'I Used To Earn Rs 6,000': Zomato Delivery Boy Has A Special Message For Deepinder Goyal

A Zomato delivery partner from Amravati has gone viral with a heartfelt message for CEO Deepinder Goyal. Mustafa Sheikh says he went from earning Rs 6,000 a month to owning three cars, and Zomato has responded to his video.

DGCA Nod For Air India Flying Academy At Amravati Airport

Air India gets DGCA approval for flying academy in Maharashtra

Air India has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish its flying academy at Belora Airport in Amravati, Maharashtra, as the airline looks to strengthen pilot training capacity and support the growth of India's aviation sector. The Air India Flying Academy will be the first such academy established by an Indian airline in the country. It will operate a fleet of 31 single-engine and three twin-engine aircraft for pilot training. In an official statement on Friday, the company stated,

Air India Flying Academy in Amravati Receives DGCA Approval to Boost Pilot Training

Air India Flying Academy in Amravati gains DGCA approval, enhancing pilot training capacity and supporting Indias aviation sector. Air India Flying Academy in Amravati Receives DGCA Approval to Boost Pilot Training

Amravati to get Air India's flying academy; DGCA grants approval

Spread across 10 acres, the academy will feature digitally enabled classrooms, student accommodation, a digital operations centre and a dedicated maintenance facility, an official statement said

DGCA Clears Air Indias Amravati Pilot Academy, Expected To Be South Asias Largest Flying School

MLC polls: NCP Draws Blank, Praful Patel Calls For Introspection

BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale was leading in Nagpur Graduates constituency against Congress sitting MLC Abhijeet Wanjari and Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Sarnaik was ahead of his nearest rival Aditi Pohre from Congress in the Amravati Teachers constituency after 21 rounds of counting.

Mahayuti and MVA win two seats each in Maharashtra Council polls, Nagpur result awaited

The recent Maharashtra Legislative Council elections resulted in the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Opposition MVA each winning two seats. In the Amravati teachers' constituency, Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Sarnaik won against Congress candidate Aditi Pohare. BJP's Kaustubh Gawade triumphed over incumbent Congress MLC Jayant Asgaonkar in the Pune teachers' constituency. NCP-SP's Harshada Deshmukh Jadhav defeated BJP's Smita Jadhav, causing upset within the BJP.

Congress busy making allegations instead of introspecting defeat: Maha Minister Bawankule on MLC polls

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Following the Congress' dismal performance in the recently held Legislative Council polls, Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday said that the grand old party is busy making allegations against the polling process instead of introspecting where and why it lost the elections. He made the remark after the Congress drew a blank in three of the four states where MLC polls were held and also remains out of the reckoning in Maharashtra, where the counting is reportedly underway for five seats. Speaking to IANS, Bawankule said: In Maharashtra, Congress earlier held Nagpur and two seats in Punea total of three seatswhile (Shiv Sena-UBT's) Uddhav (Thackeray) ji held Amravati, and (NCP's) Ajit 'Dada' (late Ajit Pawar) held Marathwada...Previously, we had zero seats here, but now we are leading in three. This clearly shows 'Mahayuti' is in the positive. The Congress Party refuses to self-correct itself. When they face defeat, they fail to conduct proper self-introspection or analysis. Look at the Bharatiya Janata Party: whenever we face a setback, we learn from it, introspect, and work towards victory, while it is the opposite for them (Congress). Emphasising that the MLC polls were held on ballot papers, the Minister said: Now they will say that voters were bribed and intimidated. They will speak all such rubbish but won't analyse where and why they actually lost. So, I think the Congress party will face a huge loss in this election in Maharashtra, he added. Further, Bawankule lashed out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his aap remark aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His statement against PM Modi reflects his mental imbalance, he remarked. Referring to Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's criticism of Kharge over the latter's remark, the Maharashtra Minister said: He should at least listen to leaders of his own party and if not, then the party will face the result in the people's mandate in the 2029 (Lok Sabha) polls. Whoever insults PM Modi and his parents will be sent home in 2029. The people of the country are sympathetic; they will send home those leaders making unconstitutional remarks, he asserted. Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar Bawankule also came down heavily on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's allegations against the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi is unnecessarily wasting time on useless and futile issuesmatters that are not even on the public's mind and which the public criticises, he said. The Maharashtra Minister asserted that people know that the SIR is a correct measure. Removing incorrect names from the voter list is a genuine public demand. Deceased individuals or those no longer residing at an address should not remain on the electoral rolls. Ensuring an accurate voter list is a demand of the entire nation and its citizens, he stressed.

Maha MLC polls: Mahayuti ahead in 3 seats, MVA in 2

Counting is underway for elections to five constituencies in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance currently leading in three seats and the Opposition NCP (SP) ahead in two. Polling for these seats, including Pune Graduates' and Amravati Teachers', took place on October 23, necessitated by the upcoming term expiry of sitting members. Final results are anticipated later today, as candidates like Sudhakar Kohale, Kiran Sarnaik, Kaustubh Gawade, Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, and Pratapsinh Patil show significant leads in their respective constituencies.

Maha MLC polls: BJP, NCP(SP) secure early victories as vote counting continues

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Counting of votes for the five Maharashtra Legislative Council Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies continued on Wednesday. Out of the five contested seats, official declarations have come in for two, yielding victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). In Pune Teachers' Constituency, the BJP nominee Kaustubh Gawade has won after defeating the Congress party's sitting legislator and nominee Jayant Asgaonkar, and Sachin Sanap, an Independent candidate supported by Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena. With this win, Gawade has delivered a major boost to the Mahayuti coalition. BJP had made the Pune Teachers' Constituency poll a prestige as the election strategy was implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The party had fielded senior ministers, including Chandrakant Patil and a couple of legislators, during campaigning. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Marathwada) Graduates' Constituency, NCP(SP) nominee Dr Pratapsingh Patil defeated the NCP/Mahayuti candidate Satish Chavan, who was a three-term legislator from the same seat. In addition, Raviraj Sable (Independent) and Dilip Ghuge (Shiv Sena - UBT) also lost. Dr Pratapsingh Patil maintained a strong preference vote lead throughout counting rounds to secure the seat for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. NCP(SP)'s top leadership, including working president and MP Supriya Sule, former Minister Jayant Patil, state chief Shashikant Shinde, accompanied by Congress leaders, had held a series of meetings and rallies. Incidentally, Shiv Sena legislator and former Minister Abdul Sattar defied party line and supported Dr Pratapsingh Patil. Further, he also received support from disgruntled leaders of the Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena(UBT). Counting was underway for the remaining three seats due to the preferential voting system, elimination rounds, and quota calculations. In Nagpur Graduates' seat, BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale holds a steady lead over incumbent Congress candidate Abhijeet Wanjari. With elimination rounds progressing, the distribution of second-preference votes will finalise the victory quota. In Pune Graduates' seat, the battle remains intense between Smita Jadhav (BJP) and Harshada Jadhav (NCP-SP), with second-preference counting underway. In Amravati Teachers' constituency, a multi-cornered contest persists among Kiran Sarnaik (Shiv Sena), Aditi Pohare (Congress), Sangita Shinde (BJP rebel) and Dattatray Lahane (Shiv Sena UBT) as officials process preference tallies. Final official updates for Nagpur, Pune Graduates, and Amravati are expected once the second-preference elimination rounds reach the required victory quotas.

