Maharashtra

Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA, IATA: BOM) in Mumbai has created a new aviation milestone, becoming the world’s busiest single-runway airport. On November 21, 2025, the airport handled a staggering 1,036 flights within 24 hours, surpassing its own previous record of 1,032 flights set on November 11, 2023. Flight Movements and Passenger Traffic:According to officials from the Airports Authority of India, CSMIA managed 518 arrivals and 515 departures during the day. Peak hours experienced heavy air traffic, with temperatures climbing to around 40°C at times. The record reflects growing demand at India’s second busiest airport and highlights the increasing operational pressure ahead of Navi Mumbai International Airport’s commercial launch. The airport a...

Thane: A startling incident unfolded on Monday at a ward in Thane Civil Hospital when a live snake appeared, causing patients, doctors, nurses, and staff to flee in panic. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the episode has raised serious concerns about patient safety within the hospital premises. Hospitals are generally considered safe havens for patients seeking treatment for physical or mental ailments. However, what happens when this supposed safety is suddenly threatened? On Monday, this very scenario occurred at Thane Civil Hospital, located near Mumbai, shaking both patients and medical staff alike. Panic Ensues Among Patients and StaffThe incident took place in a ward at the hospital, where everyone immediately ran for cover upon seeing the snake. No injuries were reported, b...

Mumbai: The upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai are shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, especially in the politically significant Versova assembly constituency. Seven years after the last BMC elections in 2017, shifting political equations and party splits are creating a complex scenario. The NCP is now divided, while Shiv Sena itself is split into two factions. Versova: Electoral SignificanceKnown for its film personalities and fishing communities, Versova has five BMC wards — 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63 — falling under its assembly constituency. In the 2017 BMC elections, Shiv Sena and BJP won two seats each, while one seat went to an independent candidate. The MIM finished third in Ward 63. Analysts suggest that given the current political dynamics, the margin of victory in the upc...

Mumbai: The Mahim police have registered a case involving a bizarre and elaborate fraud. The accused, 31-year-old Abdul Sattar Qadri, allegedly claimed to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad and used this claim to deceive two women, tricking them out of jewelry and cash worth approximately ₹11 lakh. According to authorities, the complaint was filed by local resident Ansar Ahmed Abdul Ghani. Police reports reveal that in 2022, the complainant and his brother Israr Farooqui met Qadri at a dargah in South Mumbai. During conversations, Qadri claimed he possessed a strand of the Prophet’s hair. The Fraud SchemeQadri was later invited to the brothers’ residence in Mahim, where he presented a hair in a glass jar, asserting it belonged to Prophet Muhammad. Following certain rituals conducted...

Mumbai: The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra have taken strict action against traffic violations, checking 1,357,618 vehicles over six months from April 1 to September 30, 2025. Of these, 434,433 vehicles were found violating traffic rules, resulting in a total fine collection of ₹260.59 crore. Details of the Enforcement DriveThe campaign primarily targeted serious violations including driving without a license, expired insurance, missing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, unauthorized vehicle modifications, mobile use while driving, and overloading. Inspections were conducted on private passenger vehicles, school buses, auto-rickshaws, metered taxis, and private vehicles. Offending drivers were fined between ₹500 and ₹20,000 depending on the violation. F...

Mumbai: A shocking incident in Chembur’s Vashi Naka area has left devotees stunned after a statue of Goddess Kali was dressed in attire resembling Mother Mary at a local Kali Mata temple. The unusual sight caused confusion and anger among worshippers, prompting police intervention and the arrest of the temple priest. The IncidentDevotees visiting the temple were taken aback upon seeing the idol of Goddess Kali adorned in clothes resembling Mother Mary. The incident triggered outrage among local devotees and Hindu organizations, who gathered at the temple to protest and demanded strict action. A First Information Report (FIR) was promptly filed at the RCF police station. Priest’s ExplanationWhen questioned, the priest reportedly claimed that Goddess Kali appeared in his dream and inst...

Mumbai: During the ongoing municipal and town council election campaign in Washim, Maharashtra, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel made headlines with his sharp remarks targeting BJP MLA Nitesh Rane. Addressing a public rally, Jaleel took a dig at Rane, saying humorously that even a small man like him evokes fear. “There’s a guy in Mumbai… just this tiny fellow. Believe me, I’m scared of him, that’s all!” he said. Why the Fear?Jaleel further explained his jest, saying that if Rane were ever to face AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, he might be so small that he could be “picked up and carried in a sherwani pocket to Hyderabad.” The remark drew laughter from the crowd. Jaleel added that Rane repeatedly comes, speaks, and leaves, seeing himself as a “daredevil.” He warned, “Neither Congress, nor NCP, ...

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police has been widely praised for reuniting a missing 4-year-old girl, Aarohi, with her family after she went missing in May. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend the police for their unwavering determination and courage in resolving the case. A Story of Persistence and CareAn X user, Mohini Maheshwari, shared Aarohi’s emotional story, highlighting the Mumbai Police’s relentless efforts. The girl was safely returned to her family on 14 November, coinciding with Children’s Day celebrations. Maheshwari’s post emphasized that the police never closed the case and followed every lead diligently. How the Police Conducted the SearchSome officers reportedly kept Aarohi’s photo in their shirt pockets, treating her as if sh...

Mumbai: Tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance have escalated ahead of the upcoming local body elections. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde openly criticized the BJP during a rally in Dahanu, signaling growing friction within the Mahayuti coalition. Speaking to a large crowd, Shinde refrained from naming the party directly but made his discontent clear, highlighting issues of alleged arrogance and authoritarianism. Full Story: During his Dahanu rally, Shinde drew a parallel to the epic of Ramayana, saying, “Even Ravana was arrogant, which led to the fall of Lanka. On 2nd December, the people must unite to eliminate corruption and vote for development.” He urged voters to support Shiv Sena candidate Raju Machhi and his team in the upcoming elections. The local body electio...