Pune News

Maharashtra in 2025: Amid major anti-Naxal wins and stubborn crime graph, a chequered year

Maharashtra witnessed a turbulent 2025 marked by major crime and security events. Key Naxalites surrendered, while high-profile fraud cases, including a Pune land deal, surfaced. Bollywood stars faced allegations. The year also saw acquittals in terror blast cases, raising questions about investigations. Incidents of violence and infiltration were also reported.

Airports witness 7% surge in passenger traffic during November 2025 over same period last year

NEW DELHI: Airports across the country have recorded a 7% increase in passenger traffic during November 2025 as compared to the same month last year, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Air Traffic data for last month has just been released by the Authority. Over 3.79 crore flyers were recorded in the country last month, of which a little over three crore were domestic flyers. The overall international growth in the month was 7.5% (70,60,493 vs 65,69,934) while the domestic growth was 7% (3,79,51,054 vs 3,54,52,122) over the compared month last year. The domestic passenger traffic in relatively smaller airports has been in healthy double digits highlighting the aspiration for air travel among the non-metro population. Despite the negative publicity for Goa due to its taxi monopoly, overpriced hotels and overcrowded beaches, international patronage to the tourist haven has shot up by 31. 4%. A total of 20,479 flyers travelled last month as compared to 15,581 flyers in November 2024. Its domestic patronage has taken a beating with a 10.5% dip in flyers with just 5.4 lakh passengers from other States visiting it last month. The number was 6.1 lakh visitors in November last year. While the biggies have seen moderate growth, relatively smaller airports have recorded a growth of over 30% international passengers in November this year over the patronage witnessed in the same month last year. Bhubaneswar has seen a growth of 30.5% (14,220 flyers) Tiruchirappalli has 39.9% (19,402 flyers), Varanasi 40.4% (16,070 flyers) and Mangaluru 35.4% (76,579 flyers), Indore has doubled its patronage with a 99.9% growth (8,902 flyers as compared to 4,454 earlier) while Pune has seen a 49% patronage with 30,633 flyers. Among the major airports in the country, Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport continues its steady international growth with 6,42,647 passengers, a 27.3% increase in November 2025 vs November 2024. Hyderabad too has seen significant patronage with a 21% growth (4,86,126 flyers). Mumbai has seen a 6.5% (14,61,956 flyers) Chennai 6.1% (5,03,589) growth while Delhi has seen a 3% increase (19,07,845). Domestic picture On the domestic front, these airports have recorded a substantial growth with the patronage figure in the bracket Agra 77% (26470 flyers), Kozhikode 34.3% (16,90,918 flyers); Tiruchirappalli 50.9% (65,297); Tirupati 30.7% (1,08,441); Kannur 35.8% (35,637), Gaya 38.7% (27,862), Belagavi 32.1% (32118) and Indore 26.6% (27862). Hindon airport has seen a 2998% growth! It is 1,22,381 flyers versus 3,950 last November. Adampur (Jalandhar) has seen a 319.7% surge with 13,595 passengers, Rewa has recorded 179.9% surge (949 flyers) Jaisalmer 121.5% growth (43,971) while Bhuj has seen a 110% growth with 26,687 flyers. The Air Traffic Movements (Arrivals and Departures) have seen an increase of 7.3% with 40,909 ATMs recorded in November 2025 over November 2024. The freight growth too is a healthy 15.6% with 337.45 thousand tonnes versus 291.84 thousand tonnes in the compared period.

Over Rs 1 crore seized as Pune Police crack down on illegal liquor trade

According to the police, the raid was conducted at Kakade Vasti in Kondhwa under the jurisdiction of Kondhwa Police Station. The operation was carried out by officials from the crime branch unit

Pune civic polls: Congress distances itself from NCP (SP) amid chatter over Pawar Parivaar patch-up

MUMBAI: In a political twist ahead of the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, the Maharashtra Congress has decided to contest independently, distancing itself from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) amid reports that the two Pawar factions may join hands. However, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule clarified that no final proposal has been received regarding an alliance with Ajit Pawars faction. Yet, sources revealed that two rounds of meetings have already taken place between the two Pawar parties, with a final announcement expected in the coming days. Terming the potential alliance unholy, Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said, If both the NCPs join hands, then Congress will not be part of this unholy alliance for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections. He added that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar must sever ties with the BJP and step down from the government before seeking Congress support. Wadettiwars remarks highlighted the deep ideological divide. NCP enjoys power with the communal forces in the state and central government, but it wants the support of secular forces to defeat the BJP in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, which is not possible at all. The Congress party is firm in its secular and progressive ideology and will not compromise it in any way. Therefore, the Congress leadership will contest these two polls on its own and show our strength, he said. On the other hand, Sule underlined the distinction between state-level politics and local body elections, stating, The NCP shared power with the Congress for more than 15 years, but it never tied up with the Congress for local body polls. Local polls are fought separately to develop and nurture local leadership. This time, we also conveyed to our cadre and local leaders to form the alliance based on the ground situation in their respective areas. There should not be party politics at the local level because the local polls are completely different than state and Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the reports of a potential NCP merger have caused ripples within the party. Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP)s Pune city president and former Mayor of Pune, Jagtap, resigned in protest, citing ideological differences. Sources suggest he is likely to join Congress. Thackerays have joined hands after 20 years, but many challenges loom on the road to the BMC

MVA partners chart separate paths for Maha civic polls

Maharashtra's local elections are causing political shifts. The NCP-SP is exploring alliances with the Ajit Pawar faction in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, upsetting its MVA partners, Congress and UBT Sena. These parties are forging their own paths in civic polls. Leaders suggest MVA pacts are for larger elections. Parties are testing new combinations to challenge the BJP locally.

Youngsters booked for stopping long distance train to shoot reels in Kerala

Kannur: The Railway Protection Force on Thursday booked two youngsters for briefly stopping a long-distance train in this district after they flashed a red light to shoot social media reels. According to the police, the incident took place around 1.50 am, shortly after the ErnakulamPune Express left Thalassery railway station. Also ReadMemory of brothers lynching Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

TN steps up surveillance after bird flu cases in Kerala

Blood samples collected from the affected birds by Keralas Animal Husbandry Department were sent to a laboratory in Pune, where tests confirmed the presence of H1N1 avian influenza

Pune Civic Polls See Fancy Campaigns; Aspirants Dangle Land, Foreign Trips To Woo Voters

Campaigning for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections has taken an extravagant turn, with candidates across parties offering high-value gifts to woo voters, a report claimed.

Ecologist Nulkar highlights womens role in water and resource management for a sustainable future

The Empower HER Foundation hosted its annual lecture in Pune to educate girls and women on water conservation and sustainable living. Ecologist Dr. Gurudas Nulkar highlighted womens traditional leadership in managing water and household resources, stressing that small daily changes can reduce wastewater. Foundation President Sandeep Nulkar underscored long-term empowerment beyond livelihoods, aiming to break poverty cycles and build responsible citizens committed to sustainability. The event also emphasized education, awareness, and collective action for resilience.

'Vote For Me, Win SUV, Thailand Trip, Gold': Pune Poll Candidates To Voters

The Pune municipal election is three weeks away and aspiring councillors jostling and shoving for the power the seats bring have begun courting voters with a bewildering list of freebies and gifts from foreign trips to expensive cars.

Projects commissioned, India set to overtake US in metro network length

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways has claimed that India is on course to overtake the United States in total metro network length as ongoing projects are commissioned. Metro and suburban rail networks are currently operational across 1,090 km in 26 cities, including both major metros and Tier-2 cities, making urban mobility faster and more economically affordable for low- and middle-income groups. The Ministry further stated that despite the rapid expansion of metro and suburban rail services, no fare hike has been implemented so far by the government, reflecting its concern for low- and middle-class commuters. Speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday, an official at the Ministry said that Indias metro network has grown exponentially from just 248 km across five cities in 2014 to 1,090 km in 2025, spanning 26 cities- both metro and Tier-2. This represents a remarkable 340% growth over the past decade. He said that metro expansion has taken place not only in major cities but also in Tier-2 cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Kanpur, Nagpur, Pune, Surat, Agra, Lucknow, Jaipur and Kochi. He added that metro services were operational over just 27 km in 2002, which increased to 50 km in 2004, 101 km in 2009, 249 km in 2014, 647 km in 2019, 945 km in 2024 and 1,090 km in 2025. According to the official, the commissioning of metro lines has increased nine times compared to pre-2014 rates, with the aim of accelerating urban transport infrastructure under the NDA government. Highlighting the work done on metro and suburban rail services during the current NDA government, the official said that urban mobility has been made affordable and efficient, with metro travel costing 5060% less per passenger-km than private vehicles. He said this has significantly reduced daily commuting costs and eased traffic congestion on roads. Citing figures, the official further added that affordable fare slabs, typically ranging between Rs 20 and Rs 60 at launch in cities such as Bhopal, demonstrate accessibility for low- and middle-income commuters. He further stated that average daily metro ridership across the country now stands at around 1.15 crore, which is four times higher than the 28 lakh daily ridership recorded in 2014.

Pune company's Delhi-Mumbai express-way contract may be axed over delays

The National Highways Authority of India has issued a final notice to Roadways Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIL) for termination over severe delays on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Gujarat. With construction progress as low as 4.9% on one 35-km stretch, the project's revised deadline is now at risk.

