Pune News

Shiv Sena (UBT) seeks alliance with Congress ahead of upcoming BMC polls

MUMBAI: Following its defeat in the Maharashtra local body elections, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has approached Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a request to form an alliance ahead of the upcoming elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), scheduled on January15, 2026. In the local body elections, the BJP has emerged as the single largest party . After winning the 41 Nagar Panchayat president posts in the local body elections, the Congress has gained confidence in their strategy and has planned to do the same for the upcoming elections to Asia's largest civic body, the BMC. The Congress has already announced that it will contest the BMC election on its own, though plans are in the making to tie up with Prakash Ambedkar-led Bahujan Vanchit Aghadi to garner Dalit votes (10%) and other minority votes. Shiv Sena (UBT) is concerned about the outcome of the BMC elections, as the BMC has been controlled by the party for the last 25 years. The party's defeat in the local body polls has driven down hopes of retaining the corporation, pushing it to consider an alliance with the Congress and avoid division of votes. Sanjay Raut has reportedly called Rahul Gandhi with a message that the Congress should be part of an alliance to fight against the BJP. However, sources within the Congress said that they are determined to contest alone in Mumbai. We have seen in the last two elections, the Congress votes easily get transferred to Shiv Sena (UBT), but the Sena votes do not come to us. It either goes to BJP or Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Therefore, it is better to contest the elections separately and retain each one's vote bank. We are sure Rahul Gandhi will not ask us to change the decision to contest independently for the BMC elections, said a senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity. Interestingly, in Pune, DCM Ajit Pawar likely to ally with his uncle Sharad Pawar, along with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) in order to fight against the BJP. A committee has been set up at the local level where seat sharing discussion has already started. NCP has decided to contest the 80 seats out of total 165 seats in Pune Municipal Corporation while remaining 80 seats are offered to all three partners of the MVA. However, no decision has been taken regarding the matter.

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

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

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate aims Rs 600 cr revenue from Pune housing plot project

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is entering the housing plot market. Their first project, Treetopia, is a 105-acre development in Pune. It offers 483 plots with an estimated revenue potential of Rs 600 crore. The project is located near the upcoming Purandar International Airport. This move expands their residential portfolio into plotted developments.

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

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.

Uddipan organises Career Conclave 2025 at PIBM, Pune

Uddipan, in collaboration with Ramanbyte Pvt. Ltd. and supported by AICTE, hosted the two-day Career Conclave 2025 at PIBM, Pune, on 11-12 December. Over 2,500 students from diverse streams engaged with 300+ companies across sectors like IT, Finance, Manufacturing, and Retail. The event offered varied job roles and practical career guidance. Students gained interview experience, industry insights, and networking opportunities. The conclave successfully facilitated employment, internships, and skill development, strengthening career readiness for participants.

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.

Max Healthcare Institute to invest Rs 1,000 cr to set up super speciality hospital in Pune

Max Healthcare will invest over Rs 1,000 crore to build a new 450-bed super speciality hospital in Pune. This facility in Yerawada will be commissioned within three years. It marks Max Healthcare's entry into Pune and will be its fourth hospital in Western India. The company aims to bring advanced medical care to the region.

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.

Kolhapurs Saee Jadhav Becomes First Woman Territorial Army Officer To Pass Out Of IMA

Pune, Dec 18: Saee Jadhav from Maharashtras Kolhapur has become the first woman Territorial Army officer to complete pre-commissioning training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, breaking the institutions 93-year-old tradition of male-only officer training. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated her and said her achievement is an inspiring milestone that gives direction to the dreams of countless young girls across the country. Jadhav, 23, was commissioned as a Lieutenant during the Passing Out Parade of the 157th course held [] The post Kolhapurs Saee Jadhav Becomes First Woman Territorial Army Officer To Pass Out Of IMA appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

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.

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.

Woman gangraped after being lured with job offer in Maharashtra; 4 booked

Beed: A woman from Baramati in Pune district has allegedly been raped by three men in Maharashtras Beed district after being promised a job, police said. The alleged incident took place six months ago, they said, adding that a case was registered a few days back in this connection against four persons, including a woman. 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 .

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.

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

Don't Travel At Night: Cognizant's Advisory After Leopard Sightings In Pune

IT major Cognizant has issued a safety advisory for its employees in Pune after reports of increased leopard movement in several parts of the city and surrounding areas, asking staff to exercise caution while commuting and on campus.

