Former CEO Aditya Kulkarni described modern parenting in Indian metros as a well furnished prison, arguing that families have lost the village-like support once provided by neighbours and grandparents. Parents now pay for nannies, daycare and other services while managing demanding careers. He said every arrangement comes with a cost, whether money, career, parental presence or retirement, leaving families with difficult trade-offs.
Baby at a 'dhol-tasha' celebration? These Pune parents knew exactly what to do
A seemingly innocent parenting choice in a large crowd gathered for dhol tasha in Pune is being discussed widely on social media. Dhimahi Jain has uploaded a post appreciating parents who went that extra mile to ensure that their babies' ears were safe from the extremely loud music that was being played at FC Road, Pune.
Case Against 'Drunk' Biker For 'Recklessly' Overtaking Minister's Convoy In Pune
Police have registered an FIR against a motorcyclist for overtaking the convoy of Union minister Murlidhar Mohol in Pune city allegedly in an inebriated condition, officials said.
Maratha quota protest: Fadnavis says Ganeshotsav should not face disruption
Devendra Fadnavis said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the police but stressed that the timing of the proposed protest during the festival could affect devotees and public movement in Mumbai and Pune
Ajay Banga makes nuclear energy World Bank priority: US Treasury Secretary
Digital Desk | Washington, Sep 16 (IANS) World Bank President Ajay Banga has made nuclear energy financing a priority as the institution returns to the sector after decades, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told lawmakers. The policy shift comes as the World Bank prepares to phase out lending to China by 2031 and direct more of its resources towards poorer countries requiring development assistance. Mr. Banga, who heads the World Bank, we have made it clear to him that this is a priority, Bessent told the House Financial Services Committee. And indeed, he has adopted this as a priority. This is the first time in decades that the World Bank has moved forward on nuclear energy, he said. Bessent said nuclear power could help poorer countries improve living standards, expand economic opportunities and secure sustainable sources of electricity. I think it is an important part for the poorest countries in engaging in their -- in increasing their welfare levels and increasing their prosperity and developing truly sustainable energy, he said. The World Bank began returning to nuclear energy financing in June 2025 after years of avoiding the sector. Committee Chairman French Hill said the institution had taken its first concrete step by reaching an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The arrangement allows the bank to receive technical expertise from the UN nuclear watchdog, support existing reactors and examine the potential of small modular reactors. This year, we also saw the first contribution to a new Nuclear Energy Assistance Trust Fund at the bank, which I hope will see additional funds from the US Treasury going forward, Hill said. Developing economies need access to reliable and affordable electricity to grow, making this exactly the kind of practical, pro-growth approach these institutions should fully embrace, he added. The committee had supported legislation encouraging the World Bank to reconsider its restrictions on nuclear financing. Republican Representative John Rose said the change could provide developing countries with reliable, affordable and secure energy. The institutions renewed interest in nuclear power is taking place alongside a broader reassessment of where its development funds should be directed. Hill welcomed the World Banks decision to end financing for China by 2031. He said the worlds second-largest economy possessed substantial financial resources and had become a major international creditor. American taxpayers should not be backstopping Beijing and their ambitions at the World Bank, Hill said. That's why the World Bank's decision to phase out its lending to China by 2031 is an important step in the right direction. Hill said the World Bank should focus on reducing poverty and supporting economic growth in countries that genuinely needed development assistance. The committee also raised concerns about Chinas role at the International Monetary Fund. Bessent said the IMF was holding advanced discussions with Beijing on economic imbalances and the possible risks they posed to global financial stability. Banga, who was born in Pune, became World Bank president in June 2023. The Indian-American executive previously led Mastercard and has focused his World Bank tenure on employment, infrastructure, private investment and expanding reliable energy access in developing economies.
