Mumbai: Less than a month after the BJP took over the BMC and corporators were elected, allegations of corruption in tenders have started. The BJP has alleged rigging in the Rs 490-crore tender for the expansion of Byculla Zoo. Mumbai BJP chief MLA Ameet Satam has written to Mayor Ritu Tawde and municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, asking them to issue a global tender for phase III expansion of Byculla Zoo. Satam alleged there are ‘attempts to rig this tender by incorporating certain conditions that appear suited to specific contractors to allow contractors involved in bridges, roads, and SWD works to qualify for this tender instead of international companies’.

Officials said the BMC is drafting a new tender to expand Byculla Zoo to include a new 10-acre “exotic zone,” featuring over 20 species such as jaguars, white lions, cheetahs, pumas, and meerkats. Officials said as part of the Rs 490-crore revamp, this phase III expansion will include theme-based, immersive, and conservation-focused habitats for animals and birds from across the world. “There are attempts to rig this tender by incorporating certain conditions that appear suited to specific contractors. This is to allow BMC contractors involved in bridges, roads, and SWD works to qualify for this tender on the grounds that it includes civil work,” said Satam. He said creating an exotic animal zone is highly specialized work requiring specific expertise, and regular BMC contractors are adequately equipped to undertake such a project. “Therefore, the BMC should issue a global tender for this project, allowing international companies with relevant expertise to bid at competitive rates to create one of the finest exotic animal exhibits in Asia. This would enable a skilled international company, or a national company with prior experience in similar projects, to undertake this specialized work,” said Satam. Gagrani did not respond to a query from TOI. However, a senior official said the tender was in the draft stage and some conditions in the tender, like having experience of constructing bridges and flyovers in Mumbai were out of place and restrictive. However, so far, the BMC has not taken a decision to float a global tender to allow reputed companies that have experience of constructing and operating zoos to participate. The Byculla zoo tenders have been marred by allegations of rigging and cartelization for close to a decade now. Almost every tender floated by the BMC related to the zoo has turned controversial.

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Russia on Tuesday claimed that India has signalled “renewed interest” in importing larger volumes of Russian crude oil as disruptions mount in global energy supplies following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after US and Israeli strikes on Iran.The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoint, has been facing disruptions after Iranian actions in response to the strikes.

Moscow sees fresh demand from India

“Yes, we are getting signals of renewed interest from India,” Russian deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told state-run Rossiya 1 TV on the sidelines of an event in Moscow, according to news agency PTI.

Novak, who oversees Russia’s energy sector, also did not rule out the possibility that the European Union could reconsider its decision to curtail imports of Russian hydrocarbons in view of the unfolding energy crisis.Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply and a significant share of liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with global markets. Any prolonged restriction on traffic threatens to disrupt supplies to major importers such as India, China and Japan, and could push up global crude prices.

Discounts to Asian buyers may narrow

According to Russia’s NTV channel, owned by energy giant Gazprom, the escalation of hostilities and Iran’s strikes on oil and gas infrastructure in Gulf countries could help Moscow reduce the “deep discounts” it has been offering to Asian buyers, including India.Russia has been India’s largest crude supplier in recent months, although the gap with Saudi Arabia narrowed earlier this year. Russian supplies to India stood at a little over 1 million barrels per day (mbd) in February, compared with 1.1 mbd in January and 1.2 mbd in December.Saudi Arabia emerged as a close second in February, with supplies rising 30 per cent to over 1 mbd, the highest import level from the kingdom in nearly six years, as per data from Kpler.

India monitoring Gulf crisis closely

Amid the escalating crisis, Russia has indicated it is ready to support India with energy supplies in case of disruptions arising from the Middle East tensions, Reuters reported.

Iran has targeted oil refineries and production sites across the region in retaliatory strikes and closed the Strait of Hormuz for commercial activities, with its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warning that any ship passing through could be set on fire.India, however, has sought to reassure markets about its preparedness.Petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday that the country has sufficient reserves of crude oil and petroleum products to manage short-term disruptions.“The trilemma of energy availability, affordability and sustainability continues to guide India’s approach, focused on meeting the energy requirements of our citizens,” Puri told the media.

