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Mumbai Crime Branch seizes codeine cough syrup worth Rs 75,000 in Chembur

2026-10-26T13:39:26.017+05:30

The Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has seized 75 bottles of codeine cough syrup worth Rs 75,000 and arrested a man in Chembur.

The seizure was made by the ANC’s Worli unit after its team spotted a man behaving suspiciously beneath the Monorail station near the VNP and RC Marg junction in Chembur in the early hours of Sunday.

According to the police, the team detained the man and searched him, recovering 75 bottles of Codeine Cough Syrup, each containing 100 ml. The accused’s identity has not been disclosed.

The incident took place between 2.20 am and 4.30 am on Sunday. A case has been registered at Chembur Police Station under relevant Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The case is registered as ANC C.R. No. 98/2026 and Chembur Police Station C.R. No. 1293/2026.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Paurnima Chaugule-Shringi and Assistant Commissioner of Police Sudhir Hirdekar. Police Inspector Santosh Salunkhe, who heads the ANC’s Worli unit, led the operation, with Assistant Police Inspector Kiran Wagh and his team carrying out the action.

The seizure forms part of the ANC’s efforts to identify and act against people involved in the purchase, sale, supply and storage of narcotic substances in Mumbai.

Mira-Bhayandar Crime Branch uncovers interstate network spanning four states

Meanwhile, the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Crime Branch has dismantled an illegal chemical manufacturing unit in Telangana that was allegedly producing a precursor used in the manufacture of mephedrone (MD), extending its crackdown on an interstate narcotics network beyond Maharashtra.

The Crime Branch’s Unit 4 raided the factory in the Pashamylaram Industrial Development Area (IDA), Patancheru, in Sangareddy district on October 21 and arrested an accused identified as Ramesh Babu Sake.

Police seized 44.699 kg of 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone, valued at Rs 27.06 lakh, along with other chemicals and laboratory equipment allegedly used to manufacture the substance.

According to the police, the investigation originated from a case registered at Tulinj Police Station after two men were allegedly found in possession of 112 grams of MD, worth Rs 3.36 lakh, in Nalasopara East on June 24, 2026.

The accused, Avinash alias Sonu Loknath Iyer, 22, and Ravikant Omprakash Ram, 23, both residents of Pragati Nagar, were allegedly carrying the drug for sale.

Following the registration of the case, the investigation was transferred to Crime Branch Unit 4. During the probe, investigators allegedly uncovered a wider network involved in MD manufacturing, the procurement of precursor chemicals and laboratory equipment, drug transportation and peddling, as well as financial transactions.

* This article was originally published here

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-26T12:40:54.686+05:30

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2026-10-26T12:40:53.353+05:30

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TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-26T07:20:16.954+05:30

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TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-26T07:00:14.295+05:30

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TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-26T06:40:11.242+05:30

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2026-10-26T06:20:08.418+05:30

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2026-10-26T06:00:05.860+05:30

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Mumbai Mayor hikes Ideal Teacher Award prize money to Rs 25,000 from next year

2026-10-25T13:18:26.020+05:30

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Saturday, October 24, announced that the prize money for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Ideal Teacher Award would be increased from Rs 11,000 to Rs 25,000 from next year. The announcement was made at the Mayor’s Teacher Award ceremony, where 50 teachers were recognised for their contributions to education and innovative initiatives aimed at improving students’ learning experiences.

Speaking at the event, Tawde highlighted the role of teachers in shaping students’ intellectual development and instilling moral values. She said teachers played a crucial role in building the country’s intellectual and moral foundation and preparing future generations to contribute to society.

The Ideal Teacher Mayor Award 2025–26 ceremony was held at the Penguin Auditorium inside Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla. Teachers from BMC primary and special schools, secondary schools, private aided schools and unaided schools were selected following interviews.

Teachers’ role extends beyond academic performance

Addressing the gathering, Tawde said rapid technological advances had changed the way children accessed information, with artificial intelligence (AI), computers and social media making large amounts of information readily available.

