The Times of India

Two men were arrested in Uttar Pradesh for duping a Mumbai businessman of Rs 7 lakh. The accused posed as individuals who could convert plain paper into currency using chemicals and powders. After a convincing demonstration, they took the businessman's money, promising to double it, but delivered only plain paper.

Mumbai experienced a significant drop in daytime temperatures on Wednesday, with the Santacruz station recording 34.2C, nearly 6C lower than the previous day's highs. This relief is attributed to an early sea breeze and weaker easterly winds, alongside a shift in a persistent anticyclone. Despite the dip, minimum temperatures remained above normal.

Maharashtra's CET Cell has introduced strict new regulations to combat exam malpractice, particularly concerning AI and technology misuse. Candidates caught using AI tools, hidden cameras, or remote access software face candidature cancellation and potential legal action. The revised rules also address issues like appearing for exams under the influence of substances.

Mankhurd police have registered a case against five individuals for allegedly duping over 125 people of 5.13 crore. Promising a hefty 5% monthly return on investments, the accused collected substantial sums before shutting down their operation and disappearing. An IT engineer's complaint initiated the investigation into this elaborate investment fraud.

Legislators across party lines voiced strong concerns regarding the proposed Central Park project at Mahalaxmi racecourse. They questioned the accessibility of the open space for ordinary citizens and the impact of a 6,000-vehicle parking lot on local traffic. The government assured consultations with all city legislators and pledged no commercialization of the open space.

The Archdiocese of Bombay has voiced serious concerns over Maharashtra's draft anti-conversion Bill, citing provisions that undermine personal freedom of conscience. The Church objects to the 60-day notice requirement for conversions, deeming it a state-controlled process. They also highlighted concerns about blood relatives triggering police action without safeguards against malicious complaints.

A 24-year-old MDS student allegedly died by suicide in Mumbai, leaving a note accusing her boyfriend of mental harassment and humiliation. Police arrested the boyfriend, Fazal Mohammad Khan, after the student's parents filed a complaint. The suicide note details the emotional distress she reportedly endured during their relationship.

Mumbai police arrested a Kolhapur developer for a Rs 55 crore fraud. Amrut Uttam Mahendrakar allegedly helped forge documents to mortgage and sell flats belonging to society members. These flats were part of a redevelopment project in Versova. The developer secured bank loans using these fraudulent transactions. This is the second arrest in the case.

Mumbai's Session Court granted anticipatory bail to developer Munaf Vadgama and three relatives in a cheating and criminal breach of trust case. The accused were involved in a redevelopment dispute where a promised alternate shop was allegedly not provided. The court noted substantial payments made to the complainant's family, deeming custodial interrogation unnecessary.

Mumbai's restaurant sector faces severe disruption as a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, exacerbated by the West Asia war and a government order prioritizing domestic use, forces eateries to scale back or shut down. Industry bodies warn of widespread closures if the crisis continues, impacting jobs and affordable meal availability.