Watch: Blinkit Delivery Agent Saves Pune Men Stuck On Balcony At 3 AM, Company Responds
The video of the incident quickly went viral, with many users joking about the unexpected rescue.
At least 10 workers injured in gas cylinder explosion at hotel; five critical
Five of them are shifted to Sassoon General Hospital in Pune in critical condition
Blinkit delivery agent rescues 2 Pune friends at 3 am from the houses balcony | WATCH viral video
The video with the caption 'Year's first scandal' of two Pune friends goes viral. Scroll down to watch it.
NCP launches Alarm campaign, targets BJP ahead of Pune, PCMC polls
Announcing the initiative, NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said worsening civic issues, including water shortages, garbage accumulation, traffic congestion, and rising pollution levels, were alarm bells pointing to administrative failure at the municipal level
Hows Happy Kumari Quest For Bowling Fast Landed Her A Spot In Gujarat Giants
SS Mody Cricket Academy: When Happy Kumari's name flashed on the WPL mega auction broadcast and Gujarat Giants (GG) picked her for a base price of Rs 10 lakh, her family back in Jhunjhunu erupted with joy. Even as her neighbours burst crackers to celebrate the young pacers maiden foray into the tournament, Happys coach Ajay Kumar cried through that night and only spoke to her in the morning. The selection into WPL 2026 is a big step in the remarkable cricketing journey that began nearly five years ago. I was watching the auction at that time with my team-mates as I was there at the RCA facility. As soon as my name came up, Gujarat Giants raised their paddle very quickly, though I didn't see what happened till the end. But then I got to know that I will be playing for them in this WPL. The morning after that, my coach finally talked to me. He was still very happy at that moment and had tears of joy. In all, everyone were very happy and sent videos of all shouting and bursting crackers, Happy, 18, recalled in an exclusive conversation with IANS. Happy's path to professional cricket was anything but conventional. Growing up in Jhunjhunu, Happy was into athletics as a 100m and 200m specialist. She had no intentions of picking up cricket till she attended a summer camp after the second Covid-19 wave subsided. I didn't have any intentions as such to get into playing cricket. I didn't like cricket that much and I didn't even wish to watch it, she recalled. It took her father's gentle persuasion to get her enrolled in a 15-day summer camp at a nearby academy. At that time, my dad told me, 'Let us go and try something new in the 15-day summer camp and go to the nearby academy'. I went with my dad and on the very first day, we saw that there were a lot of boys. I told my dad, 'I won't play in the middle with so many boys around. He said, 'No problem, I'll take you every day. I'll come to drop and then pick you up. You just play for 15 days'. I started playing and my coach created such an environment for me that all the bhaiya log used to give me extra batting and bowling, she said. That environment proved to be transformative, as in those 15 days, cricket had gone from an unwanted experiment to a calling for Happy. I used to enjoy there and then I thought, 'Yes, I'm improving, and enjoying', and there's no reason to not play cricket. After 15 days of camp, I joined the academy for three months. After 4-5 months, I was like, 'Yes, now I have to play cricket as my career only.' It was because I improved at that time and also, my coach gave me confidence. Plus, in that environment, teammates were like, 'Yes, Happy, you can do it. You can play with boys and keep improving with us', she said. The training required extraordinary commitment from both Happy and Ajay. With his younger son in tow, Ajay would pick up Happy from her house on his bike for the journey to the academy and do the same when training was over. The academy is around 5-7 kms away from my house and I once went to the academy on the bike with him. My grandmother would tell sir, 'Beta, we are trusting you a lot. Please take care of our daughter.' He then replied, 'Why should I trust anyone else? I'll pick and drop her by myself.' With his younger son, the three of us used to sit on the bike and go to the academy and the same would happen in the evening as well. But it was the pre-dawn training sessions that truly tested everyone's resolve. With a 6:30am school bus to catch, Happy's training day often began at 4am, much to the chagrin of sleeping neighbours. I had to go to school by 7am and my bus would come 30 mins before. I had to wake up early to train in the morning. My coach used to come to my house at 4am and we used to do knocking of the bats. My neighbours would get very disturbed and say, 'What is the need to play so early in the morning? You are ruining our sleep., she recalled. Coming from a family where shes the eldest of three daughters and a grandfather who is a retired major, Happy found unwavering support at home. It was just a coincidence that we were trying and the rest of the family was okay that I was trying to play cricket. My family never said no to anything. They are very open and said, 'Whatever you want to do, we'll support you'. So they were like, 'Yes, she's playing cricket. Let her play.', she said. Like most young cricketers, Happy started as a batter. But her athletics background caught Ajay's eye, and he saw the potential of Happy being a fast bowler. I wanted to bat the most in the academy. I used to stand and get the bat in hand, and everyone used to make me bowl a lot. Due to me dabbling in athletics, I was strong in running and my coach was like, 'Let us try fast bowling.', she recalled. The transition was gradual but purposeful. Ajay ensured Happy prioritised raw pace over accuracy, believing that speed was the rare commodity that could set his young trainee apart from other female pacers. I began by bowling from running 4-5 steps. Then gradually, it became smooth as my speed was good too. My coach was like, 'At such a young age, girls don't have this good speed for fast bowling. So let us develop this speed and we'll get to line and length afterwards.' He told me that it's a matter of 4-5 months to get line and length right, but speed is very important. If I want to look different from everyone, then I will have to work upon it. I started enjoying fast bowling and as I improved in 1-1.5 years, I was like, fast bowling is earning me good rewards, as well as showing and presenting me better in front of people. So after that, I said, yes, I want to become a fast bowler, she recalled. As her bowling developed, Happy found inspiration in the legendary Jhulan Goswami, as well as in Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar provided for the speed and aggression she wanted to emulate. When I started moving forward in fast bowling, I watched Jhulan Goswami and a lot of Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar bowling videos for speed and aggression. I used to watch them and wanted to develop my speed just like how they did. Also Jhulan Goswami used to bowl at 125 plus and it made me feel that I have to also bowl at a certain speed. Ajays dedication to Happy's development was all-consuming. When he left JIVEM Cricket Academy for SS Mody Cricket Academy, Happy followed him without hesitation. The training regimen was grueling - while others trained for four hours, Ajay pushed Happy to train for seven to eight hours. Morning sessions before school focused on batting, sprinting and stamina work. Evening sessions brought specialized training. When I started playing cricket, I didn't have much idea about training. My coach used to tell me that we should train early in the morning. Before going to school, we used to bat first. But at the same time, we used to do some running and sprinting to develop some stamina. Sir gives me special training and has put a lot of effort in me to become a hero from zero. If everyone was practicing for 4 hours, he would say, 'Happy, you will have to practice for 7 to 8 hours if you have to become something different'. At home, her mother took charge of nutrition. After coming back from school, my mother used to give me some good food and she has been taking care of my diet since the time I began training. While fast bowling remains her primary weapon, Happy hasn't neglected her batting. I also do a lot of batting practice. If you are talking about domestic level, I used to bat second or third down. I keep fast bowling as my main priority. But along with that, I do batting also. If I get batting down the order, then we have to bat a little. It's not like I will ignore batting, as I have to develop skills in it also. So I am also focused on batting. If it is 70% bowling practice, then I do batting also for 30% of the time. 2024 proved to be Happy's breakthrough year. She made her Rajasthan debut in U19 T20s as vice-captain before being elevated to captain for the one-day games. Soon after, selection for the Under-19 Challenger Trophy came, followed by being selected for U19 World Cup camp, a tri-series in Pune, and making it as a standby for the Asia Cup. 2024 was certainly a year where I got the feeling that I am growing and getting noticed by people. With me growing so much, I got a feeling that I am getting closer to that tag of playing for India, she said. The WPL franchises noticed too. Happy attended four trials ahead of the mega auction, though an injury prevented her from participating in Gujarat Giants' trials. Due to me being on the targeted players list, VVS Laxman sir also refused for me to go to GGs trials and I didn't go. I instead sent them my videos and due to me doing well in all four trials, I had expectations that RCB will take me in. At that time, I didn't talk to GG that much, so it was a little surprising that they picked me. Then I recalled that they were following me domestically, like in the T20 games. For an intelligent Happy, bowling fast remains her calling card, an attribute that distinguishes her in a crowded field. She knows exactly what WPL 2026 should prove to be: a launchpad for her to get into the Indian team. I worked on my pace from the start and that's the only thing which differentiates me from the rest of the pacers. It should be like if one talks about Happy, people should say Oh, she bowls fast. If I get a chance to play in WPL, the aim is to perform well. For an intelligent Happy, bowling fast remains her calling card, an attribute that distinguishes her in a crowded field. She knows exactly what WPL 2026 should prove to be: a launchpad for her to get into the Indian team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After remaining persistent through a roller-coaster of events, Happy finally finds herself in WPLs spotlight, which should be the threshold of a good cricketing career for her. The real challenge now begins of transforming raw promise into performances that can carry Happy to wearing the India blue jersey she has always chased. Article Source: IANS