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

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.

Reddys ton guides Andhra to thrilling win against Punjab

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Pune, Dec 14: Young Andhra batter Hemanth Reddy proved way too strong-willed in the face of some hostile bowling from Punjab as he smashed an unbeaten 109 to lead his side to a thrilling five-wicket win in a high-scoring Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League A match, here Sunday. Reddy, playing []

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.

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.

Confusion Theerkkaname: Jam sessions to jettison the blues, jazz up your evenings

6th Avenue in Anna Nagar, Chennai. A pale November evening. The room glows softly; chairs lie scattered; someone tunes a guitar, someone adjusts a mic. From the faint ripple of human chatter, a lone voice rises. A gentle hum follows from the rear of the room, and soon several voices begin to sing. Many pick up the same lines imperfect, but wholly invested. The spirit lifts with the music. Welcome to a jam session. Here, music doesnt merely fill a space it stirs a quiet sense of belonging. Here, a group of Keralites feel at home in Chennai, thanks to blessed music. Vaishakha sandhye / Nin chundilenthe / Aruma sakhithan / Adhara kaanthiyo . The song from the 1987 film Nadodikkattu , rendered by KJ Yesudas, fills the air. Many more follow with shifting rhythms and beats Shanthamee Rathriyil / Vaadyaghoshadikal Konduvaa / Oho Konduvaa from Johnnie Walker starring Mammootty, and Confusion Theerkkaname / Ente Confusion Theerkkanamee , sung by MG Sreekumar in the Jayaram-starrer Summer in Bethlehem . Hours pass, cradled by music and in the arms of bittersweet memories, before the time comes to part for the day. One steps out into darkness, into harsh reality, into the swirl of Chennai traffic, and into the humdrum of existence. Jam sessions are popular in cities like Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and they are gaining ground in Chennai too. Among people who spend most of their time glued to computer screens and commuting to and from work, there is a craving for belongingto stay connected, to dispel loneliness, to feel at home. Jam sessions offer an answer. The term jam session likely originated in the 1920s jazz scene, when white and Black musicians would gather after their regular paying gigs to play the jazz they couldnt perform in the Paul Whitemanstyle bands they worked in. When Bing Crosby attended these gatherings, the musicians would say he was jammin the beat, because he clapped on the one and the three. Jam sessions are popular in cities like Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and they are gaining ground in Chennai too. A jam session is a musical gathering where musicians come together to play, improvise, and experiment without following a rigid structure. It begins with a few musicians picking up a song, and soon the whole group joins insinging, clapping, or adding their own musical bitsturning it into a lively, free-flowing experience. Organisers of a recent session in Chennai say the formats popularity has grown rapidly in recent years. Vishwas KP, founder of Do With LIT, a music community based in Bengaluru, said the rise accelerated after Covid-19 as people are more willing to spend on experiences. He added, Before jamming, there were only two kinds of showsone in pubs with live music or DJs, and the second was concerts by big musicians, which are not very interactive. There were many people who werent comfortable with eitherpeople who dont like going to pubs, and people who dont enjoy concerts. There was a middle ground that needed to be filled. According to Vishwas, jam sessions do more than bring music lovers together; they create friendships. Music is something that binds people together. Ive seen it first-hand in my events many people have become very close friends, and I myself have found close friends I didnt know earlier. Divya, the co-founder of Make Some Occha, a mixed-mic community that organises jamming sessions, open mics, and curated events, shared how she started the community with her friend Thejus. She said they wanted to create a space where people could express art and connect with each other. We were fully into corporate jobs, and we realised wed lost our creative side somewhere we wanted a platform for people who have left their homes to express their creativity and form new connections. People are leaving their homes and coming into new, uncomfortable situations, she added. They need to find new friends. So were creating a space where you can randomly come and sit, sing, dance, laugh with no judgement. Divya noted that while the crowd initially consisted mostly of young professionals, it has now expanded to include children, older adults, and families. Vishwas added that about 80 per cent of attendees are between 25 and 35 years old, but they also see groups in their 50s and 60s enjoying the sessions, along with an increasing number of families. While organisers create the environment, it is the attendees who bring it to life. For many, the sessions offer connection, comfort, and nostalgia. While organisers create the environment, it is the attendees who bring it to life. For Reshma, a Malayali architect working in Chennai, the jamming session she attended was deeply nostalgic. There is nothing as comforting and nostalgic as your mother tongue, she said. Songs take us to memories by default; they make you feel connected sentimentally. As someone living in Chennai for the past eight years, listening to old Malayalam songs feels like a slice of home. Between her words, the songs echoed that spirit. As someone strummed the opening chords of an old Malayalam song, heads lifted instantly. Music turned the space into something familiaralmost home. For Shibil, who performed at an open mic, the events help bridge emotional distance. When youre away from home, you have a disconnected feeling. Attending events like this brings back your memories of home. Its a good place to make new connections. The night grew warmer as voices overlapped, rising and settling like waves. For a moment, the room felt less like a hall and more like a living room back home. Liz, a media coordinator in Chennai, discovered one such programme through BookMyShow. This is definitely a place to make new friends. Even if youre alone, you can meet new people here, she said. In a place like Chennai, with such a large immigrant population, more shows like this should be conducted. Im sure more people will join. Vishwas agreed that Chennai offers strong opportunities. Compared to Bengaluru, Chennai has fewer jamming events, and more people here are interested in music There should be more jamming events in Chennai and more groups providing these experiences, because weve seen in our events that people in Chennai absolutely love their music. He said that jamming sessions in Chennai are still new and evolving but have the potential to become mainstream. Badhri Seshadri, founder of Motta Maadi Music, one of Chennais earliest jamming communities, said the city has played a major role in the ventures success. People in Chennai are always so culturally inclined that when something new comes up, they never say no to it. They want to try it and then its up to the performer to maintain the momentum. He also noted that street performances have evolved into musicians using popular public spots to jam, reflecting the citys vibrant music scene. According to him, these sessions thrive not only because the city supports them, but also because generations of Tamil film music legends have created enduring songs that continue to fuel todays jams. Another attendee, Anupama, described the experience as emotional. Malayalam is my mother tongue. I think, speak, and process emotions in Malayalam. Old Malayalam movies and songs take me back to my native soil. Music has that magic I cant really explain, she said. When I heard about a Malayalam jamming session, I was thrilled. Ever since I left home, Ive hung out with many friends but when it comes to music and movies, Ive always felt like an outsider. But jamming old Malayalam songs with people Id never met felt like attending a function with my cousins. Just like that, we were transported home by the lyrics and music. It was sterling nostalgia. As jam sessions spread across cities, they are doing more than bringing music to life they are bringing people together. Through familiar lyrics and melodies, people are finding comfort, friendship, and a fleeting, powerful sense of home far from home.

