The Times of India

The Silver Jubilee edition of Khazana festival celebrated the ghazal genre. Veterans and young performers shared the stage, honoring its rich legacy. Special tributes were paid to Asha Bhosle and Pankaj Udhas. Stalwarts like Hariharan and Sonu Nigam delivered memorable performances. The event successfully showcased the enduring magic and future of ghazals.

Praising students standing up against exam paper leaks nationwide, Uddhav Thackeray called this protest a precursor to a broader struggle against the BJP. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader asserted that while votes can be compromised, peoples convictions cannot be. He lambasted Union ministers for their focus on political maneuvering rather than governance, urging young individuals to keep the pressure on and reject complacency in leadership.

Central Railway will operate a mega block on the Main Line today. Essential engineering and maintenance works will occur between Thane and Kalyan. Trans-Harbour Line services between Thane and Vashi/Nerul will also be suspended. Fast and semi-fast suburban trains will face delays and diversions. Several Mail and Express trains will use alternative routes during this period.

Ashadhi Ekadashi was celebrated across the city and state with devotion and fanfare. Warkari processions and Mumbai's dabbawallahs offered prayers in Pandharpur, the festival's epicentre. This day also marks the beginning of Chaturmaas, a four-month period when gods are believed to sleep. Marriages are generally prohibited during Chaturmaas as Lord Vishnu is in deep sleep. Acts of piety and penance are considered highly fruitful during these four months.

Student protesters in Mumbai welcomed the Union education minister's resignation. This move is seen as a partial victory, with students demanding more accountability. They believe the system needs significant reform to ensure fairness in major examinations. Protesters also called for compensation for families who lost children to suicide. Further demands include police accountability and addressing broader economic issues.

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Film personalities welcomed the education minister's resignation following protests. Students' protests over the NEET paper leak issue gained momentum this week. Actors and filmmakers expressed support for the student movement and its demands. They hailed the youth's conviction and courage in seeking reforms. The resignation is seen as a first step towards student victory.

Mumbai's public open space access shows sharp disparities across its administrative wards. Residents in some wards have minimal space, while others have significantly more. A report highlights that Mumbai has less existing open space than its development plan target. Developing neglected existing open spaces and protecting them from encroachment is crucial. Redevelopment and connecting underserved neighborhoods offer opportunities for equitable green space access.

Maharashtra Police have arrested alleged TET paper leak mastermind Bijendra Gupta. Gupta was apprehended in Bihar after evading law enforcement for months. Another individual was also taken into custody during this significant operation. His wife had previously been arrested in connection with the same paper leak case. Gupta also faced scrutiny in 2024 following the NEET controversy.

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Bridges damaged, power supply remains disrupted in several villages

Mumbai Police issued a clarification regarding a viral video showing an officer and a female protester. The police stated the footage was misinterpreted and the contact was inadvertent during restraint. Senior officers thoroughly examined the video and verified all the facts presented. Leaders like Varsha Gaikwad strongly condemned the alleged police action and misconduct. The clarification asserted no deliberate misconduct by the officer was evident in the footage.

Rhiya Ahir bravely halted a police van carrying detained protesters in Mumbai. She intervened during a CJP demonstration over examination irregularities and police actions. Ahir expressed fear but found strength in her supportive family's backing. She emphasized the need for student movements to remain independent of political parties. Ahir offered legal assistance to any students facing issues during protests.

A young woman blocked a police van carrying detained protesters in Mumbai. Rhiya Ahir stood before the vehicle for forty minutes demanding their release. She questioned the authorities' handling of demonstrations and police actions. Ahir stated the system has failed citizens in many ways. Younger generations are now raising their voices against injustice.