Finding love at 60: Senior matchmaking charms Pune
Pune: Match-making events often bring strangers together in unexpected ways. This recent video of Shenaz Treasury was exactly that. Shenaz, a social media influencer, attended a senior match-making event in Pune and shared stories of people aged 50 to 70 finding companionship again. The organiser of the event said that the oldest participant was 81 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 .
Pune Porsche Crash: SC Notice to Maha Govt on Bail Pleas of Accused
Aditya Avinash Sood (52) and Ashish Satish Mittal (37) were arrested on August 19 last year, as their blood samples were used for tests in connection with two minors who were in the car along with the 17-year-old main accused at the time of the accident
Bengaluru Retains No. 1 Spot as the Top City for Women in India
Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai: Top 5 cities for women Many cities show strength in either social or industrial inclusion, not both Tier-2 cities rise as women-friendly urban ecosystems expand Gurugram emerges as the only north Indian city in the Top 10 of Indias Top Cities for Women, climbs to No. 6 from No. 9 last year Five cities from south Indian states feature in the Top 10 of Indias Top Cities for women Avtar Group, Indias leading workplace culture consulting firm, released the fourth edition of its annual, nation-wide study Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI).The TCWI report presents a longitudinal inclusivity index that tracks how Indian cities enable womens participation, safety, and career growth/continuity, while identifying role-model cities and emerging best practices. It also offers a structured framework for organisations, policymakers and urban stakeholders to enable womens workforce participation and career growth. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director, Avtar Group The Top 10 Cities for Women in India in 2025 are: Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore The 2025 edition of the study covers 125 cities and draws comparisons from its previous editions (from 2022). The cities are ranked based on an overall City Inclusion Score assigned to every city, which is inferred from Avtars research and governmental data. The City Inclusion Score (CIS) is derived from two parameters: the Social Inclusion Score (SIS) and the Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS). The Social Inclusion Score is a cumulative score of four indicators. These are: city liveability, safety, womens representation in employment and womens empowerment. The Industrial Inclusion Score evaluates the extent to which organisations in the city across industries are inclusive of women and is calculated based on three indicators: The density of gender inclusive organizations; the density of women-friendly/inclusive industries in a city, and career enablers provided to women by organizations. Speaking at the release event of the reports findings, Dr Saundarya Rajesh , Managing Director of Avtar Group , said, As we mark Avtars 25th year, the fourth edition of the Top Cities for Women in India reflects both how far we have come and how much more we must do. Over the years, the TCWI study has evolved into a tool of accountability that asks a simple question: Can a woman truly thrive in this city? It measures the real ease of career and life for women, whether cities enable women to enter the workforce, stay, grow, and lead. Creating such cities requires shared responsibility. Governments, organizations, institutions, communities, and women themselves must work together to build environments that are safe, accessible, affordable, and supportive. In todays context, cities must also take a broader view of inclusion, one that considers environmental resilience, supportive infrastructure, digital readiness, intergenerational equity, and respect for diverse perspectives. When these elements come together, women thrive, thereby strengthening local economies and moving India closer to its long-term development goals. Key Findings of the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report: Bengaluru retains its position as the top city for women in India in 2025, with a City Inclusion Score of 53.29, reflecting sustained strength in Industrial Inclusion and career enablement. Chennai follows in second position with a City Inclusion Score of 49.86, while continuing to lead on social inclusion parameters such as safety mechanisms, public services, mobility initiatives and access to health and education. Pune (46.27), Hyderabad (46.04), and Mumbai (44.49) complete the top five, demonstrating consistent performance across both social and industrial inclusion indicators. Gurugram records one of the most notable upward movements, strengthening its position in 2025 compared to 2024, supported by rapid industrial growth and strong corporate presence (Rank no. 6 in 2025 compared to No. 9 in 2024). Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida perform strongly on industrial inclusion but lag on social indicators such as safety, affordability, and mobility, reinforcing that industrial growth alone does not ensure inclusive urban environments. Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla and Tiruchirappalli demonstrate strong social inclusion outcomes but limited industrial depth, pointing to constraints in local economic mobility for women and limitations in large-scale formal employment opportunities for women despite strong social foundations. Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune stand out for fairly balanced inclusion profiles , with strong alignment between social inclusion and industrial ecosystems, enabling sustained workforce participation for women. Mumbai shows strong industrial inclusion (with an IIS of 69.00) but relatively weaker social inclusion (with a SIS of 38.44), highlighting challenges around affordability and access to infrastructure despite abundant employment opportunities. The 2025 TCWI rankings show increased representation of Tier-2 cities among higher ranks, indicating decentralisation of women-friendly urban ecosystems. Regional analysis The Southern region emerges as the most inclusive , recording the highest scores across all three indices, with a regional average CIS of 21.60, SIS of 27.81, and an IIS of 11.61, reflecting a more integrated approach to social infrastructure, safety, health, education, and industrial participation for women. The Western region follows closely , demonstrating consistently strong performance with a regional average CIS of 20.00, SIS of 25.47, and the highest IIS among regions at 12.01, indicating relatively mature industrial ecosystems supported by enabling social conditions. Central and Eastern regions trail across both inclusion dimensions social and industrial especially industrial inclusion, with regional average IIS scores of 4.96 and 4.40, respectively. Across 20222025, cities achieving convergence between Industrial Inclusion (IIS) and Social Inclusion (SIS) consistently rank higher on overall City Inclusion (CIS) , reinforcing that industrial growth is most effective when supported by safe, accessible, and equitable urban environments. www.avtarinc.com/tcwi About Avtar Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of Indias leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the countrys largest provider of second career opportunities for women. An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtars biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI, Indias largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other underrepresented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, Indias first job portal for underrepresented professionals. A snapshot of Avtars work in the last 25 years: Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organisations Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women. Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT). Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women. www.myavtar.com . For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD in Singapore in 2022. In 2025, Avtar won the Times Business Awards and was recognized as the Leading Womens Employment Organization.
