Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has drawn a comparison between today's Gen Z and Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, arguing that young people should not be underestimated or dismissed because of the labels used against them. Speaking at a book launch event in Mumbai on Wednesday, Thackeray referred to the term “cockroaches” being used for sections of the younger generation amid the recent political debate around student protests. He said even Shivaji Maharaj had faced insulting descriptions from his opponents, referring to the Mughals calling him a “chuha”, or rat. Thackeray said the young people being described as “cockroaches” today largely belong to Generation Z, which he broadly placed between the ages of 13-14 and 27-28. Drawing a historical parallel, the former Maharashtra chief minister pointed out that Shivaji Maharaj was only around 17 when he captured Torna Fort, an early milestone in his political and military journey. He also referred to Sant Dnyaneshwar, saying he too was very young when he wrote the Dnyaneshwari despite facing considerable opposition during his lifetime.

Thackeray's remarks came at a time when Gen Z has increasingly entered India's political vocabulary following recent student protests and the debate surrounding examination reforms. His argument was that age should not become a reason to dismiss the political concerns or abilities of younger citizens. By invoking Shivaji Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar, Thackeray sought to underline that people who went on to have a major historical impact had themselves faced resistance and criticism while still young. The comments also fit into the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's recent outreach towards young protesters. Over the past few days, Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray have publicly supported the student movement and participated in political messaging around the agitation. The use of “cockroach” as a political reference has meanwhile moved beyond protest sites and social media, finding its way into speeches and exchanges involving politicians from different parties.

The Gen Z language has also surfaced inside Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, particularly during discussions surrounding the government's examination reform legislation and the NEET controversy. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, while supporting the proposed legislation, borrowed the popular Gen Z expression “clock it” to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to providing a legislative solution. On the Opposition side, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also brought Gen Z into her criticism of the Prime Minister's public outreach. She argued that changing camera angles in videos would not be enough to connect with young Indians and said the government instead needed to address what she described as injustice faced by the youth. Against this backdrop, Uddhav Thackeray's comparison with Shivaji Maharaj adds another dimension to the political battle over who speaks for India's younger generation. His message was essentially that young people who are mocked or dismissed today could still emerge as important agents of change, just as prominent historical figures faced opposition at a young age. With student issues continuing to dominate political debate, Gen Z and its language have now become part of the wider contest between the government and Opposition.

Speaking in his trademark style, Raj Thackeray said the younger generation had forced the government to acknowledge public sentiment.

"Gen Z has shaken the government and brought it down to the ground," he remarked, describing the protests as a defining moment for young people across the country.

According to Thackeray, the resignation of the Education Minister reflects the impact of sustained public pressure and the determination shown by students and youth protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Calls It a Victory for Youth

Raj Thackeray congratulated the protesters and said the movement had achieved a significant milestone.

He credited the youth for maintaining pressure on the government despite repeated challenges and said leaders who had initially dismissed the protests were eventually forced to respond.

Thackeray also acknowledged the role of protest leader Abhijeet Deepke, saying his contribution had been crucial in mobilizing students and keeping the movement alive.

Support for Protest to Continue

Although Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, Raj Thackeray made it clear that support for the protest movement would continue.

He said any future decisions taken by protest leaders, including Abhijeet Deepke, would receive his party's full backing. According to him, the public anger has now gone beyond a single minister and reflects broader concerns over accountability in governance.

Joint Rally With Uddhav Thackeray to Proceed

Raj Thackeray also confirmed that the planned joint march with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray would go ahead despite the minister's resignation.

The rally is scheduled to assemble at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where both leaders are expected to address supporters and express solidarity with students demanding education reforms and greater transparency in examinations.

Responds to Speculation on New Education Minister

Asked about speculation that Maharashtra could produce the next Union Education Minister, Raj Thackeray declined to comment on reports linking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the post.

He said such discussions remain speculative and that any decision would only become clear after the central leadership makes an official announcement.

Thackeray also remarked that political developments in New Delhi have gathered pace, but said there was little value in commenting until the government formally reveals its plans.

Political Significance

Raj Thackeray's remarks come at a time when the NEET paper leak protests have evolved into a nationwide youth movement, prompting multiple rounds of dialogue between protest leaders and the Centre. With the resignation of the Education Minister, attention has now shifted to the remaining demands of the protesters and the government's next course of action.