Leopard Moving Within Pune Airport Since April Tranquilised, Rescued

A male adult leopard that had been intermittently moving within the Pune Airport premises since late April has been darted and captured safely, forest officials said on Friday.

AI wont steal jobs, ours is last generation to have stable, long-term careers: Microsofts Chandok

MUMBAI, Dec 12: Tech giant Microsofts India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok on Friday said artificial intelligence will not steal jobs, asserting that the real pink slip is going to be refusal to learn. However, he said the widespread adoption of new-age technology will unbundle tasks, adding that ours is the last generation to enjoy stable, long-term careers. Will AI steal jobs? I dont think AI will steal jobs. It will dissect jobs. It will unbundle jobs, Chandok [] The post AI wont steal jobs, ours is last generation to have stable, long-term careers: Microsofts Chandok appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

AI won't steal jobs, ours is last generation to have stable, long-term careers: Microsoft's Chandok

Microsoft India President Puneet Chandok believes artificial intelligence will transform jobs by unbundling tasks. He asserts that the refusal to learn is the real threat, not automation. Chandok suggests current generations are the last to experience stable, long-term careers.

Ajit Pawar's Son Parth To Pay Rs 21 Crore Stamp Duty In Pune Land Deal

The company had purchased the 40-acre plot in Pune's upscale Mundhwa area for around Rs 300 crore, despite its market value being a whopping Rs 1,804 crore.