Pune Porsche car crash: Supreme Court notice to Maharashtra government on bail pleas of 2 accused
Bombay High Court last year rejected the bail pleas of the two accused
Pune Porsche car crash: SC notice to Maharashtra government on bail pleas of 2 accused
The Supreme Court has asked the Maharashtra government to respond to bail pleas from two individuals arrested in the Pune Porsche car accident case. The accident in May 2024 claimed two lives. Aditya Avinash Sood and Ashish Satish Mittal were arrested last year. Their blood samples were allegedly used in tests related to the accident.
Bengaluru, Chennai top Indian cities for womens safety and inclusion
Pune, Hyderabad and Mumbai completed the top five
Oxford University Press issues apology over Shivaji book published in 2003
The book had sparked major controversy in 2004, when activists vandalised Punes Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, alleging objectionable remarks about Shivaji Maharaj.
Ajit Pawar flags corruption in PM Awas Yojana, Smart City projects at Pune rally
While Pawar did not name any party or leader, his attack comes weeks after the NCP announced it would contest the civic elections separately from its Mahayuti partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party
Dont force BJP to open pages from past: Maharashtra minister to Ajit Pawar
Pune: Hitting back at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for his criticism of the BJP, party leader and state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday said he should refrain from criticising the saffron outfit and not force it to open pages from the past. Addressing a press conference in Pune, BJP leader Bawankule reminded Pawar 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 .
Senior BJP Leader Insists Ajit Pawar Must Accept Savarkars Ideology
The BJP is currently contesting the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation elections against Ajit Pawars NCP, which has allied with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) in the two civic bodies.
Pune share market consultant was duped by fake RBI officials in black paper currency scam
KIBG 2026: Rising Kabaddi Star Dadaso Pujari Completes Khelo India Circle In Diu
Khelo India Beach Games: A product of the Khelo India ecosystem, Maharashtras rising kabaddi star Dadaso Shivaji Pujari has come full circle at the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 in Diu, returning to the platform that launched his journey to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Dadaso caught the eye in the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula, which has already earned him three seasons with Puneri Paltan as a reliable right-corner defender. He is now drawing on that experience as he competes on the sands of Ghoghla Beach in beach kabaddi. Dadasos journey is a compelling example of how the Khelo India pathway is feeding Indian kabaddi at the highest level and, in turn, being strengthened by players who return after gaining exposure on bigger platforms. For the Kolhapur-born defender, whose father, Shivaji Pujari, is a farmer and whose upbringing in Kolhapur was marked by limited resources, this journey holds deeper meaning. He began playing kabaddi at the age of 12 after watching friends in his village. From school competitions to representing Maharashtra and eventually earning a professional contract, each step was shaped by structured opportunities provided through Khelo India. Whatever I am today is because of Khelo India, Dadaso said while speaking to SAI Media. The Youth Games in Panchkula opened the doors for me to the Pro Kabaddi League. Even after playing at that level, I always feel connected to Khelo India. Returning to this platform feels like coming back home, he was quoted as saying by SAI Media. Having proved himself as a right-corner defender known for his sharp ankle holds and defensive awareness, Dadaso now finds himself adapting to a new challenge in beach kabaddi. Playing on sand is completely different from playing on the mat. Movement is slower, balance is tougher, and every tackle requires extra effort. But these challenges help you grow as a player, he said. Dadaso is not alone in making this return to the Khelo India platform. At the ongoing second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, around seven players who have featured in the Pro Kabaddi League are representing their respective states. Their participation underlines the depth created by the Khelo India Scheme, which has significantly enriched the Pro Kabaddi League with a steady supply of talent. Now, those very players are returning to the national developmental platform, adding experience, quality, and visibility to the Khelo India Beach Games. Dadaso is not alone in making this return to the Khelo India platform. At the ongoing second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, around seven players who have featured in the Pro Kabaddi League are representing their respective states. Their participation underlines the depth created by the Khelo India Scheme, which has significantly enriched the Pro Kabaddi League with a steady supply of talent. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Dadaso believes this cycle is vital for the future of Indian kabaddi. Khelo India gives young players exposure, confidence, and a clear direction. When players return after playing professionally, the level of competition automatically rises, and younger athletes get inspired, he said. Article Source: IANS
Suresh Kalmadi: Journey From Air Force Pilot to Union Minister and Sports Administrator
Former Union Minister and Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, an ex-Air Force pilot and Pune MP, passed away at 81 in Pune.
Hyderabad Ranks in Indias Top Five Cities by Uber Ride Volumes
The city featured alongside Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune as part of Indias highest-usage Uber markets, underlining Hyderabads growing reliance on app-based mobility for daily commuting, work travel and leisure
How Indians Ubered in 2025: Kochi rated the best, Mumbai preferred late-night trips
Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune ubered the most last year
Suresh Kalmadi ushered in the golden era of Congress in Pune
Kalmadi was Railways Minister when Mumbais iconic Victoria Terminus was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Mumbai: Man duped of Rs 14.65 lakh in black paper to currency scam
A Pune-based share market consultant was defrauded of 14.65 lakh by individuals posing as RBI officials. They claimed to convert black paper into genuine currency using chemicals. The victim paid for chemicals and later handed over 10 lakh cash and 3.15 lakh via NEFT, believing their fraudulent demonstration.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I plan to redeem my mutual fund units to finance a house purchase in Pune. I also intend to sell a house I own in my village. Can I still claim long-term capital gains tax exemption?
Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi Dies at 81
PUNE, Jan 6: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away early Tuesday in Pune after a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 81. Kalmadi breathed his last at around 3.30 am, the sources added. A prominent political figure from Pune, he represented the city several times in the Lok Sabha [] The post Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi Dies at 81 appeared first on Northlines .
High-end and luxury housing power Pune realty growth in 2025: Cushman & Wakefield
Punes housing market stayed strong in 2025 with nearly 44,000 launches, driven by a sharp rise in high-end and luxury homes. Premium projects dominated supply, lifting capital values and expanding activity in North and North-East corridors. Robust demand from IT hubs and ongoing infrastructure upgrades continue to support market momentum.
Pune: Suresh Kalmadi passes away after prolonged illness at 81
According to information released by his office, Kalmadis mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, until 2 pm on Tuesday to allow people to pay their last respects. The cremation will take place at Vaikunth Smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm
Senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passes away at 81
A prominent political figure from Pune, he represented the city multiple times in the Lok Sabha and served as Minister of State for Railways.
Senior Congress Leader Suresh Kalmadi Dies at 81
Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. Leaders across parties mourn his demise.
Suresh Kalmadi News: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81 in Pune early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. He was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Kalmadi, who also served as the former chairman of the Indian Olympic Association, is survived by his wife and children.
Suresh Kalmadi, former Union Minister and senior Congress leader, passes away at 81
Former Pune MP and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi, known for his political influence and role in sports administration, passed away at 81. His career, spanning decades, included highs as an MP and Union Minister, but was overshadowed by the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption controversy.
Pune Public Policy Festival to return for third edition in January
The theme for this years festival is Decoding Technology and Society
XLR8AR 2026 Sparks Rs. 5 Cr Investment Interest and Cross-Border Startup Collaborations in Jaipur
XLR8AR successfully hosted its flagship Innovation Jamboree at the prestigious Rajasthan Polo Club, bringing together an influential mix of investors, startup founders, industry leaders, and ecosystem enablers from across India and beyond. The event emerged as a powerful catalyst for collaboration, investment conversations, and long-term ecosystem building, reinforcing Jaipurs growing position as a startup and innovation hub. Startup Runway Table Prominent Attendees and Industry Leaders The event witnessed participation from several respected leaders and decision-makers, including Mr. Hamid Dakhil, Dr. DJ Zawar, Mr. Puneet Thakur, Mr. Piyush Rathi, Mr. Vishal Dhoot, Mr. Manish K Prahlad, Mr. Ajay Data, Mr. Dheeraj Vijayvargiya, Mr. Adhiraj Mehra, Mr. Deepak Faria Shah, Mr. Jignesh Patel, Ms. Nitika Khurana, and Ms. Rhythm Jain, whose presence added strategic depth and credibility to the discussions. L to R - Mr Mandhar, Mr Ajay Data, Mr. Hamid Dakhil, Ms. Shwera Choudhary Strong Funding Momentum One of the major highlights of the evening was the announcement of approximately Rs. 5 crore in investment interest, collectively expressed by 56 prominent leaders in attendance. The interest was directed toward multiple early-stage and growth-stage startups that presented during the event, showcasing strong business fundamentals, scalability, and market readiness. Startup Runway Table: A Curated Innovation Showcase A standout feature of the XLR8AR Innovation Jamboree was the Startup Runway Table, a specially curated experiential zone designed to give startups direct visibility with investors, mentors, and strategic partners. Unlike traditional exhibition formats, the runway table allowed founders to present their products, brand stories, and growth vision in an interactive, high-engagement environment. The runway featured consumer and lifestyle brands such as Namo Jewellers, StepWhere, Esperance Bags, Hoora, Allure, HealthyScoop, and Rangat Jaipur, each demonstrating innovation across design, sustainability, wellness, and customer experience. In addition, high-potential startups including Greenmanure, Hobnob, Aeyi, Growmyrx.ai, Edulyst, Ecowrap, and Loadmee attracted strong interest from investors and industry leaders for their technology-driven solutions, scalable models, and alignment with future market needs. The Startup Runway Table played a pivotal role in initiating meaningful conversations, follow-up meetings, and early-stage investment discussions, making it one of the most impactful engagement formats of the evening. Voices from the Ecosystem Sharing his experience, MilapSinh Jadeja said, The diversity and quality of the crowd stood outnetworking with leaders from across India and beyond made this one of the most meaningful interactions. Vineet Khurana highlighted the maturity of participating startups, stating, The SME startups showcased strong execution and impressive growth momentum. Its encouraging to see founders scaling so quickly with such early-stage experience. Adding a strategic perspective, Yogesh Choudhary remarked, Its not just about capital; its about how effectively you leverage the business network around you. Thats where the real value lies. Key Highlights and Outcomes Strong cross-border collaboration synergies discussed among founders and investors Around Rs. 5 crore in co-investment interest announced for startups showcased at the runway and pitch sessions Entrepreneurs from multiple regions of India committed to joint collaborations targeted for 2026 expansion, strengthening the national startup ecosystem The evening concluded with high-energy networking, reinforcing XLR8ARs mission to create long-term, value-driven partnerships rather than one-time transactional interactions.
Pune got huge funds, but no meaningful development: Ajit Pawar
Punes Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, criticised local leadership for failing to utilise substantial state and central funds for the citys development. He highlighted issues such as water scarcity, waste management, poor road conditions, and rising crime, urging voters to elect representatives of their choice. Pawars remarks have reportedly strained relations with his ally, the BJP.
Without GRAP, Delhi could have faced 60% more severe air pollution hours: Study
A study by IITM-Pune and CAQM reveals the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) significantly curbed Delhi's hazardous air pollution. Without GRAP, the city would have experienced 60% more severe AQI hours and double the severe-plus AQI hours, preventing thousands of short-term deaths and saving years of life.
NIA Chargesheets Two Main Shooters In Khalistani-Linked Neemrana Hotel Firing Case
New Delhi, Jan 4: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against two key shooters in the 2024 Neemrana hotel firing case, which is linked to Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dala, officials said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Puneet and Narinder Lalli, were chargesheeted before a court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Saturday under [] The post NIA Chargesheets Two Main Shooters In Khalistani-Linked Neemrana Hotel Firing Case appeared first on Northlines .