MLC polls: Thriller in Nagpur grads, BJP cruises in Amt

Congress incumbent has edge in Nagpur, Shinde Sena candidate leads by 3,474 votes in Amravati

Mahayuti vs MVA: Counting under way for five Maharashtra Legislative Council seats

Polling for the Pune Graduates, Nagpur Graduates, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Graduates, Pune Teachers and Amravati Teachers constituencies took place on October 23, recording a voter turnout of 72.96%, as per officials

Counting underway for five Maharashtra Legislative Council seats

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) Vote counting began at 8:00 a.m. for five Maharashtra Legislative Council constituencies, comprising three Graduate and two Teachers seats. The outcome will decide the political fate of 182 candidates following the voting held on October 23. The elections have evolved into a major political showdown between the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP) and the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) (Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Congress). Internal rebellion, friendly contests between allies, and strong Independent candidates have further intensified the stakes across all five constituencies. In Pune Graduate Constituency, a high-profile contest is between Dr Smita Jadhav (BJP) and Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav (NCP - Sharadchandra Pawar). Voter turnout reached 62.78 per cent out of 3.88 lakh registered voters. In Nagpur Graduate Constituency, which is historically a BJP bastion, featuring a key fight between incumbent MLC Abhijit Wanjari (MVA/Congress) and Sudhakar Kohale (Mahayuti/BJP). Turned out 64.76 per cent of voters across 38 candidates. The Pune Teachers Constituency recorded an 85.87 per cent turnout among 61,940 registered teacher voters. The primary contest involves incumbent MLA Jayant Asgaonkar (Congress), Kaustubh Gawade (BJP), and Independent Sachin Sanap. The Amravati Teachers Constituency recorded a turnout of 91.08 per cent among around 33,000 registered teacher voters. There are about 26 candidates in the fray, including Shiv Sena nominee Kiran Sarnaik, Congress candidate Aditi Pohre, Shiv Sena(UBT) Dattatray Lahane and Samajwadi Ganrajya Party Suresh Devkar. In addition, former legislator Shrikant Despande, Sangita Shinde, who is the sister of BJP MP Anil Bonde, Chandrashekhar Bhoyar and Sumit Pawar are also fighting. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Marathwada) Graduate Constituency saw a 58.67 per cent voting percentage. Three-time sitting MLC Satish Chavan has been fielded again by the Mahayuti alliance under the NCP banner. On the MVA side, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP fielded Dr Pratap Singh Patil, while the Shiv Sena(UBT) fielded Dilip Ghorge, resulting in two MVA candidates competing in the same constituency. Beyond the five individual seats, this election serves as a crucial barometer for party organisation and alliance unity. For the Mahayuti, the poll outcome will show whether seat allocation friction and cross-candidate rebellion weaken coalition vote transferability. In the case of Maha Vikas Aghadi, it will decide the opposition's capacity to capitalise on ruling alliance rivalries and ground-level discontent.

Maharashtra MLC polls: Amravati Teachers' seat records highest turnout

Polling for three graduates' seats - Pune, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar - and two teachers' seats - Pune and Amravati - took place on October 23. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 27

Teachers Constituency Polls: Amravati Division records 91.08% Voting

Amravati collector seeks Rs734 crore relief package

Maharashtra heatwave: Amravati hottest at 37.4 degrees Celsius

Mumbai City recorded a maximum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees above normal, while the Santacruz observatory (representative of the suburbs) registered 37.1 degrees Celsius, 2.9 degrees above normal. The city also continued to experience warm nights

Maha MLC polls: Voting underway for five seats; Mahayuti, MVA both assert wins

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 23 (IANS) Polling for five Maharashtra Legislative Council seats, comprising three graduate and two teacher constituencies, is currently underway on Friday with 182 candidates in the fray, and their political futures sealed in ballot boxes across 2,419 polling stations. The counting is scheduled for October 27. The polling, which started at 8 a.m. and will continue till 4 p.m., is taking place in the Pune Teachers and Pune Graduate constituencies; Amravati Teacher Constituency; Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduate Constituencies, where the rebels have made the elections tough for both the ruling Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi. Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol cast his vote at Dindayal Upadhyaya School in Kothrud, Pune. Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise, Mohol expressed firm confidence that the ruling Mahayuti coalition will secure victories across all five constituencies. Mohol stated that graduate and teacher voters are educated and analytical. He noted that voters evaluate national progress, global developments, and the accelerated pace of state development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister/Deputy CMs leadership before casting their ballots. Addressing comparisons with cooperative body elections (such as Gokul), Mohol emphasised that cooperative and legislative council polls operate under entirely different dynamics. He reiterated full confidence in the victory of candidates such as Smita Jadhav and Kaustubh Gawde, noting that alliance-supporting voters will firmly back the coalition. The Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil also said that the Mahayuti will win all five seats. Expressing strong confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the Legislative Council elections, the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar predicted victories across all five seats, including the Nagpur Graduate constituency, both seats in Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Amravati. Levelling serious allegations over electoral integrity, Wadettiwar claimed that flawed voter lists are a critical issue and asserted that the BJP resorts to manipulation in voter rolls because it cannot win elections fairly. The Pune graduate constituency records the highest participation base with approximately 3.88 lakh voters. The Amravati teacher constituency records the smallest base with approximately 35,000 voters. To ensure ballot validity, voters were required to present valid identification documents, including Aadhaar cards, driving licenses, PAN cards, Indian passports, government or semi-government service ID cards, MP/MLA/MLC official IDs, educational institution service IDs, or original university degree/diploma certificates. The election process in the Nagpur graduate constituency witnessed friction following allegations of discrepancies in the voter rolls. Congress candidate Abhijit Wanjari and party leaders raised concerns over 8,744 duplicate voter entries across multiple polling booths, calling the situation a matter of serious concern. Congress state chief spokesperson Atul Londhe alleged during a press conference that approximately 20,000 to 22,000 voter registrations were processed using a single mobile number (5432154321), and questioned the transparency of the verification process. A formal letter demanding an inquiry was submitted to the divisional commissioner by Congress leader Prafulla Goodhe. Following complaints, election authorities at polling booths required voters with duplicate listings to execute a short written declaration confirming they were voting at only one designated location and would not cast a vote elsewhere.

