Manipur CM bids farewell to outgoing Chief Secy Puneet Kumar Goel
Imphal, Aug 30 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hosted the outgoing Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel at his official residence and lauded his contributions to the administration, particularly towards the resettlement of violence-affected internally displaced persons and restoration of peace in the state. Goel, a 1991-batch Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre []
DRI seizes 18 kg of psychotropic substance, arrests four accused
New Delhi, Aug 30 (IANS) In two separate operations, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested four accused and seized around 14.9 kg amphetamine at Bengaluru and 2.53 kg amphetamine along with 878 grams MDMA tablets at Pune, cumulatively weighing more than 18 kg, an official said. The four accused have been arrested in the []
Pune Police Implements Restrictions Ahead of Ganesh Festival
Pune, August 30: In anticipation of the Ganesh Festival and other upcoming events, Pune Police have issued a prohibitory order. This order will be in effect for 14 days, starting from September 1 at 12:01 AM until September 14 at midnight. During this period, Section 37 will be enforced, prohibiting gatherings of more than five ... Read more Pune Police Implements Restrictions Ahead of Ganesh Festival
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Goel for his dedication and selfless service towards the welfare of the people of Manipur.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: DJs allowed within sound limits, lasers banned in Pune
According to the Pune Police, surveillance will help protect devotees and assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order during the festival
Pune's MH-12 registration series runs out, RTO to introduce MH-61
Pune is the first city in Maharashtra to run out of registration numbers under the current alphanumeric format, officials said. The Pune RTO also has the highest number of registered vehicles among the state's RTOs
Pune gets MH-61 as iconic MH-12 vehicle registration numbers run out
Pune gets MH as iconic MH vehicle registration numbers run out
Chand, Suryawanshi In Indian Junior Badminton Finals
Nishchal Chand and Gatha Suryawanshi have advanced to the finals of the Indian Junior International badminton Grand Prix in Pune. Chand, a 16th seed, upset second seed Jagsher Singh Khangurra in the men's singles, while Suryawanshi defeated Thailand's Pattanun Thiannaparpornchok in the women's singles.
FDA restores Pune Cipla unit licence after HC rebuke
The Bombay High Court severely criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its undue haste and high-handed actions, forcing the regulator to withdraw orders against Cipla Pharma and five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises. The court admonished the FDA for violating principles of natural justice and taking a pedantic instead of pragmatic view, even threatening contempt action against officials.
Mumbai milk prices to rise by Rs 9 per litre from September 1 ahead of festive season
While the wholesale price of tabela buffalo milk will rise from 93 to 102 per litre, consumers buying directly from local farms could end up paying around 110 per litre. Packaged milk brands such as Gokul have separate pricing, with the cooperative having recently raised its buffalo milk price to 78 per litre in Mumbai and Pune
Pune to shift from MH-12 to MH-61 as vehicle registration series ends
Pune's vehicle registration identity is set for a change after more than 37 years as the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is set to replace the iconic MH-12 series with MH-61 after the alphanumeric registration combinations got exhausted. The Pune RTO has the highest number of registered vehicles among all the RTOs in Maharashtra, and Pune is the first city in the state where the registration numbers under the existing alphanumeric format have been exhausted, officials said. A senior Pune RTO official said all 9,999 numbers in the last ZZ series under the MH-12 registration code got exhausted earlier this week, and they are now in the process of starting vehicle registrations under the new code. As per the procedure, applications have already been invited from vehicle owners for fancy numbers, which are issued at extra charge. Once this process is completed, registrations under the new code will begin, he said. Registration of new vehicles under the MH-61 code will start from Monda
Maharashtra FDA Cancels Cipla Pharma
The Maharashtra FDA cancelled Ciplas Pune drug sale licence over alleged Reactin Plus packaging.
