Mid Day

Hotel room availability across Mumbai, especially near Bandra-Kurla Complex and the airport, is shrinking as demand surges ahead of a major jewellery trade exhibition from August 5 to 10. With thousands of exhibitors and buyers expected, several premium hotels are already fully booked, while others have seen room tariffs rise sharply

Housing societies across Maharashtra must revise their interest recovery practices after the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Rules, 2026 capped delayed payment interest on maintenance and other dues at 12 per cent per annum, down from 21 per cent

Mumbai customer has alleged that he found a corroded staple pin embedded inside a piece of kaju katli purchased from Tewari Bros in Charni Road just before feeding it to his three-year-old daughter. The customer has filed an FDA complaint, while the shop owner admitted negligence but denied settlement allegations

An internal Mumbai Police inquiry has uncovered alleged irregularities linked to Rs 6.41 crore during the migration of employee records to a new payroll system. The probe has flagged questionable entries, excess salary payments and possible manipulation of payroll records, prompting a deeper investigation into how the discrepancies occurred

Mumbai's seven lakes now hold 13,03,500 million litres of water, or 90.06 per cent of total live storage capacity, surpassing the levels recorded on the same day last year. Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi remain full, while four reservoirs continue to overflow following heavy monsoon rainfall

The bodies of three Afghan nationals killed in a brutal attack in Italy's Calabria region have been returned to Afghanistan. The victims were allegedly burnt alive after refusing to pay transportation money, while Italian authorities continue investigating the case following the arrest of two Pakistani suspects

Astronomers have found evidence of a massive object orbiting a brown dwarf in the CD-35 2722 system, raising the possibility that it could be the first moon ever discovered beyond our Solar System. The finding, based on observations from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, is awaiting confirmation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages. Tehran said the discussions focus on designating a new shipping route that safeguards both countries' sovereign rights and Iran's security interests, amid heightened regional tensions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will seek to ensure the US honours the peace memorandum signed between the two countries, calling it central to Iran's future foreign policy. His remarks came as uncertainty persisted over nuclear negotiations following recent military escalation between Washington and Tehran.

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday after Washington paused a planned military strike. Trump claimed Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar had urged the US to give diplomacy a chance, adding that discussions would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump said Washington will hold off on a planned military strike against Iran if a deal is reached quickly to curb Tehran's nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said several Middle Eastern countries had requested time for diplomacy, prompting the US to suspend the planned attack.

Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon has announced a new team of state office-bearers, including vice-presidents, general secretaries and morcha chiefs, in a major organisational reshuffle approved by BJP President Nitin Nabin. The party said the move is aimed at strengthening its grassroots network ahead of future electoral battles

Arunachal Pradesh Police has launched 'Muskaan 2.0' in East Siang district to strengthen child safety and expand awareness across the state. The first phase reached nearly 16,900 students in 104 schools, while actor Chum Darang continues to support the initiative as its Child Safety Ambassador.

A woman has filed a dowry harassment complaint against her husband, a police constable, alleging cruelty, physical assault and extramarital relationships. Based on her complaint, police registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the allegations

The CBI plans to approach high courts across the country to transfer 158 long-pending recruitment examination irregularity cases to newly designated fast-track courts under the anti-paper leak law. Several cases, including AIIMS PG, CAT and SSC recruitment scams, have remained awaiting trial despite investigations being completed years ago

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to pro-Kannada organisations to withdraw the proposed August 13 bandh over the Cauvery water dispute. Reaffirming his government's commitment to safeguarding the state's interests, he said Karnataka would prioritise its own water needs while closely monitoring the evolving situation

Maharashtra's anti-conversion law has come into force after receiving President Droupadi Murmu's assent and being notified in the official gazette. The Act criminalises religious conversions through force, fraud, coercion, inducement or marriage-related deception and prescribes imprisonment of up to 10 years

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has approached the Election Commission, alleging that Patna Police illegally detained 54 party leaders and supporters ahead of the Bankipur Assembly byelection. Kishor claimed the action was carried out at the BJP's behest and sought the poll body's intervention

The BMC, along with the state government, has to get cracking on these so that Mumbai, the Urbs Prima in Indis, does not have to spend another year in angst and anxiety

Its unfortunate that Indias youth are unable to see just how bright their collective future is going to be

Passengers stepping out of Metro stations near JioWorld BKC allege being forced to pay inflated autorickshaw fares instead of metered rates. Commuters claim organised groups of drivers demand exorbitant amounts, intimidate those who object and exploit office-goers and visitors. mid-day asks the authorities: when will the crackdown begin

After two failed release attempts and repeated recaptures, rehabilitated Indian Vulture J132 has successfully adapted to life in the wild. BNHS researchers said the bird has survived for 56 days, travelled over 1,618 km and joined wild vultures in Nashik, marking a major milestone for Maharashtra's vulture conservation programme

