The Times of India

Congress contesting separately in BMC polls may have cost the Thackeray-led alliance at least 26 seats, with vote-splitting benefiting BJP-Shiv Sena. Data suggests BJP could have gained 20 seats and Shiv Sena 6 if opposition votes had transferred. This fragmentation highlights potential lost opportunities for the opposition.

Gangster Ravi Pujari was taken into custody by Mumbai's City Crime Branch in connection with a 2018 extortion case. He allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh from a choreographer and his wife over a film dispute. Pujari, facing 49 cases, was remanded to police custody until January 26.

Mumbai welcomes Friday with summery sunshine and comfortable temperatures. However, yesterday's poor air quality, with elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels, means a hazy backdrop persists, especially near busy roads. While the day promises clear skies and gentle breezes, caution is advised for sensitive individuals during peak traffic hours. The week ahead forecasts steady warmth and mostly sunny conditions.

Maharashtra's urban development department held its annual lottery, reserving mayoral posts in 29 municipal corporations. Nine of the 16 reserved seats are for women, ensuring representation for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and the General category. Key cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur will see women mayors from the General category, while others have specific caste-based reservations.

A recent suicide at IIT Kanpur highlights a severe mental health crisis in premier technical institutes, with the campus accounting for nearly 30% of IIT student deaths in two years. Alumni and faculty point to systemic failures, intense competition, and missed warning signs, urging accountability from the Union education ministry.

Five MNS corporators in Kalyan Dombivli have backed Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, allied with BJP, creating a political ripple. This move, aimed at ensuring stability, is a blow to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), which had allied with MNS for civic polls. The development impacts the upcoming Mumbai mayoral race.

The Bombay High Court issued a notice on a petition by UK-based doctor Sangram Patil seeking to quash an FIR and look-out circular registered against him for alleged defamatory posts against the BJP. Patil was detained at Mumbai airport in January following a complaint by a BJP functionary.

Mumbai's BMC mayoral race is a high-stakes political battle for control of Asia's richest civic body, extending beyond the ceremonial post. A fractured 2026 election mandate has forced uneasy allies BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena into intense negotiations, with real power residing in key committees.

Mumbai's Mayor post is now reserved for a woman from the open category after a lottery conducted by the state Urban Development Department. The draw, attended by various political leaders, determines reserved positions for 29 Municipal Corporations across Maharashtra, ensuring representation by category and gender.

Bandra's St Andrews Church hosts 'Rhythm n Roots', a vibrant three-day festival from February 6-8. This event, evolving from the Bandra Zonals, celebrates diverse talents in music and dance, uniting communities. Featuring past winners, contemporary dance, and a grand 100-member choir, it promises a rich cultural experience alongside shopping and food stalls.

Bandra police registered an FIR against five individuals, including two priests and three security guards from Mount Mary Basilica, for allegedly stealing construction materials in March 2025. The complainant approached the court after police initially failed to register his complaint.

Maharashtra gears up to celebrate Shri Ganesh Jayanti on Thursday, January 22, with devotees propitiating Lord Ganesh for knowledge and intelligence. The following day, Friday, January 23, marks Basant Panchami, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the patron of wisdom and arts.