The Times of India

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar will consult his constituents before deciding his political future, amidst speculation of switching sides. Six UBT MPs skipped a party meeting, triggering defection fears. Nimbalkar, whose father's murder case saw an acquittal, plans to challenge the verdict. Party leaders are attempting to retain the dissidents, while allegations of pressure and inducements surface.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to welcome its first international flight on July 15, with Air India Express launching a service to Abu Dhabi. This marks a significant step for the greenfield airport, which began operations in December. Initially operating twice weekly, the route will expand to three flights by late July.

Mumbai hosted an important health diplomacy event where consul generals from several global south nations explored collaborative opportunities in cancer care and research. The Ministry of External Affairs and ACTREC facilitated this visit, highlighting India's commitment to mutual growth and addressing shared health challenges. Discussions focused on capacity building and pioneering cancer treatment initiatives, followed by a tour of advanced facilities.

Mumbai woke up to a delightful change on Sunday as light showers swept across the city, easing the oppressive heat and humidity. Weather experts anticipate a gradual increase in rainfall starting June 22, with more robust rain events likely by mid-week. The monsoon's late onset is due to several unfavorable atmospheric and oceanic factors, but a turnaround is expected shortly.

Mumbai's BEST bus strike enters its third day, leaving commuters stranded. To aid students appearing for NEET exams, 60 MSRTC buses have been deployed on 24 routes. Union leader Uday Ambonkar urged strikers not to disrupt these essential services, highlighting the vast difference in bus numbers. He implored the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to address employee demands promptly.

A make-up artist for Bollywood producer Rhea Kapoor reported the theft of rented gold jewellery, valued at Rs 1.3 crore, en route to the US for the Met Gala. The valuable earrings, intended for Kapoor's appearance, vanished from a hotel room in New York City after the team's arrival. Police have registered an FIR as investigations commence into the missing precious items.

Over 22 lakh students are set to appear for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam nationwide. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra lead with the highest number of candidates, while Rajasthan emerges as a significant coaching hub. A striking majority, nearly 80%, will take the test in English, with Hindi a distant second. Southern states maintain a strong presence, and regional languages see limited participation.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher inaugurated Sangeeta Babani's 'Solar in Full Bloom' public art installation in Juhu, Mumbai. The series features eight solar-powered sculptures, blending art with sustainability. Kher emphasized that such beautification uplifts the soul, not just the eyes. Minister Ashish Shelar lauded the collective effort to enhance Mumbai's beauty, while artist Babani hopes the installations inspire conversations about a sustainable future powered by clean energy.

Amidst a volatile strike, Suresh Markadey Maheshwaram, a conductor for BEST, found himself in legal trouble after allegedly breaking a bus windshield with a stone. The incident unfolded in Prabhadevi as the bus, carrying unsuspecting passengers, was attacked by masked individuals. The dedicated driver and conductor, who refused to abandon their posts, faced not only physical but also verbal hostility.

A recent summit in Mumbai, organized by the Human Social Care Foundation and the University of Mumbai, highlighted the urgent need for enhanced public health measures against anemia, particularly affecting women and girls. Experts emphasized improving access to nutritious food for young girls, pregnant women, and mothers.

A special court has acquitted eight individuals, including Padamsinh Patil, in the 2006 double murder case of Congress leader Pavanraje Nimbalkar and his driver. The judge dismissed the testimony of the key approver, calling him a liar who changed his statement. The acquittal concludes a nearly two-decade-old case, shifting focus to the political future of the victim's son.

India's nuclear power expansion reached a key milestone with the successful installation of the reactor pressure vessel at Kudankulam Unit-5. This 1,000 MW reactor will soon provide reliable, round-the-clock electricity, bolstering energy security and supporting India's clean energy transition. The project, a collaboration with Russia, highlights the nation's commitment to expanding non-fossil fuel capacity and achieving net-zero ambitions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to six absentee Lok Sabha MPs, threatening disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law. The party's Chief Whip initiated the action after these MPs failed to attend a crucial parliamentary meeting, fueling speculation of defections to the Eknath Shinde-led faction amidst 'Operation Tiger'. The UBT faction is determined to pursue disqualification if no satisfactory explanation is provided.

BEST employees continue their indefinite strike for a second day, crippling Mumbai's public transport. Commuters face severe hardship, relying on overcrowded trains and other modes. The strike, demanding budget merger with BMC and pay commission implementation, has seen disruptions and damage to buses. Talks between the government and union leaders have so far failed to resolve the long-pending issues.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray fiercely criticized the BJP's alleged attempts to dismantle opposition parties, warning of 'Operation Kamal' in response to defections. He expressed concern over the nation's democratic trajectory and apologized to voters for MPs who switched allegiances. Thackeray emotionally offered to resign, vowing to fight against 'robbers and traitors' and refuting merger rumors with Congress.