NCP-SP working to align with Ajits NCP for civic polls in Maharashtra: Supriya Sule

Sharad Pawar loyalist Prashant Jagtap resigns, expressing unhappiness over the possible merger for the polls to Pune municipal corporation

Finolex, MMF support upgraded human milk bank for newborns in Pune

Since 2022, the milk bank has supported over 2,200 infants with more than 1,500 litres of donor milk

PUNO Unveils Pune's First Social Zone at PUNO Advance

PUNO , a fast-growing experiential entertainment brand, today announced the launch of its Social Zone at PUNO Advance, Pune the citys first globally inspired, large-format destination for active play based socialising. Designed for young adults, groups, and experience seekers, the Social Zone introduces a new urban social category that blends active play, conversation, food, and celebration into one cohesive experiential entertainment format. PUNO Advance Pune's newly launched Social Zone Built in response to Punes evolving lifestyle and its audiences appetite for elevated, repeat-worthy experiences, the Social Zone consolidates immersive gaming, competitive play, and hospitality-led social spaces under one roof. The launch positions Pune alongside global cities where social entertainment extends beyond bars and cinemas into high-energy, activity-driven third spaces. About the Social Zone The Social Zone at PUNO Advance Pune is a large-scale competitive socialising destination anchored by Punes largest bowling facility , combining immersive shooting simulations, archery, dart lanes, superkixx, pooltables, Cube Chase, and integrated food, beverage, and lounge spaces within a single urban entertainment format. At its core are eight full length bowling lanes , purpose-built for group play, leagues, and corporate outingssupporting longer evenings, higher engagement, and repeat visits. Surrounding attractions are curated to balance fun, connection, and social interaction, enabling guests to move seamlessly between activities and lounge experiences. The destination is complemented by top-notch dining, crafted beverages, and comfortable social zones designed to encourage interaction and enjoyment-based dwell time. From hangout plans to mid-week meetups and team offsites to birthdays and high-energy weekends, the Social Zone adapts to multiple social occasions while maintaining a consistent premium experience. Designed with groups in mind, the Social Zone at PUNO Advance is an ideal destination for corporate outings, offering a seamless blend of competitive team-based activities, premium bowling lanes, and hospitality-led social spaces. The format encourages collaboration, friendly competition, and informal networking, making it well-suited for team offsites, celebrations, and employee engagement experiences that extend beyond the boardroom. , Founder and CEO, PUNO . During my recent travels to the U.S., what stood out was not a single venue but a patternspaces where competition, conversation, food, and comfort coexist effortlessly. We saw an opportunity to create Indias own version of that experience, without waiting. The Social Zone is our response: a place where vibe meets experience, and where people come together to play, connect, and celebrate. He added, This launch reflects three clear driverspersonal learning that resets expectations, leadership that gives teams a bold idea to rally around, and a market that is ready for experiences that drive repeat visits and longer dwell time. When you observe what people are choosing, identify whats missing, and move quickly, you dont just build a businessyou expand a community. More than a venue launch, the Social Zone signals a shift in Punes social entertainment landscape. By integrating competitive play with hospitality and lounge culture, PUNO introduces a format that feels global yet grounded in how Pune prefers to gatheraround activity, conversation, and shared moments. About PUNO PUNO is an experiential entertainment brand redefining recreation, play, and socialising in India. Through innovative games, immersive group experiences, and elevated social environments, PUNO creates destinations that inspire connection, competition, and celebration. The brand currently operates centres in Jaipur, Pune, Guwahati, and Lucknow, with rapid expansion underway.

`NCP (SP) will not form alliance with Ajit Pawar led-NCP`, says Sule

Ahead of the Maharashtra civic polls, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule said her party will not form an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP for the Pune civic elections until concerns of party workers are addressed

`Office boy` working on land case accuses Tejwani of signing key papers

The Rs 300-crore Pune land deal case took a new turn after prosecutors told a court that an office boy linked to PoA holder Shital Tejwani signed crucial documents as a partner in Amadea Enterprises. Tejwanis police custody has been extended amid widening investigations

Ajit Pawar-led NCP And NCP (SP) To Come Together For Pune Civic Polls? Party Leaders Say This

Though senior leaders have chosen their words carefully, statements from both camps suggest that Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Sharad Pawar-led NCP reunion is increasingly likely.

Maharashtra women constituted 32% of passengers for inter-city bus travel in 2025 : redBus report

A redBus report reveals key intercity bus travel trends in Maharashtra for 2025. Women comprised 32% of passengers, while Gen Z and millennials dominated age demographics. Popular routes included Mumbai-Kolhapur and Pune-Nagpur, with AC and sleeper seats being highly preferred. The state saw strong passenger growth and higher occupancy rates compared to the national average.

Ahmedabad, Pune most affordable housing markets in 2025: Knight Frank report

Housing affordability improved across major Indian cities in 2025, led by Ahmedabad, Pune and Kolkata, thanks to lower home loan rates, Knight Frank said. Mumbai saw affordability fall below the crucial 50% EMI-to-income mark for the first time, signalling a more sustainable environment for homebuyers amid strong demand.

NCP Eyes Dual Alliances: BJP In Mumbai, NCP(SP) In Pune

The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to finalise its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) within the next two days.

Announcement Of Sena (UBT)-MNS Alliance Likely On Wednesday, Indicates Sanjay Raut

We will have a discussion with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar for possible alliance in Pune : Sanjay Raut

Zuno SmartDrive Clocks Over 1 Crore kms, 1.5 Lac Trips as Young India Embraces Usage-Based Car Insurance

Zuno General Insurance , a new-age digital insurer committed to making insurance easy, friendly and transparent, today shared increasing early traction for Zuno SmartDrive, its app-led usage-based car insurance (UBI) launched in March 2025. In less than nine months, Zuno SmartDrive users have logged over 1 crore kms, signalling a clear shift towards behaviour-driven, personalised insurance among Indias new generation of drivers. Zuno Smart Drive To share the benefit of UBI with a larger audience, Zuno has launched its flagship initiative of Zuno Driving Quotient (ZDQ) Challenge to non Zuno users too. In this 5-day free trial, customers can simply download the Zuno app, complete a five-day driving assessment and receive a personalised driving score at no cost. This score unlocks additional discounts on car insurance and gift vouchers, making Zuno the first insurer in the country to offer a large-scale, app-based, pre-purchase driving test that delivers real, measurable financial benefits to customers. The feature marks a major step in usage-based insurance adoption, as young India increasingly embraces behaviour-driven, personalised motor insurance. Launched in March 2025, Zuno SmartDrive has already captured over 1.5 lac trips from digital-first drivers across the country, with an average score of 92%. Early participation has been dominated by users aged 2840, signalling strong traction among Indias most mobile, tech-savvy consumers. Zunos telematics driven model also shows that behaviour, not geography or type of car, is the most reliable predictor of risk. Across regions, two driving patterns consistently bring scores down are frequent hard braking and rapid acceleration. These behavioural markers have emerged as the strongest indicators of trip quality and future risk, regardless of where a driver lives or drives. Among the most striking findings: Major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, showed an average driving score of 91%. This might be due to congestion, peak-hour density and erratic traffic flow. Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Tamil Nadu emerge as Indias safest driving states, with consistently low rates of harsh braking and rapid acceleration and each maintaining average driving scores above 92%. Speeding was more prevalent in Pune and Kolkata, while harsh braking was frequently observed in Guntur and Vizianagaram. These findings reveal how real-world driving environments shape behaviour across regions. Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance said, With SmartDrive, we want to build a fair, transparent and personalised insurance experience that truly reflects how young India drives. The early numbers show that young India is driving safer, smarter and more mindfully, and theyre getting rewarded for it. Our focus is to keep building a simpler, more intuitive and rewarding ecosystem where good drivers finally receive the benefits they truly deserve, making roads in India safer . Indias road safety crisis shows little sign of easing. Provisional data for 2024 released by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) indicates that the country recorded over 4.7 lakh road accidents and more than 1.7 lakh fatalities during the year, underscoring the continued risk on Indian roads. Some states are yet to share the data post which the final data will be released by MoRTH. Despite incremental improvements in select states, unsafe driving behaviour, over speeding and low compliance with helmets and seat belts remain dominant contributors to fatal accidents. The challenge is consistent with final MoRTH data for 2023, which reported 4.81 lakh road accidents, 1.73 lakh deaths and over 4.6 lakh injuries nationwide; that works out to roughly 20 deaths and 55 accidents every hour. Together, the data highlights an urgent need to shift focus from reactive protection to prevention-led, technology-driven road safety solutions. At Zuno we have adopted this mission to encourage India to drive safer. Zunos Smart Drive App provides customers with real time feedback on their driving quality and nudges for safer driving behaviour. Zunos telematics insights also highlight notable exposure trends: Drivers with top-tier scores between 96 and 100 show a striking 40% lower claims risk, underscoring how consistent, disciplined behaviour behind the wheel directly translates into fewer incidents. The data also dispels some common assumptions. Gender has almost no impact on driving safety. Women recorded an average score of 92.83%, only marginally higher than men at 92.81%, indicating that both groups demonstrate virtually the same risk profile on the road. When drivers take their trips matters as well. High-scoring behaviour (80100) is most common during weekday , daytime driving, reinforcing the well-known risks associated with night-time travel. Structured, predictable daytime journeys tend to support steadier driving patterns and safer outcomes. Across regions and vehicle types, two behaviours emerge as the strongest predictors of lower scores and higher risk: Frequent harsh braking, and High, rapid acceleration. Regardless of where a person drives, these two actions consistently signal a risky trip. Seasonal behaviour also tells an important story. Even with changing conditions, rain does not turn safe drivers into risky ones. Those with high scores (80100) maintain similarly strong performance across both summer and monsoon seasons, showing that core driving habits remain stable despite weather shifts. Zuno SmartDrive car insurance also includes Indias first real-time crash detection feature. It uses advanced mobile telematics to automatically sense an accident and trigger an alert to Zunos support team. Once triggered, the team coordinates emergency support, roadside assistance and priority claims handling, ensuring that help reaches the customer without requiring them to make a call. About Zuno General Insurance Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, is a new-age digital insurer with an aspiration to reimagine Insurance to make it easy, friendly, and transparent. Amidst all the jargon and seriousness, Zuno is the friendly voice speaking in a language you understand, and listening to what you have to say, stepping in at the right time, so that you dont have to worry when things dont go as planned. Zuno is the friend you can always turn to for help, with the confidence that we will have your back at all times. At Zuno GI, the focus is on building trust through digital solutions that are intuitive and responsive, using consumer insights and data analytics to drive innovation and experience. Our consumer insight driven strategy focused on customers experience; innovative solutions and an intuitive digital platform differentiate us in a competitive market. Zuno GI started operations in 2018. We have over 8 million customers and a growing omnichannel distribution on digital rails. The company has presence across key digital marketing places and partnerships with Maruti, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Skoda, Volkswagen, Jeep, Royal Enfield, PolicyBazaar, Turtlemint, PhonePe, Insurance Dekho, Fedbank Financial Services, Dvara KGFS, Repco Home Finance, Renewbuy, Bajaj Capital, Anand Rathi Global Finance, Avanse Financial Services, Spinny,Nido Home Finance, ECL finance, Mehsana Urban Co-Operative Bank, PolicyBoss, Jio insurance brokers, Coverfox, ORIX leasing & financial Services India Ltd, SMAS auto leasing India Pvt Ltd.s www.hizuno.com .