Seven districts in Maharashtra saw 14,526 child deaths in three years: Govt

NAGPUR: Seven districts of Maharashtra recorded 14,526 child deaths over the past three years, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar told the legislative assembly on Friday, citing government records. Abitkar shared the data in a written reply to a question raised by BJP legislator Sneha Dubey. According to the minister, between 2022-23 and 2024-25, Pune, Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal districts collectively reported 14,526 child deaths. The figure includes infants and children under five admitted to government facilities, as well as cases of severe malnutrition. The minister also said that 138 infant deaths have been recorded in the tribal-dominated Palghar district. Citing the state health department's data as of November 2025, Abitkar said 203 children were identified as suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 2,666 from Moderate Acute Malnutrition. The proportion of underweight children was recorded at 0.23 per cent, while 1.48 per cent fell in the moderately underweight category. He also referred to the Sample Registration System 2022, released by the Registrar General of India, which estimated Maharashtra's neonatal mortality rate at 11 per 1,000 live births, lower than the national average of 23. Abitkar said the state government has adopted multiple measures under the Integrated Child Development Services programme to reduce malnutrition. These include regular health examinations, the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Amrut Aahar Yojana for pregnant women, targeted interventions for SAM children, the Nutrition Campaign, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the Suposhit Maharashtra' initiative.

Leopard tranquilised, rescued from tunnel on Pune airport premises

PUNE : A male adult leopard that had been intermittently moving within the Pune Airport premises since late April has been darted and captured safely, forest officials said on Friday. The feline was captured following a multi-agency operation led by the Forest Department, in collaboration with RESQ Charitable Trust, the Indian Air Force and Pune Airport authorities, they said. The presence of the big cat was first confirmed on April 28. On November 19, the leopard was spotted once again. Forest officials said the wild animal utilised an extensive network of underground tunnels, dense vegetation and low-footfall zones within the airport premises to move in and out of the area. Given the vast and sensitive nature of the airport landscape, capture efforts posed challenges. Continuous monitoring was undertaken using camera traps, live cameras and trap cages, though the leopard avoided entering cages, officials said in a release. On December 4, officials were informed that the leopard had entered the underground tunnel network. Tunnel exits were then closed and more live surveillance cameras were installed to track its movement within the confined space. A 30-member team comprising personnel from the Forest Department, RESQ trust and the Indian Air Force guided the leopard into an approximately 80-foot-long tunnel, the release said. The leopard was then tranquilised by wildlife veterinarian Dr Gourav Mangla, it said. The leopard had damaged both live cameras, and I had to take a clean shot from a very difficult angle in a confined tunnel space. The successful darting was possible only because the teams held their positions calmly and executed the plan exactly as designed, said Dr Mangla. The leopard has since recovered and is currently housed at the Transit Treatment Centre at Bavdhan, Pune, for further observation and assessment. Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, said coordination among the various agencies led to the capture of the big cat. Officials said no human injuries occurred during the operation and that airport operations continued without disruption.

State sees cool mornings; Ahilyanagar records lowest temperature of 7.3 degrees

In the northern and western parts of the state, Nashik recorded a minimum of 7.8 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent relative humidity and no rainfall over the past 24 hours. Pune experienced a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity

220 development projects approved in Pune Metropolitan Region, says CM Fadnavis

The CM also asked PMC to plan the development of the 23 villages that were merged into the corporation in June 2021. Plans for Pune Growth Hubs through Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), a government institute, should be verified, he further directed officials

'Are Police Shielding Ajit Pawar's Son?': Bombay High Court Questions FIR In Pune Land Deal

The Bombay High Court has questioned the cops on why Parth Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, was excluded from the FIR in the Pune land deal case.

NIA raids house in Hazaribagh over suspected terror links

RANCHI: Amid the investigation into the explosion near Red Fort in Delhi, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday raided the residence of a suspected terrorist, Shahnawaz Alam. The raids were conducted by a joint team of NIA and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in Ansar Nagar, under the Pelawal police station area in Hazaribagh. According to sources, this action was taken based on information provided by a doctor who was previously arrested by the NIA. This operation is being conducted as part of an investigation into the network linked to suspected terrorist Shahnawaz Alam , who was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. The team is reportedly questioning people inside the house. Besides NIA and ATS, additional police forces have been deployed in the area. Officials refrained from sharing any information, looking at the sensitive nature of the operation. Meanwhile, the NIA team has recovered a printing machine from the house. The NIA believes that some kind of documents, posters or objectionable material were being printed there. Shahnawaz Alam, originally hailing from Hazaribagh, was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. Investigators suspect that his network may have tentacles in Jharkhand, making Thursdays raid strategically significant. Investigators are also revisiting the background of Shahnawaz, who had earlier been jailed in 2019 for robbery and theft. After securing bail in December 2020, he allegedly came into contact with ISIS handlers, eventually becoming a crucial figure in the Pune module case. Officials suspect that individuals associated with Shahnawaz may still be active in Jharkhand. Reportedly, Shahnawaz Alam alias Safiuzzama had received terrorist training in the forests of Pune. Based on fresh intelligence received in this case, the NIA team has raided his residences in Hazaribagh.

