INSIGHT - The Mind Clinic Integrates Nihilent's Emoscape Emotion AI Platform into Clinical Practice
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 29: INSIGHT - The Mind Clinic, Pune, has integrated Emoscape, Nihilent's medical-grade Emotion AI platform, into its clinical practice to enhance the objectivity of detecting patients' emotional states and enable more informed and personalised patient care. Led by Dr. Hamza Hussain, Founder of INSIGHT - The Mind Clinic and HOD, Mental Health at Ruby Hospital, Pune, the initiative brings AI-based emotion assessment into the clinic's existing psychiatric and psychological assessment processes.
When Tanisha Singh: When Tanisha Singh walked out to open the batting for Delhi against Hyderabad in their Senior Womens T20 Trophy clash at the MCA Ground 2 in Pune, she had a feeling that didnt have an immediate explanation. Something inside the right-handed batter told her Thursday was going to be her day. That feeling turned out to be correct when Tanisha smashed 119 off 47 balls, including reaching her hundred in 38 deliveries, and powered Delhi to 262/6, the highest total ever recorded by a womens team in domestic T20 cricket. Tanishas 38-ball century is now the joint third-fastest in womens T20 cricket. Only Kiran Navgire, who reached three figures in 34 balls for Maharashtra against Punjab, and Sophie Devine, with a 36-ball hundred for Wellington against Otago, have been quicker. Tanisha now shares the mark with West Indies batter Deandra Dottin, who hit a 38-ball hundred against South Africa in 2010. Today I just thought that I have to bat with good intent, play aggressively and dominate. I will score well as I could feel that intuition. I was just looking at the ball and hitting it everywhere, Tanisha told IANS in an exclusive conversation from Pune after the game ended. The intent was clear from the first two balls of the innings, both of which she hit for four off S. Yashasri, and it never wavered. Delhi lost Vanshika Lila in the second over, but that did little to slow Tanisha down. With India batter Priya Punia at the other end, she added 160 runs for the second wicket off just 66 balls. I honestly didnt think that I would hit so many runs. I was trying to attack the ball as much as I could, trying to be one step ahead of the bowler, and was trying to play wherever the ball came. My aim was to try and play with the field so that the bowler gets under pressure, she added. Strikingly, the two barely exchanged a word during the stand. With Priya di, the thing is that we dont talk much. She was playing silently in her zone. I was also in such a zone that I wasnt talking much, keeping my head down and quietly playing my shots. She was also thinking where the bowler would put the ball and where she could hit it for a boundary. We didnt talk at all in the partnership. She was also playing attacking cricket, and I was also attacking from the other end, she added. Words were not needed. Fist bumps and bat touches did the talking, and Priya, she said, had to remind her to acknowledge the dugout when she reached fifty. I just wanted to take a strike and keep playing, said Tanisha. Though Priya fell for 59 off 28 balls, Shweta Sehrawat then smashed 26 off eight deliveries, including three sixes, to take Delhi past 200. But Tanisha was bowled by G Trisha in the 15th over with the score reading 230/4. By then, she had hit 25 fours and a six in her magnificent knock. In all, 106 of her runs came from boundaries. Delhi lost their way slightly at the death, but cameos from Nazma Khan and Deeksha Sharma, and 15 from captain Soni Yadav, carried them to the record score. The previous best score was Goas 257/2 against Arunachal Pradesh in 2019/20. The aggression, Tanisha said, was all planned. Its because the T20 game is like that now. Even for batting, we had already planned that we need 50 runs in 6 overs, but twice that was happening (Delhi got 93/1 in the powerplay). Whichever batter was coming, we all were talking about just one thing: that we have to attack and play aggressively and dominate. Hyderabad never got close. Trisha made 80 off 52 balls, and captain Pranavi Chandra was the only other batter to pass 20, as they finished on 154/8 and lost by 108 runs. It was only after the match was over that Tanisha learnt about the record now in Delhis name. When our match was over, the match referee (Niyati Koustubh Lokur) told us that the record was made. I guess it feels really good when it is unexpected. I felt that this was Gods plan. Delhis total sits 11th on the all-time list of womens T20 scores -- the ten above it all came in internationals, led by Argentinas 427/1 and 333/1 against Chile in 2023/24. It was also Tanishas first T20 hundred, and came after she bagged a duck. Tanisha insists she has learnt to take both the duck and the hundred in stride. This was my first T20 hundred, but even after hitting it, I felt normal. I got out for zero before this game, and even then my reaction was normal. Obviously, there is an expectation from yourself that you have to do it. In the second match also, there was such an expectation that I had to do it, and I just played normally. In spite of there being so much excitement that you have to get runs, while playing I have normalised that these scores of zero and hundred, ups and downs will continue. Records are meant to be broken. If someone plays better than me, she will also make a record, and then I will also try to keep making records in future, she said. The innings