Nana Patekar: An Essayist of Characters
Nana Patekar died in the early hours of Thursday, 8 October 2026 of a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was seventy-five. Four days earlier, at a function near Panaji, he had spoken of death without theatre. We all have to go someday. I dont know whether I will be here tomorrow But before the time comes we have to think am I able to do what I want to do? Have I made the effort? Then, The Indian Express reports, he danced with a troupe and told a fan who asked for a Krantiveer dialogue that none would leave his throat until he heard the jingling of money in his ears. Frank, funny, faintly dangerous, and honest about the clock: that was Nana to the last. I keep a short roll of honour among the worlds actors: Gregory Peck, Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Dilip Kumar, George C. Scott, Donald Sutherland, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Charles Chaplin, Alec Guinness, Jack Nicholson. Nana Patekar belongs on that roll, and not as a courtesy of nationality. He was an essayist of characters. Each of his men arrived as a thesis, made its case in a rasp or a silence, and left the audience altered. Look at the range. In Salaam Bombay! (1988) he was Baba, a drug dealer and pimp without a flicker of pity. In Parinda (1989) he was the crime lord Anna Seth, whose maniacal laugh won him his first National Award. In Krantiveer (1994) he turned anger into a public argument against corruption and won Best Actor. In Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) he played a deaf-mute father with no dialogue to lean on; the Express called it pure performance, the hallmark of a true actor. In Ab Tak Chhappan (2004) he was a police inspector so obsessed with cleaning up crime that all semblance of balance disappeared. In Natsamrat (2016) he became Ganpat Appa Belwalkar, the stage legend who neglected his family in his prime and found they had little time for him in old age. What I prize in the men on my roll is economy: a pause doing the work of a paragraph. Nana had it. His villains were never cartoons, and his heroes never forgot they were angry men. Honorary ranks are often treated as ornaments. Nana Patekars was not. He came to my Regiment first through a film. In Prahaar (1991), which he co-wrote, directed and starred in, he played Major Chavan of the Maratha Light Infantry, a hard taskmaster to his cadets. By several accounts he prepared by training with the Regiment for about three years. He joined the Territorial Army as an honorary Captain around 1990, and held his honorary commission, rising to Lieutenant Colonel, until 2013. Then came 1999. He asked to go to the front and was told that only the Defence Minister could permit it. So he telephoned George Fernandes, who agreed. He reached the Line of Control in August, weeks after the Kargil war was officially declared over, and did the unglamorous work: a base hospital, a quick-response team, patrols. He did not play at being a combatant. Kashmiri readers will know the places. By his own telling, his travels took in Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore. I know that belt. Kupwara is my home district, and Baramulla is where I commanded my battalion on the Line of Control. When I reached Srinagar, my weight was 76 kg, he recalled. When I came back, my weight became 56 kg. In a recent interview he said of that time, simply: I felt happy. I could at least do this little bit for the country. That is how soldiers speak of service: without ornament. There is a coincidence I cannot leave alone. In 1978, the year I was commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry, Nana Patekar made his screen debut in Gaman . Two roads began that year, and they met in one Regiment. A regiment is a family of obligations. Whoever wears its uniform and means it, belongs to it. Nana meant it. He knew his own faults. I get violent, he told the Express in 2016. Thats the difference. I lost so many things because of that. Few public men name their flaw so plainly. In the same breath he said: Acting is not just a profession for me. This is how I breathe. His generosity was quieter than his temper. In 2015 he and Makarand Anaspure founded the NAAM Foundation to help drought-hit farmers and their families in Maharashtra. And when he learnt that the young shooter Anjali Bhagwat and two teammates were sharing one rifle and one kit for want of money, he stepped in. He is the first sponsor of my career, she says. To newcomers on the range he would say, on the spot: Take my ammunition and shoot. No glove? Here, take mine. Ill get a new one. I must also set down a private regret. I have created and written a screenplay of an eight-episode feature for Netflix that marries Dostoevskys quiet pathos to the reckonings of love in King Lear . Its lead is an ageing patriarch who reeks of lust and greed. My sponsors offered a distinguished shortlist of the countrys finest actors. I insisted on Nana Patekar. My reason was what I call the Al Pacino frequency: volatile, razor-edged, soul-piercing. Nana had an innate, unpredictable savagery. In Parinda it announced itself. In Apaharan , as the MLA and underworld don Tabrez Alam, it learned to wait. Even in The Vaccine War , in a very different part, he kept his power in reserve. With age the fire had hardened into something more dangerous: a quiet, sardonic, bone-chilling cruelty. I wanted that savagery of intent dripping from my patriarchs face and eyes before he spoke a word. I could not imagine another face carrying it. Every writer has a role written for one particular face. Mine was his. Now it is my loss, and a regret I will carry for life. He was cremated late on Thursday night at his farmhouse in Donje village, outside Pune, with full state honours and a 21-gun salute, before more than a thousand mourners. The salute fitted. He had worn two uniforms, the actors and the soldiers, and neither was a disguise. Rest well, Colonel. The Regiment remembers you. Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai. (The writer, a retired Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry, is a strategic analyst and author.)
