The Times of India

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.

Young performers with special needs are set to debut Tagore's 'The Land of Cards' at NMACC, marking a significant step for inclusive theatre in Mumbai. The Gateway Studio's production highlights the power of arts in building confidence and communication for students with disabilities. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive performing arts scene, advocating for accessibility and opportunities for all.

Following a recent fatal stabbing on a local train, Mumbai's Government Railway Police (GRP) will ramp up bag checks for weapons. While scanners are being installed at major stations, manual inspections of smaller bags will intensify at suburban halts. The GRP also plans a campaign urging commuters to avoid carrying work tools, which have previously been used as weapons in altercations.

A Pune man was apprehended in Byculla for distributing capsules containing zinc phosphide, a potent rat poison, to devotees during a Moharram procession. One devotee fell ill after consuming a capsule and required hospitalization. The accused claimed the capsules were for pain relief during mourning rituals. Police are investigating his motives, mental state, and how he obtained the large quantity of toxic substances.

A 95-year-old triangular building in Masjid Bunder, Mumbai, houses the Indian Sailors' Home, a sanctuary for seafarers since 1931. Recently, a photography museum within the home revealed a visit by Princess Anne. The building's heart is a Memorial Hall honoring 2,223 Indian seamen lost in the Great War, their names etched on bronze tablets, a poignant reminder of forgotten wartime service.

Central Railway is enhancing commuter comfort by converting 12 non-AC suburban services on its Main line to air-conditioned locals starting June 29. This boosts the total AC services to 120, with 92 on the Main line and 28 on the Harbour line. Key peak-hour services are included in this upgrade, ensuring a cooler commute for thousands without altering the overall service frequency.