followed a productive year. Tanisha toured England with India A in July, and made a fifty in the third one-dayer. She was the third-highest run-scorer in the 2026 Delhi Premier League with 206 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 117.05 for finalists South Delhi Superstars. Against Australia A in September, she scored 120 runs in three one-dayers, including a fifty in the chase of 363, and 92 in the only unofficial Test. I would like to give credit to my coach, Dishant Yagnik (the current fielding coach at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru). He has given a lot of attention to my skills and helped me a lot. I practice in Delhi at RPCA with Surjeet Sir and Ajay Verma Sir. They help me with my skills and make me practice a lot. So credit goes to them, she said. She also pointed to her time with India A, which gave her a big learning curve. In India A, the environment around us is such that I got to learn a lot from the seniors - they live in discipline and routine. Because of my India A stint, I am able to see improvements in myself. I am able to walk into my routine; my body is active, and I am energetic. Its because I have seen that in India A, when we step up, you see the seniors who are already playing. Watching and observing them carefully, how they are doing so that they are able to sustain and play. I have also seen that they are disciplined. So, I would like to see that - the role of discipline is exactly what is giving me results. The record day came less than 24 hours after the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction in Kochi, where Tanisha found no takers. I guess its been 3-4 years - I am trying via WPL trials, and when it doesnt happen, obviously, it feels bad. But the atmosphere around you and the positive people you have, because of them, it feels like your mind changes. I would really give the credit to my close friends, our physios, my coaches, and my parents. When the WPL auction happened, I wasnt answering my parents or close friends calls. But then I talked to my physio, Surya ma'am. She was understanding and said that everything will be fine. Even if I talk to someone, if they are low, then I tell them myself that everything will be fine. When I get the reply that everything will be fine, then I also say that yes, everything will be fine. Bhagwan ji dekh rahe hai. Unhone India A di aur wahi main India denge (God is watching. He has given India A, and he will give India main). My main aim is not WPL; it is to play for India. All of this uplifted my mood, and I stayed normal. Then the next day, it was magic - I didnt know how that happened. As in, I still feel that I dont know how that day passed, she said. For now, on Tanishas list is a domestic title to chase. Delhi won the senior womens one-day trophy last year but have not won the T20 equivalent of it. I guess our Delhi players are very skilful. We are very good in bowling, batting, and fielding. We play together, and with unity. My main aim is not WPL; it is to play for India. All of this uplifted my mood, and I stayed normal. Then the next day, it was magic - I didnt know how that happened. As in, I still feel that I dont know how that day passed, she said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Lighthouse Communities Foundation lists on BSEs Social Stock Exchange to scale youth livelihoods
Lighthouse Communities Foundation has joined BSEs Social Stock Exchange to raise funds to help 500 young people in Pune build career confidence and job-ready skills.
Pimpri Chinchwad University offered 100% scholarships to 8 Northeast students
Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), Pune, has announced eight special scholarships offering a 100 per cent tuition fee waiver to one meritorious student from each of the eight Northeastern states, opening up opportunities for talented youth from the region to pursue higher education. According to a press release issued by the university on Wednesday, students from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim can apply for the scholarships, subject to the university's eligibility criteria. Applicants must have secured a minimum of 85 per cent marks in their qualifying examination. The initiative by the Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust (PCET) aims to make quality higher education more accessible to deserving students and equip them with skills to build successful careers and contribute to the development of their home states. Viewing education as key to empowerment, Girish Desai, Executive Director, PCET said,
INSIGHT The Mind Clinic Integrates Nihilents Emoscape Emotion AI Platform into Clinical Practice
(L to R) Sandeep Pendurkar, Business Director, Nihilent Limited, with Dr. Hamza Hussain, Founder, INSIGHT The Mind Clinic, and HOD, Mental Health, Ruby Hospital, Pune. Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October
Pune Cop Caught Drunk Driving In Uniform, Suspended After Video Goes Viral
The order states that Kekan lost control of her car while driving under the influence of alcohol. A medical examination confirmed alcohol consumption.
PCMC notice to garden dept chief over alleged age manipulation of 52 trees felled in Pimpri
Delhi Smash Record 262 As Tanisha Singh Produces T20 Masterclass
Delhi rewrote the record books by piling up 262/6 against Hyderabad in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy league stage match in Pune, which is now the highest total ever made by a women's team in domestic T20 cricket games.