Adequate stocks, diversified sourcing

According to ANI, India holds about 25 days’ worth of crude oil and 25 days’ worth of petrol and diesel stocks, amounting to roughly eight weeks of total inventory. Only about 40 per cent of India’s crude imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 60 per cent comes from other sources.Also read| India’s energy security exposure to Middle East: How much oil, LPG, LNG reserves do we have?Indian energy firms continue to import Russian crude under existing contracts, providing an additional buffer.Nearly 2.5–2.7 mbd of India’s crude imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, largely sourced from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. With cargo movements from West Asia disrupted, Indian refiners have started exploring alternative sources.The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has set up a 24×7 control room to monitor fuel stocks and supply positions nationwide, and public sector oil marketing companies are maintaining adequate inventories.Government sources said India’s priorities remain uninterrupted fuel availability, protection of consumer interests and the well-being of nearly one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf region.

Kalyan: Shrikant Eknath Shinde, member of Parliament from Kalyan, on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting with officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, pushing for accelerated execution of ongoing Metro works and major extensions to improve connectivity across the fast-growing Thane district region.The meeting, held at MMRDA headquarters in Mumbai, was attended by commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, additional commissioner Ashwini Bhide, and other senior officials. A detailed review of transport infrastructure projects in the Kalyan parliamentary segment was undertaken, with emphasis on easing traffic congestion and strengthening inter-city connectivity between Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur.

A key focus area was the expansion of Mumbai Metro Line 5 (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan), which is currently under construction. Shinde proposed that the corridor be extended in multiple phases beyond its present alignment. He suggested that the proposed Line 5A run from Durgadi Naka via Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, and Ambernath up to the upcoming Chikhloli railway station.During the meeting, the MP demanded that the corridor be extended further from Chikhloli to Badlapur to ensure that residents of Badlapur also benefit from seamless Metro connectivity. He also proposed Line 5C from Durgadi to Titwala, stating that the extension would provide a viable alternative to overcrowded suburban rail services and help reduce vehicular congestion on arterial roads. Shinde claimed MMRDA officials responded positively and agreed to examine the feasibility of the proposed alignments.Shinde also reviewed progress on Mumbai Metro Line 12 (Kalyan-Taloja), where pillar erection and station construction are underway. He instructed MMRDA to accelerate the pace of work and prepare a proposal to extend the line from Shilphata via Mumbra and Kalwa, connecting it directly to Thane city. According to the MP, this extension would link several cities within Thane district and provide improved access to both Mumbai and Thane, while reducing dependence on congested roads and suburban railway networks.Further, he called for detailed planning and early execution of Mumbai Metro Line 14 (Kanjurmarg-Badlapur), which is expected to commence groundwork soon.One of the major highlights of the meeting was Shinde’s proposal to develop key stretches of Metro Lines 5, 12, and 14 as integrated double-decker corridors. The proposed model would incorporate a ground-level road, a flyover above it, and an elevated Metro viaduct at the top tier wherever feasible. He said the multi-layered design would optimise land use in densely populated areas and significantly enhance mobility.The review also covered the proposed access-controlled corridor aimed at directly connecting cities beyond Kalyan to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Shinde recommended ensuring connectivity from both eastern and western parts of Badlapur, Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan, and Dombivli to this corridor. He stressed the need to remove encroachments and widen the Badlapur-Katai road to improve traffic flow.On local infrastructure, the MP asked officials to expedite land acquisition for the Kalyan (East) U-type road project and suggested temporarily rehabilitating affected residents in nearby BSUP housing units. He also recommended implementing cluster redevelopment schemes to provide permanent housing and commercial units for eligible occupants.The Airoli-Katai Freeway tunnel at Katai Naka and pending land acquisition for Phase 3 were also reviewed, with directions issued for early completion.If implemented as proposed, the expanded Metro network and integrated double-decker corridors are expected to significantly transform mobility patterns across Kalyan and adjoining cities in Thane district, offering multi-layered connectivity and easing mounting traffic pressure in the rapidly urbanising region.

Mumbai: Observing that a minor’s self-representation as an adult on a dating app does not absolve an accused of criminal liability, a special Pocso court rejected the discharge pleas of two city men booked in 2018 for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy. The men argued that the boy had portrayed himself as a major on the dating app and had contacted adult members of his own accord, but special judge Sonali B Rathod held that this could not be grounds for discharge. “Since the victim boy is minor and his consent is immaterial, the criminal liability of the accused in the given circumstances would be determined during the trial. But at this stage, it cannot be said that there is no material against the accused,” said the court on Monday. Eight accused are named in the case. One of the suspects also allegedly took money from the boy. The statements of the boy and his mother are part of the chargesheet.