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Ranbir Kapoor leases Pune's 6,094 sq ft Trump Towers flat for 1.75 crore over 3 years: Report
Ranbir Kapoor has leased his 6,094 sq ft apartment at Pune's Trump Towers for a starting monthly rent of 4.63 lakh. The three-year agreement includes a 5% annual increase and is expected to generate around 1.75 crore in rental income.
Rapido booked in Pune for allegedly operating bike taxis without licence
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Local body elections: SEC directs maintenance of law and order as violence continues in some areas
Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha orders officials to bring the situation under control, deploy adequate security at all the nomination filing centres so that candidates can file their papers by 3 p.m. on October 18
Khushi completes hat-trick of titles at national tennis
Khushi Kadian secured a hat-trick of titles at the National Tennis Championship, winning U-14 and U-16 singles after her U-16 doubles victory. Ribhav Saroha claimed two titles, including the boys' U-16, while Puneeth Manohar achieved a double in the boys' U-14 category.
NCP (Sharad Chandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule on Saturday called the drought situation in Maharashtra very alarming, accusing the state government of not responding to the opposition's suggestions and of not keeping its promises to farmers, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Rs 5000 has been provided to drought-hit farmers as advance financial assistance. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Sule said party chief Sharad Pawar had already reached out to CM Fadnavis and do not wish to politicise the situation. The situation is very alarming. Sharad Pawar has written two letters to the Chief Minister with several suggestions. We do not want to politicise the drought. We are ready to work with the government, but there has been no response from its side, and no plan is being implemented, she said. She said the government had promised far more than Rs 5000, claiming that money due under other schemes had also not reached farmers. This government had promised farmers not
Fenesta Open: Khushi Kadian completes hat-trick by winning U-16 and U-14 singles titles
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) A day after winning the U-16 doubles title, Haryanas Khushi Kadian completed a hat-trick at the 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship on Saturday by winning the Girls' U-16 and U-16 singles titles to cap an extraordinary week at the DLTA Complex in the Capital. Kadian began the day with a hard-fought 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 win over Ranjhana Sangram in the U-16 singles final before returning to the court later in the afternoon to defeat second seed Siddhi Pandey 6-3, 6-2 in the U-14 singles final in one hour and 16 minutes. It is very important to me, and I feel really great about winning these titles, Kadian said after her second match of the day. The whole week has been very great for me, playing 15 matches in a row in one week. This was a test for me, and thankfully I have passed this test quite successfully. I am very happy that my hard work has paid off. This is the biggest tournament we have, and I wanted to win this tournament at least once in my career. Kadian credited her parents and coaching team for their constant support and encouragement. The triumph also helped her overcome painful memories from an earlier edition of the Nationals. I want to be an inspiration, she added. My mother and my father, they keep me motivated, and especially my coaches. They all keep supporting me. I'm so happy that they are there for me and clapping for every point and motivating me. A few years back, in the Under-12 nationals, I got injured badly, and I wanted to win those nationals but couldnt. So, I really wanted to win the Nationals this time, and I'm very happy about it. Chandigarhs Ribhav Saroha also completed a memorable double, adding the Boys U-16 singles title to the U-18 crown he won last weekend. The top seed defeated unseeded Yashwin Dahiya 6-2, 6-3 in the final in one hour and 32 minutes. It feels great, to be honest. It's a really special feeling for me, Saroha said. This is the National tournament of India, which is really prestigious to me, and I feel really great. I'm really grateful to the people who have supported me in this success. Saroha said winning the U-18 title was particularly special because he had to compete against older players. Winning the Under-18 title for me is really special. Competing against players who are older than me, it's really great to compete with them and to win the Under-18s; it's been really special. Saket Jain, Executive Director and Business Head of Fenesta Building Systems, Indian hockey player and 2026 Asian Games gold medallist Jyoti Rumavat, and Asian Games shooting silver medallist Niraj Kumar graced the occasion as chief guests and were present for the prize distribution