A bomb threat targeting Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel triggered a major security response on Saturday after police eceived a phone call claiming that underworld fugitive Dawood Ibrahim had planted an explosive inside the luxury property. Following an extensive search by security agencies, authorities confirmed that no explosive device or suspicious object was found, declaring the threat a hoax.

The alert prompted immediate action from the Mumbai Police, bomb detection and disposal squads, and other security personnel, who rushed to the hotel and launched a comprehensive search operation. Every section of the historic hotel was thoroughly inspected to ensure the safety of guests, staff and visitors.

Security Agencies Respond Swiftly

According to officials, the threat was received through a phone call made to the Mumbai Police control room. The caller allegedly claimed that Dawood Ibrahim had planted a bomb at the Taj Hotel, triggering a high-level security protocol.

Police teams quickly secured the premises and coordinated with specialised bomb detection units to carry out a meticulous search. Security personnel examined public areas, guest sections and other sensitive locations within the hotel as part of the operation.

After completing the inspection, officials confirmed that no explosives or suspicious materials were found anywhere on the premises.

Threat Declared False

Following the extensive search, Mumbai Police declared the bomb threat to be false. Authorities said normal operations at the hotel resumed after security agencies completed the necessary verification and concluded there was no danger to the public.

While the threat turned out to be a hoax, officials stressed that every bomb threat is treated with the highest level of seriousness to ensure public safety and prevent any potential security risk.

Probe Into Anonymous Call Underway

Police have launched an investigation to identify the person responsible for making the threatening call. Investigators are analysing technical evidence, including call records and other digital leads, to trace the source of the communication.

Authorities are also examining whether the caller acted alone or if there was any larger motive behind issuing the false alert. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those found responsible for creating panic through misleading information, officials indicated.

Taj Hotel's Strategic Importance

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel remains one of Mumbai's most prominent landmarks and has historically been considered a high-security location. Because of its significance and the large number of domestic and international visitors it receives, any security threat linked to the property prompts an immediate and coordinated response from law enforcement agencies.

Security experts note that even when threats ultimately prove to be false, prompt verification is essential to protect public safety and maintain confidence in emergency response systems.

Authorities Urge Public Against Spreading Rumours

Police have appealed to citizens not to circulate unverified information related to security alerts on social media or messaging platforms. Officials reiterated that false bomb threats not only create unnecessary panic but also divert critical security resources that could otherwise be deployed for genuine emergencies.

The investigation into the origin of the threatening phone call is continuing, and authorities are expected to take strict legal action once those responsible are identified.

The incident once again highlights the importance of rapid coordination among law enforcement and emergency response agencies in handling security threats while ensuring minimal disruption to public life.

For years, political parties across the spectrum have accused rivals of encouraging defections to strengthen their electoral position. Against that backdrop, Fadnavis’ comments are being viewed as a significant political message, both within the BJP and among its allies.

Political observers say the statement appears aimed at projecting confidence within the ruling alliance. Mahayuti, which includes the BJP and its allies, currently holds power in Maharashtra and has maintained that it enjoys sufficient political strength without relying on fresh entrants from rival parties.

The remark has also revived discussions about the BJP’s approach to leaders who switch sides before elections. In recent years, several prominent politicians from opposition parties have joined the BJP or its allies in different states, often leading to criticism from rival parties. Opposition leaders have repeatedly alleged that such moves are part of a broader strategy to weaken political opponents.

However, supporters of the ruling alliance argue that political leaders are free to choose their affiliations and that defections are a common feature of democratic politics. They maintain that parties should be judged by their governance and public support rather than by the number of leaders joining or leaving.

Within political circles, there is now speculation over whether Fadnavis’ statement reflects a genuine shift in strategy or is intended to reinforce the BJP’s public image ahead of future electoral contests. Some analysts believe the ruling alliance may be trying to send a message to its core cadre that loyal party workers will continue to receive priority over leaders arriving from rival camps.

The issue is particularly relevant in Maharashtra, where political equations have undergone dramatic changes over the past few years. Splits within major parties, coalition realignments and leadership battles have transformed the state's political landscape, making questions of loyalty and party identity increasingly important.

Opposition parties, meanwhile, have reacted cautiously to the statement. Some leaders have suggested that political realities often differ from public declarations and that future developments will reveal whether the ruling alliance strictly follows the position outlined by the chief minister.