Maharashtra MLC Polls: Gadkari, Family Cast Votes in Nagpur Graduates' Constituency

The biennial elections are also being held in the Pune Division Graduates', Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Graduates', Pune Teachers' and Amravati Teachers' constituencies

Amravati Teachers Poll Today; 26 in fray for 1 MLC seat

Single-day adoptions give 20 children new families in Chandrapur and Amravati

Rebels, factional feuds put Mahayuti, MVA on edge in Maha Council polls

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) The upcoming Legislative Council elections for five Graduate and Teachers' constituencies, scheduled for Friday, have reached a high pitch of intense competition. Widespread rebellion, internal factionalism, and tactical political moves across key alliances -- the ruling Mahayuti and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- are expected to heavily impact the final outcome. As the campaigning concluded on Wednesday evening, the Mahayuti and the MVA leaders have swung into action to meet registered voters and ensure victory of their respective nominees. Rebellion has broken out within the MVA in the Pune Graduate constituency. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) led by Sharad Pawar has fielded Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, daughter of retired IAS officer Prabhakar Deshmukh. Sunil Modi of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) -- a sitting nominated corporator in the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation and former city chief -- is also contesting. Although NCP (SP) leaders claim their campaigning is directed against the BJP, the lack of consensus within MVA has sparked concerns over a potential division of opposition votes. The BJP has fielded Dr Smita Jadhav, daughter-in-law of the founder of Marathi newspaper Pudhari from Kolhapur. BJP is taking no chances as the party has activated its poll machinery for her success. In the Pune Teachers' seat, a four-cornered contest has emerged. The BJP has nominated Kaustubh Gawde, while the sitting MLA Jayant Asgaonkar has been renominated by the Congress. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), an ally of the BJP in Mahayuti, initially fielded Mangesh Chivate, a close confidant of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, but later withdrew his candidacy. Shinde subsequently declared support for independent candidate Sachin Sanap, causing concern within the BJP. Dattatray Sawant, a former MLA, is also in the fray representing the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP). The election in Amravati Teachers' Constituency has turned into a high-stakes prestige battle for the Mahayuti alliance amid cash-for-vote allegations and rebel candidates. Rebel candidates from both the BJP (three rebels) and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction - one rebel) are contesting against official Mahayuti candidates. Major teacher organisations such as the Vidarbha Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh, 'Vijukta', and the Maharashtra Rajya Shikshak Parishad have extended support to BJP rebels. The NUTA organisation has extended support to Congress candidates, along with four other teacher candidates. The Shinde Sena has fielded sitting legislator Kiran Sarnaik, while Congress has nominated Aditi Pohre, Shiv Sena (UBT) Dattatray Lahane and Samajwadi Ganrajya Party Suresh Devkar. In addition, former legislator Shrikant Despande, Sangita Shinde, who is the sister of BJP MP Anil Bonde, Chandrashekhar Bhoyar and Sumit Pawar are also in the fray. Both Mahayuti and MVA are worried about vote division. The election in the Nagpur Graduate constituency has become a matter of prestige for both the BJP and Congress. Internal dissatisfaction and potential vote division present significant challenges. The primary battle is between Congress candidate Abhijit Wanjari and BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale. Senior BJP leader Prof Anil Sole withdrew his nomination; however, his name remains on the ballot paper, raising questions about whether his supporters' votes will drift away from the official candidate. Three-time sitting MLC Satish Chavan has been fielded again by the Mahayuti alliance under the NCP banner in the Sambhajinagar Graduate constituency. On the MVA side, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP fielded Dr Pratap Singh Patil, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) fielded Dilip Ghorge, resulting in two MVA candidates competing in the same constituency. Voting for all five constituencies will take place on Friday via the preferential voting system. Candidates across party lines have been attempting to sway voters with last-minute promises, while strategic preference-voting management remains crucial for all contenders. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)

Wanjarri-Kohale fight in Nagpur, rebels hit Mahayuti in Amravati

PM Solar Home Scheme Provides Economic Relief to Families in Amravati

The PM Solar Home Scheme is helping families in Amravati save significantly on electricity bills, with beneficiaries praising its benefits. PM Solar Home Scheme Provides Economic Relief to Families in Amravati

Teachers poll: Rs1.15L, voter list seized in Amravati hotel, three detained

Mahayuti Rift Widens Ahead Of Maharashtra MLC Polls

In Amravati, BJP rebel Dilip Kadu is contesting against Shiv Senas official candidate Kiran Sarnaik.

Friction in Mahayuti ahead of Pune Teachers Constituency polls: Eknath Shinde backs Independent candidate

Digital Desk | Pune, Oct 16 (IANS) Rifts within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra have surfaced ahead of the Teachers Constituency election. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently claimed that all five Teacher and Graduate constituencies would be contested jointly under the Mahayuti umbrella, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde signalled that all is not well within the coalition by backing Independent candidate Sachin Sanap in the Pune Teachers Constituency. The voting is slated for October 23 and counting on October 27. Dy CM Shinde on Thursday evening announced Shiv Sena's support for Sanap. Although we are contesting elections as Mahayuti, a 'friendly contest' may take place in certain places as an exception, he stated. The decision has set up a high-stakes political contest between Independent candidate Sachin Sanap and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kaustubh Gawade, turning the spotlight of political circles onto the constituency. Further, Jayant Asgaonkar (Congress) is backed once again by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Asgaonkar enters the fray as the incumbent holding the stronghold. In the 2020 elections, held under the erstwhile MVA government, Asgaonkar secured a decisive victory on first-preference votes. Having launched his campaign with high hopes of securing the BJP ticketsymbolically commencing from the courtyard of Pandharpur's Vitthal TempleDattatray Sawant missed out on the official nomination. However, the former MLA, who finished a strong second in the previous election cycle, is locked in the race as an independent contender. Incidentally, the Shiv Sena is deploying its full organisational power to secure a victory for Sanap. Senior party leaders will actively hit the ground starting tomorrow, to bolster his campaign. Shindes remarks on friendly fights have highlighted local-level disagreements among the ruling parties, raising questions about alliance coordination. Sanaps candidacybacked heavily by Shiv Senas machinerytransforms this contest into a significant test of political coordination and unity within the Mahayuti coalition. The announcement comes just days after CM Fadnavis expressed strong confidence during a visit to Pune, asserting that the Mahayuti would win all five seats in the election. Fadnavis had previously stated that Shiv Sena would work to ensure the success of BJP candidate Kaustubh Gawade, ruling out any involvement of the party in supporting Independent candidate Sachin Sanap. However, Shiv Sena's formal endorsement of Sanap creates a distinct divergence between the coalition partners in the Pune Teachers' constituency, setting the stage for an intense fight. The battleground for the Pune Teachers' Legislative Council (MLC) seat is shaping up into a fierce contest, with the race likely culminating in a multi-cornered showdown. Addressing swirling rumours of a friendly fight and potential unilateral backing for Sachin Sanap, Minister Shambhuraj Desai clarified that the ruling alliance intends to uphold coalition ethics. Emphasising that every political outfit holds the democratic right to expand its organisational footprint, Minister Desai maintained that there is no active discord within the coalition. However, political analysts note that underlying frictions persist across multiple MLC segments. Strategic friction across Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Amravati belts has exposed minor cross-currents within the Mahayuti framework. BJP rebels have surfaced in Amravati, complicating local equations. Reports of tactical cross-support manoeuvres between constituents in Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have amplified pressure on party leadership. To douse rebellious flames and tightly manage coalition alignment, high-profile leaders, including Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Minister Uday Samant, rushed to the Amravati division to manage local dissent.