Cipla Pharma licence cancellation withdrawn after Bombay High Court rebuke
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday withdrew its order cancelling the drug sales licence of Cipla Pharma & Life Sciences Limiteds Pune facility, hours after the Bombay High Court criticised the regulator for allegedly going overboard and following a high-handed procedure. The FDA said the cancellation order would be withdrawn with immediate [] The post Cipla Pharma licence cancellation withdrawn after Bombay High Court rebuke appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Going overboard: HC raps FDA over Cipla Pune licence cancellation; order withdrawn
Going overboard HC raps FDA over Cipla Pune licence cancellation order withdrawn
Mahindra, Godrej, and Top Firms from Germany and China Set to Converge in Pune for IEME 2026, India
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 28:Pune, the industrial capital of Maharashtra, is preparing to host a major event in the manufacturing sector. The India Electric Motor Expo (IEME 2026) will be held from 15th to 17th October 2026 at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Center, Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune. IEME2026 is being called the countrys only dedicated platform []
Maharashtra FDA cancels Ciplas Pune unit licence; company contests order
The drugmaker said the order does not allege concerns over product safety, quality or efficacy, or indicate any patient safety issue
Maharashtra FDA Revokes Ciplas Drug Sales License in Pune
Mumbai, August 29: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the drug sales license of Ciplas Pune facility due to serious violations found during inspections related to the Reactin Plus tablet. The decision affects the Carry and Forwarding (C&F) unit of Cipla Pharma and Life Sciences Limited located in Wadki, Pune. During inspections ... Read more Maharashtra FDA Revokes Ciplas Drug Sales License in Pune
Maharashtra FDA Revokes Cipla Pharmas Sales License in Major Action
Mumbai, August 29: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant action against a pharmaceutical company. The sales license of Cipla Pharma and Life Sciences Limited, located in Pune, has been revoked in connection with the Reactin Plus tablets case. According to a press release from the Maharashtra FDA, the Carry and Forwarding ... Read more Maharashtra FDA Revokes Cipla Pharmas Sales License in Major Action
Rohit Pawar Accuses Maharashtra Government of Covering Up Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
Pune, August 29: Rohit Pawar, a legislator from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government, marking seven months since the tragic death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. He accused the state government of deliberately suppressing the investigation and promised to unveil evidence ... Read more Rohit Pawar Accuses Maharashtra Government of Covering Up Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
Inner ring road land acquisition gets time-bound push; land hearing cases by Aug 31
Contempt plea in HC against Pune police chief over failure to curtail noise pollution
Techies wife, who last spoke to him at 7am on Wed, waits for updates
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Politicians support speedy trial, strict punishment demand of Wakad suicide victims family
IISER students put three conditions for talks, as protest continues on day 2
Pune techie loses Rs90,000 on downloading fake hospital appointment app
Farmer in Pune loses Rs40 lakh to crook posing as insurance agent
Sahakarnagar senior citizen loses Rs27 lakh in digital arrest scam
Cops take 50 minor on police records on Sinhagad trek, counsel them against crime, drugs
Bhor farmers oppose power project, CM mulls for amicable solution
Eight classical dance traditions unite to explore Mahabharatas emotional landscape
Man kills wifes partner after spotting them together in Bhor
Case against five for alleged malpractice in PMC junior engineer exam
Honorarium of hourly teachers in Maharashtra govt residential schools hiked
Sound curbs must during Ganesh festival: Mohol
ZP inspects Anganwadi food supplies after termination row
Docs report spike in gastrointestinal and waterborne infections among all age groups
Cipla Pune Unit's Drug Sale Licence Cancelled Over 'Irregularities'
The irregularities found during the inspection include unauthorised advertising, multiple storage, stock records, and recall-related violations.
Maharashtra FDA cancels Cipla units drug sale licences in Pune
Universities must focus on innovation, start-ups and jobs: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration of the new administrative building of the Nashik sub-centre of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) at Shivnai in Dindori taluka
Healing Hands Clinic eyes national expansion
Pune rural ATS arrests history-sheeter with pistol and cartridges
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Maharashtra FDA cancels Cipla C&F licences in Pune; firm contests order
State regulator cites alleged packaging, inventory and storage violations at Cipla's Pune C&F warehouse; company challenges order, says matter is sub judice
Maharashtra FDA cancels Cipla facility's drug sale licences in Pune
The action follows inspections conducted by the state drug regulator, which found several irregularities involving the handling, storage, records and recall of medicines
FDA cancels Cipla Pune unit's licence over Reactin Plus storage, record lapses
FDA cancels Cipla Pune units licence over Reactin Plus storage record lapses
Maharashtra FDA cancelled Cipla's Pune unit drug sale licences. Serious irregularities in storage and recall procedures were cited by the regulator. The company failed to fully comply with market recall directions for Reactin Plus Tablets. Further non-compliance was discovered in the unit's distribution and sales system.
Pune police and Military Intelligence detain three Bangladeshi nationals over illegal stay
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Wadettiwar claims Supriya holds Kunbi certificate, later apologises
Soybean crop wont sprout with uncared-for seeds, say experts
FDA cancels drug sale licences of Cipla Pharma & Life Sciences' Pune Carry and Forwarding unit
The regulator had found that medicines were stored directly on the floor and flagged deficiencies in procedures for handling expired medicines
Misbranding, storage lapses: FDA cancels Cipla Pune units drug licence over Reactin Plus violations
Sushilkumar Shinde lauds Sanjay Nahars three decades of social service