ceremony. Meanwhile, Karnatakas Puneeth Manohar completed a double in the Boys' U-14 category, adding the singles title to the doubles crown he won on Friday. The second seed defeated fifth seed S. Chintagunta 6-3, 6-2 in the final in one hour and 28 minutes. I am very happy that I won the tournament, Manohar said after the match. The score was 6-3, 6-2, but it was a good fight from my opponent, and I am happy that I got the win. Now that I am done with the U-14, I will be focusing more on the U-18 World Tennis Tour. Results (all finals): Boys' U-16 Singles: Ribhav Saroha [1] def. Yashwin Dahiya 6-2, 6-3 Girls' U-16 Singles: Khushi Kadian [14] def. Ranjhana Sangram 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 Boys' U-14 Singles: Puneeth Manohar [2] def. S Chintagunta [5] 6-3, 6-2 Girls' U-14 Singles: Khushi Kadian [5] def. Sidhhi Pandey [2] 6-3, 6-2
SPPU Result 2026 Out - Check UG
SPPU (Savitribai Phule Pune University) has released four Summer Session 2026 results on 16 October 2026 First Year B.V.A. (Sculpture), Second Year M.Sc. Physics (2020 Pattern), First Year MLISc and First Year ACSP.
Jaandaar lives up to the billing in the Pune Derby
Online betting: ED raids 20 places in Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Mehsana and Hyderabad
The agency seized documents and digital devices and froze multiple bank accounts linked to suspected entities and individuals, according to the information provided by the ED
Dharana Introduces a Reimagined Approach to Personalised Wellness and Wellbeing
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 17: Set within one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots in the Sahyadris, and a short drive from Mumbai and Pune, Dharana introduces a new approach to wellness, bringing together advanced science, Indian healing intelligence and the restorative power of nature. A new journey towards lasting wellbeing begins with a deeper understanding of the body, mind and their connection with nature. Moving beyond conventional wellness, Dharana seeks to understand what has shifted within the body and mind, why it has shifted, and create personalised pathways to restore health, vitality and balance in a way that lasts.
Rapido Booked By Pune Police Over Alleged Unauthorised Bike-Taxi Operations
Pune Police has booked Rapido parent Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd for allegedly running bike-taxi services without the required licence
Jaandaar and Iron Mirage should fight out the finish of the Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby
Punetha Warns of Strict Action against Poll-Related Violence in AP
Punetha said that additional security would be provided at the nomination centers
Nana Patekars son Malhar addresses Tanushree Dutta allegations: The truth will remain the truth
Late actor Nana Patekars son, Malhar Patekar, has addressed the allegations made against his father by actor Tanushree Dutta, while also dismissing reports about his parents relationship and family dynamics. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Malhar said the legal case related to the allegations had already concluded and questioned why the matter kept being discussed. Without naming Tanushree, he said he had nothing further to add. Without naming anyone, I want to say that the case people are bringing up unnecessarily is already over. Judiciary se clear hua hain, case khatam ho chuka; phir bhi bol rahe [the case is over; they still keep talking], he said. Malhar added, Aise logo ko mein unko kuch nahi bolunga; joh sach hai wahi rahega, bhagwan unka bhala kare [I have nothing to say to such people. The truth will remain the truth. May God bless them], this is what I have to say to them. What Tanushree Dutta had alleged against Nana Patekar In 2018, Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar and others of sexual harassment on the sets of Horn OK Pleasss. She had alleged that an incident took place during the filming of the movie and subsequently quit the project. The allegations resurfaced during Indias #MeToo movement, with Tanushree reiterating her claims against Nana, choreographer Ganesh Acharya and the films producer. Following Nana Patekars death on October 8 in Goa, Tanushree shared a video on her Instagram Stories in which she referred to the late actor as an evil dead. She later spoke to the media about the allegations and said that she would not forget what she claimed had happened on the sets of the film. Nana Patekar died of a heart attack in Goa after reportedly experiencing chest pain early in the morning. He was later cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Pune in the presence of family, friends and members of the film fraternity. Also Read:Nana Patekars autopsy CONFIRMS heart attack caused by blood clot in left main coronary artery: Report
FDA has suspended licences of five Reliance, Blinkit and Zomato Hyperpure facilities after an alleged expired-food diversion racket was uncovered in Thane and Pune. Ten people were named in an FIR, with seizures reportedly worth Rs 48.09 lakh.