Recurve champion Kumkum Mohod staying grounded as she targets the LA Games gold

A Virat Kohli fangirl, the Amravati, Maharashtra, based girl wants to meet the cricket star as she likes his discipline and hard work

Central Bank of India Recruitment 2026

Central Bank of India, Regional Office Amravati, has invited offline applications for 4 vacancies, including Faculty and Office Assistant posts. Applications can be submitted till 21 October 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit centralbank.bank.in.

BJP announces three candidates for Maharashtra MLC polls (Lead)

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Political manoeuvres in Maharashtra have intensified after the Election Commission announced the upcoming Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) elections. On the heels of the Congress Party's announcement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its official list of candidates for three key constituencies: Nagpur Graduate: Former MLA Sudhakar Kohale; Pune Graduate: Smita Jadhav, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dr D Y Patil University, Pune Teachers: Kaustubh Gawade, Chief Executive Officer of the prominent Shri Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha in Kolhapur. With the announcement of these nominees, BJP will contest three seats, leaving Nagpur Teachers constituency to Shiv Sena and Aurangabad Graduates constituency to NCP. Polling for the five constituencies is slated for October 23. Kohale has been fielded to take on the incumbent Congress MLC, Abhijit Wanjari. Kohale, a seasoned leader and educator by background, previously served as a two-time municipal corporator, Water Supply Committee Chairman in Nagpur, and Nagpur East MLA (2014). In Pune Graduate Constituency, Dr Jadhav will face the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which has yet to declare its nominee. In Pune Teachers Constituency, Gawade will take on the sitting legislator Jayant Asgaonkar, who has been renominated by the Congress party. Incidentally, Shiv Sena and NCP have yet to announce their nominations. Shiv Sena has staked its claim over Pune and Amravati Teachers Constituencies. Congress has already announced Prof Aditi Rishikesh Pohare as nominee for the Amravati Teachers' Constituency. The Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP are angry over Congress's decision to announce three nominees. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 22 sounded the poll bugle for the elections to five key Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) seats, triggering intense political manoeuvring within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The election covers three Graduate constituencies (Aurangabad, Pune, and Nagpur) and two Teachers constituencies (Amravati and Pune), where the terms of the sitting members are set to expire on December 6, 2026. According to the official schedule released by the ECI, the last date for nominations: October 6, 2026; scrutiny of nominations: October 7, 2026; last date for withdrawal: October 9, 2026; polling day: October 23, 2026 (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM); and counting of votes: October 27, 2026. Incumbent representatives from Graduate Constituencies include Aurangabad Division Bhanudasrao Satish Chavan (NCP), Pune Division Arun Ganpati Lad (NCP-SP) and Nagpur Division Abhijit Govindrao Wanjari (Congress). The legislative members from the Teachers Constituencies include Amravati Division Kiran Ramrao Sarnaik (Independent but officially joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena as an associate member) and Pune Division Jayant Dinkar Asgaonkar (Congress).

BJP Names 3 Candidates For Maharashtra MLC Polls; Media Baron's Wife On The List

Biennial elections are being held for Pune Division Graduates, Nagpur Division Graduates, Pune Division Teachers, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates and Amravati Teachers constituencies. Polling will take place on October 23

BJP names Dinesh Arya as RS candidate from U'khand, Koel Mallick from Bengal

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Dinesh Arya as its candidate for the 2026 Rajya Sabha biennial election in Uttarakhand and Rukmini Mallick (Koel Mallick) from West Bengal. In Uttarakhand, the by-election is necessitated by the completion of the term of sitting Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal. Actress-turned-politician Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, recently switched to the BJP from the Trinamool Congress. She resigned as Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member in July this year, leaving the seat vacant and forcing a by-election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 22 had announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to the polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The West Bengal election will be held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. The notification for the elections was issued on September 29, while the last date for filing nominations will be October 6. The scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on October 7, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. In Uttar Pradesh, the terms of 10 sitting Rajya Sabha members are coming to an end. The members whose terms are expiring include Arun Singh, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Brij Lal, Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji Gautam, B.L. Verma, Seema Dwivedi, Dinesh Sharma and Hardeep Singh Puri. Earlier in the day, the BJP announced its candidates for three Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council election. The BJP has fielded Smita Yogesh Jadhav from the Pune Division Graduates' constituency, Sudhakar Vitthalrao Kohle from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency and Kaustubh Muralidhar Gawde from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The announcement comes after discussions within the ruling alliance over the distribution of the five seats going to polls. According to MahaYuti leaders, the alliance has finalised a 3:1:1 formula for the elections. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest three seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will contest one seat and the Shiv Sena will contest the remaining one seat. The NCP has been allotted the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates' constituency, while the Shiv Sena will contest the Amravati Teachers' constituency.

