Technology gives neighbourhood pharmacies a digital edge

Pharmaish, founded by Dipmala Patil in Pune, aims to simplify access to prescription medicines by connecting patients with local licensed pharmacies. The platform, launching on September 14, 2026, enables quick prescription sharing and direct pharmacy responses. Backed by ₹1.25 crore in funding, Pharmaish seeks to empower neighborhood pharmacists and improve healthcare access without displacing them.

CREST funds misappropriation case: CBI files chargesheet against IFoS officer, wife

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against Indian Forest Service officer Navneet Srivastava, his wife, and a private company related to a ₹75-crore fund misappropriation case involving CREST. They are accused of criminal conspiracy and misusing public funds. This case is part of a broader investigation into banking fraud linked to Haryana’s government departments.

Delhi-Pune flight cancelled after hours of delay

Passengers on SpiceJet flight SG939 from Delhi to Pune experienced a late-night cancellation after numerous delays, leaving them stranded at the airport. Despite completing check-in and preparations to board, they received no timely assistance or alternative travel arrangements. One passenger has formally complained and is seeking a prompt response from the airline and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

9-hour Pune yard block to disrupt train services on Sunday

Train services in Pune will face disruptions on Sunday, September 13, due to a nine-hour infrastructure upgrade at Pune yard. Key lines will be unavailable, affecting suburban and long-distance trains with numerous cancellations and short-terminations. Passengers are urged to verify train statuses and plan accordingly, as the upgrades aim to enhance safety and reliability of operations.

Islamic scholar moves HC, questions validity of Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law

A petition challenging the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, has been filed in the Bombay High Court, arguing it infringes fundamental rights such as dignity and autonomy while providing vague definitions that could criminalize legitimate activities. The Act, which mandates a 60-day notice for conversions, imposes excessive scrutiny on interfaith relationships. The petitioner seeks to stay the Act's implementation.

MSRTC to introduce alcohol, drug tests for drivers, conductors

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation will initiate a “Drug-Free ST, Safe Travel” campaign from 2026 to 2029, implementing extensive alcohol and drug screenings for drivers and conductors. The initiative includes pre-duty tests and continuous monitoring, aimed at ensuring safer travel and accountability across various transport services. This comprehensive program seeks to enhance road safety and driver fitness in the state.

21 UP districts gear up for first-level EVM-VVPAT checks ahead of polls

A workshop for district magistrates from 21 districts took place in Varanasi, aimed at training officials on the First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs and VVPATs, chaired by senior deputy election commissioner Manish Garg. Participants engaged in practical sessions, received guidelines, and addressed queries ensuring compliance with the Election Commission’s standards for quality and transparency in the electoral process.

Youth tosses chilli powder, snatches ₹4.53 lakh in Nagpur bank heist

An unemployed graduate in Nagpur executed a bank heist using chili powder but was caught within 30 minutes after stealing ₹4.53 lakh. The robber, identified as 28-year-old Suraj Borkar, attacked staff at the State Bank of India before fleeing, only to be apprehended shortly after. Police are investigating the incident and the robber’s intentions.

HC seeks report on ‘torture’ of Sikh youth in Sangrur village

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered Punjab’s Director General of Police to report on an alleged police assault of a Sikh youth for displaying a black flag at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's cavalcade. The petitioner claims his son was beaten and tortured post-incident. He seeks a CBI inquiry, alleging inaction against the implicated officers.

This year, gadget prices got splashier

Apple has raised iPhone prices following Samsung's lead, with research indicating phones now costing ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, up from ₹15,000. Buyers are increasingly repairing phones and extending usage due to soaring costs. Experts suggest that significant discounts during Diwali won't offset these price hikes, urging caution with purchases and advising consumers to wait.

Maharashtra SIR: Voter exclusion higher in opposition-held seats, data shows

Mumbai's electoral roll revision left 20.7 million electors excluded, with opposition-held constituencies experiencing a higher exclusion rate of 22.17% compared to 20.94% in ruling Mahayuti areas. The opposition alleges lack of transparency from the Election Commission, claiming deletions harm electoral prospects. Political leaders from both sides debate the fairness of the revision process amidst ongoing concerns over voter anomalies and mapping issues.