Maharashtra weather update: State wakes up to cold mornings, clear skies

In western Maharashtra, Pune and Baramati recorded cold mornings with minimum temperatures of 7.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik registered 8.2 degrees Celsius, Satara 10.0 degrees Celsius

Mumbai: ED conducts 40 raids across India in ISIS-linked money-laundering probe

Officials said the searches were based on FIRs filed earlier by NIA and ATS related to an alleged criminal conspiracy involving members of an ISIS-inspired sleeper module operating in Pune. The ED action aims to verify suspected money flows, funding channels, and support networks connected to the accused

Pune shivers as winter deepens; further temperature dip expected

North winds bring sharp drop in temperature across Maharashtra, with Pune, Solapur under yellow alert and several districts set to witness chillier weather

Pune land deal: Is police protecting deputy CMs son Parth Pawar, asks Bombay HC; Sheetal Tejwani withdraws pre-arrest bail plea

The Bombay High Court questioned if the deputy chief minister's son was being protected in a controversial Pune land deal case, as he was not named in the FIR. Real estate businesswoman Sheetal Tejwani, arrested in connection with the deal, withdrew her pre-arrest bail plea. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the government would not protect anyone found guilty.

Bombay HC questions police role in 300-Crore Pune land deal, asks if it is shielding Ajit Pawars son

The Bombay High Court questioned if the police is shielding Deputy CM Ajit Pawars son in the 300-Crore land deal;businesswomanwithdraws anticipatory bail plea after court shows disinclination.

Bombay HC questions absence of Ajit Pawars son from FIR in Pune land scam case

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday questioned the absence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars son, Parth Pawar, from the FIR in the Pune land scam. Parth Pawar is linked to a 40-acre prime land deal in Pune. His firm, Amadea Enterprises LLP, purchased Mahar Watan land valued at around Rs 2,000 crore, allegedly securing a waiver of Rs 25 crore in stamp duty and registration fees by claiming plans to develop an IT hub. The massive transaction was executed on a Rs 500 stamp paper. During the hearing, the High Court expressed surprise that although the firm belonged to Parth Pawar, his name was not included in the FIR. Police have filed a case against six people and arrested two. Notably, Parths partner, Digvijay Patil, who holds a 10% stake in the firm, is named in the FIR, while Parth, who owns 90%, is not. Justice Madhav Jamdhar, hearing the bail plea of accused Sheetal Tejwani, asked why she approached the High Court when her application was pending before the Pune City Civil Court. The bench also asked the state-appointed public prosecutor whether this was the case involving the DCMs son. After confirmation, the judge pressed further, Why was Parth Pawars name missing from the FIR? Police said the investigation was ongoing. Expressing dissatisfaction, the bench directed Tejwanis lawyer to withdraw the bail plea immediately. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said the High Court raised the same questions the Congress has been asking - why Parth Pawars name is missing from the FIR despite being the major owner of the firm involved. Social activist Anjali Damani, who is pursuing the case, demanded an FIR against Parth Pawar and urged Ajit Pawar to resign as DCM to enable a fair probe.

Maharashtra: AIU siezes 2.29 kg of hydroponic marijuana at Pune Airport

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Pune AIU seized 2.29 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 2.29 crore from a Bangkok passenger at the city airport, while the DRI dismantled a clandestine mephedrone factory in Wardha, seizing 128 kg of drugs worth Rs 192 crore and arresting three accused

Porsche car crash: Two Pune cops dismissed over lapses in investigation

The high-end luxury car allegedly driven by the minor under the influence of alcohol knocked down two motorbike-borne IT professionals, one of them a woman, in Pune`s Kalyani Nagar area in the wee hours of May 19, killing them

Pune land deal: Is police protecting Deputy CM's son Parth Pawar? asks HC

The Bombay High Court questioned the police regarding the investigation into a land deal involving Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The court asked if the police were protecting Pawar by not naming him in the FIR. A businesswoman accused in the case filed a pre-arrest bail plea. The land deal involved 40 acres in Pune.