With the arrests of Puneet and Narinder Lalli, a total of nine accused has so far been charged in the case
New Delhi, Jan 4: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against two main shooters allegedly involved in the 2024 Neemrana hotel firing case linked with Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dala, officials said on Sunday. The arrested accused, Puneet and Narinder Lalli, have been named in a charge sheet filed before a court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Saturday for various offences under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, they said. The Punjab-based [] The post NIA Files Chargesheet Against Main Shooters In Khalistani-Terrorist Linked Neemrana Hotel Firing Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Unsold homes up 4 pc in 2025 across top 7 cities as new supply outstrips demand: Anarock
Unsold homes in India's top seven cities increased by four percent last year. This rise to nearly 5.77 lakh units occurred as new home supply outpaced buyer demand. Housing sales saw a 14 percent drop. However, new supply grew by two percent. Unsold stock decreased in Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Hyderabad but climbed in Delhi-NCR, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Maharashtra elections: Ajit Pawar accuses BJP of stalling Punes development
Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan warned that if the BJP began making counter-allegations, Ajit Pawar would face serious difficulties. Chavan advised the NCP leader to introspect before levelling accusations against the BJP
Civic polls: Ajit Pawar criticises BJP over Punes Derailed development
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar criticized the BJP's local leadership for failing to deliver adequate development in Pune, urging citizens to support the NCP in the upcoming civic polls.
Sambhav Wakhariya, a Pune-based man, has gone viral after sharing how he transitioned from working long hours at a vegetable processing factory to becoming a full-stack developer in just 18 months. Forced to drop out of college due to financial difficulties, Wakhariya turned to online learning after a friend suggested coding as a career option. Using free resources, official documentation, and hands-on projects, he taught himself web development without enrolling in paid courses.
Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Raut Urges Ajit Pawar To Merge NCP Factions
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said the Ajit Pawar-led NCP should merge with the NCP (SP) headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, as both factions have joined hands for elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut urged Ajit Pawar's NCP faction to merge with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) after they allied for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls. Raut questioned Ajit Pawar's presence in the Mahayuti government, citing corruption allegations between the BJP and Ajit Pawar's NCP.
Ajit Pawar's NCP should merge with Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), says Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut urged Ajit Pawar's NCP faction to merge with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) after they allied for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls. Raut questioned Ajit Pawar's presence in the Mahayuti government, citing corruption allegations between the BJP and Ajit Pawar's NCP.
Introspect before levelling allegations: BJP hits out at Ajit Pawar over corruption allegations
Pune, Jan 3: Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan on Saturday said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar should introspect, after he alleged corruption and debt in the Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, which had been ruled by the BJP. If the Bharatiya Janata Party starts making allegations, it would create serious difficulties for him (Pawar), Chavan said, and advised the NCP chief to introspect before levelling allegations. The NCP, headed by Pawar, is an ally of the BJP in the ruling Mahayuti [] The post Introspect before levelling allegations: BJP hits out at Ajit Pawar over corruption allegations appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indian Scientists Develop 3D-Print Automatic Weather Stations, Delhi To Get First In February
Indian scientists led by IITM Pune are deploying 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations in Delhi under Mission Mausam to strengthen Indias weather observation network.
Camp to be held in Thane district on January 18 to distribute 300 prosthetic limbs
The camp will be held by the Bharat Vikas Parishad in collaboration with the Divyang Kendra, Pune. The Kendra, which has been operational for 25 years, has already provided artificial limbs to 25,000 persons, says an official
A Year Into Marriage, Pune Woman Scalds Husbands Face With Boiling Tea After Argument
As the argurment escalated, the 22-year-old woman is alleged to have picked up the teapot and hurled it at him, causing the hot tea to spill over his upper body
Thane businessman cheated of Rs 50 lakh in fake cooking oil deal
The alleged fraud took place between August 2020 and May 2021, said the complainant, a resident of the Ambernath area. The accused persons have been identified as Pune residents Mukesh Pandey and Pallavi Raut
BJP Drops Candidate In Pune Civic Polls After Old Video Showed Her Slamming Devendra Fadnavis
BJP withdrew Pooja More-Jadhav's Pune civic poll nomination after controversy over alleged remarks about Devendra Fadnavis and his wife.
The BJP has withdrawn Pooja More-Jadhav's candidature for the Pune civic polls. This decision followed a backlash from party workers. Old videos surfaced showing her making personal remarks against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife. More-Jadhav stated she is a victim of social media trolls.
Bengaluru malls Pink Parking for expecting mothers draws praise from visiting Punekar
A visitor from Pune was impressed by Nexus Koramangala Mall's 'Pink Parking' initiative, reserved for expecting mothers. This thoughtful design choice, located near the entrance, offers convenience and dignity, highlighting the mall's commitment to inclusive and user-centric retail spaces. The mall aims to create empathetic environments by anticipating visitor needs.
In Dramatic Moment, Shiv Sena Candidate 'Swallows' Party Rival's Pune Civic Poll Forms
Uddhav Kamble and Machhindra Dhawale had a heated argument after they both received AB forms for the Pune civic polls, after which the latter tore and swallowed his rival's forms.
In Pune, Shiv Sena 'Candidate' Tears, Swallows Party Colleague's Nomination Form
The municipal elections in Maharashtra, already a hot topic across the state, has got juicier, with allegations that a contest in Pune got duplicate candidates from Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.
2012 Pune blasts case accused shot dead in Ahilyanagar
Bunty Jahagirdar, who was in his mid-50s, was travelling on a two-wheeler with another person when two bike-borne assailants opened fire on him. The attack happened around 2 pm on Wednesday near Borawake College Road while he was returning from a burial ground
Civic polls: NCP also in talks with Shiv Sena over seats in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, says Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party is discussing seat sharing with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena for upcoming civic elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Nationalist Congress Party had previously allied with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (SP) for these polls. The final candidate list will be published on January 3, with elections scheduled for January 15.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic bodies, will be held on January 15, 2026, and votes will be counted the next day
Most challenging part was to play authority: Vipin Sharma on Maharani 4 role
Actor Vipin Sharma says the most challenging aspect of his role in Maharani 4 was to convey authority as a politician up against Huma Qureshis main protagonist Rani Bharti. In the popular SonyLIV series, directed by Puneet Prakash, Sharma played the character of Prime Minister Sudhakar Sriniwas Joshi. Maharani is a fictional story set in Bihar politics with Qureshi playing a housewife, who is appointed the chief minister of the state by her politician husband after he is jailed. The [] The post Most challenging part was to play authority: Vipin Sharma on Maharani 4 role appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Accused In 2012 Pune Blasts Case Shot Dead In Broad Daylight In Maharashtras Shrirampur
Bunty Jahagirdar was shot dead while he was in Shrirampur to attend a funeral.