67-year-old Surat bizman alleges ₹2.28 crore cash, 1,28,000 UAE dirhams and 1.5kg gold stolen during Dubai-Mumbai flight

A 67-year-old garment businessman from Surat, Abdul Rajjak Umarbhai Sodagar, reported the theft of 1.5 kg of gold, ₹1.95 crore in cash, and 1,28,000 UAE dirhams at Mumbai airport after two men deceived him. Sodagar, who was seeking new business ventures, had formed a partnership for gold trading with one of the suspects two years ago. The Sahar police are investigating the case.

Mithi makeover: BMC races to finish Kurla-Mahim stretch by 2029

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation aims to complete the Mithi River rejuvenation project's third package by December 2029, addressing flooding and sewage discharge. Key components include 18 gate-pump systems and a sewage pumping station. Challenges include rehabilitating 2,000 families in affected slums. This effort is part of a larger ₹1,800-crore initiative to manage 309 million litres of sewage daily.

CBI begins probe into Disha Salian death case, records her father’s statement

The Bombay High Court has mandated a CBI investigation into the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian, prompting her father, Satish Salian, to provide a statement alleging gang rape and murder, implicating several individuals, including former police officers. Initially deemed a suicide, discrepancies in the previous inquiry led to calls for an independent probe.

Lalbaugcha Raja’s prasad to illuminate hospitals

This Ganeshotsav, Lalbaugcha Raja's prasad will generate renewable energy to power BMC hospitals, with an expected 8 to 10 tonnes of organic waste daily converted into 7,744 units of electricity. Additionally, the BMC will recycle Plaster of Paris idols post-immersion, following guidelines from the Bombay High Court, for future reuse in various industries.

Kamathipura revamp deal to be inked next week

MUMBAI: A significant redevelopment deal for Kamathipura, Mumbai’s historic red-light district, will be signed on September 17 between Mhada and a developer consortium, focusing on rehabilitating nearly 8,000 families. Plans include offering 200 ready-to-move-in apartments. Established in 1795, Kamathipura’s transformation aims to shed its notorious image and revitalize the area’s heritage.

VVCMC decision on 95 buildings leaves residents, builders in a limbo

For 13 years, Rajmal Jain, 66, has awaited his shop's reopening in Nalasopara East, now indefinitely delayed after the VVCMC halted Occupation Certificate processes for 95 buildings over excessive Floor Space Index grants. This affects many developers and homebuyers, prompting legal disputes. Developers argue the VVCMC's actions are illegal, while the regulatory review continues amid unresolved disputes from the prior administration.

‘Made fake PMO ID using ChatGPT’: Confesses Rohan Parikh after his arrest over security breach at PM event venue

Businessman Rohan Parikh, 24, was arrested for using a fake Prime Minister’s Office identity card to enter Jio World Plaza, confessing to its creation via ChatGPT. He sought to enhance his social stature. Alongside associate Dilip Kunde, investigations continue into possible broader implications of their actions, although the incident was deemed unrelated to Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming event.

Two held after police encounter in Sonepat

Two alleged criminals, 21-year-old Ankit Kumar and 19-year-old Pawan Singh, were arrested after an exchange of gunfire with police in Sonepat while trying to extort ₹2 crore from a local man. They were injured and apprehended, with police recovering firearms. Investigations into their connections and motives are ongoing concerning the extortion and shooting incidents.

4 key civic hospitals get MRI machines

Mumbai’s civic hospitals, Sion, KEM, Cooper, and Nair, received four new MRI machines after lengthy delays due to multiple tendering rounds and Siemens being the only bidder. Patients have faced months-long waits for tests. Currently, machines are being installed and expected to function within three months, alleviating reliance on private facilities for procedures that have seen significant backlogs.