Rs 475 crore approved to modernise ITIs in Jammu, Srinagar under PM-SETU
Srinagar, Oct 16: The Centre on Friday cleared investments worth Rs 475.41 crore for upgrading two Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) singling out the Union Territorys progress under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The approvals came at the sixth National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting of PM-SETU, chaired by MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee. The committee approved five Strategic Investment Plans worth Rs 1,194.92 crore in all, covering clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir. Two of the five are in J&K, which accounts for nearly 40 percent of the total sanctioned in this round. For Jammu, the committee approved a plan of Rs 240 crore in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited. Government ITI Jammu will serve as the hub, with ITIs at R.S. Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua as spokes. For Srinagar, a plan of Rs 235.41 crore was cleared in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India Limited. Government ITI Srinagar will be the hub, and the institutes at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief will function as spokes. Mukherjee said the progress made by Jammu and Kashmir was encouraging and reflected a strong commitment to strengthening skilling and expanding opportunities for youth in the region. She described the approvals as an important step in implementing PM-SETU, one that would strengthen ITIs, improve training and increase industry participation. She also encouraged clusters to work towards ISO certification and to include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their Approved Implementation Plans. The aim, she said, is to improve training quality and help young people gain skills that lead to better employment. The plans will be implemented through partnerships between State Governments or Union Territories, industry partners and the participating ITIs. According to the Ministry, the projects will focus on modernising infrastructure, introducing industry-aligned courses, strengthening trainer capacity, enhancing industry engagement and improving employability outcomes for youth. The other three clusters approved at the meeting are in Odisha and Maharashtra. ARs 240.50 crore plan was cleared for the Kataka ITI cluster in Odisha, to be upgraded with Tata Steel Foundation. Government ITI Kataka is the hub, with Madhusudan Government ITI Choudwar and the ITIs at Paradeep, Jajpur and Dhenkanal as spokes. In Maharashtra, aRs 241 crore plan was approved for the Pune cluster, to be implemented by BVG India Limited in consortium with BVG Foundation. It is anchored by Government ITI Aundh, with Aundh (Women), PimpriChinchwad, Khed (Rajgurunagar) and Mulshi as spokes. The committee also approved Rs 238.01 crore for the ChhatrapatiSambhajinagar cluster, in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited, with the ITIs at Paithan, Khultabad, Phulambri and Gangapur as spokes. With these approvals, the cumulative investment approved under PM-SETU has reached Rs 3,687 crore. The Ministry said the development marks another milestone in the governments efforts to transform ITIs into modern, industry-aligned and future-ready skill institutions. The meeting was attended by Niranjan Kumar Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, and Manasi Sahay Thakur, Joint Secretary, both of MSDE. Representatives of the Directorate General of Training (DGT), State Governments and Union Territories, industry partners, multilateral development banks and other stakeholders involved in the scheme also took part.