Pune techie dies by suicide after alleged social media blackmail, 2 arrested
Two men have been arrested in Bihar for allegedly blackmailing a 22-year-old Pune IT employee through fake social media accounts and extorting Rs 1.77 lakh. Police said the employee died by suicide on October 1, and investigators have frozen Rs 1.14 lakh while searching for other suspects
Rishab Shetty remembers Puneeth Rajkumar on fifth death anniversary
Delhi rewrite record books by posting highest total in domestic women's T20 games
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Delhi rewrote the record books by piling up 262/6 against Hyderabad in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy league stage match in Pune, which is now the highest total ever made by a womens team in domestic T20 cricket games. The total eclipsed the previous best score of 257/2 by Goa against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2019/20 season. Delhis 262/6, coming at the MCA Ground 2, Gahunje, is also the 11th-highest in all womens T20 cricket, with the ten scores above it all coming in T20Is. The record effort was built around a blistering century from opener Tanisha Singh, who struck 119 off just 47 balls in a whirlwind knock laced with 25 fours and a six. The 23-year-old reached her hundred in 38 balls, the joint third-fastest in womens T20s, matching West Indies batter Deandra Dottins effort against South Africa in 2010. Only Indias Kiran Navgire (34 balls) and former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine (36 balls) have got to the three-figure mark quicker. Delhi lost opener Vanshika Lila early, but Tanisha and India batters Priya Punia took the attack to the Hyderabad bowlers by adding 160 runs off just 66 balls to take the side past 175. Punia made 59 off 28 balls, and Shweta Sehrawat came in to smash 26 off eight deliveries, including three sixes, to push the total past 200. Tanisha was eventually bowled by G Trisha. Late contributions from Nazma Khan (11), Deeksha Sharma (15 not out) and captain Soni Yadav, who made 15 not out, carried Delhi to the record score. Vanka Pooja was the only Hyderabad bowler to escape punishment, returning figures of 4-32 from her four overs, while each of the other seven bowlers conceded at least 11 runs an over. Trisha gave Hyderabad a brisk start in reply and top-scored with 80 off 52 balls, but the chase never threatened Delhis majestic total. Captain Pranavi Chandra was the only other batter to get past 20, as Hyderabad finished at 154/8, and lost by 108 runs. The match came a day after the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, where Shweta and Bharti Rawal were signed by Mumbai Indians for Rs 20 lakh and Nazma was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 10 lakh.
India, Thailand discuss strengthening ties in trade, commerce and investment
Digital Desk | Bangkok, Oct 29 (IANS) India and Thailand on Thursday held discussions on further strengthening ties in various sectors, including trade, commerce and investment. The discussions were held between India's Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal, and Deputy Permanent Secretary in Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sirilak Niyom, on Thursday. Ambassador Puneet Agrawal met Ms. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand on 29 Oct. They discussed a range of issues aimed at further strengthening IndiaThailand relations, including trade, commerce and investment, the Indian Embassy in Thailand posted on X. On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a meeting with Thailand's Senate President, Mongkol Surasajja, in New Delhi and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, tourism, education, defence, Ayurveda, and Yoga. During the meeting, Birla and Surasajja explored deeper parliamentary cooperation, sharing best practices and collaboration in counterterrorism, disaster management and international affairs, including within the BRICS framework, to advance shared priorities of both nations and peoples welfare. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was also present during the meeting. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Complex in Parliament House in New Delhi on October 26-27. Delighted to meet H.E. Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, President of the Senate of Thailand, and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between India and Thailand, rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilisational ties. We discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, education, defence, Ayurveda and Yoga, with Indias Act East Policy providing fresh impetus to our partnership, Birla posted on X. We also explored deeper parliamentary cooperation, sharing best practices and collaboration in counterterrorism, disaster management and international affairs, including within the BRICS framework, to advance our shared priorities and peoples welfare, he added. On October 26, Puneet Agrawal called on Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan, with discussions focussed on further strengthening Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Thailand stated, Ambassador Puneet Agrawal paid a courtesy call on Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand HE Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan. Discussions focussed on further strengthening the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. On October 20, Puneet Agrawal called on Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha, with discussions focussed on further strengthening cooperation between air forces of two nations through bilateral exercises, joint operations and training programmes.
17 two-wheelers, four four-wheelers gutted in fire near Pune; one injured
An official from the Pimpri-Chinchwad fire brigade said the main fire station received a call about the blaze at 1.59 a.m. Subsequently, two fire tenders were sent to the spot
IIIT Pune Teaching Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Information Technology Pune (IIIT Pune) has released Notification No. IIITP/T/2026/01 to 02 for the recruitment of 17 Assistant Professor posts. Eligible candidates can apply online at iiitp.ac.in from 29 October 2026 to 28 November 2026.
IIIT Pune Non Teaching Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Pune (IIIT Pune) has invited online applications for 8 vacancies, including Junior Superintendent and Junior Engineer posts. Applications can be submitted at iiitpnt.samarth.edu.in from 29 October 2026 to 28 November 2026.