“Technology may provide information from all the books in the world within seconds, but no algorithm in the world can ever wipe away the tears of a distressed child and place a reassuring hand on their back, telling them, ‘You can do this.’ Machines can provide information, but only teachers have the ability to impart wisdom and humanity to life,” she said.

The mayor said teachers preparing students for a technologically advanced India in 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of Independence, needed to encourage creative thinking rather than focus solely on examinations and rote learning.

She also stressed that education should not be restricted to competition for marks. According to Tawde, students’ mental health, happiness and emotional well-being should receive equal attention.

She urged teachers to ensure that students graduating from BMC schools developed into knowledgeable, sensitive and confident citizens who could lead fulfilling lives without excessive academic stress.

Tawde also referred to educational initiatives introduced during her tenure as chairperson of the BMC Education Committee.

Award prize money to rise from Rs 11,000 to Rs 25,000

The BMC currently provides an honorarium of Rs 11,000 to each teacher selected for the Mayor’s Teacher Award. The payment is made through the Electronic Clearing Service (ECS).

During the ceremony, Education Committee Chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar requested that the award amount be increased. Responding to the request, Tawde announced that the prize money would rise to Rs 25,000 from next year.

The announcement was met with applause from teachers attending the event.

Officials highlight contribution of municipal school teachers

Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi said teachers played an important role in the development of cities, villages and the country. He also highlighted the contribution of teachers and students from BMC schools to Mumbai’s development and congratulated the award recipients and their families.

Shirwadkar described teachers as mentors and guardians who played an important role in students’ lives. She said that despite advances in artificial intelligence, technology could not replace teachers. She also spoke about the interviews conducted to select the award recipients and praised the educational initiatives presented by the candidates.

Improvements Committee (City) Chairperson Yamini Jadhav said teachers in municipal schools worked to improve students’ education and overall development. She noted that students from BMC schools had gone on to hold senior positions across various professional fields.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Dr Prachi Jambhekar also acknowledged the initiatives undertaken by teachers to improve schools and support students’ overall development. She encouraged other educators to learn from these efforts.

Fifty teachers recognised for innovative initiatives

A total of 50 teachers received the Mayor’s Teacher Award for the 2025–26 academic year. The selection process included interviews with teachers from different categories of BMC-run and other schools.

The awards recognised teachers for innovative teaching practices and educational initiatives intended to improve learning and support students’ development.

Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, Education Committee Chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar, Improvements Committee (City) Chairperson Yamini Jadhav, C and D Ward Committee Chairperson Akash Purohit, and corporators Urmila Panchal, Rajeshree Bhatankar and Mehzabeen Atiq Ahmed Khan.

President’s Award-winning teacher Dattatraya Ware Guruji, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Dr Prachi Jambhekar, and Education Officers Sujata Khare and Kirtivardhan Kiritkudwe also attended the event.

* This article was originally published here

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T12:40:54.732+05:30

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TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T12:40:53.451+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T07:20:18.918+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T07:00:16.266+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T06:40:12.635+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T06:20:08.592+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-25T06:00:04.714+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

BMC removes 12 illegal structures, takes action against 60 hawkers in Dadar

2026-10-24T13:36:31.716+05:30

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday carried out an anti-encroachment drive in Dadar, removing 12 unauthorised structures, temporary tarpaulin sheds and unauthorised platforms, and taking action against 60 hawkers along the footpaths near the late Meenatai Thackeray Flower Market and Senapati Bapat Marg.

The action was carried out on Friday by the civic body's G-North ward under its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, which aims to clear footpaths of encroachments and make them accessible for pedestrians.

The drive was conducted under the guidance of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone II) Prashant Sapkale. G-North Ward Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai led the operation.

Adequate police personnel were deployed during the drive.