In One Year, VinFast Went From a Whisper to a Roar in India's EV Market
On a morning in New Delhi, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo buzzed with the familiar hum of Indias automotive giants. Visitors wandered between displays of combustion engines and gleaming show cars, the kind of scene Delhi has hosted for decades. But in one corner of the hall, the crowd slowed. Two premium compact electric SUVs sat under the lights, the VF 6 and VF 7, their sharp V-shaped signatures glowing long before anyone registered the name on the stand. VinFast has quietly climbed into the ranks of Indias top electric vehicle brands VinFasts debut in India on Jan 17 of last year caught even veteran showgoers off guard. The company had brought right-hand drive versions tailored specifically for Indian consumers, a quiet signal that it was here with purpose, not testing the waters. Still, few in the hall recognized the badge. Amid the hum of announcements and clicking shutters, one visitor leaned toward a friend and asked, Who are these people? That question did not hang in the air for long. In the weeks that followed, a group of Indian journalists traveled to Vietnam to see where the cars came from. What they discovered in the northen city of Hai Phong reframed everything. I had no idea VinFast is such a big group , auto journalist Swati Agrawal recalled. I saw the factory, the manufacturing plant, and not only cars, even scooters, buses, electric buses. Everything is being manufactured in one place. Three lakh cars per year. This is not a small brand. Her reaction points to a deeper story. VinFasts sudden visibility in India is not merely an export push. It is the latest chapter in Vietnams own industrial transformation, one that has accelerated quickly enough to catch even Asias seasoned automotive observers off guard. A 400-Acre Factory From Nothing By the time the expo lights dimmed, the next act of VinFasts India story had already begun taking shape in Tamil Nadu months earlier. To choose a location for its plant, the company surveyed fifteen sites across six states. Tamil Nadu, with its manufacturing-ready infrastructure and active support for green mobility initiatives, rose to the top. What happened next showed how the brand like to act. And its right there in the name: Fast. In late February 2024, when the groundbreaking ceremony began on a sun soaked, low lying tract of land near Thoothukudi, the site was still empty. By Aug 4, 2025, it housed Indias newest electric vehicle factory, a 400-acre complex with body shop, paint shop, general assembly, logistics warehouse, and supplier-ready zones. We entered India with nothing , CEO Pham Sanh Chau said at the inauguration ceremony. No land. No factory. No team. The only thing we had was a deep resolve and a belief that this area could become a leading hub for electric vehicles and auto components in South Asia . He gestured to the plant behind him. In just fifteen months, we transformed this land into a modern, highly-automated factory . When the first VF 6 and VF 7 rolled out that morning, they were the first VinFast vehicles to be made-in-India, by the hands and minds of Indian people, for Indian customers. They are a symbol of the aspirations and resilience of the Indian people as they reach for a better, cleaner future , Chau said. The plant is expected to create 3,000-3,500 direct jobs and several thousand more across the supply chain as auxiliary partners move into the region. Suppliers have already expressed readiness to relocate workshops near the factory, a sign of confidence in Thoothukudis rise as an automotive production base. In parallel, VinFasts India team has moved quickly to build the retail and service backbone that can make or break an EV brand in this market. By end of 2025, the company had opened 35 dealerships, stretching from Delhi, Gurugram and Noida in the north to Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad. Yet the most unusual part of the ecosystem lies in aftersales support. VinFast partnered with RoadGrid, myTVS and Global Assure with the aim of creating a full-fledged third-party service centers before the first customer deliveries. Global Assure will operate a round the clock helpline, roadside assistance and mobile service. RoadGrid and myTVS will handle charging, maintenance and diagnostics, including support in areas where VinFast does not yet have a showroom. For a country where questions about EV service often outweigh questions about EV design, this infrastructure may prove decisive. Financing, long a barrier for EV adoption in India, has also been addressed through agreements with major banks including HDFC Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, and others. These arrangements offer everything from dealer inventory financing to 100 percent on-road customer loans, with bank officers stationed directly in showrooms for simplified approval. This is how you support an EV transition , one banker at the Chennai showroom launch said. You do not just sell cars. You build systems . And in the months since customer deliveries began, VinFast has quietly climbed into the ranks of Indias top electric vehicle brands. Industry registration data shows the company already placing among the countrys top 10 EV brands, a notable shift for a name that was unfamiliar to most Indians at the start of the year. Its early momentum, built on steady deliveries and expanding visibility on the roads, has reinforced what many analysts have begun to observe. I love one thing about Vingroup , Swati says. They know what they are doing. And if they have a plant in India, people will think you are not going to just sell the product and leave . She adds, In India, if you give good price, good range, and good service, the customers are yours. Why this first year matters The rollout of Made-in-India VF 6 and VF 7 has already begun shifting industry perception. In April 2025, ABP Live named the VF 7 Most Awaited New Car, praising its design and advanced features. At the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards later in the year, VinFast was named EV Manufacturer of the Year, and the VF 7 won EV Disruptor of the Year. VinFast embodies the spirit of innovation and progress driving Indias EV transformation, said Jagrans auto editor Arjit Garg. He commented that the company has displayed a rare clarity of direction for a newcomer and a people-first vision that aligns with Indias long-term mobility goals. VinFasts long-term commitment became even more visible on Dec 4, 2025, when VinFast signed a new MOU with the Government of Tamil Nadu to expand its Thoothukudi facility by an additional 200 hectares. The second-phase investment will add production lines for electric buses, e-scooters and charging infrastructure, deepening localization and strengthening Indias emergence as a regional manufacturing hub. For many observers, the expansion underscored that the companys commitment runs far beyond its initial launch. With the factory inaugurated, dealerships opening, service networks activating and customers already booking, VinFast enters 2026 as a steady companion in Indias electric transition, intent on growing with the country. Indian visitors to Vietnam say the brands trajectory feels familiar yet refreshing. Piyush, a journalist and content creator, thinks back to the sight of VinFast cars filling Vietnams streets. I can imagine something similar happening in India, he says. Maybe after five or six years.
Accused in 2012 Pune blasts case shot dead
He was out on bail since 2023 in the bomb blasts case
2012 Pune Serial Blasts Accused Shot Dead In Maharashtra
Bunty Jahagirdar, one of the accused in the 2012 Pune serial blasts case, was allegedly shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shrirampur town in Ahilyanagar district on Wednesday, police said.
Friend/Foes: Alliances Blur Ahead of Municipal Polls in Maharashtra
Rival NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar joined hands for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal polls despite remaining adversaries in state politics
Pune Metro Extends Services For New Year's Eve Revellers, To Operate Till 6 AM on Jan 1
Pune Metro offers overnight service for New Year celebrations. Metro trains will be available every 20 minutes till 6am on New Year's day.