Centre approves Rs 475 cr to upgrade 10 J&K ITIs
Srinagar, Oct 16: The Centre has approved investment plans worth Rs 475.41 crore for upgrading 10 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Jammu and Kashmir under the PM-SETU scheme, with private industry partners set to participate in modernising training facilities and introducing employment-oriented courses. The approvals were granted during the sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee, chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Debashree Mukherjee, in New Delhi on Friday. According to the ministry, Rs 240 crore has been approved for the Jammu ITI cluster, while Rs 235.41 crore has been sanctioned for the Srinagar cluster. The Jammu cluster will be developed in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited, with Government ITI Jammu serving as the hub and Government ITIs at R S Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua functioning as associated institutes. In Kashmir, Inderdeep Infra India Limited will partner in upgrading the Srinagar cluster, comprising Government ITI Srinagar as the hub and institutes at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as spokes. The investment plans aim to modernise training infrastructure, introduce courses aligned with industry requirements, improve instructor skills and strengthen links between technical institutions and employers. The ministry said the projects would be implemented through partnerships involving the government, industry and participating ITIs. Mukherjee said the progress made by Jammu and Kashmir under the scheme was encouraging and stressed the need to improve training quality and employment opportunities. She urged participating clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their implementation plans. Besides Jammu and Kashmir, the committee approved Rs 240.50 crore for the Kataka ITI cluster in Odisha in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation. In Maharashtra, Rs 241 crore was approved for the Pune cluster in partnership with BVG India Limited and BVG Foundation, while Rs 238.01 crore was sanctioned for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar cluster in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. The five clusters together account for an approved investment of Rs 1,194.92 crore. With the latest approvals, the cumulative investment approved under PM-SETU has reached Rs 3,687 crore. The committee was also informed that 3,744 trainers had undergone training through National Skill Training Institutes under the scheme as of October 2026. However, the ministry did not specify when the proposed upgrades at the 10 ITIs in Jammu and Kashmir would be completed or when the new training courses would become available to students.
SEC Allots Symbols To Three Registered Political Parties In AP
State election commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha issued an order here on Friday with an allotment of symbol of Bat for Jayeeta Sama Samajam Party, Battery Torch for Bharatha Chaitanya Yuvajana Party and Gas Cylinder to Rashtriya Praja Congress (Secular) Party.
Inter-State Gang Uncovered in Pune for Stealing Gold Chains During Ganesh Visarjan
Pune police have apprehended a gang involved in stealing gold chains during Ganesh Visarjan, solving 13 cases linked to the crime. Inter-State Gang Uncovered in Pune for Stealing Gold Chains During Ganesh Visarjan
Three minors detained in Pune for hacking 21-year-old man to death
Three held for tying up, robbing 60-year-old woman of jewellery worth Rs 58.87 lakh
Aaple Sarkar services to remain offline for four days
Vidya Valley School shines at World Youth Forum 2026
Conference proposes global council for value-based education, calls for stricter environmental laws
MPSC member Waghole gets addl charge of chairman, Rohit Pawar seeks wider probe into exam leaks
Night temperatures drop to 18.4C at Shivajinagar; NDA records 17.3C
New waste centre boost to Mahabaleshwars battle against garbage
12-year-old girls resistance forces armed thief to flee house empty-handed
Mahayuti infighting intensifies over MLC polls amid growing farmer anger over drought
YCMH doc suspended over allegations of liquor party in postmortem dept
Nigdi man loses 25 lakh in online share-trading fraud
Railways, MSRTC step up efforts to conserve water
Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 25 food establishments and four edible oil and spice manufacturing units during a statewide crackdown on food safety violations. Six Dominos Pizza outlets in Pune division were among those affected. The FDA also seized around 81,330 kg of suspected substandard, adulterated or mislabelled food products worth Rs 1.73 crore from 37 establishments across six divisions. Laboratory tests and further legal action are pending.
Maharashtra farmers likely to receive 5,000 drought relief from Monday
Pune district completes 80% crop-loss panchanamas; farmers struggle with geotagging
Widespread supply disruptions persist across Pune a day after water cuts initiated
Durga Puja pandals in Pune turn adda hubs as friends swap work woes, life updates
Fortis Hospital kitchen, Sophia college canteen, Janata Bakery face FDA action
The crackdown covered the Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur divisions. The seized products included edible oil, chilli and turmeric powder, supari, dry fruits, sabudana, bhagar, rajgira, tea powder and sweets, according to an FDA statement issued on Friday
Ranbir Kapoor leases his luxury flat for THIS whopping amount
Ranbir Kapoor has leased out his luxury apartment at Trump Towers in Pune for a starting monthly rent of Rs 4.6 lakh. According to the reported documents, the apartment has an approximate area of 6,094 sq ft and includes three covered car parking spaces.