65-year-old dies in accident near Dehu Road
Pune dhol-tasha pathak see surge in demand amid noise concerns
Govt chalking out plan to tackle drought situation: Fadnavis
Deadline for Pune-Mumbai Connecting Links rockfall protection work pushed to November
Weeks before girls death in Punes Nigdi, RTO found several unfit vehicles in PCMC trash fleet
PCMC seeks time from NGT to assess internal funds for Pavana cleanup after state denies aid
Intoxicated motorcycle rider disrupts Union minister Mohols convoy
Ban on drones in old parts of city
Woman accused of husbands murder gets bail, HC cites severe spinal issues
Ex-serviceman from Shirur loses Rs28.72 lakh in online pension card scam
Reversing tempo runs over child
Distressed farmers in Maharashtra run tractors over failing soybean crops
Farmer shoots friend inside MPV over monetary dispute in Chikhali
State launches digital land bank to track govt land & allocations after Mundhwa land row
Old soybean seeds rebranded & sold without revalidation, agri dept cancels MP firms licence
Families conclude festival after first round of immersion
Metro ridership in Pune rises 21% since last year on Ganeshotsavs 1st day
NGT orders strict enforcement of silence-zone rules across Maharashtra
Rider killed as truck crashes into scooter at Undri Chowk
On-street parking proposal with standing committee
Strict Action Against Food Establishments in Mumbai, Four Licenses Suspended
Mumbais food safety authorities suspend licenses of four establishments for severe hygiene violations. Pune division also sees similar actions. Strict Action Against Food Establishments in Mumbai, Four Licenses Suspended
Makers of Mirzapur: The Movie release Sanson Ki Mala lyrical video
The makers of Mirzapur: The Movie have released the lyrical video of the song Sanson Ki Mala. The film, backed by Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios, stars Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu and Ali Fazal in key roles. It marks the franchises transition from the streaming space to the big screen, bringing its familiar characters and world to cinemas. The film has been performing at the box office since its theatrical release, and the makers have now unveiled the lyrical video of Sanson Ki Mala. The song brings a romantic element to the intense world of Mirzapur and features moments highlighting the chemistry between the couples from the franchise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies) Sanson Ki Mala is sung by Madhur Sharma, with music produced by Vaibhav Pani. The song features lyrics by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Sharing the lyrical video on social media, the makers wrote, Sanson ki mala pe, Simroon mein Pi ka naam. Sanson Ki Mala Lyrical Video Out Now! #MirzapurTheMovie, in cinemas now in Hindi & Telugu. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment, and co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani. Also Read : Amul India gives Mirzapur: The Movie a MASKAPUR twist with Kaleen Bhaiya creative
Watch: Pune Chaat Shop Owners Create 13-Foot-Tall Ganesha Idol Using 21,000 Pani Puris
From Golden Modaks to Pani-Puri Bappa, food remains an integral part of Ganeshotsav.
CR completes 8.5-hour mega block for Pune Yard track upgrade
An eight-hour-30-minute mega block was carried out for the work. The block was scheduled from 8.15 am to 5 pm, but was completed and cleared at 4.45 pm, 15 minutes ahead of schedule
BJP chief Nabin to visit Mumbai, Pune Ganesh pandals and temples tomorrow
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President, Nitin Nabin, will undertake a significant one-day religious and spiritual visit to Maharashtra on Wednesday, visiting prominent Ganesh pandals and temples in Mumbai and Pune during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations. On the auspicious occasion of the holy Ganeshotsav, Nabin will visit several prominent places of worship and Ganesh pandals across the two cities to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Vighnaharta Lord Ganesh. During his visit, he will pray for peace, prosperity and the overall well-being of Maharashtra as well as the entire country. Nabin is scheduled to arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 10:20 a.m. From the airport, the BJP National President will proceed directly to the historic Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, where he will offer prayers and perform darshan of Lord Ganesh. Following his visit to the temple, Nabin will reach the world-renowned Lalbaugcha Raja pandal at 11:30 a.m. to seek the divine blessings of Ganapati Bappa and participate in the traditional Ganesh Darshan during the festival. Thereafter, the BJP chief will proceed to the official residence of the Chief Minister at Malabar Hill, where he will perform Darshan of the Lord Ganesh idol installed at the residence and offer his prayers. Nabin will visit the official residences of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, both located at Malabar Hill. He will offer prayers and worship the Lord Ganesh idols installed at their residences. He is scheduled to reach Bandra Reclamation at 2:15 p.m., where he will participate in Shri Ganesh Darshan and offer prayers during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations. After completing his engagements in Mumbai, he will travel to Pune, where he will continue his religious visit by visiting prominent Ganesh mandals and seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesh. Upon arriving in Pune, Nabin will visit the Kasba Peth Mandal to perform darshan and seek the blessings of Ganapati Bappa. The visit will be part of his scheduled religious engagements in the city during Ganeshotsav. Thereafter, at 5:00 p.m., Nabin will visit the world-famous Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir in Pune. He will participate in the darshan and pooja of Shri Ganesh at the renowned Ganpati mandal, which is among the prominent centres of worship during the festival. At 5:30 p.m., the BJP chief will offer prayers at the Sane Guruji Tarun Mitra Mandal in Sadashiv Peth. He will subsequently visit the Shri Sai Mitra Mandal in Kothrud to perform Darshan of Shri Ganesh and offer his prayers.