In-principle agreement on tie-up with Ajit-led party, says NCP(SP) leader; Sule non-committal

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule denies any official alliance proposal with Ajit Pawar's faction for Pune civic elections. A leader from Sharad Pawar's party claims a principle decision to contest jointly. Discussions are ongoing with Maha Vikas Aghadi allies. Any alliance decision will consider party workers and city development.

SPPU Inaugurates International Summit on Generative Futuristic Systems

IEEE PuneCon 2025 at SPPU featured Yogiraj Awati's acclaimed tutorial on deploying large-scale LLM production systems for Generative Futuristic Systems.

Pune diner spends 1 lakh on Valentines Day; Bengaluru, Mumbai customers top charts with 3 lakh bills: Swiggy's 2025 year-end data

Pune diner orders for 1 lakh on valentine's day; tops Swiggy's year-end data; Bengaluru and Mumbai men orders for 3 lakh each. Dining out has become an essential lifestyle choice in India, with Swiggy Dineout reporting remium dining and group outings surging in 2025.

Ajit Pawar called with proposal for Pune civic poll tie-up, says Congress' Satej Patil

Senior Congress leader Satej Patil revealed Ajit Pawar contacted him for an alliance in Pune. The Congress seeks a Maha Vikas Aghadi contest. Discussions are ongoing with Shiv Sena and NCP (SP). NCP Pune city president confirmed rival factions discussed an alliance. An official announcement is expected soon. NCP (SP) city unit president is unhappy and meeting Supriya Sule.

This city has largest number of CBSE schools in India, not Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, it is...

This city has the highest number of CBSE board schools in India, surpassing Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

Activists produce docus in land case, say no action taken

Activists Anjali Damania and Vijay Kumbhar have demanded an FIR against Parth Pawar and the resignation of Dy CM Ajit Pawar over an alleged Pune land scam. They presented text messages and power of attorney documents as evidence, claiming authorities have failed to act. The NCP has refuted the allegations, calling them unproven.

Maharashtra records 1% drop in fatalities in first 11 months of 2025, Pune expressway sees 26% drop

From Borgaon To Being Roped In By RCB For Rs 5.20 Crore: Mangesh Yadav's Surreal Tale

MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia: When Mangesh Yadav's name flashed on the IPL 2026 auction broadcast in Abu Dhabi, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) locked horns in a fierce bidding war that would forever change the left-arm quick's life. Within seconds, his price rocketed from a base price of Rs 30 lakh to a staggering Rs 5.2 crore a staggering jump FOR pacer. Mangesh, a skiddy left-arm pacer consistently clocking 140 kmph with a sharp yorker in his repertoire, could barely process what had just unfolded. I was just thinking the first bid should happen and a team takes me in. I was very happy with the first bid from RCB. But within seconds in front of my eyes, SRH and RCB were bidding for me and it reached five crores, which was extremely astonishing. My parents back home were very happy. They were also getting calls from relatives, recalled Mangesh in an exclusive conversation with IANS. By the roadside in Noida, miles away from where his protege's life was being transformed, Phoolchand Sharma, who runs Wonders Cricket Club in Sector 34, was over the moon. I can't tell you how happy I was on seeing him get selected. Before that, a lot of my kids have played in IPL, but theres a different happiness for him. I did hope that he would be picked by any franchise in the auction. I have never met his father or mother, nor have I ever spoken to them. I have raised him like my own kid. Hes been a good boy from the start, a calm and hardworking kid. I gave him a lot of matches to play in Delhi, as well as in district leagues in Delhi and UP. Hes had a very long journey and is now seeing the fruits of being committed to that path, he told IANS. Mangeshs cricketing journey began in Borgaon village in Madhya Pradeshs Chhindwara district, not in an established academy but within the confines of his homes compound. As a six-year-old, he'd return home in tears after fighting with boys while playing. His mother Rita found a solution: she'd bowl to him in the compound and he would bat for as long as he wished for. From there, I started playing cricket regularly and it went on and on. I started bowling a little late with the left arm. But I used to see the bowling of Mitchell Johnson and RP Singh sir bowling and that served me with a lot of motivation, he said. As years went by, Mangesh's talent was remarkable. But in a family of six, including three sisters, his father Ramavadh drove trucks to make ends meet. Pursuing professional cricket seemed financially impossible till his maternal uncle convinced Ramavadh to let his son train seriously in cricket. After that, Mangesh headed to Noida to train under Sharma. The hostel fees was Rs 20,000 per month, well beyond his familys reach. What happened next would alter the trajectory of Mangesh's life. Sir saw my game and he liked it. He forgave my fees and told me to stay here and practice, so that was very helpful in my journey. My father has done so much for me. I didn't have any stress, I just wanted to play cricket, all the struggle was of my father. If it wasn't for Phoolchand sir, I wouldn't have been able to play cricket. The reality of Ramavadh's sacrifice was never lost on Mangesh. While Mangesh caught 4am trains for training and playing matches, his father was waking at the same time to begin another gruelling shift behind the wheel - navigating treacherous roads through the night with no fixed schedule. My father's struggle is unmatchable. I used to feel sad that I am going out to play, but the father is waking up daily in the morning, goes out to drive the truck in night through a lot of dangerous roads, though they are in a much better condition now. The academy evolved alongside Mangesh - from basic facilities to a comprehensive setup featuring gym, indoor nets, trainers and coaches. Apart from Shivam Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra and Hardik Pandya would drop in for net sessions at Sharmas academy when in Delhi-NCR. What immediately struck Sharma about Mangesh was the rarity of discovering a left-arm quick whose natural bowling action didn't require fundamental reconstruction. His bowling action reminded him of how Zaheer Khan bowled - smooth, repeatable, lethal. You do know that when a left-handed batter or bowler plays, there is an alag nazakat (different sheen) to it. Right from the rhythm of his run-up, he seemed like a perfect packaged bowler. We have to teach a lot of kids that you are running slow, head is falling over and rhythm is not good. But when he used to run and bowl, it was perfect action, like how Zaheer used to have. I used to like Zaheer's action and he was just like that. We worked on improvising it, he added. Small technical tweaks combined with natural athleticism gradually revealed a complete cricketer capable of consistently hitting 140kmph. The biggest thing is he had a lot of seniors to learn and get support from, like Anureet Singh, who played for IPL for many years, Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar. We caught some of his small shortcomings, or at times, other boys caught it. We developed his bowling slowly. He is a good fielder from the start. In between, when the kids used to go elsewhere, he used to hit long sixes. His hitting power has been very good, he added. Mangesh represented MP in U19 and U23 teams, but feared opportunities were slipping away without a proper platform to showcase his talent. Then came the Madhya Pradesh League - an initiative by current MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia that proved to be transformative. Playing for Gwalior Cheetahs this year, Mangesh claimed 14 wickets to become the tournament's leading wicket-taker and IPL scouts took notice. I thought I would be late in grabbing my opportunity, but Scindia ji introduced the MP League and then I got the chance to perform. When I got good performances in it this year, everything has happened well from then onwards for me. Mangeshs three mentors - Anand Rajan, Tanmay Srivastava and Ankur Tyagi also stepped in to refine his game and mindset. Srivastava, an Under-19 World Cup winner for India in 2008 and now an active umpire, provided invaluable perspective to Mangesh, so as Rajan, who played for the state and in the IPL. I talk to Ankur Tyagi after every match - he is like a big brother to me. He has always supported and guided me in the right way. Due to all three of them, I have always improved in the right way, he said. Despite a disappointing debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), MP head coach Chandrakant Pandit pushed him to showcase his batting abilities in the second match against Punjab. Mangesh grabbed the chance by hitting 28 off 12 balls, proving that he was more than just a bowler. My first match was not that good, but the captain backed me well, due to which I was amongst the wickets. Pandit sir told me 'Mangesh, you will also have to do some batting'. In the second game, he sent me up to bat and I was able to showcase my batting abilities, which felt really good. Before embarking to Pune for the tournaments Super League stage, Mangesh went through trials with RCB, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians. Though he couldn't attend SRH and PBKS trials due to hectic schedule, the formers bowling coach, ex-India pacer Varun Aaron took notice of his skillsets. But now, landing at RCB means sharing a dressing room with the talismanic Virat Kohli - a childhood dream that Mangesh admits never seemed remotely possible. I always wanted to play under Virat sir's captaincy. But he is not doing it and I feel sharing the dressing room with him is a big deal. I never imagined that I would play alongside him and this set to become a reality is a great feeling. His recent experience under Patidar's captaincy during high-pressure SMAT games also keeps Mangesh in good stead. Cricket is tough if you think in mind about it and playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a lot of pressure, as you do know the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and Ishan Kishan are tough to bowl to. But all of this was made easy by playing under Rajat bhaiya's captaincy. The role he gave me, I managed to fulfill that and it made life easy. The visualization has already begun Mangesh standing at the top of his run-up in RCB's iconic red jersey, with the new ball in hand, enough to give him goosebumps. But the ultimate dream still remains to be wearing Indias blue jersey. How exciting it will be to wear the RCB jersey and have the ball in hand at the top of my run-up mark. I hope that this paves the way for me to wear the Indian team jersey and bowl the first ball for my country. That will be an out of the world feeling. Rather than dwelling on IPL's magnitude, Mangesh plans to focus on absorbing lessons from Kohli, Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer to improve his craft. We will have a team camp, where I will prepare alongside with Virat sir, Venky and Rajat bhaiyas. I will learn from them by playing a lot of practice matches and improve along the way. I will get to be in touch with them, so it is going to be very helpful for me. What separates Mangesh from India's impressive stable of fast bowlers, Sharma argues, isn't just his left-arm pace - it's being that rare quick offering genuine all-round capabilities. The biggest thing is India has a lot of fast bowlers, but you won't get a perfect package like him. I can count them - Arshdeep, Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Shami. All of them are good bowlers. They play for India because they are good. But they won't be a batter or fielder like them. It's not that he is my child. I am talking about the language of cricket. Being a cricketer, he is a perfect package. In the future, if God keeps him healthy, you will see him play for India in a year or two. The financial windfall from the life-changing IPL deal means Mangesh can fulfill his off-field aspirations. Marrying off his three sisters with pomp and splendour tops his priority list, followed by giving his father respite from decades of grueling truck driving work and buying a house to end the familys stay in a rented home. His message to aspiring cricketers reflects hard-earned wisdom - that talent alone isn't enough, that even strong performances don't guarantee selection, and that persistence matters more than immediate results. What I have felt through my cricketing journey is without struggle, you won't get anything. You won't get anything easy and if you're playing cricket, you'll have to put in more effort, including the double of what is expected usually, as there are times when you won't get selected even if you perform well. His message to aspiring cricketers reflects hard-earned wisdom - that talent alone isn't enough, that even strong performances don't guarantee selection, and that persistence matters more than immediate results. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You just have to be true to yourself and your efforts. My seniors always tell me that I have to put my head down and play cricket. So it's important to respect everyone and keep your head down and play well when on the field, signed off Mangesh. Article Source: IANS