The debate has also highlighted a broader challenge faced by major political parties. While bringing influential leaders into a party can strengthen electoral prospects in the short term, it can sometimes create dissatisfaction among long-time workers who feel overlooked. Balancing expansion with organisational discipline remains a delicate task for every major political formation.

At present, there has been no indication of any formal policy change regarding induction of leaders from rival parties. Nevertheless, Fadnavis’ remarks have generated considerable discussion because they touch on an issue that has shaped Maharashtra politics for much of the past decade.

Whether the statement signals a long-term political strategy or serves primarily as a message of confidence and organisational discipline remains to be seen. For now, it has succeeded in shifting attention back to the continuing debate over defections, political loyalty and the future direction of Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.

A major aviation accident was narrowly averted at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Tuesday night after an Air India aircraft and an Air India Express flight found themselves on the same runway during active operations.

The incident occurred at around 10 pm, when an Air India flight bound for Delhi had already begun its take-off run while an Air India Express aircraft arriving from Siliguri was still in the process of vacating the runway. Prompt intervention by Air Traffic Control (ATC) ensured the take-off was aborted in time, preventing a potentially serious accident.

ATC Orders Immediate Abort

According to airline officials, the Air India Express aircraft had landed safely but had not completely cleared the runway when the Delhi-bound Air India Flight AI816 received clearance to commence its take-off roll.

As the situation became apparent, ATC immediately instructed the Air India pilots to abort the take-off. The flight crew complied without delay, bringing the aircraft to a safe stop before it reached flying speed.

Following the aborted take-off, the aircraft returned to the parking bay for mandatory technical inspections in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Airline Assures Passenger Safety

Air India confirmed that passenger safety remained its highest priority and said the aircraft would undergo comprehensive safety checks before returning to service.

The airline also stated that alternative travel arrangements had been made for affected passengers. However, it did not disclose the number of passengers on board either aircraft.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine how both aircraft came to occupy the operational runway simultaneously.

Understanding a Take-Off Run

A take-off run is the critical phase during which an aircraft accelerates along the runway before lifting off. If any hazard is detected during this stage, pilots can perform a rejected take-off, bringing the aircraft safely to a halt before take-off speed is reached.

Such decisions require rapid coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers and are considered essential safety procedures in commercial aviation.

Mumbai Airport Operates Under Heavy Traffic

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is India's second-busiest airport after Delhi and handles one of the highest aircraft movement volumes in the world.

The airport records more than 950 take-offs and landings daily, with flight movements crossing 1,000 operations on particularly busy days. In November 2025, the airport registered a record 1,036 aircraft movements within 24 hours.

Although Mumbai has two physical runways, they intersect each other, meaning only one runway can generally be used for active operations at a time. This makes air traffic management particularly challenging and demands precise coordination between ATC and flight crews.

Similar Incident Reported Earlier

The latest incident comes just weeks after another runway safety scare at Ahmedabad Airport, where an Air India aircraft and an IndiGo flight reportedly came face-to-face on the same taxiway.

In that case, both aircraft were stopped before they could come dangerously close, with officials reporting that they were separated by roughly 200 metres before corrective action was taken.

The recurrence of such incidents has once again highlighted the importance of strict runway management, timely ATC intervention and adherence to aviation safety protocols at India's busiest airports.

A 22-year-old youth was stabbed to death inside a moving first-class coach of a Western Railway local train on Tuesday night, in a shocking incident that unfolded during the city’s first monsoon showers of the season.

The victim, identified as Mayank Lohar, was travelling on the Churchgate-Nalasopara fast local when an argument broke out between him and another passenger over keeping the train door open. The dispute escalated rapidly, leading to the fatal attack.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred around 10:42 pm between Andheri and Borivali stations. Police said one passenger wanted the door left open, possibly to enjoy the rain, while the other objected. Things turned violent when the accused allegedly pulled out a sharp weapon and stabbed Mayank in the abdomen.

As the train approached Borivali station, the accused jumped off the moving coach and fled the scene. A video of the incident has surfaced on social media, showing the chaos inside the compartment. The train finally halted at Borivali at 11:04 pm, where Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel reached the spot.

Mayank was initially taken to the medical room at Borivali station. After first aid, he was rushed by ambulance to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, where doctors declared him dead during treatment.

Railway officials confirmed that CCTV footage from the train and station has been seized and handed over to the investigating agencies. Senior railway officers also visited Borivali station late in the night to take stock of the situation.

The GRP has registered a case and launched a search operation for the unidentified accused. So far, no arrest has been made. Police are questioning witnesses and reviewing footage to identify the suspect.

