The Times of India

Salaam Bombay Foundation's Bal Parishad, a 20th edition event, empowered over 200 students from underprivileged communities to voice health concerns like tobacco addiction and poor hygiene to policymakers. These young 'health monitors' presented solutions, earning praise from ministers for their confidence and impact in driving community change and fostering conscious choices.

Three foreign celebrity make-up artists have been charged for outraging the modesty of a woman whose flat they rented. The accused allegedly prevented her from inspecting the property, made unauthorized alterations, and subjected her to harassment through a WhatsApp group with abusive messages. One accused is also reported to have touched her inappropriately.

Bombay High Court has sternly criticized the BMC for its lax approach to Mumbai's pollution control, threatening to withhold the municipal commissioner's salary. Judges noted a lack of sincere effort and a elligerent disregard for court orders, particularly regarding Navi Mumbai's affidavit. This strong stance signals a potential financial penalty for non-compliance.

Actor Kamaal R Khan was arrested by Mumbai Police in connection with a firing incident at a housing society. Two bullets were reportedly fired, leaving impact marks but no casualties. Police are investigating the motive behind the event and have taken Khan into custody for interrogation.

A Mumbai woman alleges she was assaulted by a massage therapist from an app-based service after cancelling a session midway due to discomfort. The therapist reportedly became enraged, verbally abused, and physically attacked the 46-year-old victim in Wadala. Police are investigating the incident, with a video of the event circulating online.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde lauded MNS chief Raj Thackeray for his broader perspective and support for development, noting MNS corporators' backing in KDMC. Shinde emphasized the Mahayuti's strength, including the MNS, and stated the BMC mayor's post will be from their alliance, not for those lacking numbers.

Thackeray cousins shared a stage, expressing dismay over Maharashtra's political 'auctions' and defections. Raj Thackeray called the situation 'disgusting,' while Uddhav Thackeray vowed to 'start afresh' after BMC polls, criticizing those trying to erase the 'Thackeray' name and alleging money played a role in elections. Both emphasized continuing Balasaheb's legacy.

Mumbai welcomes a bright Saturday with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. While sunshine prevails, yesterday's poor air quality may persist, advising caution near traffic. The week ahead promises mostly sunny and dry conditions, with a brief cloudy spell on Tuesday offering softer light. Enjoy the pleasant weather, but stay mindful of air quality.

Following a Bombay High Court reprimand for the delayed arrest of Vikas Gogawale, son of Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale, in connection with Mahad election violence, the state announced his surrender on Friday. Justice Madhav Jamdar criticized the perceived influence of politics in the case, stating the rule of law in Maharashtra is adversely affected.

Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale's son, Vikas, has surrendered to the Bombay High Court following a violent clash during Mahad Municipal Council elections. The court had previously criticized the state for failing to arrest Vikas and other accused, emphasizing the adverse impact on the rule of law.

Scammers are exploiting encrypted platforms like Signal for digital arrest scams. A Mumbai senior citizen lost Rs 16.5 lakh after being tricked into downloading Signal for a fake Delhi blasts case inquiry. Fraudsters, posing as police and NIA officials, threatened him with an arrest warrant and demanded financial assets for verification, ultimately blocking him after receiving the money.

The BJP is set to claim the Mumbai mayor's post after nearly four decades, with several women corporators in contention. This comes as the mayoral seat was reserved for a woman from the open category. The draw of lots also determined reservations for women across Maharashtra's municipal corporations, sparking some objections from the Shiv Sena (UBT).

A four-year-old girl was allegedly molested by her school van driver in Badlapur. The incident came to light when the child returned home late and distressed. Police have registered a case and arrested the driver, while enraged locals vandalized the school van.

Shiv Sena (UBT) alleges rigging in BMC mayor lottery, claiming ST category exclusion to prevent Uddhav Thackeray's party from securing the post. BJP minister denies allegations, stating the process followed legal procedures. The draw for 29 corporations revealed women mayors for 15 posts, with reservations for OBC, SC, and ST categories.

Maharashtra government and Supervity AI have signed an MoU to establish the world's first AI Global Capability Center (GCC) hub in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. This next-generation center will focus on applied agentic AI research and innovation, enabling global enterprises to transition to AI-first operations powered by autonomous AI systems.

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.