Ajit Pawar phoned Cong's Satej Patil for Pune civic poll tie-up, claim sources

As the Pune municipal corporation elections draw near, Ajit Pawar's NCP is exploring a possible partnership with Congress. Pawar has initiated talks with Satej Patil from Congress, signaling interest in uniting forces. Yet, the Congress's insistence on a hefty share of seats could pose a hurdle.

Cold wave-like conditions in interior Maharashtra; Ahilyanagar the coldest

Several cities in western and central Maharashtra experienced chilly mornings. Pune recorded a minimum temperature of 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Nashik registered 8.8 degrees Celsius. Jeur in Solapur district reported a low of 8.0 degrees Celsius, and Baramati recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius

Bisleri International Sets Guinness World Record for Environmental Pledges in Collaboration with NBT and Pune Book Festival

The National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Private Limited and the Pune Book Festival, with Samarth Yuva Foundation as the Festival Partner, has created a Guinness World Record for the Largest Online Video Album of People Reciting an Oath or Pledge . The initiative was undertaken to promote environmental responsibility, with a particular focus on engaging young citizens through a participatory and inclusive platform. Bisleri International, NBT and Pune Book Festival Creates a Guinness World Record The record attempt was conducted during the Pune Book Festival from 13 December to 21 December 2025. As part of the initiative, participants recorded and submitted short video messages reciting a common environmental pledge in a multilingual format, enabling participation across diverse linguistic backgrounds. The pledge was administered in English, Hindi, and Marathi, affirming collective commitment to sustainable and responsible living. The pledge stated, I pledge to care for my planet by reducing waste, saving water, and protecting nature. Swachh Bharat, Samruddha Bharat, Mera Bharat . Through this collective affirmation, participants committed to adopting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives, reinforcing the values of cleanliness, sustainability, and stewardship of natural resources. The Pune Book Festival witnessed participation of over 10 lakh visitors, representing hundreds of schools, colleges, and institutions. More than 27,000+ video entries were submitted and validated as part of the Guinness World Record process. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, volunteers, and members of the public, underscoring the festivals role as a platform for large-scale public engagement and awareness. The official result of the Guinness World Record attempt was announced in the presence of Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust (NBT), India; Mr. K. Ganesh, Director - Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International; Shri Rajesh Pandey ji, Chief Convener and Chief Coordinator, Pune Book Festival; Dr. Rajendra Shende, Former Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Shri Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairperson, National Book Trust (NBT), India; Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU); Prof. Parag Kalkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU); Dr. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU); Shri Krishna Kumar Goyal, Chairman, Kohinoor Group of Enterprises; Shri Somnath Patil, Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Group; Shri Shankar Karajagi, Director, Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL); and Shri Aaba Rawat, Chairperson, Deccan Education Society (DES), Pune, along with other distinguished guests. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India , said, The environmental pledge undertaken at the Pune Book Festival represents a meaningful integration of knowledge, awareness, and responsible citizenship. As the Reading and Knowledge Partner of the Nation, the National Book Trust remains committed to promoting reading and informed engagement on issues of national importance. Our collaboration with Bisleri International has enabled us to take the message of sustainability and the ethos of Swachh Bharat to young readers, students, and families through a participatory and accessible format . Mr. K. Ganesh, Director - Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International , added, This Guinness World Record initiative brought together a large and diverse group of participants around a shared commitment to saving water, reducing waste, and protecting nature. The scale of participation reflects a growing public consciousness around environmental responsibility. The multilingual approach ensured wider reach and inclusiveness, allowing participants to engage meaningfully in their preferred language. The focus now is to ensure that these pledges translate into sustained action beyond the festival . Shri Rajesh Pandey ji, Chief Convener, Pune Book Festival , said, This Guinness World Record achievement reflects the collective effort, discipline, and dedication of the entire organizing and volunteer team. The successful execution of such a large-scale initiative within a limited timeframe demonstrates the strength of collaboration and shared purpose. Platforms like the Pune Book Festival provide a powerful opportunity to engage citizens - especially young people in meaningful action towards environmental responsibility ." The organizers noted that the initiative was conceptualized to leverage the wide reach and high footfall of the Pune Book Festival to encourage public participation through a simple, inclusive, and accessible format. The use of multilingual digital video submissions enabled large-scale participation and amplified the message of environmental responsibility across diverse audiences, making the record attempt both impactful and future oriented. About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. www.bisleri.com .

Watch: Foreigner forced to turn traffic cop in Pune, stops two-wheelers from using footpath; video goes viral

Pune Local Polls Victory Celebrations Turn Tragic, Councilor Among 16 Injured In Fire

The incident took place during a victory procession of newly elected councillors and party workers in Pune.

Abundant intelligence, skilling safeguard to shape AI future: Microsoft India head

NEW DELHI, Dec 21: Unmetered intelligence, human-supervised `digital colleagues and continuous skilling as the key safeguard amid big shifts will shape an AI-rewired future, Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia has said outlining his top predictions. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during his visit to India earlier this month had announced plans to invest USD 17.5 billion here to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the countrys AI-first future the bold commitment marking the tech giants largest [] The post Abundant intelligence, skilling safeguard to shape AI future: Microsoft India head appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bagging 10 of 17 president posts, Ajit keeps grip over Pune dist, Baramati

At 72, this Karnataka woman is racing against her age

SHIVAMOGGA: Age is just a number for B Manjamma, a 72-year-old athlete from Shivamogga. She won a gold medal in the 400m run at the 23rd Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Chennai recently. She is a perfect example of the adage, Talent never fails or has an expiry date. She has won 110 medals in all, at the state, national and international level after taking to athletics just seven years ago. Manjamma retired as lady health visitor (LHV) and in-charge nursing officer at the district health officers office in 2013 after 36 years of service. Her husband HT Devaraj, who was from Kodagu and worked at the Karnataka Handloom and Woolen Society, passed away in 2013. The loss pushed her into a deep depression. Trying to pull herself out of the dark mental hole, she started jogging in 2018 when she was 65. Since then, she has been taking part in district, state, national and international events. My 27-year-old daughter Varshini Das, a doctor in Bengaluru, is behind my achievements. She has been supporting and motivating me all these years. I also have friends supporting me and appreciating my sportsman spirit even at the age of 72. Sports associations of Mysuru and Mangaluru motivate me by inviting me to their events, she told TNSE. Sports and games improve physical and mental health. They help people, especially the elderly, to be active and attentive. Yoga, walking, meditation and sports are all essential part of this, she said. She bagged the first prize in shot put at an athletics meet in 2018 for the first time. This prompted me to continue my sports journey, she added. There is no age limit to explore your talents and skills. One must gain confidence, which will help achieve greater things. Nothing is impossible, she said. Apart from the district-level track and field events, Manjamma represented the state in Nasik, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune and Kochi. She also attended international events in Brunei, Sri Lanka Master Athletics International, South Asia Tournament in Mangaluru and South India Tournament in Udupi. Keeping herself sprightly even at this age, she had a message for the younger generation, Youngsters should keep their body and mind active. They should avoid sleeping late and eating junk food, adopt a healthy lifestyle and keep obesity at bay. They should jog, walk, meditate, practice yoga and play games to keep themselves fit. Such activities help them concentrate on academics too. This ever-enthusiastic late bloomer said, Earlier, I used to participate only in 100m and 200m races. But now, I take part in shot put, discus throw, 1 km walk, 60m race and javelin throw.

