The Times of India

In a dramatic twist, Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal finds himself at the center of controversy after a video leak showed him napping in a private room with a transgender individual. Allegations have arisen surrounding extortion and manipulation, as a man claiming to be the sibling of the transgender person has accused them of targeting influential individuals.

Mumbaikars are embracing weekend reakfast rides, blending fitness, community, and a rewarding meal. These curated cycling events offer a refreshing escape from demanding jobs, fostering health and connection. Participants, from beginners to experienced riders, enjoy scenic routes like the Worli promenade, building friendships and rediscovering the joy of cycling in a vibrant, social atmosphere.

Artist Bandana Jain transforms discarded materials like watch dials and cardboard into powerful sculptures, reflecting on human struggle and sustainable practices. Her work, born from Covid confinement, emphasizes overcoming challenges through determination. The collective Wolf also utilizes industrial scrap metal to reimagine traditional gardens, highlighting environmental concerns and the potential of waste as a resource.

The state government has reinstated the 3-km radius for Right to Education (RTE) admissions in private unaided schools, reversing a recent 1-km restriction. This rollback follows a Bombay High Court stay, allowing parents to apply to schools within a wider area. The application deadline has also been extended to March 25 due to portal delays.

Maharashtra government forms an expert task force to study social media's impact on minors. The panel will assess effects on mental health, behavior, and learning, and explore digital advertising's influence. Recommendations for regulatory and policy measures are expected within three months to ensure children's protection and responsible technology use.

The Bombay High Court has ordered railways to pay 80,000 in compensation to a man who fell from a moving train while attempting to de-board at an unofficial halt. The court ruled that passengers taking short journeys on long-distance trains, which lack display boards for halts, cannot be blamed for such incidents.

Maharashtra's Chief Secretary highlighted persistent gaps in women's nutrition and early childhood development despite economic strengths. A state meeting focused on strengthening early care and education systems, emphasizing the crucial Golden 1,000 Days. The launch of the Maharashtra Divyang Protocol and leveraging technology for anganwadi improvements were key discussions, underscoring the need for public-private collaboration.

Students were removed from an exam at St Theresa School in Mumbai due to their hair length. A parent's video of the incident went viral, leading to police intervention. While the school cited its grooming policy, a teacher noted the disruption to students' valuable exam time. The incident has ignited online discussions about school rules during examinations.

If you have any information about Bhondubaba Ashok Kharat, please provide it to the government. There should be no room for fraud in Maharashtra. Therefore, if anyone has any information about Ashok Kharat, please provide it to the government, Fadnavis said.

Members of the transgender, intersex, and LGBTQIA+ communities, alongside allies, protested at Azad Maidan against the recently passed transgender amendment bill. They argue the bill strips fundamental rights by removing self-perceived gender identity and narrowing definitions, deeming it 'control, not reform'.

A 42-year-old businessman was killed on Kalyan's incomplete Ring Road after being hit by a speeding car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy. The boy fled the scene but was apprehended later. The victim's brother highlighted the victim's new cycling habit for fitness, while locals expressed concern over speeding and stunts on the unfinished road.

Civic officials in Kalyan allegedly sealed a house from the outside for property tax recovery, trapping an ailing woman inside for nearly six hours. Despite residents' attempts to alert them, the recovery team proceeded, only unsealing the property after the owner intervened. A corporator criticized the action, highlighting alleged bias against poor residents in tax recovery.