The Times of India News

Mumbai customs officials intercepted six individuals arriving from Dubai, seizing 186 high-end iPhones and Pakistani cosmetics valued at Rs 4 crore. The group, acting as carriers for a syndicate, failed to produce legal documentation for the smuggled goods. This bust prevented a potential Rs 1.18 crore duty evasion.

Former service chiefs at IIT Bombay's Techfest emphasized modern warfare's reliance on evidence, citing Balakot's cloud cover as a lesson. They highlighted the critical role of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, alongside the threat of hypersonic missiles. Discussions also covered leadership, national values, and the growing strategic importance of maritime security for India's economic prosperity.

A significant fire erupted on the 14th floor of a 23-storey residential building in Andheri West this morning, causing extensive smoke and trapping residents on upper levels. Firefighters responded swiftly, declaring it a Level-I incident. Multiple agencies are on-site, working to rescue those stranded and ventilate the structure. No injuries have been reported yet.

The political reunion of estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, ahead of BMC polls has sparked debate. While supporters hail it as historic and a revival of Marathi unity, the ruling Mahayuti dismisses it as opportunistic hype, likening it to a Putin-Zelensky moment and questioning its impact.

South Asian media networks have condemned attacks on publications 'Prothom Alo' and 'The Daily Star' in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the assault on editor Nurul Kabir. They also called for the immediate release of over 100 detained journalists and urged governments to bring perpetrators to justice.

The Bombay Catholic Sabha has condemned the rutal intimidation and error tactics against Christians nationwide, particularly during Christmas.

Mumbai cyber police arrested a 27-year-old company director in connection with a Rs 9 crore digital arrest scam targeting an 85-year-old retired teacher. The accused's company account received a portion of the victim's funds, which was also linked to other senior citizen fraud cases totaling Rs 5.65 crore.

The Bombay High Court strongly criticized the BMC for failing to implement its own air pollution guidelines, demanding immediate practical solutions. Justices questioned the civic body's lack of action, citing election duties as a reason for squad non-compliance. The court emphasized the need for concrete, implementable proposals to ensure citizen's right to life is not compromised.

Mumbai's Christmas spirit illuminated Bandra's historic lanes during a recent night ride. Fifty-one cyclists, led by Vipin Arumugham, explored decorated bylanes, sharing rum cakes and festive cheer. Residents welcomed the cyclists with open doors, carols, and shared traditions, transforming the night into a heartwarming community celebration.

A retired banker in Mumbai fell victim to an online investment scam, losing Rs 1.35 crore. Lured by promises of high returns on fake IPOs, call options, and mutual funds via YouTube and WhatsApp, she invested heavily. After a small initial withdrawal, fraudsters demanded an exorbitant 'loan' repayment, revealing the elaborate deception.

A construction firm director, Sajida Munaf Vadgama, received anticipatory bail from the Sessions Court. She is accused of defrauding a 60-year-old businessman of Rs 5 crores. The businessman alleged that he was promised nine flats in a 47-storey project. Payments were made between March and November 2013. The firm was not registered at the time of the transactions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have announced an alliance for upcoming BMC and other civic body elections, marking a political reunion of Thackeray cousins Uddhav and Raj. Seat-sharing agreements have been finalized, with the NCP (SP) also included in some discussions. This move is seen as a significant development in Maharashtra politics.

A redBus report reveals key intercity bus travel trends in Maharashtra for 2025. Women comprised 32% of passengers, while Gen Z and millennials dominated age demographics. Popular routes included Mumbai-Kolhapur and Pune-Nagpur, with AC and sleeper seats being highly preferred. The state saw strong passenger growth and higher occupancy rates compared to the national average.

Bombay High Court has provided interim relief to industrialist Anil Ambani. He challenged banks' fraud classification of his accounts, citing an illegal forensic report by BDO India LLP. Ambani argued BDO isn't recognized as an auditor under new RBI guidelines. This ruling offers a temporary reprieve as the legal battle unfolds.

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are set to formally announce their political alliance for upcoming municipal elections on Wednesday. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have finalized seat-sharing arrangements for Mumbai and other corporations, aiming to unite for the Marathi manoos. Discussions with NCP (SP) are ongoing, while Congress will contest BMC polls independently.

Bombay High Court directed Vijay Mallya to state when he intends to return to India while hearing his plea challenging the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. The court emphasized that a petitioner must submit to jurisdiction to challenge the Act's validity. Mallya was also asked to choose between two pending petitions.

Mumbai is deploying an AI-powered pilot project to survey and geotag stray dogs in sensitive public areas like hospitals and railway stations, following a Supreme Court order. This initiative, developed with a BMC-incubated startup, aims to create an accurate database of these animals, recording their vaccination and sterilization status to inform future management strategies.

As parties scramble to finalize BMC poll candidates, the 'family first' principle is evident, with ex-corporators and MLAs pushing for tickets for wives, children, and relatives. This has sidelined long-serving party workers, sparking internal dissent and calls for prioritizing active members over kin.

A Mumbai real estate broker faces rape charges after allegedly exploiting his business partner. He is accused of promising marriage, then demanding she remain his mistress, followed by threats and stalking. The accused's lawyer claims the FIR is a counter-blast to arbitration proceedings, but police have remanded him to custody.

Two senior employees of Triveni Mudrai Project Limited have been booked for allegedly defrauding the company of Rs 4.86 crore. The accused fabricated board resolutions and company documents to secure bank loans totaling Rs 2 crore, which were used to purchase luxury cars for personal use. They also misappropriated company funds and retained possession of vehicles even after resigning.

Mumbai's car count has soared past 15 lakh, leading to a critical 753 vehicles per kilometre density. This surge, a 142% jump in 13 years, strains limited road space. Experts urge a shift to public transport and suggest congestion charges to combat worsening traffic and pollution.

Mumbai's Idea of India Foundation has condemned the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, calling it a brutal attack on human rights and minority protection. The foundation will appeal to Bangladesh's interim chief for an immediate investigation, justice for perpetrators, and measures to protect minorities, urging international solidarity.