The Times of India

Mumbai is set to develop a 3.2-acre recreation ground in Marol, Andheri (East), into the city's first public urban forest. The project, funded by CSR, will feature a biodiversity-focused space with ecological restoration and recreational amenities. Work has begun, with completion expected within a year.

Mumbai ATS apprehended an engineering student, Ayan Sheikh, for allegedly disseminating propaganda of banned terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and ISIS online. Investigations revealed suspicious foreign communications and attempts to recruit others. Digital devices seized are undergoing forensic analysis as authorities map the wider network and potential funding channels.

Transporters across Maharashtra launched a statewide chakka jam on Thursday, protesting arbitrary and excessive e-challans and other sector issues. Talks failed, leading to an indefinite strike starting midnight. School buses, trucks, taxis, and commercial vehicles are off the roads. Demands include e-challan reforms and tax reductions.

Primetime Theatre Company celebrated 35 years with a heartwarming staging of 'Salaam Noni Appa' at the Royal Opera House. The play, adapted from Twinkle Khanna's story, beautifully explores love and self-discovery in later life. Lillete Dubey's direction and stellar cast brought a tale of second chances and quiet joy to life, leaving audiences touched and inspired.

Mumbai Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory for the India vs. England T20 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Spectators are urged to use public transport and plan routes to avoid congestion around Marine Drive, Churchgate, and Marine Lines. A gate-wise advisory is provided to manage pedestrian flow.

An interior designer has filed a police complaint against directors of Yantra Window System for alleged financial losses exceeding 72 lakh due to faulty premium aluminium windows installed in a luxury duplex. The directors deny the allegations, stating the dispute is civil in nature and they have completed the contracted work.

A woman has been arrested in Latur, Maharashtra, after her husband died following a domestic dispute over his drinking. The 49-year-old man allegedly fell and sustained a head injury during an altercation with his wife, Kamalbai, after returning home intoxicated. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The MVA alliance has nominated NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar for the sole winnable Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra, ending internal claims. While Shiv Sena (UBT) initially pushed for the seat, Sanjay Raut's support for Pawar appears to have prevailed, highlighting a potential rift within the party.

In a surprising turn of events, a VSR flight, with former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on board, had to make an abrupt U-turn back from Iraq to Bahrain in 2023 after it was discovered that the necessary airspace clearance had not been obtained.

A 24-year-old man was tragically killed in a hit-and-run on Palm Beach Road near Sanpada, his head severed due to the severe impact. The 19-year-old pillion rider sustained serious injuries and is in the ICU. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred after the victims returned from Holika Dahan celebrations.

Veteran BJP leader Vinod Tawde is set to return to electoral politics after a seven-year hiatus, nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra. His nomination follows successful party assignments in Bihar and other state elections, showcasing his strategic acumen. Tawde, a former minister, was previously denied an assembly ticket in 2019.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has raised serious concerns over the preliminary report of the Baramati plane crash, alleging inconsistencies and errors that may shield VSR Ventures and DGCA officials. Pawar presented a critique, questioning the crash sequence, black box damage claims, and weather/ATC decisions, suggesting potential under-logging of flying hours and suspicious company growth.

Transporters across Maharashtra have announced an indefinite strike starting Thursday midnight, protesting the alleged misuse of the e-challan system and arbitrary penalties. Talks with the transport commissioner failed, leading to the escalation of the protest, which has garnered support from private car owners and school bus operators. The strike aims to address issues like harassment by officers and unjustified fines.