Karnataka CM, Union Ministers pay tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar on fifth death anniversary
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 29 (IANS)Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, H. D. Kumaraswamy, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday paid tribute to Kannada superstar and Karnataka Ratna awardee Puneeth Rajkumar on his fifth death anniversary. In his tribute, Shivakumar said Puneeth Rajkumar became a beloved member of households across Karnataka through his innocent smile, humility, and talent as an actor. He said Rajkumar continues to live forever in the hearts of millions of Kannadigas. The Chief Minister noted that Puneeth, who won a National Film Award as a child artist, took Kannada cinema to new heights as a leading actor. Despite being a superstar on screen, he led a simple and dignified life off screen, setting an example for others to follow. Union Minister for Education Pralhad Joshi paid tribute to Kannada superstar and Karnataka Ratna awardee Dr Puneeth Rajkumar on his death anniversary, saying the actor had earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions of Kannadigas through his exceptional acting, simplicity, humanity and public service. In his statement, Joshi said Puneeth began his artistic journey as a child actor and grew into a leading star who became a source of pride for the Kannada film industry. He said the actor brought light into the lives of people not only through his performances but also through his philanthropy and contributions to education, healthcare and social service. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy stated, Even if years roll by, our Puneeth Rajkumar remains forever etched as an unblemished love in millions of hearts. His personality, gentle simplicity, and society-oriented service have immortalized Appu. On this day, I offer my heartfelt salutations in his blessed memory, the jewel of our Kannada land. Leader of the opposition Ashoka said Puneeth Rajkumar, fondly known as Appu, entered the Kannada film industry as a child artist and won the affection and admiration of people across the state. Recalling that five years had passed since his demise, Ashoka called upon people to remember the artistic contributions and public service of the actor on his death anniversary. Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra also paid heartfelt tributes to Puneeth, describing him as a Karnataka Ratna whom the people would never forget and a beloved figure cherished by Kannadigas. He said Puneeth earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions not merely as an extraordinary, successful and popular actor, but also through his compassion, simplicity and selfless social service. Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar, died on October 29, 2021, at the age of 46. Fondly remembered as Appu, he remains one of the most beloved personalities in Kannada cinema, with his philanthropic contributions inspiring people across Karnataka.
Blackmail Suicide: Two Arrested In Pune IT Employee Case
Two men from Bihar have been arrested for allegedly blackmailing a 22-year-old IT employee in Pune through fake social media accounts, extorting Rs 1.77 lakh, and driving him to suicide. The victim's father lodged a complaint, leading to the arrests and seizure of electronic devices. Police are searching for other suspects involved in the case.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 29 (IANS) Actor Puneet Issar has criticised veteran star Naseeruddin Shah over his remarks against the government, accusing him of selective criticism and questioning his silence on issues concerning national interest. Calling Naseeruddin his senior, teacher, and a respected artist, Issar told IANS that while everyone has the right to express their opinion and criticise the government, they should also speak up against those who allegedly seek to divide the country. Puneet told IANS: First of all, Mr. Naseeruddin Shah is our senior; he has been our teacher, he is respected, he is a very good artist. But I just want to say that when you talk, you should not talk selectively. You have become a speaker on so many issues of the world; you sit as a mute, then you do not talk. On one hand, you respond to everything according to the leftist ideology of the Naxalist ideology. On the other hand, you respond to everything according to the leftist ideology of the Naxalist ideology. The Tukde-Tukde-Gang, the JNU gang, the criminals who are in jail, the terrorists, The Tukde-Tukde-Gang, the criminals who are in jail, the terrorists, the criminals who are in jail, If you support those people, then what happened to your being an Indian? So my point is that you have every right to have your own opinion, you have the right to speak against the government. But you don't like the government that has come. You get down to the ground, you fight the elections, you win, you defeat the government. This government was not made on a whim, people have chosen this government. They have come after choosing. Puneet asked Naseeruddin Shah to fight elections. So whatever is your response, whatever is your ideology, you come and stand in the elections. Fight the elections, bring your ideologies to the forefront. After winning, change the government. Who has stopped you? When there is a problem in our country, you remain silent. You don't talk about it. He said that the veteran star would remain silent. You will remain silent at that time. That is why I say that selective criticism is a very wrong thing. I say that selective criticism is a very wrong thing. When it comes to national interest, those who want to destroy our country, those who want to break our country into pieces, those who speak anti-India, why don't you raise your voice against them? Puneet concluded: Then you become dumb, you are ridiculed. You want to support such people who want to divide our country, who want to break the country. So this is completely wrong. You are our respected leader, I respect you. You have been my head, my teacher. But you don't have the right to speak on one side. Naseeruddin on Wednesday made another scathing remark against the government. The actor took to his Facebook, and shared a video of himself talking to the camera. In the video, he flaunted his badge of Dimagi Naxal, a term coined by Prime Minister Modi Independence Day address in August after the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign under public pressure. He referred to the ongoing protest and drawing parallels to the earlier protests in JNU, the actor mentioned titles such as 'anti-national' and 'tukde-tukde gang'.
Sachin Tendulkars niece, Dr. Karishma Tendulkar, received the Bell Pharma Award for Best Surgical Research Paper by a Young Ophthalmologist at MOSCON 2026 in Mumbai. A vitreoretinal surgeon and founder of NAMAH Superspeciality Eye Care in Pune, she trained at Narayana Nethralaya and topped her ophthalmology course at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College.
Harshada Jadhav-Deshmukh wins maiden election, defeats BJP-backed rival in Pune
Bags 1.11L votes against BJP candidate; fulfils dads electoral dream
Puneet Issar Slams Naseeruddin Shah's 'Selective' Stand
Issar's remarks come amid Shah's recent support for student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia, where students have been demanding the restoration of their student union.