Global pecking order has changed; no single power can dominate anymore: EAM Jaishankar

NEW DELHI: The global economic and political pecking order has undergone a very significant change with multiple centres of power emerging, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. Jaishankar said no single nation today can dominate global affairs across all issues. No country, however powerful, can impose its will on all issues, he said, adding that this has led to a natural competition among nations and a new global balance. Several centres of power and influence have emerged, he said, and added that power itself has become more complex -- spanning trade, energy, military strength, resources, technology and talent. Global powers are no longer capable of being universal, he said. Jaishankar said globalisation has fundamentally altered how nations and individuals operate. What separates the globalisation era from its predecessors is that when it comes to resources, supply chains, markets or partners, we are operating well beyond our own borders, he said. This, he added, has turned the world not just into a global marketplace but increasingly a global workplace. He was addressing the 22nd convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune. Nations blocking talent will be net losers, says EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for India to strengthen its manufacturing base alongside services. A large economy like ours must develop substantial and contemporary manufacturing if it is to keep abreast of technology and imbibe an industrial work culture, he said, arguing that manufacturing and services are closely interlinked. He said Indias global image has improved markedly in recent years. How does the world perceive us currently? The short answer is very much more positive and very much more serious than before, he said, attributing this to Indias national brand and the reputation of its people. Indians are increasingly seen as having a strong work ethic, technological aptitude and a family-centric culture, he said. In conversations abroad, I largely hear words of praise for our diaspora, Jaishankar said, adding that improvements in ease of doing business and ease of living are steadily dispelling old stereotypes about India. US has set radically new terms of engagement by dealing with countries on one-on-one basis: EAM Jaishankar Our figures vouch for this transformation, he said, pointing to the growth of global capability centres in India, rising demand for Indian talent abroad and individual success stories. Perhaps more than others, India is today defined by its talent and by its skill. Jaishankar said India now approaches the world with more confidence and with more capability, noting that while most nations assert themselves through trade, investment and services, India is distinguished by the global relevance of its human resources. On global economic shifts, he said decolonisation had allowed many countries to prosper by controlling their own destinies, though outcomes depended heavily on leadership and policy choices. The nation that has gained the most in this era is China, he said, adding that India has also done well, particularly in the post-reform period and even more in the last decade. In contrast, much of the Western world now feels that it has stagnated, a sentiment that has increasingly come to acquire a political meaning, he said, citing offshoring of production, demographic challenges and lifestyle factors as contributors to declining competitiveness. The cumulative result of all these developments is that the global economic and, thereafter, political pecking order has changed very significantly, Jaishankar said. India, Australia shoulder 'greater responsibility' amid global turbulence: EAM Jaishankar

World today is like coalition politics, India should remain nimble: Jaishankar

Pune: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the global political situation was like coalition politics with constantly shifting alignments, and India should focus on its own interests while remaining nimble. The minister was interacting with Yuvraj Malik, director of the National Book Trust, on `Diplomacy to Discourse at the Pune Literature Festival. Also Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Global Pecking Order Has Undergone A Significant Change: Jaishankar

Pune, Dec 20: The global economic and political pecking order has undergone a significant change and a number of centres of power and influence have emerged, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. No country, however powerful, can impose its will on all issues, Jaishankar said, addressing the 22nd convocation of the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune. Not just that, it also means now that there is a natural competition among nations in the world and that it [] The post Global Pecking Order Has Undergone A Significant Change: Jaishankar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Global pecking order has undergone a significant change, says Jaishankar

No country, however powerful, can impose its will on all issues, Mr. Jaishankar said, addressing the 22nd convocation of the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune

No country, however powerful, can impose its will on all issues: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the global economic and political order has shifted, with multiple centres of power emerging and no single country able to impose its will on all issues. Speaking at a university convocation in Pune, he said this has led to natural competition among nations and a new balance of influence.

At the heart of Malaika Aroras Christmas is her mother, Joyce

From Punes Kirkee cantonment to her Kerala-rooted kitchen, Joyces festive traditions shaped the way Malaika Arora celebrates family, food and belonging

Foreigners Teach Bikers In Pune To Follow Traffic Rules On Footpaths

In the video, two foreigners can be seen stopping a bike on the sidewalk and turning it back onto the road.

In Pics: Indias Tallest Cable-Stayed Bridge On Mumbai-Pune Expressway

The bridge will rise 132 metres above the ground as part of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Project.

IIT Bombay names dining hall after the Pune industrialist Dr Pramod Chaudhari

IIT Bombay has inaugurated a state-of-the-art dining hall at Hostel 4, named after Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, IIT Bombay alumnus and Founder Chairman of Praj Industries. With a seating capacity of over 800, the facility enhances student well-being and community life. Dr. Chaudhari, a former Hostel 4 resident, has long supported the institute. The naming recognizes his contributions and lifelong association, reflecting IIT Bombays commitment to holistic education and Praj Industries emphasis on social responsibility and nurturing future leaders.

FASTag snag halts E-Shivneri bus for 1 hour on MumbaiPune route

Dadar to Pune bus stopped for an hour at Talegaon toll plaza over insufficient FASTag balance; passengers pay to get bus moving

Take in rustic life: Vadakkanadu farmers novel idea to guard the crops a big hit

KOCHI: For urbanites, who want an escape from the fast and restless city life, it is a rare opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Enjoy the cool breeze, blend with nature, and share space with singing birds, squirrels and monkeys. If lucky, you can also sight marauding wild elephants. The novel idea launched by the farmers of Vadakkanadu in Wayanads Sultan Bathery has become a roaring hit, with youngsters from far-away cities flocking to the village to guard the crops. Paddy cultivation is labour intensive and the farmer has to stay awake during the last 30 days when the crop ripens from milk to grain. It is a tough task to guard the crop from wild elephants, deer and wild pigs during the season. Often the farmers are forced to harvest the crop before it ripens. Offering a relief to the farmers who are desperate to save the crops, Paul Mathews, chairman of the High Court-monitored task force for reporting and implementing solutions to man-animal conflict, has introduced volunteers to guard the crops. Paul Mathews posted a video on social media inviting youngsters to guard crops staying in tree huts on a daily basis. The response was overwhelming. Youngsters from Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur flocked to Sultan Bathery to shoulder the responsibility. It was a mind-blowing experience, said Sunil Titto, a software professional settled in Pune. I saw the social media post and arrived in Sultan Bathery in the first week of December. There were two youngsters from Thrissur with me. We stayed awake through the night in turns, watching for the entry of elephants. Only some deer were spotted. It was cool and the weather was pleasant, he said. The scenic beauty of Vadakkanadu I have been cultivating paddy in my 4 acre farm land for the past four decades. In recent years we are unable to reap the fruits of our labour due to the increasing wild animal menace. Big herds of wild elephants enter the field and destroy the crop during night. The arrival of volunteers to guard the crop has been a big relief, said Jayamani, a farmer. Paul Mathews had moved an application in the High Court seeking direction to the forest department to step up vigil during the harvest season. As the department expressed helplessness citing lack of funds, he advised farmers to seek the help of volunteers to guard the crops. We have laid down strict guidelines for deployment of volunteers. Youngsters interested in helping the farmers should book the dates through a WhatsApp group and arrive at the spot before 5 am. They should climb atop the tree hut before dusk and should not get down before dawn break. They will not be allowed to lit fire or consume liquor. They should bring food and blankets. We will provide them with torch to keep watch over the fields. If the elephants arrive, they have to make noise and alert the farmers, said Paul Mathews. Wayanad has around 17,000 hectares of paddy fields which are surrounded by forest. There are hundreds of tree huts along the fringe areas and the farmers are planning to extend the project to more areas. After day long labour, we are not able to keep watch on the crops during night hours. So if some people volunteer to keep watch on the wild animals, it will be a big relief. We are not charging the volunteers for the night stay and will provide basic facilities, said Jayamani.