BJP announces 3 candidates for Maha Legislative Council polls

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced its candidates for three Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, while the ruling MahaYuti alliance has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the polls. The BJP has fielded Smita Yogesh Jadhav from the Pune Division Graduates' constituency, Sudhakar Vitthalrao Kohle from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency and Kaustubh Muralidhar Gawde from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The announcement comes after discussions within the ruling alliance over the distribution of the five seats going to polls. According to MahaYuti leaders, the alliance has finalised a 3:1:1 formula for the elections. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest three seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will contest one seat and the Shiv Sena will contest the remaining one seat. The NCP has been allotted the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates' constituency, while the Shiv Sena will contest the Amravati Teachers' constituency. Meanwhile, the Congress on Saturday announced its candidates for the upcoming elections, renominating two sitting members and fielding a new candidate for the third seat allotted to the party. In a release, the Congress said sitting MLC Abhijit Wanjari will contest from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency, while sitting member Jayant Dinkar Asagaonkar will seek re-election from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The party has also fielded newcomer Aditi Pohare from the Amravati Teachers' constituency. Voting for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections across the three Graduates' and two Teachers' constituencies will take place on October 23. The Graduates' constituencies going to polls are Pune Division, Nagpur Division and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad Division. The two Teachers' constituencies are Pune Division and Amravati Division.

From Amravati to Asian Games Glory: Kumkums Olympic Gold Target

The neighbourhood erupted in joy as the 17-year-old local girl's grit and precision etched her name into sporting history

Mahayuti, MVA Struggle To Resolve Seat-Sharing

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has staked a claim to the Aurangabad Graduates and Amravati Teachers constituencies: Reports

Congress names candidates for Maharashtra MLC polls

The party renominated MLC Abhijit Wanjari for the constituency for Graduates of Nagpur Division, and member Jayant Dinkar Asagaonkar for the seat for Teachers of Pune Division. The party fielded Aditi Pohare for the constituency for Teachers of Amravati.

17-year-old Kumkum Mohod used a second-hand bow to win Archery World Cup, now she has won India's first individual recurve gold at the Asian Games; Who is she?

Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old archer from Amravati who began with a 3000 rupee wooden bow, became the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve medal at the Asian Games, beating South Korea's Oh Yejin in a shoot-off for gold, after years of family sacrifice and modest equipment.

Seven killed, 19 injured as truck hits pickup van in Maharashtras Amravati

The accident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Channel 97 of the high-speed carriageway near the Dhamangaon railway station

'Her dream is to play in the Olympics,' says Kumkum Mohod's father after Asiad medals in archery

At just 17, Kumkum Mohod has already given her family and hometown Amravati plenty to celebrate at the Asian Games, winning a gold and a silver medal, but her father Anil Mohod says her biggest dream is still ahead

Five killed, over 20 injured as truck rams into pickup van in Maharashtra's Amravati

Five people were killed and several others injured after a truck rammed a Bolero pickup van from behind on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra's Amravati district on Friday. The accident took place around 12:45 am at Channel 97 of the Samruddhi Expressway near Dhamangaon railway station, according to a senior police official.According to police, the truck crashed into the Bolero pickup from the rear while the vehicle was travelling on the expressway. The impact left five people dead and injured 21 others.

Five killed, 21 injured as truck hits pickup van in Maharashtra's Amravati

On Friday, a tragic accident occurred on the Samruddhi Highway near Dhamangaon, resulting in multiple casualties. A truck crashed into a Bolero pickup van, killing five and injuring twenty others. The incident took place at approximately 12:45 am on Channel 97 of the expressway. Injured individuals were initially transported to Dhamangaon Rural Hospital before being referred to Wardha Medical College for further treatment.

Amravati hospital fire: CCTV footage reveals fire alarm rang three times

The CCTV footage shows staff either asleep or absent from the ward as the alarms sounded and red warning lights flashed in the wee hours of August 24

SIR row: Congress holds protest across Maharashtra seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal

According to the Maharashtra Congress, demonstrations were held outside district collectorates across the State, including in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Maha Congress stages agitation against Gyanesh Kumar

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday launched massive demonstrations across all district collectorates, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused him of undermining democratic institutions and manipulating voter rolls to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leaders described Gyanesh Kumar as a stain on democracy and submitted memorandums outlining grievances to district collectors. The protests featured creative forms of dissent: in Amravati, protesters paraded an effigy of the CEC on a donkey before destroying it; in Thane, demonstrators forced an effigy to do sit-ups (uthak-baithak) as punishment. Large rallies were also held in Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nanded, Latur, Beed, and across the Konkan and North Maharashtra regions. Senior Congress leaders led protests in several districts: Satej Patil in Kolhapur, Praniti Shinde in Solapur, Yashomati Thakur and Balwant Wankhede in Amravati, Kalyan Kale in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pratibha Dhanorkar in Chandrapur, Ravindra Chavan in Nanded, Shivaji Kalge in Latur, and Kumar Ketkar in Thane. Addressing gatherings, the Congress reiterated allegations earlier raised by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, about vote theft. The party claimed that over 13 crore voters nationwide, including more than 3 crore in Maharashtra, were arbitrarily removed from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. It further alleged that 47 lakh untraceable voters were added to Maharashtras rolls ahead of the 2024 assembly polls. Congress spokespersons highlighted reported written dissent from two Election Commissioners over procedural deviations by the CEC, saying it validated their charges of bias. Leaders warned that the agitation would escalate into a national movement unless action were taken against Gyanesh Kumar.

Farmers, agricultural labourers and workers at centre of drought relief efforts: CM Fadnavis