Maharashtra: Pune eye experts explain why cataracts are affecting younger adults
Specialists reveal that cataracts have been striking people in their 40s and 50s these days
Windows shut, floors mopped twice, residents battle allergic cough, asthma
Mahayuti & MVA win 2 seats each in MLC polls; Nagpur down to the wire
Now, Uber enters bike taxi market in Pune after Rapido amid opposition from autorickshaw unions
Pimpri Chinchwad police raid mephedrone manufacturing unit
Pune police withdraw security cover of 20 people after audit
Woman, 2 accomplices threaten biker injured by cab door in Chinchwad
Boy drowns while swimming at Kund Mala
DRDOs Vikram VT-21 clears key trial milestone, army to test across terrains
Pune Rural police arrest man for murdering neighbour, wife after dispute over cattle grazing
Two die, four suffer injuries as van plunges into 200ft gorge in Pokhari Ghat
Jay Pawar meets senior CID officials, reviews probe father Ajit Pawars death
Two cheat man of 18,000 using fake UPI app; one arrested
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.
Pune Customs Intercept Passenger With Drugs In Shoes
Customs officials at Pune airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok and seized 381.27 grams of cannabis extract, valued at Rs 13.44 lakh, hidden in specially-designed shoe soles. The passenger was arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
Bawankule directs PMC to expedite Phulewada, Bhidewada development
Bawankule has directed the Pune civic body to expedite development at Phulewada and Bhidewada ahead of Mahatma Jyotirao Phules bicentenary year. The meeting also discussed OBC student hostels, recruitment backlogs and welfare measures for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes
The Pune ITAT accepted 2.75 lakh of a bank employees 3 lakh cash deposits as wedding gifts and savings but sustained a 25,000 addition due to missing gift confirmations. The ruling highlights why taxpayers should maintain records of cash gifts and their sources.
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.
Pune’s USD 220 Billion Ambition: Why the Next Decade Must Be About Building a Better City
The Maharashtra governments vision of making Pune the $220-billion economy by 2036 is a dream come true for the city. Its a time to reflect on what kinds of cities
Astrotalk FY26 profit jumps 10-fold to Rs 222 crore, revenue crosses Rs 1,800 crore
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Astrology and spiritual wellness platform Astrotalk has reported a more than tenfold jump in net profit for FY26, driven by strong growth in its core consultation business, rapid international expansion, and the scaling up of its e-commerce operations. The Noida-based company posted a net profit of Rs 222 crore in FY26, compared to Rs 22 crore in the previous fiscal year, while revenue from operations increased 55 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,823 crore from Rs 1,176 crore. Astrotalk, which connects users with astrologers through paid chat, call and video consultations, continued to derive the bulk of its revenue from its core services. Revenue from consultations rose 45 per cent to Rs 1,657 crore in FY26 from Rs 1,139 crore a year earlier, accounting for about 91 per cent of the company's operating revenue. A key growth driver during the year was its international business. Overseas revenue surged 2.6 times to Rs 621 crore from Rs 236 crore in FY25, taking its share of total revenue to 34 per cent from 20 per cent a year ago. Domestic revenue also grew, rising 28 per cent to Rs 1,202 crore. International markets contributed more than half of the company's incremental revenue during the fiscal year. The company also strengthened its presence in e-commerce through the Astrotalk Store, which sells certified Rudraksha, gemstones, crystals and Vastu-related products through its own platform as well as online marketplaces. Revenue from the segment climbed 4.4 times to Rs 166 crore in FY26 from Rs 37 crore in the previous year. Commenting on the performance, founder and CEO Puneet Gupta said the company had focused on building a diversified global business from India. We set out to build a diversified, global business from India, and FY26 shows it is working. A third of our revenue now comes from outside India, and Astrotalk Store has grown into a real second business, he stated. The company's rapid expansion was accompanied by a sharp increase in spending. Advertising and business promotion expenses more than doubled to Rs 823 crore from Rs 337 crore, making up over half of total expenses as Astrotalk ramped up customer acquisition efforts. Legal and professional expenses rose to Rs 550 crore from Rs 515 crore, including payments made to astrologers for consultations.
Maharashtra Govt Approves Rs 230 Cr to Develop Mahatma Phule's Residence
The work on a memorial at Bhidewada in Pune, where Savitribai Phule started the first school for girls, also will be completed within three weeks
Maharashtra Receives Over 19.6 Lakh Electoral Forms Between Aug 31 and Oct 26
Mumbai Suburban recorded the highest number of forms at 1,49,850, followed by Pune at 1,35,646 and Thane at 1,35,150, the ECI data showed.