37-year-old labourer wakes up to urinate, falls to death from sixth floor open lift shaft

A 37-year-old labourer, Sanjay Minj, died from severe injuries after falling through an open lift shaft on the sixth floor of an under-construction building in Matunga. Minj was visiting a relative when he accidentally fell while attempting to use the restroom. The incident highlights safety concerns at the Trimukh Shantikunj site, managed by Tridhaatu Renovators.

Mira Road school served notice over tiffin diktat

Thane district education authorities issued a show-cause notice to Seven Square Academy in Mira Road for banning certain food items during the Jain festival Paryushan, violating students' rights. The school, linked to BJP MLA Narendra Mehta, withdrew the rule after protests. The notice cites the RTE Act and constitutional articles against religious discrimination. Mehta has not commented.

Teachers’ body to stage dharna at Hisar varsity on Sept 15

Kurukshetra University Teachers’ Association (KUTA) will join a dharna at Guru Jambheshwar University on September 15 to address pending demands critical for higher education quality. KUTA president Jitender Khatkar emphasized the need for regular faculty, filling vacant posts, and safeguarding teachers’ interests. Ongoing reforms by the Haryana Federation highlight longstanding issues in higher education.

CET cell to handle PGDM admissions from 2027-28

Admissions to post-graduate diploma and certificate courses in management in Maharashtra will be regulated starting the 2027-28 academic year, aligning with the existing Common Entrance Test (CET) framework for MBA courses. Currently unregulated, PGDM and PGCM courses will now require CET scores for local candidates, with stricter eligibility and fee regulations in response to numerous complaints. The changes will not affect the current admission cycle.

22-years after Nafisa Joseph suicide, HC refuses to discharge bizman in abetment case

Gautam Khanduja, 54, will face trial for abetting the suicide of model Nafisa Joseph, 31, who died in 2004 after he called off their engagement. The Bombay High Court dismissed his plea for discharge, citing sufficient grounds to proceed. Khanduja's actions reportedly left Joseph feeling humiliated, leading to her tragic death. The trial's outcome will explore the complexities of their tumultuous relationship.

Attack on Saif Ali Khan: Court refuses to accept accused’s guilty plea, orders trial

The Mumbai sessions court rejected Bangladeshi national Mohammad Shariful Islam's plea to plead guilty in the attempted robbery case involving actor Saif Ali Khan, ruling he must face trial. Initially denying charges, Islam sought leniency after the incident on January 16, 2025, where he reportedly attacked Khan and staff, demanding ₹1 crore. Trial proceedings begin September 24.

23-year-old asleep under a tree in Dahisar run over by truck

A 23-year-old man, Manjit Yadav, was crushed by a truck while sleeping under a tree in Dahisar on Thursday night, leading to his death. The truck driver, Dhruvchand Chaudhary, was arrested for negligence. Manjit had been visiting his sister before the incident, which occurred near a petrol pump around 11pm, resulting in tragic consequences.

MPSC paper-leak row: Activists blacken secretary’s face, 3 arrested; Oppn mounts pressure

Tensions escalated in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) paper-leak controversy as Sambhaji Brigade activists blackened Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar's face, demanding his and Chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar's removal. This protest follows Chief Minister Fadnavis’s announcement of an SIT probe into malpractices. With widespread student dissatisfaction, the Brigade vowed to continue their agitation until reforms are made.

Who killed King Von? What to know as Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial

Public interest in the 2020 shooting death of Chicago rapper King Von surged after a jury acquitted rapper Lil Durk of murder-for-hire charges tied to the case. Prosecutors claimed Durk financed a plot against Quando Rondo, linked to Von's death, culminating in a fatal shooting that left Rondo's cousin dead. King Von was shot in a 2020 altercation, but no one has been convicted in his case.

Probe into Palghar assault on doctors an ‘eyewash’, HC says, as cops nab 2 accused Sena leaders

Palghar police detained Rohit Gavit, former Shiv Sena deputy taluka chief, on Friday for his role in a September 5 assault on doctors at a private hospital. The Bombay High Court criticized the police for a “lackadaisical” investigation and inadequate evidence collection. The court ordered a review of the probe, highlighting its significance for medical professionals' safety.