In Mumbai, Amit Chopra, a 47-year-old imitation jeweller, died by suicide. He jumped off the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Chopra hired a cab and told the driver a snake had bitten him. He then jumped into the sea. Fishermen found his body. Police are investigating the reason for his extreme action. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Engineering admissions in Maharashtra show a strong preference for computer science and AI, with fill rates exceeding 90%. Pune and Mumbai lead in intake, accommodating nearly two-thirds of the state's students. Interestingly, core branches like mechanical and civil engineering are experiencing a resurgence. Female enrollment is also on the rise, reaching 37.3%.

Chetan Singh Solanki, IIT Bombay professor, resigned to dedicate himself fully to combating climate change. Embarking on the Energy Swaraj Yatra, he promotes energy conservation across India, aiming to extend his message globally through the Finite Earth Movement. Solanki advocates for mindful consumption and reduced emissions, urging a billion people to become climate ambassadors by adopting sustainable practices.

Mumbai is set for a wet and humid day today, September 18, 2025, with patchy rain and temperatures around 29C, intensifying by late afternoon. Yesterday's air quality was moderate at AQI 55, with elevated CO levels. The city anticipates a rainy and humid week ahead, posing waterlogging risks.

Social activist Muhammed Jameel Merchant expressed that the Supreme Court's interim relief on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 is a limited victory. While the court stayed provisions like the sweeping powers of district collectors and the discriminatory five-year Islamic practice requirement, other concerns remain.

The closure of the Elphinstone bridge in Mumbai has triggered severe congestion on at least eight roads in the Dadar-Lower Parel area, causing commute delays of up to 90 minutes. Residents and commuters express concerns about prolonged travel times, potential medical emergencies, and the impact on local businesses.

The Maharashtra Home Department has mandated strict action against prisoners who overstay their leave, following High Court directives. A show-cause notice will be issued, followed by a reasoned order and proposed punishment, subject to approval from the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons.

Yash builders and its proprietor, Paras Dedhia, face accusations of cheating and criminal breach of trust after Axis Bank filed a complaint regarding a 16.49 crore loan for the Yash Signature project. Dedhia allegedly defaulted on repayments, failed to open an escrow account, and sold mortgaged properties without the bank's consent, leading to the account being declared NPA.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Mumbai, uncovered a significant GST evasion scheme involving benami and shell companies, leading to the arrest of key individuals. Jahir Abbas Patel and his brother Akram Patel were apprehended for orchestrating fake invoicing, resulting in a fraudulent turnover of 141.30 crore and evading 27.10 crore in GST.

Mother Dairy has announced price reductions across its product range, including tetrapack milk, butter, ghee, cheese, paneer, ice cream, and Safal frozen foods, effective September 22, following GST rate cuts. The company is passing on 100% of the tax benefit to consumers, with items now falling under the exempted or 5% GST slab.

Mumbai anticipates a rainy September 17, 2025, with a 97% chance of moderate showers and temperatures between 26-28.8C. High humidity at 80% will make the air feel heavy. Yesterday's moderate air quality (AQI 60) might persist, though rain could offer slight improvement. Residents should prepare for wet commutes and plan activities around late afternoon's heavier showers.