This incident has once again highlighted concerns over passenger safety on Mumbai’s crowded suburban rail network, especially during late hours. Mumbai locals are known for frayed tempers during the monsoon when doors and windows become points of conflict due to rain and ventilation issues. Commuters often argue over keeping doors open or closed, but such disputes rarely turn this deadly.

Western Railway authorities said they are cooperating fully with the police. Additional checks and patrolling may be intensified in the coming days to prevent similar incidents.

Mayank’s family is yet to issue any formal statement, but the killing has sent shockwaves through their circle. The young man’s death in such a trivial argument has left many Mumbaikars disturbed, especially as the city was just beginning to enjoy the much-awaited monsoon relief after a hot spell.

As of now, the investigation is in its early stages. Police said further details, including the exact identity of the accused and the full sequence of events, will emerge once more evidence is analysed. The GRP has appealed to passengers who were in the coach to come forward with any information.

Mumbai’s local trains carry millions daily and have a history of both remarkable resilience and occasional tragic flare-ups. Tuesday’s incident adds to the list of serious crimes reported inside moving trains in recent years. Authorities have often promised better security measures, including more RPF deployment and functional CCTV, but challenges remain due to the sheer volume of commuters.

The case is being treated as murder. Police are working on leads from the video and eyewitness accounts. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.

Fresh speculation of another split in the Shiv Sena has surfaced after the Shinde faction claimed that seven MPs from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) are in touch with them and may switch sides soon.

Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLC Krupal Tumane told ANI that quiet discussions have been going on for the past month under what he called “Operation Tiger”. He said the process is now in its final stage and the MPs could join the Shinde group before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins.

The claim has triggered a fresh round of political activity in Maharashtra, where the Thackeray family’s control over the party has been under strain ever since the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde.

Uddhav Thackeray, during a meeting with party MPs on June 14, reportedly took a calm but firm stand. According to those familiar with the meeting, he told leaders that anyone who wants to leave the party is free to do so and would not be stopped. He referred to the 2022 split, saying he had known about the rebellion then but chose not to pressure anyone to stay.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav in Delhi on Monday. Deshmukh had skipped the Sunday party meeting, citing family reasons. His meeting with the minister has added to the buzz, though no official confirmation of any switch has come yet.

Sanjay Raut, the sharp-tongued UBT MP, quickly dismissed the claims as baseless. He asserted that all party MPs remain loyal to Uddhav Thackeray and described the reports of another split as false propaganda. Raut questioned Krupal Tumane’s relevance, asking, “Who is Kripal Tumane?” and calling him not a major name in Maharashtra politics.

Raut pointed out that all MPs had attended Uddhav’s meeting four days ago and expressed full confidence in his leadership. Some even swore on their family members to stay with Thackeray, he added. However, media reports suggested that only four MPs attended the meeting in person, one joined virtually, and four were absent, raising questions about the actual strength of the group.

This development comes nearly four years after the original split that changed Maharashtra politics. On June 20, 2022, 40 of Shiv Sena’s 55 MLAs sided with Eknath Shinde while Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister. After a dramatic few days involving a Supreme Court approach and a floor test, Thackeray resigned. Shinde took oath as Chief Minister with BJP support on June 30, 2022.

The battle for the party’s identity continued in courts and the Election Commission. In January 2024, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar recognised the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, citing majority support. The Election Commission later awarded the traditional bow-and-arrow symbol to Shinde’s group, forcing Uddhav’s faction to contest as Shiv Sena (UBT).

The current claims of seven MPs crossing over, if true, could further weaken Uddhav Thackeray’s position in national politics, where numbers matter in Parliament. The Shinde faction, already in power in the state with BJP, sees this as another opportunity to consolidate its hold over the original Shiv Sena legacy.

For now, both sides are digging in. The Shinde camp is projecting confidence, while the UBT side is playing down the reports and stressing unity. Political observers in Mumbai say such claims often surface ahead of important sessions to create pressure and test loyalties.

The coming days will be crucial. If even a couple of MPs do switch, it could trigger more movement. Maharashtra’s politics has rarely been stable since 2022, with multiple smaller shifts and realignments keeping the state in constant churn.

Uddhav Thackeray’s “they are free to leave” remark is being seen by some as a sign of quiet confidence and by others as acceptance of ground realities. The party that once dominated Mumbai and much of Maharashtra remains divided, with both factions claiming to be the true inheritors of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology.

