The Times of India
Elections 2026Mumbai / The Times of India
Mumbai faces a severe water crisis as lake levels drop to 10.3% capacity, prompting the BMC to impose a 20% cut on industrial and commercial establishments, suspend supply to construction sites and swimming pools, and halt new construction water connections. These measures, effective Wednesday, add to an existing 10% citywide cut, with a review scheduled for June 30.
Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's remarks against party MPs, calling them insulting. Raut had warned MPs considering defection to resign first, alleging Rs 15 crore offers and charter flights. This comes amid speculation of a split within Shiv Sena (UBT), with reports of MPs in touch with the Eknath Shinde faction.
Six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs have reportedly formed a separate group and are set to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 19. This move follows alleged efforts to split the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, with the MPs submitting a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a whip for a parliamentary party meeting.
BJP MLA Ashishrao Deshmukh on Wednesday claimed that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut was working towards a merger of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's faction with the Congress.
Six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs reportedly formed a separate group and submitted a letter to the Speaker, with plans to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 19. Despite Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders urging the Speaker not to recognize the split, sources claim the new group has been acknowledged.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut issued a stern warning to party MPs allegedly in talks with the Eknath Shinde faction, demanding they resign first. Raut alleged monetary inducements were used to engineer a split, vowing to fight Operation Tiger and emphasizing unwavering loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray. Party leaders defended his emotional outburst.
Amidst Operation Tiger rumors, Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a mandatory whip for all Lok Sabha MPs to attend a crucial Delhi meeting on Thursday. Party chief Uddhav Thackeray may also be present. This follows reports of six MPs reaching Delhi, potentially seeking recognition as a separate group, a move the party is actively opposing.
Amidst reports of a Shiv Sena (UBT) split, MP Sanjay Raut alleged two MPs were flown to Delhi on a chartered plane, calling it an attempt to evade scrutiny. He also clarified that Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje was attending a committee meeting, while Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar denied being in the capital.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that Maharashtra MPs were being offered Rs 15 crore each to switch sides, calling it an advance on a minimum of Rs 50 crore. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra claimed her party's MPs were offered Rs 4 crore upfront and Rs 1 crore monthly.
Speculation of a Shiv Sena (UBT) split intensified after Eknath Shinde met with several MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's camp in Delhi. In response, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant urged the Lok Sabha Speaker not to recognize any breakaway group or merger, citing parliamentary rules and the ongoing Supreme Court case.
India's nuclear power expansion reached a key milestone with the successful installation of the reactor pressure vessel at Kudankulam Unit-5. This 1,000 MW reactor will boost reliable, round-the-clock electricity supply, supporting clean energy transition and reducing coal dependence. The project underscores India's commitment to energy security and net-zero ambitions.
India launched its first digital platform, WT-MARUT, to boost wind turbine manufacturing and transparency. This move supports the nation's goal of reaching 155 GW of wind power by 2035, strengthening domestic supply chains and export potential. The initiative aims to enhance India's position as a global renewable energy hub.
Amid defection rumors, Uddhav Thackeray has convened a crucial meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators on June 22. This comes as Shinde faction leaders claim their 'Operation Tiger' to bring over Sena (UBT) MPs and MLAs is in its final stages. Sanjay Raut has dismissed these claims, accusing the BJP of orchestrating splits.
Indian stand-up comedy faces scrutiny after comedian Madhur Virli's resurfaced rape joke sparked outrage. This follows controversy around Pranit More, shifting the debate to responsibility and boundaries. Critics argue shock value and profanity are replacing wit, with concerns that such humor normalizes harmful attitudes and erodes intelligent comedy.
Television actor Sanchita Ugale's brother alleges industry harassment contributed to her suicide on the same date as Sushant Singh Rajput's death. He claims casting professionals harassed her, leading to immense pressure. Police are investigating the accidental death report filed by her father.
A special court is set to deliver its verdict today in the 2006 murder of Congress leader Pavanraje Nimbalkar and his driver. The case involves nine accused, including Padmasinh Patil, who allegedly orchestrated the killing due to political and business rivalries. The prosecution's case hinges on the approver's testimony and documentary evidence, detailing the contract killing and financial disputes.

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