Rasika Dugal shares a pic of Mirzapur queens featuring Shriya Pilgaonkar
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Actress Rasika Dugal took a trip down memory lane as she shared a carousel of pictures offering glimpses of her life lately. She also included a frame featuring the women of the Mirzapur franchise, which she captioned as The Queens. The carousel opens with Rasika posing with a dog named Max. In the picture, the actress, dressed in a light blue saree, is seen affectionately holding the dog's face as she smiles for the camera. Another behind-the-scenes picture shows her seated for hair and makeup, with her hair styled in pigtails. The carousel also features quirky Hindi signs reading Meri Saheli and Meri Begum, a picture of Rasika holding a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note that reads, Philaver hi toh hai. Laiph-time thodi hi rehta hai, signed by Tuku, Appu and Sid. Another picture shows the actress enjoying time with Max while dressed in a green saree. She also shared another group picture featuring women, including veteran actress Sheeba Chaddha and Shriya Pilgaonkar, with the text The Queens written across the picture. Rasika captioned the carousel, Inn Dinon. For the uninitiated, Rasika has been an integral part of the Mirzapur franchise since its first season, playing the character of Beena Tripathi, wife of Akhandanand Kaleen Tripathi, portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi. The actress has now reprised the role for Mirzapur: The Movie, which marks the franchise's transition from the streaming platform to the big screen. The film brings back many of the franchise's popular characters, including Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, Divyenndu as Munna Tripathi, Rasika as Beena Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Abhishek Banerjee. The film also features Ravi Kishan, Jitendra Kumar, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chaddha and Sonal Chauhan, among others. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written and created by Puneet Krishna, Mirzapur: The Movie is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment. The movie was released in cinemas on September 4, 2026, and has been receiving great response. The original Mirzapur series premiered on OTT in 2018 and went on to become one of India's most popular crime dramas. Its second season arrived in 2020, followed by the third season in 2024.
Purple Bus did something no Private Bus Operator in India has done
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 15: Purple Bus now runs an end-to-end booking channel of its own inside WhatsApp, the first private bus operator in India to do so.
Jackie Shroffs farmhouse between Mumbai and Pune is a sprawling 44,000 sq ft green retreat with more than 700 plants and trees, organic gardens and eco-friendly architecture using natural stone and timber. The property also features a fish pond, poultry section, open-air amphitheatre, swimming pool, jacuzzi, akhada-style gym and Titanic Point, reflecting his deep passion for nature and sustainability.
Hafeez Contractor at MIT-WPU: Smart Urban Planning Must Safeguard Forests and Wetlands
Pune, Maharashtra, India --- Business Wire India
PM Modi Likely To Virtually Flag Off Pune Metro Line 3 By September-End
Engineers Day is observed in India every year on September 15 to honour engineers and recognise their contribution to the countrys development. The day marks the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of Indias most celebrated engineers and statesmen. Here is why Engineers Day is celebrated, its significance and 50 wishes to share on the occasion.