Andhra Pradesh: State Election Commission postpones MPTC, ZPTC polling to Nov 5
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 28 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has rescheduled the date of polling for MPTC and ZPTC elections from November 3 to November 5. The State Election Commission on Wednesday issued a notification rescheduling the polling in view of the change in the schedule for urban local body elections following the Supreme Court order. As per the revised schedule, polling for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) will be held on November 5. Repoll, if any, will be conducted on November 6, while counting of votes will be taken up on November 7. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Wednesday spoke to the Collectors & District Election Authorities of a few cyclone-affected districts. After the assessment of the situation and based on the assurances given by them, the State Election Commission decided that there is no need to reschedule the polling for urban local bodies. Accordingly, polling in urban local bodies will be held as scheduled on November 1. The State Election Commission on October 22 had revised the schedule for urban local bodies. The date of polling was rescheduled from October 28 to November 1 as the publication of the lists of contesting candidates was postponed to October 25, in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court. As per the revised schedule, the polling for ULBs is to be held on November 1, repoll, if any, on November 2, and the counting of votes and declaration of results on November 3. The SEC said in a release that the revised date for counting of votes in ULBs, i.e., November 3, coincides with the date of poll for the MPTCs and ZPTCs. As the counting of votes for the ULBs and the polling for MPTCs and ZPTCs are scheduled to take place simultaneously on November 3, the available police and polling personnel are not sufficient to effectively manage both the activities on the same day, the SEC said. Due to the unforeseen change in ULB schedule, the SEC issued a notification on Wednesday, rescheduling the date of poll for MPTCs and ZPTCs from November 3 to November 5, re-poll, if any, from November 4 to November 6 and counting of votes and declaration of results from November 5 to November 7. The State Election Commission issued notification on October 19 for elections to MPTCs and ZPTCs. As per the election schedule, the lists of contesting candidates have been published by the Returning Officers concerned after 3 p.m. on October 27. Simultaneously, they have also declared the results of uncontested elections.
Everyone Was Shocked: Du Plessis Recalls Smith Replacing Dhoni As RPS Captain
Faf Du Plessis: Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said everyone in the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) dressing room was shocked on hearing that MS Dhoni was removed as the sides captain and replaced by premier Australian batter Steve Smith ahead of the 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Du Plessis, who was in the squad then, also said Smith handled the role admirably despite being new to leadership. Dhoni was stripped of the RPS captaincy before the 2017 IPL season began. It was a decision taken by the franchise owner, Sanjiv Goenka, at that time. Smith, who was early in his Australian captaincy career, took charge with Dhoni playing under him, and guided the Pune-based franchise to the 2017 IPL final, where they lost to Mumbai Indians by one run. It was also RPS's last game of the tournament. MS Dhoni was removed as captain of Rising Pune Supergiants after the end of the 2016 IPL season, and thats the biggest move you can make in a tournament of that stature. We hadnt won a couple of games, and the owner at the time made the decision to change the captain. Everyone was shocked after that call. MS Dhoni as captain was gone, and Steve Smith was the new captain. That was pretty early on in his leadership career. He wasnt experienced, but he did a good job. It was tough having MS Dhoni as your number two there, especially after hed just been removed as captain. Smith led the team to the final, and we lost that final, which we should have won. We were that close. Winning that final would have made Smith an IPL-winning captain in just one season of captaincy. That says a lot about him, du Plessis said on Cricinfos Cricketers on Cricketers show. RPS and Gujarat Lions were brought in as stand-in franchises for two seasons after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were suspended over their team officials' involvement in illegal betting, following the 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal. Smith led the team to the final, and we lost that final, which we should have won. We were that close. Winning that final would have made Smith an IPL-winning captain in just one season of captaincy. That says a lot about him, du Plessis said on Cricinfos Cricketers on Cricketers show. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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.
Faf du Plessis recalled the shock surrounding MS Dhoni's removal as Rising Pune Supergiants captain after the 2016 IPL season, saying Steve Smith handled the difficult situation well and led the team to the final in his first season as skipper
Tough Having Dhoni As Your No. 2: Du Plessis On Smith's IPL Captaincy
Faf du Plessis recalled the shock surrounding MS Dhoni's removal as Rising Pune Supergiants captain after the 2016 IPL season, saying Steve Smith handled the difficult situation well and led the team...
Bajaj Auto Meets Only 75% of Orders as Demand for Electric Scooters and Three-Wheelers Surges
Pune, October 28, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Bajaj Auto is facing challenges in meeting rising demand for its electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers due to limited production capacity. The company Bajaj Auto Meets Only 75% of Orders as Demand for Electric Scooters and Three-Wheelers Surges
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.