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that farmers, agricultural labourers, and workers in the state are at the centre of the state's drought relief efforts. He asserted that every possible effort will be made to provide them relief. We stand firmly behind our farmer brothers. Let us all make united efforts to overcome this challenge, the Chief Minister expressed with strong determination. Drought has been declared in 265 talukas across the state. The government has decided to implement 12 measures and concessions to provide relief to farmers, students, agricultural labourers, citizens, and livestock in these talukas, he added. Following the announcement of the Government Resolution (GR) on the declaration of drought in 265 of the total 358 talukas, CM Fadnavis immediately instructed the concerned District Collectors to initiate spot inspections (panchnamas) in these talukas without delay. Due to a lack of rainfall, farmers are facing significant hardships. Immediate surveys will have to be conducted in the talukas where drought conditions have been declared. For this, the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and all related agencies must work with sensitivity and coordination. They should maintain continuous communication and contact at the field level. Giving priority to this work is necessary to provide relief to farmers, CM Fadnavis instructed. During the survey, crop condition reports will be submitted using photographs depicting crop conditions alongside GPS coordinates, he said. CM Fadnavis recently undertook a tour to review the drought situation across the state. During this visit, he personally visited the fields, interacted warmly with the farmers, and understood their grievances and difficulties. He assured them that prompt decisions regarding the drought situation would be taken. In accordance with that, a Government Resolution evaluating the state's drought conditions as per the Drought Management Code 2016 was issued on Saturday. The State Agriculture Commissioner reviewed the Kharif 2026 season and submitted a report indicating drought-like conditions in 265 talukas of the state. Consequently, panchnamas will now be conducted in these affected talukas based on Trigger-1 (First Trigger) for drought, considering rainfall deficits and other contributing factors from June to the present date. A crop condition report will be prepared by compiling photographs and GPS coordinates reflecting the status of crops in the surveyed areas, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office. CM Fadnavis listed measures and concessions to be implemented in drought-affected areas. These include exemption from land revenue, restructuring of crop loans, stay on the recovery of agriculture-related loans, concessions on current electricity bills for agricultural pumps (electricity bills for pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity have already been waived; this concession will apply to pumps above that capacity), waiver in exam fee for school and college students, relaxation of norms under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to initiate maximum work and deployment of water tankers where necessary for drinking water supply. He further stated that there will be no disconnection of electricity supply to agricultural pumps of farmers in villages declared scarcity-hit, ensuring adequate supply and arrangements for food grains so that no shortages affect farmers and agricultural labourers dependent on agriculture, making necessary arrangements to ensure sufficient fodder for livestock, initiating water conservation works and planning drinking water and livestock water needs. The 265 talukas where 'Trigger-1' has been applied cover various revenue divisions in the state. This includes 12 talukas in the Thane revenue division, 49 in the Nashik division, 35 in the Pune division, 74 in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, 56 in the Amravati division and 39 in the Nagpur division. In the Thane revenue division, the first trigger has been activated for Shrivardhan in Raigad district; Ratnagiri, Sangameshwar and Rajapur in Ratnagiri district; and Sawantwadi, Dodamarg, Kankavli, Kudal, Vaibhavwadi, Malvan, Devgad, and Vengurla in Sindhudurg district. No talukas from Thane and Palghar districts are included in this list. A total of 49 talukas across Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, and Ahilyanagar districts are included, alongside 35 talukas from Pune, Solapur, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Nanded, Parbhani and Hingoli districts, 74 talukas have seen Trigger-1 activated. Amravati division includes 56 talukas from Buldhana, Amravati, Akola, Washim, and Yavatmal districts, while Nagpur division accounts for 39 talukas across Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli districts. CM Fadnavis said that financial relief regarding crop loss for drought-affected farmers will be announced through a separate Government Resolution once all prescribed procedural requirements are fulfilled. Therefore, the government has given special emphasis to the process of conducting accurate surveys and panchnamas of crop conditions, he noted. Against the backdrop of the drought, the government has initiated measures at various levels to mitigate its impact by providing necessary concessions, relief, and facilities in a timely manner to farmers, students, labourers, and the general public, he reiterated.

Maha faces severe dry spell as 83 talukas in 19 districts received no rain for over 20 days

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) With the monsoon taking a prolonged break, Kharif crops across Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis, pushing several districts to the brink of drought. During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and several ministers expressed deep concern over the situation. Although no immediate relief package was announced, CM Fadnavis instructed state administrative machinery to stay on high alert. Following Cabinet discussion, the government clarified that a formal drought declaration cannot be made immediately. Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines and Central Drought Management norms, official crop-damage surveys (Panchnamas) and ground verification must be conducted after October 5 to qualify for financial relief. Premature surveys would risk disqualifying farmers from central aid packages. Conducting assessments before that date would disqualify the affected farmers from official relief aid and result in an inaccurate estimation of damage. The government is currently preparing a comprehensive list of relief measures for farmers, and officials have been urged to coordinate effectively. This was stated by the agriculture department in its presentation, government sources have said. The Cabinet reviewed regional reports indicating severe dry spells (ranging from 20 to over 40 days) across 18-19 districts, with Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra being the hardest hit. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and the CM instructed all District Collectors and field administration to remain on high alert and prepare preliminary relief proposals. The local administration across affected districts (especially in Marathwada) has been ordered to prioritise and reserve existing dam storage strictly for drinking water purposes to prevent potential urban and rural water crises. While waiting for the official October 5 survey window, the government is drafting emergency relief lists, evaluating fodder supply availability for livestock, and instructing agricultural departments to guide farmers on protective irrigation for the surviving Kharif crops. According to the compilation made by the state agriculture department on region-wise crop status, in Beed, 37.21 per cent of the sown area has been damaged; in Jalna, 27.83 per cent; and 7.06 per cent in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In Latur, Dharashiv, and Parbhani, soybean, green gram (moong), black gram (udid), and cotton crops on light soils are drying up. A widespread outbreak of the Yellow Mosaic virus on soybean crops has also been detected. Long dry spells across rain-fed tracts of Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ahilyanagar from Western Maharashtra have put severe stress on moong, udid, soybean, maize, and bajra crops. Yields in these regions are expected to drop by 20 to 25 per cent. In the Vidarbha region, Soybean and cotton crops face significant risk. Several talukas in Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim have reported a 2 to 3-week spell without rain. Soybeans on light soil have withered; farmers with irrigation facilities are using protective watering to save crops. Paddy transplantation has been delayed in parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli due to deficient rainfall. In North Maharashtra, Nandurbar and select talukas of Nashik, the lack of rain has stunted the growth of maize, cotton, and other crops. However, recent rains in parts of Dhule and Jalgaon have brought partial relief to Kharif crops. Nandurbar has received only 46.6 per cent of its normal rainfall. Severe rainfall deficits are reported in Solapur, Kolhapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Parbhani, Hingoli, Akola, Washim, Amravati, Wardha, Nagpur, and Chandrapur. Meanwhile, opposition leaders -- including Vijay Wadettiwar and Solapur MP Praniti Shinde from the Congress, and the Shiv Sena(UBT) leaders -- have demanded the immediate declaration of drought in the affected districts. They highlighted that 19 districts and over 83 tehsils face severe rainfall deficits and looming fodder and water shortages. The opposition has urged the state government to issue an immediate emergency relief package, waive crop loans, and set up fodder camps and tanker water supply without waiting for formal post-monsoon timelines. Mahayuti coalition leaders, including NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, have also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting a drought declaration for the hard-hit Marathwada region.

India must sell 'peace of mind': Anand Mahindra wants Goa, Vizag to become India's next medical tourism hub

Anand Mahindra has called for India to focus on trust and patient experience rather than low treatment costs alone to strengthen its medical tourism industry. He suggested Goa and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) could become the next medical tourism hubs by combining their flight connectivity and hospitality infrastructure with world-class hospitals and specialists. He also urged emerging cities such as Amravati and GIFT City to plan health districts, while stressing that building a strong medical ecosystem could take 15 years.