Dairy investment fraud: ED raids 5 locations in Pune and Baramati

An ED officer said the searches focused on securing financial records, digital data and other evidence related to the suspected diversion of investor funds

500 kg of beef seized from car in Nashik; one arrested

According to the police, activists of the Bajrang Dal attempted to stop a car travelling towards Nashik from Ahilyanagar on the NashikPune national highway on Tuesday after receiving a tip-off. When the driver refused to halt, the activists chased the vehicle and intercepted it near Jetwannagar

Licences of 176 retailers, 39 wholesalers cancelled over substandard medicines: Maharashtra Minister

Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration Minister said 36 samples were tested at 10 locations across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur divisions, of which 34 were found to be substandard

Baba Adhav: Grassroots Campaigner, Leader of Socially Oppressed Passes Away

An intrepid and committed social reformer and organiser of the urban working class, labourers, domestic workers, waste-pickers, Baba Adhav of the Ek Gaon Ek Panavtha (One Village One Water Source/Well), who challenged the caste system, died in Pune on Monday December 8.

Pune Land Scam Main Accused Sued Actor Ranbir Kapoor In 2018, Claims Activist

Shital Tejwani had claimed that Ranbir Kapoor evicted his tenants from his flat in Trump Tower in Pune without any prior notice.

Elpro Sports Fest 2025: A Celebration of Joy, Unity & Sporting Spirit

Elpro International School, a top ranking international school in Pune hosted Elpro Sports Fest Season 5, a joyful 10-day celebration that brought together more than 5000+ students from both the Chinchwad and Hinjawadi campuses. This annual fest is all about giving every child a chance to experience the excitement of sports, build confidence, and enjoy learning beyond the classroom. Elpro Sports Fest - Season 5 The Fest opened on 22nd November at the Hinjawadi campus with an inspiring visit from Shri Sumit Antil, Paralympic Gold Medalist and Khel Ratna awardee. His words on hard work and perseverance set a meaningful start to the celebrations. The same spirit carried into the grand finale on 5th December at the Chinchwad campus, where Indian Cricket Team all-rounder Deepti Sharma joined the students. Her friendly interaction, motivating message, and on-field moments made the day truly memorable. Together, their presence added pride and encouragement to Season 5. Across both campuses, Elpro Sports Fest brought the campuses alive with diverse and exciting activities, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. At the Chinchwad campus, students brought high energy to the Competitive League, while the Participatory League highlighted that sports are not just about winning but about joy, teamwork, and exploration. Meanwhile, the Hinjawadi campus was equally spirited with three days of participatory events from 2nd to 4th December, where students from Grades 1 to 8 engaged in Chess, Carrom, Badminton, Table Tennis and more -focusing on building skills, confidence, and friendships through play. Families across both campuses also joined in the celebrations for a special Parents Sports Day, adding energy, smiles, and unforgettable memories to the Sports Fest. The Fest culminated with a proud win for Prithvi House as they lifted the Best House of 2025 title, a moment that captured their hard work and collective spirit. Led by Dr. Amrita Vohra, Director Principal, and Dr. Pallavi Mukherjee, Principal Elpro International School Hinjawadi, Season 5 highlighted Elpros commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners. The Fest brought both campuses together, creating wonderful memories and reinforcing the belief that sports shape character, unity, and joy. For Season 5 highlights, follow on Instagram : @elpro_international_school (Chinchwad) @elprointernationalschoolhinjawadi (Hinjawadi)

Why is Maharashtra facing such intense winter chill? Pune & Mumbai prepare for even harsher days ahead, says IMD

Maharashtra is enduring its harshest winter in five years, with a significant increase in cold wave days. Pune experienced its chilliest morning on December 9th, with temperatures dipping to single digits across several weather stations. This prolonged cold spell is attributed to strong northerly winds and clear skies, allowing for rapid cooling.

Everyone likes cricket!

The Divyang Wheelchair Cricket Associations Maharashtra Premier League 2025, for wheelchair cricket played its first tourney between December 3 and 5 at Andheri West. The teams were Mumbai Blasters, Nashik Eagles, Pune Hitters, Mumbai Raiders, Kolhapur Titans, and Pune Pacers. mid-days Nimesh Dave brings you the action from the ground