Amid rising farmer suicides in Maharashtra, a helpline run by one of their own offers support
Pune-based Shivar helpline managed by young people from farming families offers both a listening ear and practical solutions
NCP appoints Baba Siddique's son as president of its Mumbai unit
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) In a major organisational reshuffle within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party legislator Zeeshan Siddique was appointed as the Mumbai Regional President. The formal appointment letter was handed over to Siddique on Tuesday by NCP National President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. The appointment letter emphasises continuing the progressive legacy of late leader Ajit Dada Pawar, upholding the tradition of public service, and strengthening the party's grassroots commitment to the common citizens. Zeeshan Siddique, who lost the 2024 Assembly elections from Bandra East constituency, is the son of the late veteran politician Baba Siddique. The NCP leadership expressed firm confidence that under Siddique's stewardship, energy, and dedication, the party organisation in Mumbai will become significantly stronger, more effective, and deeply people-centric. The appointment marks a crucial step for the NCP as it reorganises its leadership framework in India's financial capital to bolster its urban outreach and grassroots influence. Zeeshan's appointment comes when NCP had failed to increase its tally in the recently held BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The party is struggling to consolidate its presence in Mumbai. NCP has historically struggled to establish a dominant presence in Mumbais municipal and Assembly politics compared to its formidable strength in western Maharashtra (such as Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur) and the Sugar Belt. Historically and currently, the NCP functions primarily as a coalition player rather than a lead power within Mumbai. Out of Mumbais 36 Legislative Assembly seats and 227 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards, the NCP has historically held only a tiny fraction of seats (often 1-3 Assembly seats at peak). Areas with notable Muslim population demographics (such as parts of Kurla, Anushakti Nagar, or Shivaji Nagar/Mankhurd) have occasionally elected NCP candidates. Pockets housing migrants from Western Maharashtra and Marathwada living in Mumbai offer localised support due to loyalty to rural NCP leadership. Following the July 2023 split into NCP (Ajit Pawar) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), the already thin Mumbai grassroots apparatus has divided further. NCP (Ajit Pawar) operates as part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, relying on state cabinet resources and alliance seat-sharing. NCP insiders said that the party's core branding, network, and patronage systems are rooted in agrarian politics, sugar cooperatives, and rural local bodies (Zilla Parishads). Translating this structure into Mumbais cosmopolitan, middle-class, and urban slum dynamics has proven difficult, and Zeeshan Siddique faces a major challenge to spread the party's wings ahead of the next Lok Sabha and Assembly polls slated for 2029. Observers said that Mumbais urban electorate has traditionally favoured the Shiv Sena (both UBT and Shinde factions) for Marathi identity and local civic issues, or the BJP for urban governance and middle-class appeal. Because the NCP partnered with the Indian National Congress (INC) for decades in Maharashtra, seat-sharing agreements historically allocated the vast majority of Mumbai constituencies to Congress, severely limiting the NCP's opportunity to field candidates and build a city-wide organisation. Most prominent NCP's heavyweight leaders draw their base from rural constituencies. The party lacks high-profile, born-and-bred Mumbai leaders capable of driving a citywide narrative. Siddique will have to focus on building dedicated urban-centric agendas (housing redevelopment, slum rehabilitation, local transport), grooming local youth leadership directly from Mumbais colleges and trade unions rather than importing rural cadres and leveraging coalition partnerships effectively to claim non-traditional urban seats during BMC and Assembly elections. Meanwhile, NCP President Sunetra Pawar has appointed Umesh Patil as National Chief Spokesperson.
Ms Parves counsel argued in ITAT Pune that she is a housewife and never filed her income tax return (ITR) as she had no independent source of income. To support her claims, Ms Parve also filed Form 26AS, an affidavit, the husbands death certificate, computation sheet, bank statements between 24.08.2015 and 30.09.2015.
Lab Rats series: A Pune biotech startups new approach to vitiligo cure
Ahammune has advanced its first-in-class drug to solve vitiligo to mid-trials with a fraction of the cost of global peers. Its not been an easy road, but the tide is turning.
MLC polls: Neck-and-neck battle between Mahayuti and MVA over five seats
Bombay HC quashes FIR against Pune student over Operation Sindoor repost
Pune RTO launches WhatsApp number for passengers against fleecing by private bus operators
FTII students protest in solidarity with SRFTI students, demand revocation of rustication
Row over Khalid's book: ABVP protests outside IISER Pune, students criticise institute's withdrawal
PWD plans three flyovers, one grade separator for Rs 227 crore to alleviate Hinjewadi traffic woes
No other option: Townships forced to depend on polluted Mula water in Hinjewadi
Pune police to register FIR against woman constable for drunk driving on wrong side of road
Pipeline breaches trigger massive wastage; citizens slam PMC over leaks as stricter supply cuts loom
Man tries to steal cash from ATM unit
Two workers killed as bike crashes into parked truck
PMC starts repairing roads under PCB, offers relief to cash-strapped board
Education should go beyond earning money, contribute to society: Tamil Nadu governor Arlekar
Maharashtra farmers to get support for resilient agriculture
No additional water cuts for now: Mayor tells PMC to pause decision till canal committee meeting
Pune makes room for round-the-clock gyms
SNDT to give academic recognition to chess for undergraduates
Man faces FIR for alleged NCRA recruitment exam question paper leak
Std VI vocational education to give 75% weightage to practical work
Pune Study Reveals Silk Nanocomposite's Dengue Potential
A recent scientific study by Dr. Dinesh Amalnerkar and Dr. Ravindra Chaudhari in Pune has demonstrated that a silk-based nanocomposite material, particularly one containing silver nanoparticles, can effectively kill Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae and pupae. This research, published in 'Nature Scientific Reports', offers a promising new approach for dengue control, especially as Pune faces a surge in cases. While showing high mortality rates in lab tests and minimal environmental impact, further field research is needed before large-scale deployment.