Pune Ring Road Cost Rises By Rs 10,502 Crore As Maharashtra Takes Over Stretch From NHAI
Ranbir Kapoor Leases Pune Apartment In Trump Towers For Rs 4.63 Lakh Per Month: Report
The property has been leased for three years, from September 20, 2026, to September 19, 2029
Ranbir Leases Pune Apartment In Trump Towers For Rs 4.63 Lakh Per Month
The property has been leased for three years, from September 20, 2026, to September 19, 2029
IISER Pune Project Associate II Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) has released the notification for 2 Project Associate-II posts. Eligible candidates can send their applications by email till 25 October 2026. Further details are available at iiserpune.ac.in.
J&K gets Rs 475.41 crore for upgradation of Jammu, Srinagar ITI clusters under PM-SETU
Srinagar, Oct 16: The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) has approved investments worth 475.41 crore for upgrading Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Jammu and Srinagar. The approvals are part of five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth a cumulative 1,194.92 crore cleared for ITI clusters across Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Odisha, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee was held on Friday under the chairpersonship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Under the approved plans, the Jammu ITI Cluster will receive an investment of 240 crore in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited, while 235.41 crore has been approved for the Srinagar ITI Cluster in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India. The Jammu cluster comprises Government ITI Jammu as the hub, with Government ITIs at R S Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua as spoke institutions. The Srinagar cluster comprises Government ITI Srinagar as the hub, with Government ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as spoke institutions. The projects aim to modernise infrastructure, introduce industry-aligned courses, strengthen trainer capacity and enhance industry participation to improve employment opportunities for youth. Chairing the meeting, Mukherjee said the approvals would help strengthen ITIs, improve training quality and increase industry participation. She encouraged the clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans. The progress made by Jammu & Kashmir is encouraging and reflects a strong commitment to strengthening skilling and expanding opportunities for youth in the region, she said. The committee also approved 240.50 crore for the Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, 241 crore for the Pune ITI Cluster in Maharashtra with BVG India Limited, in consortium with BVG Foundation, and 238.01 crore for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI Cluster in Maharashtra in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. With the latest approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has reached 3,687 crore, the ministry said. The committee also reviewed progress under the scheme's Training of Trainers component. As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had been trained through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The PM-SETU initiative seeks to transform ITIs into modern, industry-aligned skill institutions through partnerships between governments, industry and participating training institutes.
Ranbir Kapoor rents out Pune's Trump Towers apartment for 4.63 lakh/month
The three-year agreement, registered on October 6, 2026, is expected to generate total rental income of 1.75 crore over the tenure.
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) has released the official notification for 4 vacancies, including Project Lead, Project Research Associate, and Project Junior Associate posts. Selection will be carried out through a Walk-in Interview scheduled on 23 October 2026 at Seminar Room 33, Main Building, IISER Pune. Candidates should report at 9:00 AM. For complete details, candidates can visit iiserpune.ac.in.
Rs 142 Crore For Mumbai Suburban, Rs 68 Crore For Pune: Who Tops MahaRERA Recovery List?
Across Maharashtra, 1,675 warrants have been issued across 632 projects, covering dues of Rs 1,199.97 crore.
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.
