The Times of India

Mumbai is upgrading 405 schools into Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Model schools, enhancing infrastructure with RO water systems and Pink Rooms for menstrual hygiene. A new outreach strategy, including door-to-door visits and emphasis on English, aims to boost enrollment. The state will also establish district-level sports academies and introduce local tax exemptions for families enrolling children in government schools.

Mumbai EOW filed a chargesheet against three Sunshine Developers partners for allegedly diverting Rs 18.22 crore from a Rs 90 crore LIC Housing Finance loan. The funds were misused, halting construction and leading to bankruptcy, causing losses to the lender and complainant Pratik Vira, who alleged a larger fraud.

In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, fuel stations are experiencing chaos as drivers rush to fill their tanks amid the rollout of a new advance payment protocol for dealers. Despite reassurances from oil companies about a stable supply chain, smaller outlets are grappling with financial hurdles, especially with bank holidays looming.

A Sessions Court has rejected the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's plea to cancel bail for Falgun Yogendra Shroff, accused in a Rs 30 crore imported furniture scam. The DRI argued the bail was illegal, but the court found no evidence of bail condition violations or misuse of liberty, citing Shroff's cooperation and compliance with court orders.

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde expressed the civic corporation's commitment to making BEST financially stable and prioritizing gratuity and dues for retired workers. Discussions with union leaders also covered pending demands for current employees, including wage agreements and promotions, with a focus on acquiring a self-owned bus fleet.

Shiv Sena (UBT) members have uncovered alarming infrastructure issues at the Bandra bus depot, revealing crumbling roofs and unhygienic rest areas for BEST staff. Union representatives expressed outrage, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by essential workers. They are demanding immediate action and a structural audit, questioning the administration's negligence and the potential for accidents, especially during monsoon.

Bobby Mohanty, serving as the Honorary Consul of the Maldives, found himself at the center of a cyber fraud scandal involving Rs 4.59 lakh from his foreign bank credit card while abroad in Jakarta. Despite his swift notifications to the bank for blocking the card, they apparently failed to respond appropriately, leading to unauthorized charges.

A Mumbai court has acquitted Gurgaon police and accomplices in the 2016 fake encounter of gangster Sandeep Gadoli. The prosecution alleged a contract killing orchestrated by a rival, involving a honey trap and staged shootout. Despite evidence of a conspiracy, including coded messages and communication with a rival gang leader, the court found insufficient proof to convict the accused.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled in favor of a taxpayer who received a Rs 11.7 crore flat for surrendering tenancy rights in a redevelopment project. ITAT held that surrendering tenancy rights constitutes a capital asset transfer, making the taxpayer eligible for Section 54F exemption. The tribunal disallowed taxing the flat's value under 'Income from other sources'.

A 55-year-old priest tragically died on Santacruz-Chembur Link Road after his scooter was hit by an electric BEST bus in Kurla. The bus's rear wheels ran over him, causing his immediate death. Police have taken the bus driver into custody, ruling out drunk driving as a preliminary cause.

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.