Congress' Big 528-Seat Bet For Maharashtra Civic Polls: The Story Behind It
The Congress will contest a chunk of seats 528 across the Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, the most since 1999 in the January 15 civic body elections sans any alliance with big parties.
Technology and integrity key to the future of chartered accountants, says Dr Vidya Yerwadekar
Dr Vidya Yerwadekar, Principal Director & Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International, urged over 1,400 newly qualified Chartered Accountants at the ICAI Pune convocation to embrace technology, uphold integrity, and maintain ethical standards. She emphasized that CAs are strategic partners in nation-building, blending financial expertise with technological agility. ICAI leaders highlighted global opportunities, continuous learning, and skill upgradation in areas like forensic audit, GST, and data analytics, while graduates pledged to uphold professionalism and contribute to Indias economic growth.
Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School Pune Holds 6th PGDM Convocation Ceremony
Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School, Pune, hosted its 6th convocation on December 27, 2025, at the DPU Auditorium, marking the completion of the PGDM journey for the Class of 202325. The ceremony celebrated academic excellence, personal growth, and career readiness. Dr. Raj Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bennett University, addressed leadership and innovation, while actor and speaker Ashish Vidyarthi inspired graduates. Dr. Somnath P. Patil highlighted applying knowledge with integrity. The institute continues its commitment to quality management education.
10,000 People Displaced By Violence In Manipur Resettled: Chief Secretary
Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel on Tuesday said that nearly 10,000 people, who have been displaced because of the ethnic violence in the state since May 2023, have been resettled.
BMC polls: BJP to contest 137 seats, Shinde-led Sena gets 90, as they finally agree on seat-sharing
MUMBAI: After a week of negotiations, the BJP has agreed to offer 90 seats to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls . The BJP will contest in the remaining 137 seats, against the initial plan of contesting 150 seats. The party had initially offered 50 seats to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, but after final negotiations, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ensured 90 seats for his party. Mumbai BJP unit president Amit Satam said that according to the seat-sharing pact, BJP and Shiv Sena will allocate some seats from their respective quotas to the MahaYuti allies. We are confident of coming into power in BMC. The Hindutva flag of MahaYuti will be unfurled. The BMC elections campaign will be done jointly by both parties. We will not allow to change the colour of Mumbai. Our motto is safety and security of Mumbai.We already agreed on over 200 seats, and only 27 seats remained, and that has also been done amicably. We already informed our candidates to file their nominations as Tuesday is the last day for the nominations, Satam said. However, after the announcement of the seat-sharing plan, a MahaYuti alliance partner -- RPI (A) led by Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale -- alleged that the BJP cheated them. . , . . pic.twitter.com/ezXPwCUmko Ameet Satam (@AmeetSatam) December 28, 2025 Athawale alleged that the party members were called for seat-sharing talks at 4 pm, but no one held talks with them. We waited and waited and nothing happened. Therefore, our party workers are very much unhappy, and they decided to take a different stand in BMC elections, and that decision will be accepted by me as well, Athawale said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the alliance is confident that the people of Mumbai will vote for them in the BMC elections. A political observer said the BJP-Shiv Sena seat-sharing pact shows that Eknath Shinde is a good negotiator. BJP initially offered only 50 seats to Shinde against his demand of 110 seats.Shinde was firm on his demand for seats; therefore BJP, which was adamant over 150 seats, was forced to concede 13 seats from its quota. Besides, the BJP also has to accommodate smaller allies in it, he said. But in other municipal corporations like Pune, Sambhaji Nagar, Navi Mumbai etc, Shinde has completely failed to get decent numbers of seats in alliance, he added. Ajit Pawar out, Eknath Shinde in: BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in making for BMC polls
Pune is experiencing a gradual end to its December chill, with minimum temperatures forecast to rise into double digits. This follows one of the coldest early Decembers in a decade. While haze is expected initially, clearer skies are predicted, signalling winter's easing grip on the city.
Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar has denied switching parties ahead of Pune civic polls. Meanwhile, the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar faction will contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections with Ajit Pawar's NCP. Both factions will use their respective symbols.
On The Run For 13 Years, Criminal Arrested After Sons Wedding Phone Call Tips Off Police
Police said history-sheeter Sandeep Mishra had changed his identity and was living in Pune under the name Pappu Tiwari.
After reunion of Pawars, Shinde likely to join them against BJP in Pune polls
MUMBAI: The NCP and NCP (SP), headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar, respectively, have decided to contest the Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune civic polls unitedly. A decision on the alliance has been taken considering the sentiments of local party workers, said NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Monday. The decision has been taken only for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Sharad Pawar is not involved in this entire decision-making process, he added. The alliances have been forged to ensure that the election battle becomes easier for both factions, he said, adding that for now, the parties will fight the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body elections together. Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, and the Congress will contest the Pune and both the PMC and Pimpri-Chinchwad elections. The BJP, on the other hand, has refused to concede the space to other parties and decided to contest all 165 seats on its own. Parivar comes together: NCP, NCP (SP) to fight Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune civic polls jointly After failing to strike a seat-sharing pact with the saffron party, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is also likely to join hands with the Pawar factions for the Pune municipal corporation elections. Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar on Monday met Ajit Pawar to initiate the talks with a demand of 35 to 40 seats in the civic body polls. Elections to 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra will be held on January 15. The counting of votes will take place the next day. The last date for filing nominations is December 30. BJP to go it alone After failing to strike a seat-sharing pact with the saffron party, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is also likely to join hands with the Pawar factions for the Pune municipal corporation elections. The BJP has refused to concede space to other parties. Thackeray brothers need Marathi vote consolidation, sizable Muslim and Dalit votes to win BMC polls
NCP factions join hands for Pune civic polls
Pinaka long range guided rocket impacts target with 'textbook precision' in maiden flight test
BHUBANESWAR: Adding more teeth to its firepower, India on Monday conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka long range guided rocket (LRGR) from a test facility off the Odisha coast. Defence sources said the rocket was tested by the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) for its maximum range of 120 km, demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as coordinated. The LRGR impacted on the target with textbook precision, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The guided Pinaka has been developed by the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). LRGR Pinaka, which evolved from Pinaka Mark-II, is equipped with a navigation, guidance and control kit. Significant modification in the system has facilitated enhancement of its strike range and considerably improved its accuracy. The rocket was fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL). The rocket launcher can fire 12 rockets with high explosives and destroy a large area at a time. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system will give an edge to the Army during a low-intensity conflict situation. The mission objectives were successfully met during the trial. All the radars, electro optical and telemetry systems at Chandipur-based Integrated Test Range (ITR) tracked and monitored the weapon all through the flight path. The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same launcher, the MoD said. The success of the test came on the day the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the three services amounting to a total of Rs 79,000 crore. The AoN was approved for the procurement of long range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka system, loiter munition system for artillery regiments, Astra Mk-II missiles, low level light weight radars and integrated drone detection and interdiction system among others. Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and chairman of DRDO Samir V Kamat witnessed the trial and congratulated all the teams for accomplishing the mission objectives. The Defence Minister has congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the achievement. Terming it as a game changer, Singh said the successful design and development of long range guided rockets will boost the capabilities of the armed forces. The performance of the earlier version of Pinaka was lauded during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralising enemy positions on mountain tops. The weapon's capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy their solid structures and bunkers.