Arise Hyundai opens new sales outlet in Kangan
Arise Hyundai, an authorised dealer of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), on Monday inaugurated its new sales outlet at Kangan in Ganderbal district, expanding its retail presence and customer reach in the region. Located near Qadeem Jamia Masjid, Kangan, the new facility will offer Hyundais range of vehicles along with product information, test-drive facilities and professional sales assistance. The inauguration was attended by senior representatives of Hyundai Motor India, including Jun Ho Lee, Zonal Business Coordinator; Bedabrata Sharma Bordoloi, Zonal Business Head; Gupesh Gupta, Zonal Parts and Service Manager; and Puneet Mehta, Regional Sales Head. The Arise Hyundai management was represented by Managing Directors Altaf Beigh, Omar Beigh and Barik Beigh, besides customers, officials, guests and well-wishers. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Beigh said the new outlet was aimed at making Hyundai vehicles and services more accessible to customers in Kangan and adjoining areas. We are thrilled to bring the complete Hyundai experience closer to our customers in Kangan and the surrounding areas. This new facility will not only showcase our latest models but also provide a seamless and comfortable buying experience, he said. Beigh said the outlet would serve as an important touchpoint for customers seeking information about Hyundais vehicle portfolio, features and technologies, besides receiving assistance during the purchase process. The facility has been designed to provide customers with a convenient retail environment while maintaining Hyundais customer service standards. The company said the new outlet would enable customers from Kangan and neighbouring areas to access Hyundais latest offerings without travelling to outlets farther away. With the opening of the Kangan facility, Arise Hyundai said it aims to further strengthen its customer network and expand access to its products and services across the region.
Chakan industrial area sees some traffic relief as factories begin staggered shifts
Pune: Illegal roadside shops choke Chakan roads, workers lose hours in daily jams
Major General to head Army probe into Secunderabad armoury heist
Vehicle dealerships may be selling vehicles without HSRP, say Pune RTO officials
5-year-old girl dies after garbage vehicle hits motorcycle, runs over her in Punes Nigdi
Online fraudsters cheat techie of Rs43.7 lakh
Private company official in Moshi loses Rs1 crore in online share trading fraud
Delayed testing & work commitments fuelling monsoon flu surge & severity: Doctors
Almost every district is witnessing agitation, govt must have dialogue with protesters: Supriya
Pimpri Chinchwad cops seize gutka, flavoured tobacco worth Rs56 lakh
Man held for murder had sexually assaulted victim, robbed her of gold in Baramati
Youth shoots himself in head in Baramati
Former Maharashtra minister Madan Bafna dies at 87
Mujumdarwadas 312-yr-old Ganeshotsav keeps to Peshwai tradition
After years of din, Ganeshotsav off to less noisy start
MPCB Says Sounds Levels Normal On Day 1
Bavdhan residents put the Connecting Link on display
After Mula, mass fish kill spotted in Indrayani river near Alandi temple
Ganeshotsav starts on cool note, but daytime temperature may hit 31C over next few days
Pune inaugurates Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati with traditional ceremony and DJ-free support
The News Mill
Pune Ganeshotsav begins: Five Manache Ganpatis welcomed amid chants, dhol-tasha
Pune's five Manache Ganpatis are Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati, and Kesari Wada Ganpati. They were welcomed amid large gatherings of devotees in Maharashtra's second-largest city
Your collective voice: Rahul invites students to Chhatron Ki Goonj in Indore
Rahul Gandhi invites students to Indore for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' on September 19. This event offers a platform for students to voice their education system concerns. He previously held similar sessions in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj, and Pune. The upcoming visit has sparked a political debate between Congress and BJP leaders. Gandhi aims to collectively push for necessary changes within the education sector.
Video:Punes Dagdusheth Ganpati arrives in grand procession on peacock chariot
The idol of Lord Ganesha from the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple was carried on a beautifully decorated peacock chariot and installed at a replica of Vrindavan's Prem Mandir, created at Jai Ganesh Prangan
Ganeshotsav 2026: Mumbai's Chinchpokli sees heavy rush on Day 1
Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations gathered pace across Maharashtra as Mumbai's Chinchpokli saw a heavy rush of devotees at Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, while Pune welcomed Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati with a traditional procession featuring Dhol Tasha and Mardani Khel
Devotees attend Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati procession in Pune
The News Mill
Indias data centre capacity likely to touch 8 GW by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Indias installed datacentre power capacity has risen sharply to 1.57 GW (as of August 2026) from about 375 MW in 2020, an official factsheet said on Monday. The capacity is projected to expand to nearly 8 GW by 2030 amid roughly $70 billion of ongoing investments and a further $90 billion in announced projects. Indias data-centre journey has evolved alongside the rapid expansion of e-Governance and digital services, with rising citizen expectations for online services increasing demand for robust data-centre infrastructure. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has established state-of-the-art National Data Centres across the country. These include facilities at NIC Headquarters in Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar. NIC has also established 37 smaller data centres at various state capitals. These facilities provide reliable digital services to Government institutions at different levels. They support round-the-clock operations, system management and skilled onsite personnel. Data centre capacity is expanding rapidly, making energy and resource efficiency increasingly important. Data centres require reliable electricity and efficient cooling systems for continuous operations, the official statement said. According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, demand could reach 17 GW by 203132. As the sector is expanding, the government is also promoting cleaner energy and efficient resource use to support sustainable sectoral growth, the statement noted. Indias digital economy is entering a new phase of rapid growth and technological transformation, while digitalisation is reshaping productivity, competitiveness and service delivery across sectors. As digital services expand, they are generating unprecedented demand for computing capacity, data storage and high-speed connectivity. Meeting this demand requires infrastructure that can operate continuously, securely and at scale. Data centres provide this critical foundation, powering the digital services that increasingly drive Indias economy and governance, said the official factsheet.
