The Times of India

Maharashtra's Chief Minister has ordered the withdrawal of cases against protesting students. These cases were registered during recent demonstrations supporting the Cockroach Janta Party. Opposition parties urged the government to formally withdraw these pending legal actions. Advocates warned that these cases could jeopardize students' futures and career prospects. The Home Department will issue the necessary orders for case withdrawal soon.

Reliance Jio achieved the fastest mobile data speeds in Mumbai's recent TRAI drive test. The operator also recorded zero dropped calls, indicating strong voice service performance. Vodafone Idea demonstrated the fewest coverage gaps across surveyed routes and locations. Airtel delivered a solid overall network performance during the independent assessment. MTNL lagged significantly in both coverage and voice call quality metrics.

Maharashtra is developing its first floating solar power project with battery storage. This integrated 11-MW FSPV project and 5.5-MW BESS will be at the Veer reservoir. The project aims to store solar energy for peak demand hours and reduce water evaporation. It will be commissioned in FY 2028-29 under a public-private partnership model. The selected developer will operate the project for 25 years before transferring assets.

The BMC Improvement Committee approved handing over SevenHills Hospital to Capri Global Ventures. Opposition members strongly objected to the private operator and the proposal's processing. Congress alleged work began before statutory approval, which is a serious concern. Capri Global will operate the hospital under a public-private partnership model. The hospital will be redeveloped as a 1,500-bed not-for-profit tertiary care facility.

Uddhav Thackeray compared protestors to Lord Vishnu, saving the nation and its humanity. He warned the central government against ignoring widespread public discontent and fear. Thackeray highlighted that people have lost faith in politicians due to party splits. He criticized the government for paper leaks and failing to address key issues. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief stated that public anger could escalate into a revolution.

Maharashtra's amended cooperative housing rules cut minimum members for new societies to five, make model bylaws automatically applicable, curb arbitrary levies and ease redevelopment, succession and parking disputes

Maharashtra plans a Rs 1 lakh crore tourism investment by 2034. The state aims to create eighteen lakh jobs and promote diverse destinations. New projects include an underwater museum and expanded scuba diving facilities. Digital campaigns will highlight forts, festivals, and coastal experiences. The government is also improving infrastructure for the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela.

Mumbai Police clarified notices to CJP protesters stopped after July 26. Lawyers claimed investigations continued despite government assurances of withdrawal. Police stated no new notices were issued since that specific date. They maintained all served notices predated the stated July 26 cutoff. This clarification addresses concerns about ongoing legal proceedings against demonstrators.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari filed a civil suit seeking removal of deepfakes. These AI-generated videos falsely link him and his family to financial gains. The suit asserts the ethanol program falls under another ministry's jurisdiction. The Bombay High Court granted permission to file the defamation suit. Gadkari aims to stop the circulation of fabricated online content.

Six trapped residents rescued in two-hour operation

MPSC drug inspector exam faces allegations of irregularities and demands for an independent probe. The commission found inconsistencies and will file an FIR to protect its credibility. Meanwhile, arrests in the separate TET paper leak case have now reached fifteen individuals. A suspect surrendered in the TET case, increasing the total number of those held. These events highlight ongoing issues within Maharashtra's examination systems.