2 Newborns Die in Amravati Hospital Fire; Officials Suspended Over Fire Safety Lapses

Three newborns died as an inquiry exposed serious fire safety, equipment maintenance and supervisory failures.

Maharashtra orders action after Amravati hospital fire kills 3 newborns

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Five Senior Health Officials Suspended After Fire Claims Lives of Three Newborns in Amravati

Maharashtra suspends five health officials following a fire that resulted in the deaths of three newborns at a hospital in Amravati. Five Senior Health Officials Suspended After Fire Claims Lives of Three Newborns in Amravati

Maharashtra unveils Land Bank to accelerate infra projects and advance compensatory afforestation

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) In a major initiative aimed at balancing rapid industrial development with environmental conservation, the Maharashtra Forest Department has established a comprehensive district-wise Land Bank to streamline land allocation for compensatory afforestation. Conceptualised by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Viksit Bharat vision. The decision addresses long-standing bureaucratic delays in obtaining forest clearances under the Forest (Conservation and Development) Act, 1980. Currently, the state requires compensatory afforestation on an average of 2,000 to 3,000 hectares of degraded forest land and 1,000 to 2,000 hectares of non-forest land annually. Identifying suitable, encumbrance-free parcels and executing inter-departmental transfers has historically been a time-consuming barrier to major infrastructure works, including national highways, railways, bullet train corridors, transmission lines, and port developments. Through joint field assessments conducted by revenue and forest officials, the state has identified and compiled extensive land records across all districts. About 33,056 hectares of Degraded Forest Land are identified for projects eligible for double-degraded forest afforestation, such as central government ventures and power transmission lines: Nashik Region: 9,002 hectares, Nagpur Region: 8,109 hectares, Amravati Region: 5,724 hectares, Pune Region: 5,330 hectares, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Region: 4,179 hectares and Konkan Region: 712 hectares. Further, 7,546 Hectares of non-forest land have been provided by district collectors across revenue divisions comprising Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 2,689 hectares, Nashik: 2,525 hectares, Amravati: 1,153 hectares, Pune: 640 hectares, Konkan: 408 hectares and Nagpur: 131 hectares, said a government statement. To ensure seamless execution, the Land Bank details are digitised and published on public web portals, including mahaforest.gov.in/DFLLandBank for degraded forest land and landdashboard.mahabhumi.gov.in for non-forest land. Before inclusion, each land parcel undergoes rigorous verification to confirm it is encroachment-free, clear of legal encumbrances, and ecologically suitable for afforestation. Non-forest land transferred by project agencies will be formally declared as Reserved Forest under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, permanently expanding Maharashtra's overall forest cover. By creating a transparent, central inventory, state authorities aim to eliminate project bottlenecks, ensure robust compensatory plantations, and achieve a sustainable equilibrium between infrastructure growth and ecological protection, said the release.

3 Newborn Deaths: Probe Flags Fire Safety Lapses at Amravati Hospital

Thirty-six other infants undergoing treatment in the SNCU were safely shifted to other hospitals.

Amravati newborn deaths: Maha govt orders suspension of five top health dept officials

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) The Maharashtra government on Wednesday ordered the suspension of key health department personnel, including the Deputy Director of Health Services (Akola Circle), the Medical Superintendent of the Amravati Women's Hospital, the Additional District Civil Surgeon (Amravati), the Administrative Officer, and the electrician of the hospital in connection with the death of three infants in the fire that broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Amravati District Women's Hospital on August 24. These health department personnel were held prima facie responsible for supervisory lapses. The state government's move comes after a high-level committee completed an inquiry. Following the submission of the investigation report to the state government, the Public Health Department has directed strict action against those found responsible. During the incident, 36 infants were successfully rescued and safely transferred to other hospitals. According to the inquiry committee's report, serious lapses were identified in technical inspections and equipment maintenance, including the failure to perform timely servicing of ventilators, non-functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house. In light of the negligence, irresponsible behaviour, supervisory failures, and unpardonable carelessness revealed in the report, instructions have been issued to initiate disciplinary action against the concerned officers and staff under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. Administrative action has also been ordered against contractual employees, along with directives to penalise responsible officials from the Public Works Department (PWD). The report found M/s AOV International LLP guilty, leading to directions for the company to be blacklisted. Additionally, as prima facie defects were identified in the services provided by the Shilar Company, orders have been issued to expedite the forensic report and initiate blacklisting proceedings against it as well. To prevent similar tragedies in the future, the state government has decided to significantly strengthen security and safety protocols across state-run hospitals. Directives have been issued to install CCTV systems in all SNCUs and NICUs, as well as to make fire safety mock drills mandatory in every hospital. Strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding fire safety, electrical safety, and medical equipment maintenance has also been instructed. Commissioner of Health Services Sanjay Katkar has been tasked with holding regular meetings with the PWD, electrical, fire, bio-technical, and maintenance departments to review hospital safety and exercise effective oversight on all necessary measures. All District Collectors, Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads, and Municipal Commissioners across the state have also been instructed to ensure that electrical and fire safety audits of all hospitals within their jurisdictions are completed within three months. The Commissioner of Health Services has been asked to enforce fire safety audits, monitoring, and compliance reporting in both public and private hospitals through the respective District Civil Surgeons. Meanwhile, the state government has also directed that awards and recognition be given to the brave officers and staff who risked their lives during the disaster to rescue the infants and move them to safety.

Tigress Tranquilised After Killing 4, Dies On Way To Rescue Centre

The tigress had been terrorising parts of Amravati and Wardha districts since the middle of last month.

Tigress that killed 4 dies while being shifted to rescue centre

Amravati: A tigress that was tranquillised and captured on Monday by a special forest department team after it had killed four persons, including two in the last 24 hours, died while being shifted to a rescue centre, an official said. It was tranquillised and captured by a special forest department team in Shirjagaon Kasba in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Theburningquestionof childsafetyin Amravatis government maternity hospital

Three newborn babies died and 36 were rescued after an explosion at Amravatis government maternity hospital, a key healthcare facility serving the district and surrounding areas, including women with critical pregnancies. Snehal Mutha speaks to survivors, rescuers and hospital staff, who flag lapses in fire safety audits

36 Newborns Shifted After Amravati Hospital Fire

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar termed the fire incident at the Amravati government hospital as unfortunate and announced that a high-level committee has been constituted to probe the matter, with a report expected within eight days.