Kiren Rijiju Calls For Delhi-Style SPUNER Model Nationwide After Angel Chakma Killing | Exclusive
Rijiju told CNN-News18 that Delhis dedicated police unit for North East residents has reduced harassment cases and said similar help units are needed in all major cities.
Workers Wanted It: Pawars On Fighting Pimpri Chinchwad Civic Polls Together
After weeks of speculation, the Pawars have officially reunited in their bastions of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The decision comes nearly a fortnight before the Mumbai civic polls.
Rohit Pawar clarifies NCP (SP) alliance with Ajit Pawar-led NCP
Ahead of Maharashtra civic polls, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said the decision to contest Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections jointly with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP was taken at the local level after detailed consultations with grassroots party workers, including MP Supriya Sule
NCP (SP), NCP join hands for Pune civic polls
After NCP (SP) city chief Prashant Jagtap's exit from party, several workers came to working president Supriya Sule, saying both factions have to come together. decision about the alliance has been taken considering sentiments of local party workers, says NCP leader Rohit Pawar
Ajit, Sharad Pawar's parties unite for Pune civic polls after Pimpri-Chinchwad
The Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions of the Nationalist Congress Party will contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls together. This alliance was decided after discussions with party workers. Both factions will use their own election symbols. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections will see the NCP contesting independently.
Parivar together: Ajit Pawar announces alliance with NCP(SP) for Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday announced an alliance between his NCP faction and the NCP (SP) led by his uncle Sharad Pawar for the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections, saying the parivar (family) has come together. Speaking at a campaign event in Pimpri-Chinchwad ahead of the January 15 polls, Ajit Pawar said, For the sake of these municipal elections, the clock and the tutari (trumpet) have come together. The parivar has united. He urged party workers to focus on development work and avoid making controversial statements during rallies. We are the ones working for progress. We will ensure those who tried to burden the municipal corporation with debt are pushed out, he added. Meanwhile, talks are ongoing between the two NCP factions for a potential tie-up for the Pune Municipal Corporation polls. Earlier on Sunday, the Pawar family was in Baramati, where industrialist Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune, are scheduled for January 15, with counting set for the following day. The last date to file nominations is December 30.
'Parivar Together': Pawars Reunite For Pimpri-Chinchwad Civic Polls
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune civic bodies, will be held on January 15.
'Parivar together': Ajit Pawar announces NCP-NCP (SP) alliance for Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced an alliance between his NCP and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) for the Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls, stating the family has united. He urged party workers to focus on development and avoid controversial remarks. Talks are also ongoing for a tie-up in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections.
Adanis journey is inspiration to hardworking youth: Pawar
BARAMATI, Dec 28: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said industrialist Gautam Adanis journey serves as an inspiration to hardworking youth who dream big. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati in Pune district. The centre of excellence, funded by the Adani Group chairman, has been established under Vidya Pratishthan, the educational institute governed by the Pawar family. Sharad Pawar said Adani came from the drought-prone district of [] The post Adanis journey is inspiration to hardworking youth: Pawar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
All candidates must fight Pune civic polls on familiar clock symbol, Ajit tells Sharad Pawar faction
MUMBAI: Talks between the NCP (SP) and the Ajit Pawar-led ruling NCP over an alliance for the next months Pune civic polls have hit a roadblock, with the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister not agreeing to the Sharad Pawar-led partys proposal for contesting the elections on their respective symbols. According to a senior NCP (SP) leader, Ajit spoke to them for an alliance, and later he also sought the list of candidates for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation elections. We were shocked that after taking the list of our candidates, he asked us to contest on his partys clock symbol. He even poached some of the aspirants when we were seriously busy in seat-sharing talks. In this case, how can it be called an alliance? If our people get elected on Ajit Pawars party symbol, how will they remain our elected members? They will be officially part of Ajits NCP, the senior NCP (SP) leader said, requesting anonymity. He said top party leaders are against Ajits strategy as it will shrink the NCP (SP)s space in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad region. We wanted to conclude seat sharing, but Ajit Pawar continued to postpone the official announcement on seats for some reason or the other. He also poached several of our possible candidates. He assured them of funds and victory. Now, we are facing a crunch of candidates. We cannot trust Ajit Pawar anymore, said another NCP (SP) leader from Pune, adding that NCP SP city president Prashant Jagtap resigned and joined the Congress in protest. Another leader said Ajits stand has raised suspicion about his intention for an alliance. Our leaders have called a meeting in Mumbai where the decision on an alliance with Ajits NCP will be taken. We should contest as part of MVA, he said on the condition of anonymity. Cracks appear ahead of high-stakes elections According to an NCP(SP) leader, Ajit spoke to them for an alliance, and later he also sought the list of candidates for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation elections. We were shocked that he asked us to contest on his partys clock symbol, he said.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani is set to inaugurate the Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati in Pune district on Sunday. Various members of the Pawar family including the patriarch, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will also be present.
Hands Tied, Face Covered: Jailed Gangster, Accused Of Murder, Files Pune Civic Poll Nomination
Suryakant Bandu Andekar, jailed for his grandson's murder, filed his Pune Municipal Corporation poll nomination under police escort.
Gautam Adani To Inaugurate AI Centre In Baramati Tomorrow
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani will inaugurate the Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati in Pune district on Sunday, centre officials said.
NCP alliance talks collapse: Ajit Pawar faction demands symbol control for Pune civic polls
Alliance talks between Ajit Pawar's NCP and Sharad Pawar's NCP for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections have failed. The Sharad Pawar faction refused to contest on Ajit Pawar's party symbol. This decision means the NCP (SP) will continue its alliance with the Congress. The discussions had fueled speculation of a political realignment in Maharashtra.
Hands Tied, Face Covered, Jailed Gangster Files Nomination For Pune Civic Polls
With face covered using a black cloth and hands tied, local gang leader Bandu Andekar, in jail for the alleged murder of his grandson, was taken to a government office here, where he filed his nomination for the upcoming civic polls in Pune
