The Times of India

Amidst a volatile strike, Suresh Markadey Maheshwaram, a conductor for BEST, found himself in legal trouble after allegedly breaking a bus windshield with a stone. The incident unfolded in Prabhadevi as the bus, carrying unsuspecting passengers, was attacked by masked individuals. The dedicated driver and conductor, who refused to abandon their posts, faced not only physical but also verbal hostility.

A recent summit in Mumbai, organized by the Human Social Care Foundation and the University of Mumbai, highlighted the urgent need for enhanced public health measures against anemia, particularly affecting women and girls. Experts emphasized improving access to nutritious food for young girls, pregnant women, and mothers.

A special court has acquitted eight individuals, including Padamsinh Patil, in the 2006 double murder case of Congress leader Pavanraje Nimbalkar and his driver. The judge dismissed the testimony of the key approver, calling him a liar who changed his statement. The acquittal concludes a nearly two-decade-old case, shifting focus to the political future of the victim's son.

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 soon provide reliable, round-the-clock electricity, bolstering energy security and supporting India's clean energy transition. The project, a collaboration with Russia, highlights the nation's commitment to expanding non-fossil fuel capacity and achieving net-zero ambitions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to six absentee Lok Sabha MPs, threatening disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law. The party's Chief Whip initiated the action after these MPs failed to attend a crucial parliamentary meeting, fueling speculation of defections to the Eknath Shinde-led faction amidst 'Operation Tiger'. The UBT faction is determined to pursue disqualification if no satisfactory explanation is provided.

BEST employees continue their indefinite strike for a second day, crippling Mumbai's public transport. Commuters face severe hardship, relying on overcrowded trains and other modes. The strike, demanding budget merger with BMC and pay commission implementation, has seen disruptions and damage to buses. Talks between the government and union leaders have so far failed to resolve the long-pending issues.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray fiercely criticized the BJP's alleged attempts to dismantle opposition parties, warning of 'Operation Kamal' in response to defections. He expressed concern over the nation's democratic trajectory and apologized to voters for MPs who switched allegiances. Thackeray emotionally offered to resign, vowing to fight against 'robbers and traitors' and refuting merger rumors with Congress.