As the Monsoon Session approaches, all eyes are on the seven names doing the rounds. Whether Tumane’s claims materialise or remain political posturing will soon become clear. For now, the speculation itself has added fresh heat to an already volatile political summer in the state.

Suman Kalyanpur, the mellifluous playback singer whose voice became a staple of Hindi film music in the 1960s and 1970s, died on Sunday evening at her Mumbai residence. She was 89. Local reports and a close family friend said she passed away around 8 pm due to age-related complications.

Last rites scheduled Monday

According to Mangala Khadikar, a longtime friend, Kalyanpur had been listening to her recordings in the days before her death and “passed away very peacefully.” Family sources said her daughter, Charu, is surviving her. Funeral rites were scheduled for Monday morning between 11:30 am and 12 pm at the Pawan Hans crematorium in suburban Mumbai.

A distinct voice in a crowded field

Kalyanpur rose to prominence in an era dominated by a small number of lead playback singers. Despite frequent comparisons with Lata Mangeshkar, she carved a distinct niche through a string of popular songs and steady film work. Classics such as “Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche,” “Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhi Se” and “Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye” remain part of radio and streaming playlists, industry historians and music curators said.

She received wide recognition in later years, including the Padma Bhushan in 2023, conferred by the Government of India for her contribution to arts and music.

Career arc and language range

Kalyanpur’s career was notable not only for its output in Hindi films but also for songs in several regional languages. She recorded numbers in Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Odia and Kannada, reflecting the pan-Indian reach of playback singing in mid-20th-century cinema. Musicologists note that her ability to adapt to different linguistic idioms helped sustain her career beyond film cycles and changing musical fashions.

Industry recalls and past anecdotes

Sources close to the music industry recalled that Kalyanpur’s voice was often mistaken for Mangeshkar’s in the 1950s and 1960s, a comparison that followed her throughout her career. In interviews she consistently resisted being labelled a “sound-alike,” underlining instead a friendly personal relationship with Mangeshkar. In a 2022 interview she described their meetings as those between close friends rather than rivals.

Kalyanpur also figured in several well-known industry stories. When a dispute between Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi left a gap in near-term female playback options, producers and music directors turned to Kalyanpur, who delivered a succession of hits with Rafi. Another anecdote often repeated in radio and print profiles involved veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani, who reportedly waited 45 years before getting a one-hour interview with her in 2005—on the singer’s terms of no photographs and the right to skip uncomfortable questions.

Early life and musical training

Born and raised in a family supportive of the arts, Kalyanpur displayed an early interest in painting and music. She completed a degree in arts while training in classical music, first under her father’s encouragement and later with teachers including Pandit Keshav Rao Bhole and other noted masters. Her grounding in classical technique lent a purity and precision to her playback work, listeners and critics have said.

Public reaction and legacy

Tributes from fellow musicians, film personalities and fans began to appear on social media within hours of the news, with many highlighting both her body of work and the understated, private life she maintained after stepping back from regular playback work. Music streaming platforms have seen renewed interest in her songs, according to industry trackers, underlining the continuing appeal of melodies from her peak decades.

What comes next

Funeral arrangements and condolence calls are expected through Monday afternoon as colleagues and admirers pay respects. Biographers and music historians have already signalled plans to reassess Kalyanpur’s contributions to Indian film music in the context of mid-century recording practices and the role of female vocalists in shaping popular soundscapes.

Her death closes a chapter on a generation of singers who bridged classical training and commercial film music, leaving behind a catalogue that continues to be heard across radio, cinema retrospectives and streaming playlists.

Planetary Transit on May 21 to Reshape India’s Destiny, Say Astrologers

Major Celestial Movement Today

A significant planetary alignment is set to occur on May 21, 2026. Vedic astrologers across India are closely watching this event. The transit involves Saturn moving into a powerful position. This shift is expected to influence national governance and economic policies.

Impact on Political Landscape

According to astrological calculations, the transit will directly affect the current political setup. Sources in the astrological community indicate that parties with water signs in their horoscopes may see gains. The ruling coalition might face unexpected challenges. Opposition groups could find new momentum.

Economic Predictions for Markets

Financial astrologers tracking this transit have issued early warnings. The stock markets in Mumbai may experience volatility during the first week after May 21. Sectors like real estate and infrastructure could receive a boost. However, the technology sector might face temporary headwinds. Investors are advised to avoid major decisions for three days.

