The Times of India

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], As geopolitical turbulence reshapes global capital flows, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis used the IGF Mumbai 2026 Leaders Dinner to deliver a striking pitch for India's financial capital: Mumbai is mid-transformation, and the most consequential changes have not yet arrived. At the IGF Mumbai 2026 Leaders Dinner, hosted by Hero FinCorp, the Chief Minister set out an ambitious seven-year transformation agenda for India's financial capital -- and position

Canada's University of Toronto and India's Indian Institute of Science are joining forces. They are creating a centre of excellence. This centre will use artificial intelligence to build predictive healthcare systems. The goal is to improve disease diagnosis and access to care. This collaboration expands research between Canada and India. It will train specialists in AI and medicine.

A 20-year-old Bhiwandi tailor was arrested for allegedly raping a minor he befriended on social media two years ago. He reportedly attempted to force her into an inter-faith marriage upon her turning 18. Hindutva activists intervened at the planned 'nikah' on March 6, leading to the girl's rescue and the accused's booking under Pocso and IPC sections.

Swapnil Thorat, a 2017 batch IFS officer, has taken over as Mumbai's new Regional Passport Officer, succeeding Dr. Arjun Deore. Thorat, who previously served in South Korea and the Ministry of External Affairs, will manage passport services for Mumbai and surrounding Maharashtra regions. He also continues his role as Head of the MEA Branch Secretariat in Mumbai.

Maharashtra's transport minister revealed the cancellation of temporary licenses for Uber, Ola, and Rapido's e-bike taxi services due to non-compliance. A statewide crackdown on illegal petrol bike taxis, including those from outside the state, is also underway. Authorities are seizing vehicles and filing criminal cases against violators and operating companies.

Mumbai is facing a severe LPG cooking gas shortage, with refill waiting times stretching to eight days. Commercial cylinder supply to hotels and restaurants has completely stopped, potentially triggering a crisis for eateries. Panic buying is evident as domestic consumers rush to book refills, while new government regulations limit booking frequency.

Maharashtra's 'Aai' tourism policy is empowering women entrepreneurs, with over 900 securing loans totaling Rs 72.49 crore. The initiative aims to boost women's participation in tourism, offering interest-free loans and support for ventures like homestays and travel services, while also enhancing safety and inclusivity for women travelers across the state.

Mumbai's BMC is measuring noise levels from its new melody road after residents complained about disturbing music. The musical stretch, playing 'Jai Ho', is reportedly audible to motorists and echoes into nearby homes, prompting the contractor to assess decibel levels and explore sound reduction methods.

Mumbai's roads predominantly honour men, with less than 150 km of its 2,000 km dedicated to women. This Women's Day, we highlight trailblazers like Pandita Ramabai, Sakarbai Barku Patil, Lady Jamsetjee, Laxmibai Kelkar, and Dr. Kashibai Navrange, whose contributions shaped the city.

In a significant political move, Nishant Kumar, the son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has officially become a member of the JD(U). He is committed to actively engaging with the party to bolster its presence and initiatives.