The civic body has been implementing the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign to remove unauthorised hawkers and encroachments from footpaths and ensure that pedestrians can move around without obstructions.

As part of the initiative, the BMC is undertaking measures to make footpaths more accessible and convenient for pedestrians across the city.

The civic administration has appealed to citizens and vendors not to carry out unauthorised construction or leave materials on footpaths in ways that obstruct pedestrian movement. It warned that strict action would be taken if such encroachments were found.

BMC’s wider ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign targets footpath encroachments across Mumbai

The Dadar drive comes amid the BMC’s wider efforts to reclaim footpaths for pedestrians across Mumbai. Under the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, the civic body has reported removing 2,803 encroachments and hawkers from 399 footpaths across the city, covering roads stretching about 500 km.

The campaign is being implemented across all administrative wards, with priority given to areas around hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stations and other public places where unobstructed pedestrian movement is particularly important.

At a review meeting at the BMC’s Command and Control Centre in Worli last week, Bhide directed officials to ensure that footpaths remain clear, safe and accessible even after encroachments are removed. The civic administration has also emphasised the need to repair damaged footpaths, maintain cleanliness and prevent unauthorised parking and structures from obstructing pedestrian movement.

The BMC has warned that enforcement must be sustained, with officials expected to take action against recurring encroachments and ensure that cleared footpaths remain available for public use.

* This article was originally published here

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T12:40:55.184+05:30

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TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T12:40:53.905+05:30

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TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T07:20:17.119+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T07:00:14.253+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T06:40:11.680+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T06:20:07.638+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

TIMES OF INDIA

2026-10-24T06:00:04.813+05:30

{}Times Top10: ‘Right to use force’ pitch for Xi’s futurehttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten/msid-94900958.cms

Thane: Balcony slab, wall collapse in Kalwa; 50-year-old man injured

2026-10-23T13:30:26.362+05:30

A 50-year-old man was injured after a balcony slab and a wall of a residential structure collapsed in Kalwa East, Thane, on Friday, October 23. The incident prompted a response from the fire brigade, Disaster Management Cell and local civic authorities, who secured the affected area to prevent further danger.

According to officials, information about the incident was received at around 7:40 am. The collapse occurred at Mahalaxmi Chawl, near Shri Saraswati High School and Junior College, beside Parsik Tunnel in Waghoba Nagar.

Balcony slab and wall collapse at residential structure

Officials said the balcony slab and a wall of Room No. 09 at Mahalaxmi Chawl collapsed, injuring a resident.

The room is owned by Mahendra Rao and was occupied by tenant Ghanshyam Rao, who sustained injuries in the incident.

The injured man, identified as 50-year-old Ghanshyam Rao, suffered injuries to his right hand and right leg. He was admitted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa for medical treatment.

Fire brigade and disaster management teams reach spot

Following the incident, personnel from the Thane Disaster Management Cell, fire brigade and other civic departments rushed to the location to assess the situation and carry out necessary safety measures.

The response team included the Assistant Commissioner of the Kalwa Ward Committee, a junior engineer from the Public Works Department, Disaster Management Cell personnel with a pickup vehicle and fire brigade personnel with a rescue vehicle.

Staff from the Encroachment Department and Public Works Department were also deployed at the site to assist with the response.

Dangerous portion cleared, safety barricades installed

As a precautionary measure, personnel from the Encroachment Department and Disaster Management Cell cleared and moved aside the dangerous portion of the damaged structure to reduce the risk of further incidents.

Disaster Management Cell personnel also erected a safety barricade around the affected area to restrict access and prevent further danger to residents and passersby.

Officials said further action regarding the damaged structure would be undertaken by the Kalwa Ward Committee.

Civic authorities directed to submit action report

The complaint related to the incident has been forwarded to the department concerned, with instructions to initiate necessary action at the earliest.

The officer concerned has also been directed to submit a report detailing the action taken to the Disaster Management Cell.

* This article was originally published here