Long-distance bus travel offers cleaner air than polluted cities in winter: Study

NEW DELHI: A new study by Respirer Living Sciences in collaboration with IntrCity SmartBus has found that long-distance bus travel during winter exposes passengers to significantly cleaner air compared to the severely polluted conditions in many north and central Indian cities . The study, conducted from December 7 to 14, 2025, covered 11 intercity routes across the country and is Indias first to measure real-time air quality inside long-distance buses. Its findings show that passengers spent up to 80% of their travel time breathing air with PM2.5 levels below 60 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m). Across most routes, around 6080% of the journey duration recorded PM2.5 levels under 60 g/m, indicating generally acceptable in-cabin air quality during transit. The analysis suggests that air filtration and in-cabin air systems play a crucial role in reducing passenger exposure to pollution, even while travelling through heavily polluted corridors in northern and central India. The study notes that while pollution spikes did occur, they were short-lived and intermittent. Overall, a substantial share of bus travel took place under low to moderate PM2.5 levels, offering a relatively cleaner breathing environment compared to outdoor city air during winter. Route-wise data showed particularly favourable conditions on sectors such as DelhiKanpur, PuneNagpur, PuneBangalore, DelhiLucknow, PathankotDelhi, DelhiKatra, and KatraDelhi, where PM2.5 levels remained below 60 g/m for more than 80% of the travel time. In contrast, the DelhiPathankot and LucknowDelhi routes recorded slightly higher exposure, with over 20% of travel time exceeding the 60 g/m threshold. Even on routes with relatively higher pollution, exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above 90 g/m was generally limited to a small portion of the journeyoften less than 1015% of total travel time. According to the study, these brief pollution peaks are likely linked to short-term external factors such as traffic congestion or localised pollution hotspots. Researchers said the findings provide a detailed picture of passenger exposure to particulate pollution during long-distance road travel and add a new dimension to discussions on mobility and public health in India. The study is the first publicly shared evidence of real-time air quality conditions inside long-distance buses in the country. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore'

Pune municipal polls: NCP(SP) aligning with Ajit Pawars would be like joining hands with BJP, says Sanjay Raut

Elections to the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will take place on January 15, 2026 and the counting will be held a day later

NCP (SP) aligning with Ajit Pawar's NCP would be like joining hands with BJP: Sena (UBT) leader Raut

MUMBAI: The NCP (SP) forging an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP for the Pune Municipal Corporation polls would be akin to joining hands with the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday. Talking to reporters, Raut said he will meet NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and hold discussions on various issues, including any understanding between the two rival factions for the Pune civic body polls. Having an alliance with Ajit Pawar would be akin to joining hands with the BJP. Ajit Pawar is an agent of the BJP, and any truck with him will mean strengthening the BJP, Raut said in response to a question. The NCP and NCP (SP) have held talks about joining hands for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Earlier this week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that the BJP and the NCP won't have an alliance in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations, and there will be a friendly fight between the two Mahayuti allies. Besides the BJP and NCP, the ruling Mahayuti also has the Shiv Sena, led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, as a constituent. Raut said Pawar is positive about Uddhav Thackeray's Sena (UBT) and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena coming together for the civic body polls. He said the NCP (SP) will ally with the Sena (UBT) and MNS in Nashik and Thane. Raut further claimed that Shiv Sena's udget for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls was about Rs 10,000 crore and that the party would give Rs 10 crore to each candidate, but did not provide any details to back the claim. Elections to the 29 municipal corporations in the state will take place on January 15, and the counting will be held a day later. '96 lakh fake voters added': Raj Thackeray questions EC ahead of Maharashtra local body polls

NCP (SP) aligning with Ajit Pawar's NCP would be like joining hands with BJP: Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that an alliance between NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar's NCP for the Pune Municipal Corporation polls would be equivalent to joining hands with the BJP. Raut plans to discuss this and other issues with NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, emphasizing that aligning with Ajit Pawar would strengthen the BJP.

Viral video: Lamborghini in police custody after it hits speed of over 200km/h on Mumbai's Bandra-Worli sea link

Worli police seized a Lamborghini after a viral video showed it exceeding 200 km/h on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, where the speed limit is 80 km/h. The car, registered in Haryana and owned by an Ahmedabad resident, was brought from Pune for examination. A case has been registered against the driver.

Four houses gutted in massive fire

Excelsior Correspondent BHADERWAH, Dec 17: In a major fire incident that erupted in Karal Mohalla locality of Puneja village here today, four residential houses belonging to Raj Mohd, Abdul Shakoor, Abdul Qayoom and Jaan Mohd were gutted. Click here to watch video Sources informed that the fire tenders could not reach the spot immediately though it was just 7 km from the town as the fire hit area was located at hill top 1 km away from motorable road. A.S.P [] The post Four houses gutted in massive fire appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak Makes Strategic Port Call at Chabahar, Iran

NEW DELHI: Marking the first-ever visit of an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship to the port of Chabahar ICGS Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, entered the Chabahar port in Islamic Republic of Iran. The ship is on a four-day visit from 16-19 December 2025 to Iran. Chabahar is a strategically placed deep-water port that offers India a direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. ICG on Wednesday said that the visit underscores Indias growing maritime engagement in the region and ability to provide secure supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia, aligned with Indias SAGAR & MAHASAGAR vision of secure, cooperative maritime engagements. The four-day visit of ICG Ship Sarthak to Chabahar reflects Indias commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, promoting a rules-based maritime order, and contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the wider Indian Ocean Region and the Gulf, the force said. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is Indias policy towards the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) is Indias updated doctrine marking and evolution from IOR to a global maritime sphere. During the port call, ICG Ship Sarthak will engage in a wide range of professional and community-oriented activities with the Iranian Navy and other Iranian maritime agencies. These include courtesy calls and professional interactions, aimed at strengthening institutional linkages and enhancing mutual understanding in maritime safety and security. Key highlights of the port call, as per the ICG, include joint training activities focusing on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and Marine Pollution Response (MPR). A marine pollution response demonstration in Chabahar harbour, targeting oil spills and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spills, will be conducted to showcase coordinated response mechanisms. MRCC-to-MRCC coordination drills, a table-top exercise, and joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills will further enhance interoperability and operational preparedness between the two sides. In addition to professional engagements, the visit will feature sports fixtures and a beach walkathon, with the participation of embarked National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, aligning with the national Puneet Sagar Abhiyan to promote marine environmental awareness and coastal cleanliness. The port call at Chabahar follows the ships earlier visit to Kuwait, where ICG Ship Sarthak successfully interacted with the Kuwait Coast Guard, further highlighting the Indian Coast Guards expanding footprint and constructive engagement with regional maritime partners. Raised in February 1977 for surveillance in the Indian waters and 2.01 million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone, the Indian Coast Guard, is India's auxiliary service for Maritime Law Enforcement, undertaking 'safety and protection' tasks in Indian waters. India, Iran MoU to develop Chabahar Port In 2015 India and Iran signed an inter-Governmental MoU regarding Indias participation in the development of the Chabahar Port in Iran. Iran's Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan Province on the south-eastern coast is a port of great strategic utility for India. It lies outside the Persian Gulf and is accessed from India's western coast. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, in July 2024 informed the Parliament that The Government of India has undertaken to develop the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar, Iran by equipping and operating General Cargo and Container Terminal for a period of 10 years, as per the Long Term Main Contract, from the date of signing of the said Contract i.e., 13.05.2024. A total of Rs.400 Cr has been allocated from FY 2016-17 to FY 2023-24. The amount utilized so far for the development of Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar is Rs. 201.51 Cr, added Sonowal. The development of the Chabahar Port Project, as per the 2024 Year End Review of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways 2024 is an India-Iran flagship project & the signing of the contact is a really important step in opening up the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to Central Asia.

Four houses gutted in fire in Bhaderwah, no casualty

Jammu Tawi, Dec 17: Four houses were gutted in a massive fire that broke out in Doda district, officials said on Wednesday. No casualty was reported in the incident, they said. The incident occurred at Karal Mohalla in Puneja village of Bhaderwah town, they said, adding that the houses that were damaged in the blaze [] The post Four houses gutted in fire in Bhaderwah, no casualty appeared first on Northlines .

Delhi Emerges As Top Choice For Foreign Universities Eyeing India: Report

Preferred Cities In India By Foreign Universities: Apart from Delhi NCR, cities such as Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai have emerged as preferred locations for foreign campuses

Aviation Ivy Launches Free Career Guidance Platform for Aspiring Aviation Professionals

To address the growing need for unbiased career guidance, Aviation Ivy proudly announces its dedicated career counselling website. Aviation Ivy is designed for students and young professionals across India, seeking careers in aviation, hospitality, travel, or customer care. It is founded with the aim of providing free counselling to young aspirants and empowering them to make confident, well-informed career choices. Your Journey to a Confident Aviation Career Starts With increasing career options and limited guidance available, Aviation Ivy bridges this gap by offering expert-led personalised career counselling aligned with students interests and skills. Young students often struggle to identify the right path to achieve their goals. Aviation Ivy takes a transparent, student-first approach, offering services to help students focus on long-term career choices rather than follow job trends. It provides one-on-one counselling and training sessions, as well as detailed industry insights, all designed to help young aspirants gain clarity before committing time, energy, and resources to a particular career path. With presence across all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Agra, Lucknow, Noida, Dehradun, and Rishikesh; Aviation Ivy is now available to all people seeking reliable career guidance from industry experts, at no cost, and is committed to helping students discover their true potential. For more information, please visit - aviationivy.com

Sahyadri Set to Host Multi-Disciplinary Race

Lyfefit Arena will host the Casuarina AdventureX on February 78, 2026, at Casuarina Resort Park near Bhatghar, Pune. This multi-disciplinary expedition features the flagship 150 km Sahyadri Expedition, traversing cycling, running, hiking, and river crossings along historic trails linking Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Torna forts. The event caters to elite, intermediate, and amateur athletes, offering multiple race formats and categories. Emphasizing sustainability and local engagement, the race combines endurance sport with Maharashtras cultural heritage, attracting over 500 participants nationwide.

Bombay High Court rejects seven bail pleas in Pune luxury car hit-and-run evidence tampering case

The Bombay High Court noted that tampering with medical records mocked justice for victims; directs speedy trial and witness examination.

Maharashtra: Woman gangraped after being lured with job offer in Beed

A woman from Pune district was allegedly gangraped in Maharashtras Beed after being lured with a job offer. Police have booked four accused, including a woman.