Punes 65-Metre Inner Ring Road, 24-Metre HCMTR Projects Get 30 October Survey Deadline
Young Man Murdered Over Minor Dispute in Pune: Body Disposed of in Well
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Zabarvan Legends Series takes mountain biking from Kashmir to Ladakh
Srinagar, Oct 15: Indias mountain landscapes are emerging as a promising arena for international downhill mountain biking, with the Zabarvan Legends Series returning for its second season with races across Sikkim, Ladakh and Pune, aiming to put the country on the global adventure sports map. Organised by Zabarvan Xtreme, the international championship seeks to bridge the gap between Indias growing mountain biking community and the professional infrastructure, sponsorship and competitive opportunities available to riders in established cycling nations. Founded by Sehan Shetty, a snowboarder, surfer and football player, Zabarvan Xtreme was conceived to help Indian athletes pursue mountain sports professionally rather than treat them merely as recreational activities. Zabarvan Xtreme was created to build an ecosystem for mountain sports where Indian athletes can thrive and see these disciplines as serious sporting opportunities rather than simply hobbies, Shetty said. The series made its debut in October 2025, travelling through Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Shillong in Meghalaya and Guwahati in Assam. More than 30 riders participated in the inaugural edition, including competitors from Brazil, Australia, the Czech Republic and Iran. Brazils Douglas Vieira, a five-time national champion, emerged as the overall winner. Building on that experience, the second season has introduced three new venues, each offering a distinct combination of terrain, technical challenges and regional character. The opening race, Singge Oralo, was held from October 7 to 11 at Zoom village in Sikkims Eastern Himalayas. The two-kilometre course, named Snow Lion, featured a 200-metre descent through dense forests, with steep gradients, exposed roots, rocky drops and centuries-old granite stairways passing through historic mountain settlements. With gradients reaching 40 degrees, the track tested riders precision and adaptability across slippery roots, soft forest soil and unforgiving stone surfaces. The event attracted participants from eight countries, including India, Brazil, Australia, Iran, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Nepal and Italy. Vieira continued his winning run, finishing first in the elite category. Czech rider Matej Charvat secured second place, while Irans Hossein Zanjanian finished third. Australian mountain biking legend Samuel Hill, an eight-time world champion, finished fourth. Indian riders also made their presence felt, with Taitus Marak finishing eighth, Virendra Mali ninth and Aaronson Oniel Kharpuri tenth. In the second competition category, Meghalayas Will Willbornson finished second and Darian Laloo of Meghalaya Pro Cycling secured third place. The championship has now moved to Ladakh for Druk Layul, scheduled from October 14 to 18 at South Pullu, near the gateway to Khardung La. Named after the legendary Tibetan Thunder Dragon, Druk Layul translates to Thunder Dragons Heaven. The approximately 3.5-kilometre course descends from an altitude of 4,300 metres to 3,700 metres, presenting riders with a 600-metre elevation drop across the rugged Trans-Himalayan landscape. Loose shale, rocky chutes, exposed traverses, technical switchbacks and fast sections punctuated by jumps and drops are expected to test the competitors endurance and technical skills. Around 25 athletes are expected to participate in one of the championships most demanding high-altitude settings, where temperatures may range from minus 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Riders are being given two days to acclimatise to the altitude before racing. The event is being organised in partnership with Unexplored Ladakh, represented by Tenjin Jamphel, whose regional knowledge and experience in mountain biking and adventure travel are central to the competition. Beyond hosting the race, the organisers see Ladakh as a potential long-term destination for competitive mountain biking, with plans to encourage local participation, create opportunities for young riders and establish recurring competitions. The final leg, Gaur Ghat, will be held from October 22 to 25 in Pune, Maharashtra, beneath the historic walls of Sinhagad Fort. Drawing its name from the historic mountain pass leading towards the fort, the race will take riders through the rugged Sahyadri mountains. The 2.2-kilometre course, set at approximately 1,300 metres, features a 400-metre descent across dry basalt terrain, loose gravel, exposed bedrock, steep rock faces and technical switchbacks. The tracks rocky surfaces and rough rock gardens offer a different challenge from Sikkims forest trails and Ladakhs high-altitude desert. The organisers hope the event will help establish Pune as a destination for international mountain biking, building on its active cycling community and access to outdoor recreation areas. For Zabarvan Xtreme, however, the championship is about more than race results. The organisation aims to address the structural challenges confronting Indian mountain biking, including expensive equipment, limited training facilities, inadequate sponsorship and a shortage of professional racing opportunities. Bringing international riders to India gives local competitors an opportunity to experience professional racing standards without having to travel overseas. Collaboration with local organisers and cycling communities is also intended to build the foundations for sustained participation beyond individual events. The series could additionally create opportunities in adventure tourism, local employment and sports infrastructure, particularly in mountain destinations with the terrain and natural appeal to host international competitions. However, the long-term benefits will depend on sustained investment, local athlete development and responsible management of fragile mountain environments. From Gulmarg, Shillong and Guwahati in its inaugural season to Sikkim, Ladakh and Pune in 2026, the Zabarvan Legends Series is expanding its geographical reach while seeking to establish a stronger professional pathway for Indian mountain bikers. Its larger ambition is to create an ecosystem where Indian athletes can train, compete at international standards and pursue mountain sports as a career, while bringing the countrys diverse landscapes to a wider global sporting audience.
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Special voter registration camps across state on Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25
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