Cyclone Arnab impact: Several flights from Vizag, Vijayawada cancelled
Digital Desk | Visakhapatnam, Oct 27 (IANS) Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab in the Bay of Bengal has disrupted air services in Andhra Pradesh, with airlines cancelling several flights at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram near Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada International Airport on Tuesday. With heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds lashing the coastal region under the impact of the cyclone on Tuesday, various airlines have cancelled their services as a precautionary measure. Sixteen flights scheduled to depart from Bhogapuram on Tuesday have been cancelled. Services to destinations like Delhi, Hyderabad, Kurnool, Tirupati, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai were cancelled. Five flights from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada were also cancelled in view of the cyclone. Airlines have cancelled Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kadapa and Bhogapuram flights. With the cyclone set to cross the coast on Wednesday, more flights are likely to be cancelled. Authorities had already issued an advisory that, in view of the approaching cyclonic weather, heavy rainfall and strong winds may affect flight schedules and travel to and from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. Passengers were advised to check flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport. They have been advised to allow additional travel time, subject to local weather and road conditions. Passengers have been asked to contact their airline directly for rescheduling or cancellation assistance. Air India and Air India Express said in their advisories that weather conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone Arnab may impact flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada on 27 October. They advised passengers to check their flight status on the websites of the airlines. As road travel may also get affected due to inclement weather, passengers have been advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport. Meanwhile, a review meeting was held by the Airports Authority of India to assess preparedness at airports located in the potential impact zone of severe cyclonic storm Arnab and ensure readiness to address any possible disruptions to civil aircraft operations. The meeting was chaired by Puneet Kansal, Chairman and attended by Regional Executive Directors of Eastern Region and Southern Region, Airport Directors of Kolkata, Chennai, Tirupati, Raipur, Kadapa, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Jharsuguda airports, along with ATC In-charges of Bhogapuram and Hyderabad airports.
JLR plots bigger India play with four EVs, Defender price cut of up to 34 lakh
The move reduces Defender prices by up to 34 lakh and creates scope for higher production at its Pune facility
Cases will be filed against rogue finance companies harassing drought-hit farmers: Maha Minister
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) The Maharashtra Cabinet Sub Committee chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday decided that cases will be filed against rogue finance companies harassing the drought-hit farmers from 304 talukas for the recovery of loans. Microfinance and private finance companies harassing farmers during the drought period and driving them to suicide were issued a clear warning at the meeting. Following the incident in Nanded, the Chief Minister has ordered direct police complaints (cases) to be registered against officials and recovery agents of companies that mentally harass farmers, said Chandrashekhar Bawankule. He further stated that with the severity of drought increasing in the state, the government has taken crucial steps for farmers and livestock. To alleviate the fodder shortage across 304 drought-affected talukas, full authority for fodder procurement and cultivation has been granted to a 5-member committee chaired by the District Collectors. Along with this, a key decision has been taken to directly provide funds from the District Planning Committee (DPC) to immediately restart rural piped water supply schemes that were shut down solely due to unpaid dues or lack of electricity connections. To prevent the livestock fodder issue from turning grave, a 5-member committee headed by the District Collector has been formed. The Collector will have full authority regarding fodder procurement, local cultivation, or bringing supplies from other districts. As per the government's new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), dry fodder will be made available at Rs 12 per kg and green fodder at Rs 8 per kg. Fodder cultivation will take place using DPC funds on available lands belonging to the Forest, Revenue, and Water Resources departments. Additionally, abundant fodder from Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri will be diverted to drought-affected districts, said Minister Bawankule. According to the minister, water supply schemes that have halted despite the availability of water, solely due to unpaid electricity bills or missing power connections, will be operationalised immediately using DPC funds. This will curb wasteful expenditure on water tankers and directly supply drinking water to villagers. Income tax-paying farmers, government officials/employees, and public representatives have been excluded from the Rs 5,000 subsidy being credited to farmers' bank accounts ahead of Diwali. These strict criteria will be applied on the lines of loan waiver rules, he said. The government will provide financial assistance to desilt lakes and dams and spread the silt across farmland. A subsidy of Rs 31 per cubic meter for desilting and Rs 35 per cubic meter for transporting it to fields will be provided. Furthermore, royalties will be fully waived if soil, murrum, or gravel from lakes are used for road construction work, said Minister Bawankule. Minister Bawankule clarified that demands to declare drought have been received from Haveli, Maval, and Mulshi in Pune district, Hatkanangale in Kolhapur district, and parts of the Konkan region. A final decision regarding the inclusion of these new talukas in the drought-affected list will be taken in next Tuesday's meeting after receiving ground reports from the respective District Collectors.
Hiranandani Communities, Krisala expand partnership to Rs 20,000 cr projects
The Hiranandani Group and Krisala Developers are set to roll out four new developments in Pune and Nagpur. Their focus is on delivering high-quality homes, including a unique golf lifestyle township. With the first project in Pune expected to attract considerable revenue post-completion, both companies are confident the market will continue to flourish in the year ahead.
'People Knew Me As The Man Who Almost Killed Amitabh Bachchan': Puneet Issar On Coolie Mishap
More than four decades later, the actor has opened up about how the accident changed his career
