The Times of India

Farmers' distress is escalating, prompting the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) to announce nationwide protests. A key event is the 'Jail Bharo' movement on August 10, targeting issues like falling prices, rising costs, and loan waiver shortcomings. AIKS will also coordinate with other farmer and worker groups to amplify their demands against government policies, with further programs planned to mark its 90th anniversary.

Residents of Mumbai now have an efficient way to report illegal hawking with the introduction of the BMC's WhatsApp chatbot. In response to a directive from the Bombay High Court, citizens can easily submit the locations and real-time photos of unauthorized vendors. This initiative seeks to accelerate the response time from civic officials and improve technology-facilitated grievance resolution, replacing the older, more fragmented complaint channels.

The airport sector in India is gearing up for an investment boom, expecting to reach Rs 4.2 lakh crore by 2029, driven by a surge in domestic air travel and new airport constructions. A key feature of this expansion is the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, which aims to markedly enhance passenger capacity. While domestic traffic is forecasted to grow steadily, international travel encounters immediate challenges.

Survey says top seven cities saw 6% annual fall in housing sales in Q2 2026 even as developers increased launches by 7%; premium housing continues to dominate while affordable supply shrinks

Transport department has affixed 51% of total HSRPs which need to be fitted

Maharashtra has mandated Marathi as a compulsory language for all students from Class 1 to 10. Education Minister Dada Bhuse announced strict action against non-compliant schools, emphasizing the state's commitment to promoting the language and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The history of the Maratha ruler will also see expanded coverage in textbooks, aiming for a more comprehensive understanding among students.

A Mumbai court has acquitted a woman in a two-decade-old investment fraud case, citing insufficient evidence. The prosecution failed to prove her involvement in a scheme that promised high returns on textile imports. Key weaknesses included the absence of the original complainant's testimony and witnesses confirming financial dealings solely with the main accused, who remains absconding.

Mumbai experienced a dramatic overnight downpour, with eastern suburbs receiving over 200 mm of rain in a few hours, prompting an orange alert. While low-lying areas saw waterlogging, civic agencies quickly cleared most routes. This intense, localized rainfall was attributed to a rare weather system convergence. Despite the deluge, water stocks in the city's lakes remain critically low.

Mumbai's suburbs were battered by intense overnight showers on Monday, with several areas receiving over 100 mm of rain in just four hours. This downpour caused significant waterlogging and traffic snarls in parts of Mulund and Andheri. Veena Nagar in Mulund topped the rainfall charts with 160.4 mm, while Versova also experienced heavy showers. The island city, however, saw moderate rainfall.

Brinda Miller, recipient of the Bombay Times Art and Culture Visionary Award, sees the honour as a testament to her lifelong dedication to Mumbai. Inspired by her father, Nana Chudasama, a former Sheriff who championed city beautification, Miller has been a driving force behind the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival's growth.

Three suspects arrested in the TET paper leak case have been remanded in police custody until July 6. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination was forced to cancel the June 28 exam, impacting over six lakh candidates. Investigators are tracing the alleged mastermind and other wanted accused across multiple states, seeking to uncover the source of the leak and the money trail.

A 26-foot baby humpback blue whale tragically died on Mumbai's Bandra coast despite a significant rescue attempt. Forest department officials, civic authorities, and veterinarians worked tirelessly after the calf was discovered stranded on Saturday morning. Sadly, their efforts were unsuccessful in saving the young marine mammal. The whale's remains will be disposed of according to wildlife protection protocols.