Regional Variations Across India

Different regions will feel the effects uniquely. Northern states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, may see administrative delays. Western states like Gujarat and Maharashtra could experience business growth. Southern states might benefit in the education and healthcare sectors. Eastern regions should prepare for weather-related disruptions.

Astrologers Offer Remedial Measures

Renowned astrologers from Varanasi and Jaipur have suggested simple remedies. Chanting specific mantras on May 21 evening is recommended. Donating black items on Saturday may reduce negative impacts. Lighting a diya with sesame oil is considered highly beneficial.

What Citizens Should Expect

The average citizen might notice delays in government paperwork. Travel plans could face unexpected changes. Family disputes may arise but can be resolved quickly. Students appearing for competitive exams should focus extra hard.

Looking Ahead to June 2026

The full effects of this transit will unfold over three months. By the first week of June, clarity on political matters will emerge. Economic stability is expected to return by mid-June. Astrologers advise patience and positive thinking during this period.

A 5-foot-long snake was found inside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai on Monday, briefly triggering a security scare before a quick rescue operation brought the situation under control. The reptile was safely captured by a professional snake rescuer who arrived shortly after the alert was raised.

 the snake was spotted in the lower area of the residential complex, causing immediate concern among residents and security staff. Given the high-security nature of the building, which houses one of India’s most prominent film stars Salman Khan, the incident was quickly escalated to wildlife rescue authorities.

Snake rescued without injuries or damage

A trained snake rescuer reached the premises soon after being called and managed to locate and capture the reptile safely. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the rescuer tracked the snake’s movement and then carefully restrained it by hand before placing it into a secure bag.

Officials later confirmed that the snake was non-venomous, which significantly reduced the risk involved in the rescue operation. Despite the unusual method of handling, the operation was completed without any injuries to residents, staff, or the animal. Local authorities also reached the site to assist in the situation and ensure there was no remaining threat inside the complex. After a brief inspection, the building was declared safe and normal activities resumed.

Question remains: how did the snake enter?

One of the key unanswered aspects of the incident is how the snake managed to enter a high-security residential building in one of Mumbai’s busiest urban zones. Galaxy Apartments is known for strict security arrangements due to the presence of Salman Khan, making wildlife intrusion uncommon. Experts note that snakes can sometimes enter urban buildings through drainage systems, basement gaps, or construction openings, especially during seasonal changes or habitat disturbance. However, the exact entry point in this case has not yet been identified, and authorities have not confirmed whether a structural inspection will follow.

Brief panic among residents

Although the snake did not enter any residential flat, its presence in the lower section of the building caused temporary panic among staff and residents. Security teams quickly restricted access to the affected area until the reptile was safely removed. The situation was brought under control within a short time, and no property damage or injuries were reported. The rescued snake was later released into a safe natural habitat away from residential zones following standard wildlife handling procedures. Residents reportedly expressed relief after the operation, particularly given the potential risks associated with such sightings in densely populated urban housing complexes.

Previous security incidents at the residence

This is not the first time Galaxy Apartments has drawn attention due to security concerns. The building has witnessed high-profile incidents in the past, largely due to the presence of Salman Khan. In 2024, the residence was targeted in an early morning firing incident outside the building. Two attackers on a motorcycle allegedly fired several rounds before fleeing. The case was later linked to a criminal gang, leading to tightened security measures around the actor’s residence. Since then, surveillance and security deployment around the building have reportedly been increased significantly.

Salman Khan’s ongoing film projects

On the professional front, Salman Khan continues to remain active in the film industry with multiple projects in development. He is currently working on a film directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The project, initially titled Battle of Galwan, has been retitled and is expected to release later than originally planned. He has also begun shooting another film alongside actress Nayanthara, currently referred to by the working title SVC63. The project is expected to be an action-thriller and marks his first collaboration with director Vamshi Paidipally and producer Dil Raju. Industry reports further suggest that Salman may collaborate with filmmaker duo Raj & DK for a superhero-themed action film, although official confirmation is still awaited.

Urban wildlife sightings on the rise

The incident reflects a broader trend of occasional wildlife sightings in urban residential areas. As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, reptiles and other animals are increasingly entering housing societies, basements, and construction zones. Wildlife experts emphasize that most urban snake encounters involve non-venomous species and recommend contacting trained professionals rather than attempting self-handling. They advise residents to remain cautious but avoid panic.