The boy’s parents are divorced. He lives with his mother and a younger sibling in a 3BHK flat, while his father resides in the vicinity. He said in Class 10, his mother gave him a separate room to study near the flat’s main door. He said he joined the dating app in 2017 claiming he was an adult. He said after chatting and exchanging sexually explicit photos with men on the app, he used to meet them at designated spots. On May 17, 2018, the mother woke up in the middle of the night and caught a 20-year-old man sneaking out of the flat. She questioned both the man and her son; the boy told her he was a friend. Suspecting that something was amiss, she took his phone and saw the app and the sexually explicit chats. The FIR was lodged that June. The accused claimed they were falsely implicated. Special public prosecutor Veena Shelar opposed their discharge applications, arguing that the gravity of the offence and the specific evidence presented necessitate a trial. The prosecution said the boy explicitly identified the accused and provided a detailed allegation of oral sex, noting that the initial contact occurred via the dating app. Given these specific allegations and the identified connection between the parties, the prosecution said there is sufficient material to proceed with the framing of charges. The judge noted that at this stage, it cannot be said there is no material against the accused as the chargesheet contains specific allegations of sexual activities. While the accused were not named in the initial police report, investigators identified them through the victim’s phone records and app data. “Prima facie, the victim is a minor boy and there are specific allegations of sexual activities with him against the accused. In my view, this much material is sufficient to frame the charge against the accused,” said the judge. The boy said in Feb 2018, he confided in his mother that was sexually attracted to only boys. At this, he said, his mother took him to a doctor for counselling. He also said he had borrowed money from his father under the pretext of helping out a friend and transferred sums to one of the accused through his father’s credit card.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its business end, and all eyes are now on the high-voltage semi-final between India and England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With a place in the final on the line, the contest promises to be a gripping battle between two modern-day powerhouses of white-ball cricket.

India have looked clinical throughout the tournament, blending explosive batting with disciplined bowling. England, on the other hand, have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time, peaking during the Super 8 stage and entering the knockout clash with confidence. Given the history between these two sides in global tournaments, fans are bracing for another unforgettable chapter.

The Wankhede pitch, known for its pace and bounce early on and dew under lights, could add an extra layer of intrigue to this already mouth-watering encounter.

Former CSK star picks three England players as major threats for India

Former India cricketer and ex-Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has identified three England players who, in his view, could pose serious problems for India in the semi-final.

The first name on his list was Harry Brook, who has been in sublime touch in the tournament. Brook’s ability to accelerate against both pace and spin makes him a dangerous middle-order enforcer. His fearless strokeplay and composure under pressure could test India’s bowling attack, especially in the middle overs.

Badrinath then turned his focus to England’s pace spearhead, Jofra Archer. Known for his sharp pace and steep bounce, Archer could exploit the lively conditions at Wankhede. With the new ball, he has the capability to strike early and unsettle India’s top order. If he finds rhythm, his short-ball tactics combined with pinpoint yorkers could prove decisive.

The third threat, according to Badrinath, is leg-spinner Adil Rashid. Rashid’s slower pace through the air and clever variations have troubled batters worldwide. On a surface that may assist spinners as the game progresses, his control and guile could force Indian batters into risky shots. As Badrinath highlighted, using footwork effectively against Rashid will be key for India’s middle order.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath said, “I feel three England players can be a threat to India. One is Harry Brook, he is batting really well. In the bowling, two players. One is Jofra Archer. There will be some extra bounce at the Wankhede, and one more is Adil Rashid. He is bowling very slow and that will be a challenge for Indian batters, they will have to use their feet.”

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar identifies two players as India’s game-changers for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England

Fans expect a thriller at Wankhede

With match-winners on both sides, anticipation is soaring among fans. The Wankhede Stadium has witnessed countless historic moments, and supporters are hoping this semi-final adds another classic to the list.

Indian fans are banking on their star-studded lineup to rise to the occasion, while England supporters believe their team’s fearless brand of cricket can silence the home crowd. Social media has been abuzz with predictions, tactical debates, and throwbacks to past India-England clashes in ICC events.

Also WATCH: Axar Patel playfully mocks Sanju Samson after his match-winning heroics against West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026

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