuries or major disruptions were reported in incident. Further details are awaited.
11 April,2026 09:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