Six-member gang stealing copper from transformers held
Woman found murdered at home near Baramati
Planning to buy gold today on Ganesh Chaturthi? Check prices in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik
Gold and silver prices today, 14 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Nashik, along with MCX market updates.
Residents of Charholi battle lack of access roads, water & power woes
Rulers pushing Maha into darkness; Lord Ganesha save us: Shiv Sena(UBT) in 'Saamana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Launching a scathing attack on the state government on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Monday sharply criticised the ruling Mahayuti government for Maharashtra's compounding socio-economic and political crisis. The Thackeray camp, in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', painted a grim picture of a state eset by inflation, systemic corruption, agricultural distress, and rising communal polarisation -- arguing that the current rulers themselves have become the single biggest vighna (obstacle) confronting Maharashtra and the nation. The editorial slammed the government for compounding public distress ahead of the festive season. Highlighting steep hikes in the prices of sugar, milk, CNG, domestic LPG, petrol, and diesel, the daily noted that while the common man's festive budget has been badly hit, devotees will still leave no stone unturned to welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion. The editorial highlighted the recent physical assault on Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat, who had voiced strong opposition to high-decibel DJ systems during public celebrations. Rather than addressing noise pollution, the ruling establishment branded the activist as an urban Naxal and an outsider, while the Chief Minister resorted to evasive stances instead of decisive action, it claimed. Pointing to the severe impact of El Nino, the Thackeray camp warned of a worsening drought across Maharashtra. With Kharif crops wilting in scorched fields and deficient rainfall casting a shadow over the upcoming Rabi season, rural livelihoods are in severe jeopardy while farmer suicides continue unabated. The editorial also criticised repeated examination paper leaks. Following scandals in NEET and TET, the leak of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) papers forced the cancellation of exams. Dismissing the government's announced SIT probe and administrative reform claims as empty rhetoric, the editorial questioned who would answer for the shattered dreams of thousands of aspiring youths. Tracing the roots of Lokmanya Tilak's public Ganesh festival, the editorial lamented that its founding socio-political vision is being eroded by corporate takeover and cheap political posturing. The editorial further highlighted rising crimes against children, deteriorating roads claiming innocent lives daily, and the government's failure to enforce local Marathi language norms for non-native auto and taxi drivers. Concluding with a stark warning, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena asserted that Maharashtra -- once a beacon of progressive ideas for the country -- has been rendered directionless and pushed into the shadows of religious extremism by power-drunk and fanatical rulers. Calling upon the public to recognise the true root of their hardship, the editorial closed with a direct plea to Lord Ganesha to bestow wisdom upon the populace and save the state.