Mumbai Diary | Blood ties trump power politics in Pawar family

All in blood and family, uncle Ajit Pawar and nephew Rohit Pawar recently flew together in one private jet from Mumbai to Delhi for Sharad Pawars pre-birthday celebration. The duo stayed together, even travelling in one car. The Pawar family not only easily forgot the bitterness but also began to share the missing bond. Supriya Sule tried to rescue Ajit Pawars son, Parth, in the Pune land scam, claiming Parth is innocent and he cannot do anything wrong. Even senior Pawar remained silent on the issue. Ajit Pawar, in a private chat, also instructed his party members not to criticise senior Pawar or his family, indicating the chapters closed. Thackeray brothers share rare family moment Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, once again displayed public warmth. They appeared together with their sons, Aditya and Amit, at Dr Rahul Borudes wedding reception in Mumbai. Borude is Amit Thackerays brother-in-law. Amit recently married Shivani, the daughter of former Lokpal chairperson Justice Manikrao Khanwilkar. Dr Rahul is the son of noted bariatric surgeon Dr Sanjay Borude. The intimate yet high profile event displayed old family bonds. Aditya was seen playing with Amits son, Kiaan. Both families shared relaxed moments. The timing is crucial. With tough BMC elections ahead, this bonhomie will soon face a serious political test. Amit Shah checkmates Maharashtra BJP plans Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Ravindra Chavan were not keen to carry DCM Eknath Shinde into the local body polls. The leadership planned to cut Shinde to size and expand BJPs solo space. On CMs cue, Ravindra Chavan openly belittled Shinde. He said number two holds no value and hinted at a major post-poll shift. However, Shindes Delhi visit and meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah altered the script. State BJP was forced to backtrack. Shinde-led Shiv Sena was accepted as an active ally and offered respectable seats. Shah continues to keep Shinde in good humour, frustrating the state BJP. Sudhir Suryawanshi Our correspondent in Maharashtra suryawanshi.sudhir@gmail.com

Dense fog disrupts flights for second day; 131 services cancelled at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI: Dense fog led to flight cancellations across northern India for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, though the impact was less severe than on Monday. Disruptions are expected to continue on Wednesday as low-visibility conditions persist. At Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport alone, a total of 131 flights of various airlines were cancelled upto 9 pm on Wednesday, said a senior official. Due to low visibility, 52 departures and 79 arrivals have been cancelled, he said. On Tuesday, 228 domestic flights had been cancelled from IGIA At airports across the country, Indias largest domestic airport Indigo had cancelled 110 flights. Among them were flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Guwahati, reveals its website. Air India had cancelled 40 of its flights to and from Delhi airport. An Air India source aid the flights cancelled on Tuesday were pre-planned ones with passengers intimated about them. An Air India Express spokesperson said that four of its flights were cancelled. They were the routes from Delhi to Jaipur as well as Varanasi as well their return journeys. Spicejet as well as Akasa Air said none of their flights were impacted. Low visibility was the reason flights could not take-off. The minimum Runway Visual Range required for airplanes to take off is 125 metres. Flights can land when there is a visibility of 100 metres and hence most flights were able to land, said an official.

Bombay High Court denies bail to eight accused in Pune Porsche car hit-and-run case

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday denied bail to Vishal Agarwal, the father of the minor who was arrested in the Pune Porsche hit-and-run case for allegedly falsifying the medical and blood sample reports to save his minor son from the case. Vishal Agarwal's minor son had killed two Madhya Pradesh engineers in the accident. The high court also denied bail to the other seven accused in the Porches crash case, which includes Ashish Mittal, Aditya Sood, Arunkumar Singh, Ashpak Makandar, Dr Ajay Taware and Dr Shrihari Halnor. Dr Taware and Halnor are booked for replacing the blood samples of the prime accused and the other minor accused, who were sitting on the passenger seat at the time of the accident. Taware is the head of the Forensic Medicine Department, and Halnor is the Chief Medical Officer. Makandar is the middleman who connected Vishal with Taware and Halnor for swapping the blood samples. The accused were arrested under various provisions of the then Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. A single-judge bench of Bombay High Court Justice Shyam Chandak passed an order stating that the offence against the accused was serious and there was a possibility of them tampering with evidence and influencing the witnesses in the case. The special public prosecutor for the state, Shishir Hiray, had argued that the accused fabricated the vital evidence in the case. He further highlighted the fact that the witnesses in the case are medical students, poor persons and can be easily threatened. He also opposed the bail application of the eight accused in this case. In the early hours of May 19, 2024, the juvenile was allegedly driving a Porsche at a very high speed in an inebriated state when the vehicle crashed into a bike, killing two software engineers Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta- in Punes Kalyani Nagar. In June this year, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to the mother of the minor accused, observing that she was behind bars for over 10 months. Last month, the SC confirmed the interim bail granted to her. In October 2024, another bench of the HC had denied the anticipatory bail plea of the father of the minor drivers friend and had observed that a strong prima facie case was made out against him for swapping blood samples. In June 2024, the Bombay HC had ordered the release of the minor accused, observing that custody or remand orders were passed in absolutely illegal and mechanical manner. The HC had ordered the minor to be kept under the supervision of the paternal aunt, who was tasked to ensure compliance with the directions issued by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to rehabilitate the minor.

Six Hindu Munnani functionaries held in Singampuneri

'Sena (UBT) and MNS to ally': Sanjay Raut on Maharashtra civic polls; tie-up likely in Mumbai, other major cities

Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite their Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS parties for upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik. A formal announcement is expected next week, marking a significant political realignment after recent electoral setbacks. This alliance will contest elections in major cities, with local units deciding on tie-ups elsewhere.

Vishwakarma University hosts AI pre-summit on human capital in the AI era

Vishwakarma University hosted an AI Pre-Summit on Human Capital in the AI Era, collaborating with AICTE, Ministry of Electronics & IT, IndiaAI, CII, and Infosys. Held in Pune, the summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, and students to discuss AI-driven workforce transformation, skill development, curriculum redesign, and lifelong learning. Speakers emphasized human potential, ethical AI adoption, and collaboration between education and industry to strengthen Indias human capital, preparing the nation for inclusive growth and technological leadership in the AI era.

Dense fog in North India disrupts air traffic; 29 flights cancelled at Hyderabad airport on December 16

The affected flights were operating on routes connecting Hyderabad with major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Ahmedabad, Pune, Goa, Bhubaneswar, Bangalore, Chennai and Madurai

Pune Teen Stabbed To Death By Classmate At Coaching Centre In Pune

A 16-year-old boy was killed after a classmate allegedly attacked him with a knife inside a classroom at a coaching centre in Pune district on Monday, police said.

Class 10 student murdered inside coaching centre in Punes Rajgurunagar

The victim was allegedly attacked by his own friend, who slit his throat with a knife and fled the scene immediately after the assault. According to police officers, the accused allegedly also stabbed the victim in the neck and abdomen while both were seated on the same bench during a tuition class

bmc-election-2025-dates-to-remember-as-election-commission-of-maharashtra-confirms-navi-mumbai-pune-heading-to-polling-booths

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is among the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra to which elections will be held on January 15, Wednesday. The counting of votes is scheduled for January 16, Friday, the State Election Commission (SEC) announced on Monday. Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are among the other prominent civic bodies going to polls. He reportedly confirmed that the election code of conduct has now come into force in all 29 local bodies. As many as 2,869 seats in these municipal corporations will be up for grabs in these local bodies, where elections are due since early 2022. Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the nomination process will begin on December 23, Tuesday with candidates allowed to make their submissions for a week until December 30. Scrutiny of papers will be done on December 31, and January 2, Friday, will be the last date of withdrawal of nominations, he said. Symbol allocation and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3. Polling in the 29 municipal corporations spread across Maharashtra will take place on January 15 and votes will be counted the next day, news agency PTI quoted Waghmare as saying. He said these 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have 2,869 seats on offer and 3.48 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these major urban centres of the state. After long and tiring political blame games and court battles, the Supreme Court had finally given the deadline of January 31 to conduct the polls, reported Marathi media. Full list of local bodies heading to polls: BMC Pune Municipal Corporation Nagpur Municipal Corporation Solapur Municipal Corporation Kolhapur Municipal Corporation Thane Municipal Corporation Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Nashik Municipal Corporation Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Amravati Municipal Corporation New Mumbai Municipal Corporation NandedWaghala Municipal Corporation Ulhas Nagar Municipal Corporation Sangli-Miraj-Kupwara Municipal Corporation Malegaon Municipal Corporation Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation Akola Municipal Corporation Bhayander Municipal Corporation Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation Dhule Municipal Corporation Jalgaon Municipal Corporation Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Parbhani Municipal Corporation Chandrapur Municipal Corporation Latur Municipal Corporation Panvel Municipal Corporation Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation Jalna Municipal Corporation Dates to remember: Application submission window: December 2330, 2025 Application scrutiny: December 31, 2025 Last date for withdrawal of candidature: January 2, 2026 Election symbol allocation and release of final candidate list: January 3, 2026 Polling date: January 15, 2026 Counting of votes: January 16, 2026

maharashtra-class-10-boy-slits-throat-kills-classmate-during-a-lecture-at-private-coaching

In a shocking incident, a class 10 student slit the throat of his classmate during a coaching class in Rajgurunagar, Ked taluk area of Pune, Maharashtra. The incident happened as the teacher in the coaching class was taking the class on Monday morning. The victim was taken to a hospital but died while undergoing treatment. The two students had reportedly been engaged in an argument for the past few days. The minor had arrived late to the class and sat behind the victim at around 8:30 and 8:45. He then proceeded to attack the boy and slit his throat. He also stabbed the boy in the stomach. The student then proceeded to flee the scene on a two-wheeler. Police had rushed to the spot to find the student covered in blood. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause and main motive for the attack. The father of the victim told ABP that his son had been attacked by the same boy and a group of his friends around three days ago. Locals say that the minors in the area were involved in gang activities. There have been reports of frequent incidents, including arguments and fights between students studying in the Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya and related private classes. This is not the first incident of students similarly attacking classmates. In November, a class 9 student in Pune attacked his classmate by slitting her throat with a broken bottle following a heated argument related to the school's annual day function. He had attacked the girl from behind, which resulted in a massive wound and bleeding. The juvenile offender was produced before the JJB and sent to an observation home.