The Wildlife Conservation Trust and Aadax Data Science have launched an open-source AI model that identifies 40 wildlife species with 97.3 per cent accuracy using camera-trap images from Central India. The tool aims to reduce manual effort, speed up wildlife surveys and support conservation research

A housing society watchman in Mumbai's Khar was allegedly assaulted after asking a tenant's visitor to sign the mandatory entry register. The watchman has alleged that despite the incident, Khar police registered only a non-cognisable complaint instead of an FIR, prompting questions over the police response

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will hold a key meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on August five to decide its future course of action following its month-long NEET paper leak protest. Core members will discuss suggestions from volunteers and students before announcing the party's next steps at a press conference

Wondering what's in store for you today? Well, we've got you covered. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius

Union Minister and North Mumbai MP Piyush Goyal reviewed the progress of several major infrastructure projects in Mumbai, including the Coastal Road, proposed desalination plant, Madh-Versova Bridge and other connectivity initiatives

Police examined CCTV footage from several locations, which showed the suspect carrying the baby towards Thane. Based on the CCTV trail, the accused was traced and the baby was rescued

Speaking at an event on Saturday, Raj Thackeray said several business leaders and professionals had moved to foreign countries and questioned why those who believe India is progressing under the current government choose to settle overseas

The vessel departed from Surabaya, East Java, for Makassar on Sulawesi Island on Sunday morning, according to the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office. The National Search and Rescue Agency said the operation was temporarily closed after a 10-day search yielded no new leads, despite all designated search areas being thoroughly covered

Raj Thackeray had alleged that around Rs 18 crore in donations were being siphoned off annually from the Siddhivinayak Temple. He also claimed that large-scale financial irregularities had taken place at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya

The discovery confirms the presence of one of the world's rarest and most elusive predators in the sanctuary, often referred to as the Ghost of the Mountains because of its ability to move

The redevelopment project aims to improve passenger facilities, increase operational capacity and strengthen the suburban rail network in the Mumbai region

The Raja Ratha service features fully air-conditioned sleeper berths along with modern passenger amenities designed to make long-distance travel more comfortable, an official statement said

Under the partnership, IRCTC will introduce specially designed Maharashtra Wildlife Tourism Packages that will include confirmed train travel, accommodation, local transport and assured wildlife safari permits

According to Axios, the Saudi Crown Prince conveyed his concerns during a phone call with Trump on Saturday, urging him to pursue de-escalation rather than launch a major military offensive against Iran

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the commitment of India's youth to eliminating drug abuse would help lay the foundation for a developed nation

Core members have also been asked to engage with volunteers and students, gather their views and suggestions, and present their feedback during the strategy meeting

The donated heart will be transplanted into a patient currently admitted at the hospital. This upcoming surgery will mark the 78th successful transplant conducted at U N Mehta Hospital

Speaking at the inauguration of the AI Centre of Competency powered by NVIDIA at Ramdeobaba University in Nagpur, CM Fadnavis said universities should focus on creating industry-ready professionals rather than simply awarding degrees

The embassies advised US citizens in the Middle East to exercise caution and heightened vigilance and to be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions

BJP leader Piyush Goyal claimed Rahul Gandhi feels threatened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's growing popularity among young voters. He said Gen Z continues to support the BJP and defended the Centre's handling of examination paper leaks while criticising the Opposition for opposing the anti-paper leak law

The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth vessel under its indigenous Diving Support Craft project, at Titagarh Rail Systems in Kolkata. Built under the Make in India initiative, the advanced vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art diving systems to strengthen the Navy's offshore operational capabilities

In talks with his Saudi counterpart, Araghchi warned that any hostile US or Israeli action, as well as any regional support for it, would draw a firm, proportionate response from Iran's armed forces, it added

Afghan security forces seized 24 assault rifles after foiling an alleged cross-border arms smuggling attempt at the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province. Officials said the weapons were concealed inside a vehicle carrying Afghan returnees as part of a wider crackdown on illegal arms trafficking

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Frankfurt, the final stop of his five-nation tour, where he is scheduled to meet members of the Korean community before returning to Seoul. The trip included visits to Brazil, Chile and Argentina, with a focus on AI, critical minerals, energy cooperation and trade

India is well positioned to benefit from the deepening US-Israel defence technology partnership, according to a report. With strong strategic ties to both countries through initiatives such as iCET, INDUS-X and defence cooperation with Israel, New Delhi could gain access to cutting-edge military technologies

US President Donald Trump said Washington has suspended a planned military strike on Iran after Tehran and several Middle Eastern countries sought time for diplomacy. Trump claimed the framework of a deal

As Assam's flood death toll rose to 80 and nearly 1.92 lakh people remained affected, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) launched a large-scale relief operation in Sivasagar. The party said it aims to provide food to 15,000 people daily for 10 days and will also set up medical camps in the flood-hit region