36 newborns relocated after fire at Amravati hospital NICU

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Father of newborn who died in Amravati NICU fire demands justice

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Maharashtra to submit Amravati hospital fire report in eight days

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Tragic Deaths of Newborns Linked to Oxygen Supply Issues in Amravati Incident

Mumbai, August 24: An emergency meeting was convened at KEM Hospital in Mumbai following the tragic deaths of three newborns in the NICU ward of a womens district hospital in Amravati, where a fire broke out. Dr. Tushar Palwe, Dean of KEM Hospital, addressed safety measures in light of the incident. Dr. Palwe stated, Reports ... Read more Tragic Deaths of Newborns Linked to Oxygen Supply Issues in Amravati Incident

'No fire alarm, sprinkler': Man who lost son in Amravati fire

A devastating fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three newborns. Eyewitnesses and grieving parents allege that fire alarms remained silent and water sprinklers failed to activate, pointing to severe safety lapses and hospital negligence. While 36 infants were rescued, families are demanding accountability for the tragic loss of life.

Amravati hospital fire Health Minister says fire audits mandatory, probe to examine lapses

Amravati hospital fire Health Minister says fire audits mandatory, probe to examine lapses

Amravati Hospital Fire: Nurses Braved Smoke, Darkness to Rescue Babies

As the ventilator in the unit burned, the nurses recalled rushing to rescue the charred infants nearby, describing the horrifying scene.

Three newborns die in fire at government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra

Amravati Hospital Fire: Fadnavis Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-gratia

The state government will provide Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance to the family of each deceased child, Fadnavis said in a statement.

Amravati Hospital Fire: Father's Desperate Search for Day-Old Son Ends in Heartbreak

Hours after phoning his family to share the joy of becoming a father, Swapnil Barge was frantically searching the corridors of a government hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati for his wife and day-old son - only to learn later that his newborn

Amravati hospital fire: Saw infants covered in black ash, recalls parent

Relatives of some children admitted to the hospital also claimed that the wards water spray system failed to function and said it should have been activated immediately when the fire broke out

Three Newborns Die In Fire At Amravati Hospital After Ventilator Blast

AMRAVATI, Aug 24: Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Amravati District Womens Hospital in Maharashtra early Monday, triggering an emergency evacuation of dozens of infants, officials said. The fire reportedly erupted around 3:30 am after a ventilator exploded on the hospitals third floor, [] The post Three Newborns Die In Fire At Amravati Hospital After Ventilator Blast appeared first on Northlines .

Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Infants, Opposition Blames Government Negligence

Mumbai, August 24: A devastating fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Amravati District Womens Hospital has resulted in the tragic deaths of three infants. The opposition has criticized the state government, asserting that this incident is not merely an accident but a clear example of systemic negligence. NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule ... Read more Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Infants, Opposition Blames Government Negligence

Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns

Mumbai, August 24: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire at the District Womens Hospital in Amravati, which resulted in the deaths of three newborns. He has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and announced financial assistance for the affected families. In a post on the social media platform ... Read more Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns

Amravati Hospital Fire: 3 Newborns Die After Ventilator Explosion, Raising Questions Over NICU Safety

Three newborns died after a ventilator-linked fire erupted inside Amravati hospital's crowded NICU early Monday.

Maharashtra: 3 Newborns Die After Fire Breaks Out at NICU in Amravati Government Hospital (VIDEO)

Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the NICU of Maharashtra's Amravati District Womens Hospital. Thirty-six infants were rescued as authorities ordered a comprehensive probe.

Three newborns die in fire at government hospitals NICU in Amravati, Maharashtra

A ventilator in the NICU on the third floor of the district womens hospital suddenly sparked at 3.15 a.m., triggering a fire in the unit; six infants admitted to a super speciality hospital, officials said

3 newborns die in fire at govt hospital's NICU in Maharashtra's Amravati

Three newborns were killed when a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati district early on Monday, officials said. The incident occurred at the district women's hospital, they said. A ventilator in the NICU on the third floor of the hospital suddenly sparked at 3.15 am, triggering a fire in the unit, an official said. After the blaze erupted, doctors, nurses and other staff on duty took the children out of the NICU. Three of the newborns died, the official said. Six infants have been admitted to a super speciality hospital, he added.

3 newborns die in fire at govt hospital

Amravati: Three newborns were killed when a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Maharashtras Amravati district early on Monday, August 24, officials said. The incident occurred at the district womens hospital, they said. Amravati, Maharashtra: Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

3 newborns dead, 6 undergoing treatment after fire at NICU of Amravati District Women's Hospital

Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Amravati District Women's Hospital. According to information available, the fire began around 3:30 am following an explosion in a ventilator on the third floor of the hospital. A total of 39 infants were being treated in the hospital when the incident took place. The prompt action of doctors, nurses, and other staff on duty saved the lives of several infants, but three of them died. Six of them have been shifted to a super-speciality hospital for further treatment. The condition of the infants admitted to the super-speciality hospital remains unknown.

Tragic Fire at Maharashtras Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns

Amravati, August 24: A devastating fire broke out early Monday morning in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the district womens hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra. Tragically, three newborns lost their lives in this incident. Fortunately, hospital doctors and staff managed to save many other infants. Initial reports indicate that around 3:30 AM, an explosion ... Read more Tragic Fire at Maharashtras Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns

3 babies killed as massive fire rips through hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati

babies killed as massive fire rips through hospital in Maharashtras Amravati

600 students who left 'haunted' Maha school get new hostel

Girl students at a government residential school in Amravati, Maharashtra, are moving to a new hostel after nearly 600 students left, claiming some girls were possessed. Officials attributed the strange behaviour to mental stress and local superstitions, including beliefs about spirits and upset deities. The new hostel aims to alleviate overcrowding and provide a better environment.

'Girls were possessed': 600 students leave 'haunted' hostel

Nearly 600 tribal students abandoned a government-run hostel in Amravati, Maharashtra, after some girls exhibited strange behaviour, leading to claims of spirit possession. Officials suspect mental stress or selective hysteria, while local beliefs attribute the incidents to angry spirits from a cut 'mahua' tree or an encroached temple. Counselling efforts are underway to bring students back.

69 tribal students suffered food poisoning at Amravati ashram shala

The incident took place on Saturday night at the Ashram School in Village Titamba in Dharani taluka, when students complained ofvomiting and stomach pain.

Food poisoning scare, over 100 tribal students hospitalised in Maharashtras Amravati

The students complained of vomiting after eating meals in the residential schools

Watch: Thief Walks Away With 40-Kg Water Cooler On His Shoulder In Amravati

A daring theft has been caught on camera in Maharashtra's Amravati, where a man disconnected and walked away with a 40kg public water cooler outside a gym.