EC announces date for Maharashtra civic body polls: Voting on January 15, results to be out next day

The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday announced the much-awaited polls to the state's 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai. Elections will be held on January 15, and votes will be counted on January 16, said State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare. The prominent civic bodies going to polls include Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. As many as 2,869 seats in these municipal corporations will be up for grabs, said the SEC. The nomination process will begin on December 23 and go on till December 30, he added. Scrutiny of papers will be done on December 31 and January 2 will be the last date of withdrawal of nominations, he said. Symbol allocation and final list of candidates will be published on January 3. The 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have 2,869 seats on offer and 3.48 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these major urban centres of the state. (With inputs from PTI)

Teenage boy killed in knife attack by classmate at Pune coaching centre

PUNE: A 16-year-old boy was killed after a classmate allegedly attacked him with a knife inside a classroom at a coaching centre in Pune district on Monday, police said. The attack was apparently the fallout of a previous dispute between the two boys, who were studying in Class 10, they said. The incident took place at a private coaching centre in Rajgurunagar, according to the police. A boy, who was carrying a knife, suddenly attacked a classmate inside a classroom at the coaching centre on Monday morning. The injured boy was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. A process is on to detain the accused boy, an official from Khed police station said. A primary investigation suggested there was some dispute between the two boys, he said. We are probing the exact reason behind the attack, the official said.

Pune Road Rage: Woman Suffers Serious Eye Injury After Bike-Borne Men Chase Car, Smash Windows

According to police, the incident occurred on December 6 when Puja Gupta, an HR professional, and her fianc were returning to Mumbai from Gaikwadnagar, Punawale.

Cold Wave Grips Pune As Single-Digit Lows Persist, IMD Predicts Chilly Monday

Pune sees minimum temps near 9C; IMD warns of cold wave in Telangana, Karnataka, and dense fog in North and Northeast India.

India issues high alert for Jewish establishments after Sydney terror attack

The security agencies in India have sounded high alert across high-level alerts for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metro cities warning of imminent threats to Jewish establishments during the festival period of Hanukkah following the terrorist attack in Australias Sydney, killing at least 12 people and injuring 29 others, including police officers, on Sunday. In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the ghastly terrorist attack in Sydney. Conveying profound grief over the tragic incident, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of India to the families who lost their loved ones. He affirmed that India stands in full solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of deep sorrow. Reiterating Indias unwavering position on the issue, the Prime Minister stated that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and firmly supports the global fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism. In a post on X, Modi wrote: Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism. Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2025 Earlier today, two gunmen had opened fire at Sydney's Bondi Beach during a Jewish religious event. According to witnesses, around 50 shots were fired as hundreds of people gathered on the beach for a seaside event to mark the beginning of the Jewish festival. Immediately after the tragic incident in Sydney, the security establishments have increased manpower across the Jewish establishments across the country. Based on specific intelligence inputs, security has been increased at specific places, said a senior IPS officer adding that alerts were sounded across the local police stations across India and accordingly security measures were taken. The officer also said that all the anti-terror units were asked to keep an eye on suspicious activities and are also on the lookout for suspected radicalised people who are planning to carry out such strikes. Alerts had already been issued for the Hanukkah period. These have now been reinforced across all metro cities, the officer said. Jewish establishments in India have been targeted in the past, most notably during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when 175 people were killed in coordinated strikes carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The assault on Nariman House (Chabad House) claimed the lives of seven people, including Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, and remains a grim reminder of the vulnerability of Jewish targets. Threats to Israeli and Jewish interests have persisted since then. In 2012, the wife of the Israeli military attach was injured in a car bombing in New Delhi, which police linked to Iran. A blast outside the Israeli embassy in 2021 damaged vehicles, with Indian agencies identifying Irans IRGC Quds Force as responsible. In 2023, two men were arrested in Pune with explosives, drone equipment and images of Mumbais Chabad House on their phones, pointing to continued surveillance and planning of potential attacks on Jewish targets in India.

All India DAD volleyball tournament 2025 concludes in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The All India Defence Accounts Department (DAD) Volleyball Tournament2025 concluded in Bengaluru with the mens and womens final matches held at the Dravid Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence. The tournament was organised under the aegis of the Defence Accounts Sports Control Board (DASCB) and hosted by the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Bengaluru. The mens final witnessed an intense and high-quality contest, with PCDA (Army), Chandigarh emerging as champions. PCDA (Army), Jaipur finished as runners-up. The womens final was equally engaging, with PCDA (Officers), Pune clinching the championship title, while CGDA (Headquarters), Delhi secured the runner-up position. The closing ceremony was held at the Chopra Auditorium, ASC Centre, Bengaluru. K V R Murthi, Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts, and Maj Gen V T Mathew, AVSM, YSM, GOC, K&K Sub Area, graced the occasion as chief guests.

Dhurandhar: Midnight madness for Ranveer Singh's movie as Mumbai, Pune roll out late-night shows, checktimingshere

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar delivered a gripping mix of action, drama and suspense.

90 pc of IndiGos flight operations have returned to normal: Union minister

Pune: About 90 percent of IndiGos flight operations have returned to normal, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said on Saturday. He was speaking to reporters in the city, where he attended the inauguration of the Pune Book Festival at Fergusson College. Asked about the recent crisis faced by carrier IndiGo, Mohol Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Suryadatta Institute of Scientific Research survey: Teens want Smart, not excessive, screen

A new survey reveals Pune teenagers are increasingly reliant on mobile phones for learning but also concerned about screen time distractions. While 40% see phones as useful in moderation, 33% report negative impacts like lost time and reduced concentration. The study highlights the need for digital wellness programs to foster mindful usage among students.

World Record For Largest Display Of Posters Set In Pune

India has now surpassed the US to claim the record for the longest display of posters, said Guinness World Records adjudicator Swapnil Dangrikar

UP: Girl kidnapped, raped multiple times over 25 days; accused held

BALLIA: A man was arrested here for allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old girl and taking her to Mumbai and Pune, where he raped her multiple times for around 25 days, police said on Saturday. The accused, Baburam (21) kidnapped the girl on November 14. Based on her fathers complaint, a case was registered against the accused, they said. Chitbaragaon Station Officer (SO) Dinesh Pathak said the minor was rescued from an area under the police station. She told police that Baburam kidnapped her and had taken her to Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, where he raped her. Based on her statements, sections related to rape under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act have been added to the case, the officer said. The accused was arrested the accused on Friday near the Dharmapur intersection, and he was sent to jail after completing the necessary legal formalities, Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh said.

1.5 Lakh Crore Road Works Approved for Maharashtra: Gadkari

The Union minister said road works of Rs 50,000 crore have been approved for the Pune region, and construction will begin in the next three months

Road works of Rs 1.50 lakh crore have been approved for Maharashtra: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved road projects worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore for Maharashtra. These significant infrastructure developments are set to commence in the next three months and will be completed by 2026. Key projects include a new Pune-Sambhajinagar expressway and an elevated road in Pune.

Officials should have refused illegal registrations: Ajit Pawar amid son's land deal row

NAGPUR: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday said officials responsible for registering documents should have refused to process agreements that were not permissible under the law and clearly informed the parties concerned about such limitations. His comments come against the backdrop of a notice issued by the deputy registrar to the firm of his son, Parth Pawar, seeking Rs 21 crore in stamp duty and penalties in connection with a controversial land deal in Pune. Recently, the Bombay High Court raised sharp questions regarding the police probe into the land deal, suggesting authorities might be shielding Parth Pawar by failing to name him in the FIR. Ajit Pawar sought to dispel perceptions stemming from a bill cleared by the legislative assembly on Friday, which empowers the revenue minister to hold hearings in contentious cases related to the IGR. Pawar said those who registered such documents were at fault, and officials should have exercised due diligence at the time of registration. The officials who received the documents for registration of a deal should have refused to register it. They should have clearly informed the parties that such an agreement cannot be processed, said the deputy chief minister. When asked about allegations that the bill was moved to protect Parth, who holds a 99 per cent equity stake in Amadea Enterprises LLP, Pawar reiterated that responsibility lay with the registering authorities. We are elected representatives in the House, and people have voted for us. We are free to take decisions or make amendments we find suitable, he said when asked about the intent behind the amendment. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that under the earlier provision, complainants dissatisfied with decisions at the level of the IGR had to approach the High Court. After the amendment, such complainants can now approach the revenue minister, who will be authorised to hold hearings in these matters. He also stated that certain transactions have caused financial losses to the state exchequer, necessitating a more effective redressal mechanism. The sale of 40 acres of land in Pune's upscale Mundhwa area for Rs 300 crore to Amadea Enterprises LLP, in which Parth Pawar is a majority partner, came under scrutiny after it emerged that the plot belongs to the government and it could not be sold. The firm was also allegedly exempted from paying Rs 21 crore in stamp duty. A committee headed by the Joint Inspector General of Registration (IGR) had indicted Digvijay Patil (Parth Pawar's business partner and cousin), Sheetal Tejwani (who held the power of attorney on behalf of the land sellers), and sub-registrar Ravindra Taru. They were named in an FIR registered at a police station in Pune. Parth Pawar was not named as his name didn't appear on any document, a senior official had said.

Pune land deal row: Revenue officials should have refused faulty registrations, says Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawars comments came against the backdrop of a notice issued by the deputy registrar to the firm of his son, Parth Pawar

Land deal row: Revenue officials should have refused faulty registrations, says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said officials should have refused illegal land deal registrations, amid scrutiny of a Pune sale involving his sons firm. He denied a legislative amendment was meant to protect Parth Pawar, stressing accountability lay with registering authorities, not lawmakers.