Mirzapur: The Movie crosses Rs 170 crore, makers discuss sequel plans
Mirzapur: The Movie has crossed Rs 170 crore at the domestic box office, prompting Excel Entertainment to consider a second theatrical film. The cast, director Gurmmeet Singh and writer Puneet Krishna are set to meet producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani
Techie loses Rs6.5L in online share trading fraud
Gold and silver add sparkle to Ganeshotsav celebrations despite soaring prices
Ganderbal Police trace three missing minor boys from Pune after 10-day search
Safely brought back, reunited with families Ganderbal, Sep 13: In a major success, Ganderbal Police have traced and safely recovered three minor boys who had gone missing from the Kheerbhawani area, following an extensive 10-day search operation that led the police team to Daund Railway Station in Pune, Maharashtra. According to police, Police Station Kheerbhawani []
Pune has over 44 lakh vehicles but just over 2,800 scrapped in last two years, RTO data shows
From homes to societies, Pune celebrates the arrival of Ganapati
HC orders PMC to act against Kausarbaug encroachments
Final Polling Station Lists Released for 59 AP Urban Local Bodies
State election commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha said the final publication followed the prescribed consultation process with political parties and the disposal of public objections and suggestions.
One held in Pune for cheating 5 with job promises
Preventive action against 2.5k criminals, 53 externed
Colour, scent of flowers fill markets, demand during puja increases cost
Neighbourhood Watch: Residents Of Punes Charholi Battle Lack Of Access Roads, Water & Power Woes
Two killed, 12 injured after four vehicles involved in accident on Katraj-Dehu Road bypass
PCMC suspends two engineers over alleged irregularities in civil department
Task force push for stability, security and transparency in Maharashtra competitive exams
Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 13 (IANS) In a major move to make Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and other state competitive examinations more transparent, secure, stable, and candidate-centric, the high-level recruitment examination taskforce constituted by the state government held extensive consultations with students, teachers, parents, and key stakeholders, officials said on Sunday. The deliberation covered vital issues, including exam timetables, question paper quality, leak prevention, vacancy announcements, answer keys, exam centre logistics, grievance redressal, and candidate 'opting-out' policies. The Task Force operates under the chairmanship of V. Radha, Additional Chief Secretary (Services) of General Administration Department. The high-level committee comprises Director General of Police Sadanand Date; IT and AI Secretary of Electronics Virendra Singh; Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Secretary N Ramaswami; Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam; Air Marshal Ajit Shankarrao Bhosale (Retired), former member of the UPSC; and Shyamprasad Kargudde from IIT Bombay. The state government formed the Taskforce amid MPSC exam paper leaks and ongoing protests by aspirants demanding the transparency and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. MPSC candidates urged the taskforce to publish and strictly adhere to an annual examination calendar, emphasising the need for long-term procedural stability without frequent policy changes. Pre-declaring minimum vacancies for various cadres was also strongly recommended. Task Force Chairperson V. Radha announced that competitive examinations will not be conducted online for the coming year. Instead, they will be held using the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet pattern, for which standardised operating guidelines are currently being framed. To achieve a zero-leak environment, the committee plans to leverage advanced technology across question creation, printing, transport, and distribution. The Taskforce is evaluating an encrypted 'e-question bank' system where even the item writers remain unaware of which exam their questions will feature in. Students demanded rigorous quality checks to eliminate errors in question papers and answer keys, alongside standardised evaluation metrics and reviewer audits for answer script verification. Stakeholders called for a unified online portal for candidate queries and objections, as well as a single-window system for one-time registration and fee payment across all state exams. Emphasis was placed on ensuring basic amenities at test centers, including clean restrooms, drinking water, and appropriate seating arrangements. Participants advocated for a clear policy on post-selection candidate 'opting-out' to avoid seat wastage when a candidate qualifies for multiple posts, along with timely verification of disability and sports quota certificates. The Taskforce is studying operational models of public service commissions across the countryspecifically analysing systems in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)to adapt proven best practices for Maharashtra. Highlighting the growing operational load on the MPSC, officials stressed the urgent need to bolster the Commission's administrative workforce, technical capabilities, and organisational structure. Our objective is to build a faster, more transparent, and accountable officer selection process for the state, Director General of Police Sadanand Date said. Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Additional District Collector Satish Raut, and Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam were among the senior officials present during the consultation.
Earlier they had to transport their produce all the way to Sangli or Pune in Maharashtra or pay more at private processing units
Three Ganderbal Minors Traced in Pune After 10-day Police Operation
SRINAGAR: Police in Central Kashmirs Ganderbal district have traced three minor boys who went missing from Tulmulla and reunited them with their respective families following a 10-day search operation. Police said the boys were located at Daund Railway Station in Pune, Maharashtra, on September 9 with the assistance of Maharashtra Police. The case was taken []
