The Times of India

Amid rising tensions, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has voiced suspicions of foul play in the air crash of Ajit Pawar, claiming interference from a politically linked individual experienced in the aviation sector may have obstructed earlier reports.

Bollywood is facing a wave of extortion threats, with actor Aayush Sharma now reportedly targeted by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This follows similar demands made to Ranveer Singh and unconfirmed reports of threats to an action hero's secretary. Over a dozen celebrities have received demands recently, prompting authorities to invoke stringent anti-organized crime laws against gang members.

A new CCTV video shows the plane carrying Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar crashing at high speed amid dense fog. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar released the footage, questioning technical negligence and safety lapses by the charter company. He called for an independent foreign investigation into the incident.

Oshiwara Police arrested five Bangladeshi nationals, including four women and a seven-year-old girl, for illegal stay in India. Acting on specific information, authorities apprehended the group on February 10. Documents and mobile phone analysis confirmed their nationality and contacts with other Bangladeshi nationals.

Mumbai's burgeoning metal recycling industry is crucial for its environmental future, with significant monthly recycling volumes. Industry leaders advocate for dedicated scrap yards and 'industry status' for recycling to boost efficiency and formalize operations. This focus aligns with India's growing foundry sector, which increasingly prioritizes sustainability and circular economy principles for responsible expansion.

In a significant political shift, Mumbai has appointed Ritu Tawde from the BJP as its new Mayor, with Sanjay Ghadi from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena stepping in as Deputy Mayor. This pivotal moment ends a near four-year period of administration rule after the BMC elections on January 15, 2026.

Wedding season sees a shift in gold shopping patterns as high prices prompt customers to sell old jewellery for new, lightweight designs. Many are exploring lower caratage and convertible ornaments, while the ordinary middle class struggles to afford gold, impacting retail sales significantly.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray sharply criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for calling linguistic assertion a disease. Thackeray defended regional pride, questioning Bhagwat's remarks and the attendance at the RSS event. He highlighted historical state reorganizations and migrant issues, accusing the RSS of indirect political maneuvering and imposing Hindi.

The Times of India's Happy Streets initiative transformed Chembur's RCF Road into a vibrant, vehicle-free community hub on February 1. Residents of all ages enjoyed a morning filled with fitness, art, and shared experiences, including a Zumba session with actress Dipshikkha Nagpal and a refreshing laughter club session.

Sunetra Pawar assumed charge as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister on Tuesday, 13 days after her husband Ajit Pawar's death. Accompanied by senior NCP leaders and her son Parth Pawar, she will attend the cabinet and business advisory committee meetings. She has been allocated excise, sports, minority welfare, and wakf departments, and appointed guardian minister of Beed and Pune.