Situation under control

The incident at Galaxy Apartments concluded without any injuries or escalation. The snake was safely removed, and normal life resumed shortly afterward. Security teams continue to monitor the premises as a precautionary measure. While the brief scare caused concern among residents, swift response ensured that the situation was handled efficiently and safely, restoring normalcy at the high-profile residential complex.

As summer temperatures rise, so do cases of indigestion and bloating. But instead of antacids, doctors are now prescribing natural gut health hacks—specifically, traditional Indian fermented foods like kanji, gundruk, and homemade dahi. New research from the Indian Council of Medical Research confirms that these foods increase good bacteria in the gut by 40% during hot months.

Curd Over Capsules

Probiotic supplements can be expensive and unstable in heat. “A bowl of fresh curd rice with mango pickle is superior to any pill,” says Dr. Rajiv Menon, a gastroenterologist. “The lactic acid bacteria survive better when fermented at home.”

The Kanji Comeback

In North India, black carrot kanji—a fermented drink—is seeing a massive revival. It contains natural digestive enzymes that break down heavy summer meals. It also prevents urinary infections, common in peak heat.

Idli and Dosa Benefits

Fermented rice batters (for idli/dosa) are also natural probiotics. Eating these for breakfast ensures a steady flow of digestive acids throughout the day. South Indian families report fewer cases of heat-induced acidity.

Simple 5-Minute Hack

Make buttermilk chaas with roasted cumin powder and ginger. Drink it 30 minutes after lunch. This natural hack prevents afternoon sluggishness and acid reflux.

Public Response

Kolkata’s street food stalls now sell probiotic puchka water made with fermented black salt water. The trend is going viral on social media as DesiGutFix.

What Next

Home chefs on YouTube are sharing “no-electricity fermentation” methods. Expect more Indian homes to return to earthen pots for curd setting. Start today: Leave 1 tablespoon of curd in a clay bowl overnight.

Share Markets Flat, Rupee Hits Record Low of 95.86 Amid Persistent Foreign Outflows

Domestic benchmark indices traded largely flat with a positive bias during Thursday's morning session, while the rupee slumped to an all-time low of 95.86 against the US dollar, reflecting sustained pressure from foreign capital outflows and a strengthening greenback overseas.

The Sensex was hovering around the 74,700 level, up nearly 200 points, while the Nifty gained about 75 points to trade at 23,450. Buying interest remained visible across auto, metal, banking, and pharma counters, though broader market sentiment stayed cautious.

Rupee Slides Past 95

The Indian currency weakened by 20 paise to touch 95.86 against the dollar in early trade, breaching its previous record low. Forex dealers attributed the decline to month-end dollar demand from importers and continued selling by foreign institutional investors.

"Strong dollar appetite and lack of major intervention signals kept the rupee under pressure," a currency trader with a public sector bank said, requesting anonymity.

FII Selling Streak Continues

Foreign institutional investors remained net sellers for the sixth consecutive session, offloading equities worth ₹4,703 crore on Wednesday. Over the last seven days, FII outflows have totalled nearly ₹19,211 crore, according to exchange data.

In contrast, domestic institutional investors continued their buying spree, picking up shares worth ₹5,869 crore on Wednesday. Their net buying over the past month stands at approximately ₹53,841 crore, partially cushioning the impact of foreign exits.

Oil Edges Higher

Global crude prices added to inflationary concerns, with Brent crude rising to $106 per barrel. The uptick in oil prices poses additional risks for India's trade deficit and could further pressure the rupee in coming sessions.

Mixed Cues From Global Markets

Overnight trading on Wall Street delivered a mixed close. The Dow Jones declined 67 points to 49,693, while the Nasdaq surged 314 points to 26,402. The S&P 500 added 43 points, ending at 7,444.

Asian markets traded with modest gains this morning. South Korea's KOSPI rose 34 points to 7,877, Japan's Nikkei advanced 177 points to 63,449, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 48 points to 26,436.

What Analysts Are Watching

Market participants are closely tracking the Reserve Bank of India's next move on the rupee, though no immediate intervention signals have emerged. On Wednesday, the Sensex had closed at 74,609 with a gain of 50 points, while the Nifty ended at 23,413, up 33 points.

Trading volumes remained moderate in the first half of Thursday's session, with analysts suggesting that sustained FII selling and global uncertainty could keep gains in check through the remainder of the week.