Pune, Aug 28: I salute the work of Sanjay Nahar, who was the first to reach every part of the country where there were problems and sorrows, and who gave the message that 'Maharashtra is with you' - not in his own name, but on behalf of Maharashtra, and who has continuously kept the yajna of social service alive, said former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. He was speaking from the presidential chair at function organized to mark a triple occasion - the release of 'Sarhadcha Sangati', a felicitation volume on renowned social worker and founder-president of Sarhad Sanjay Nahar, and the 30th anniversary of Sarhad. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was present online. Maharashtra's Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State for Urban Development and Transport Madhuri Misal, President of Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh Girish Gandhi, former MP Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil, ABP Editor Rajiv Khandekar, Assam MP Pramod Bodo, Ladakh MP Mohammed Haneefa Jan, senior entrepreneur from Jammu and Kashmir Mushtaq Chaya, Editor of Greater Kashmir newspaper Fayaz Kaloo, were present on the occasion. An audio-visual film on the work of Sarhad and Sanjay Nahar was shown. Former Union Home Minister Shinde said, When no one dared to go to Punjab after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Nahar went to burning Punjab. He visited hamlets and settlements. He met the grieving, orphaned souls there. He consoled them. He came out on the streets and helped them directly. In a difficult situation, he gave the message that Maharashtra is with you. As soon as the situation became serious in Kashmir, he reached Kashmir. Taking full responsibility for the future of orphaned children, he arranged for their accommodation and education in Pune. There is no gap between Nahar's thought and action. Without fearing adverse conditions, death threats and attacks, he has continued the yajna of social service like a vow. His life of action is inspiring. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, Sanjay Nahar's work of public awakening to keep national unity and integrity intact is a matter of pride. When conflict flared up in the border areas of the country, Sanjay Nahar made organized efforts to awaken patriotism. In burning Punjab, he undertook 21 peace marches with a sense of social responsibility. He has risen above all differences, preserved the bond of humanity and brought about qualitative transformation in many areas. At a time when the crisis of thoughtlessness rather than difference of opinion is visible all around, Sanjay Nahar has created an ideal of social work by maintaining social sensitivity. Chandrakantdada Patil recalled some memories from the time of the student movement. Wherever there is a problem in the country, there is Sanjay Nahar. Sanjay is a personality who is constantly striving and active to make the feeling of integrity flourish. He has worked to remove wrong, inappropriate thoughts from the minds of students and inculcate right, patriotic thoughts. Madhuri Misal described Sanjay as a person who has been associated with a bond of affection since the student movement and who has maintained continuity of service for the nation through relentless struggle. Ladakh MP Haji Haneefa Jan said that Sanjay Nahar has shown the path of development, employment and education by exploring many different possibilities of tourism in Ladakh and Kashmir.
HCLTech helps German firm set up GCC in Pune
25-year-old man stabbed to death by wife's lover in Pune, locals help catch accused
yearold man stabbed to death by wifes lover in Pune locals help catch accused
2 women killed as speeding car rams scooter in Pune
Kabra ExtrusionTechnik set to commence production of high voltage battery packs for 4Ws
Kabra ExtrusionTechnik under its brand name GEON is set to commence production of high voltage Battery Packs for Four-Wheeler Passenger cars at its Pune manufacturing facility in the month of September 2026.
Pune Shocker: Father Beats Son To Death For Demanding Mutton During Sawan
A 30-year-old Pune man, Mahesh Gaikwad, was allegedly beaten to death by his father after demanding mutton during Sawan. Police arrested both parents, with the mother accused of helping destroy evidence after the death.
Wacker Chemie AG partners with HCL Technologies to set up Global Capability Center in Pune
HCL Technologies (HCLTech) announced that Wacker Chemie AG, a global chemicals and biotechnology company, has recently established a Global Capability Center in Pune, India in collaboration with HCLTech.
Nepal Floods: 37 Maharashtra Pilgrims Stranded In Tibet Head To Kathmandu
Pilgrims from Thane, Pune, Raigad, Alibag, and Dombivli, left Saga, Tibet around 6 am via the Nyalam check-post and is travelling safely towards the Nepalese capital.
Nepal flood: 37 pilgrims from Maharashtra stranded in Tibet
Mumbai, Aug 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that 37 pilgrims from Maharashtra stranded in Saga, Tibet, after completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have departed safely via the Nyalm Check Post route to Kathmandu. The Maharashtra CMO, in a post on X, said, The 37 pilgrims from Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad, and []
Buying property in Pune? 8 hotspots with new projects, prices and growth potential
Stocks to watch: Wipro, Hero MotoCorp, HDFC Bank, Tata Motors PV & more
Stocks to watch today: IT services major HCLTech said it had collaborated with chemicals and biotechnology company Wacker Chemie to set up its global capability centre (GCC) in Pune.
Jhooth Ki Goonj: Website Seeks To Fact-Check Rahul's Student Outreach Claims
A new website seeks to fact-check claims made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his student outreach campaign 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' over the past few months. Named 'Jhooth Ki Goonj' and reportedly built by a Gen Z creator, the website claims that out of the 40 statements made by Gandhi at his four events, 29 were false and 11 were misleading. Neither Congress nor Gandhi has responded to the allegations. Gandhi had made the claims covering government jobs, unemployment, education, and rape cases in Dehradun, Kota, Prayagraj, and Pune between June 17 and August 22. Using an interactive map, the website shows the number of claims made in these four cities.
Nepal floods spotlight westward GLOF threat in Ladakh, Chenab Valley, Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 27:A deadly glacial collapse and debris flow along the Nepal-Tibet border has renewed concern over risks from retreating glaciers and changing high-altitude catchments across the Himalaya, including Ladakh and the Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. The August 26 disaster sent water, ice, mud, and debris through valleys in Nepal and Tibet, killing more than 180 people and leaving more than 1300 missing, according to preliminary reports. Roads, bridges, and settlements were damaged or destroyed. The US Geological Survey said seismic activity initially interpreted as an earthquake was instead generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow that caused catastrophic downstream impacts. The Nepal disaster comes as a new study warns that climate change could shift Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazards westward, from the eastern Himalaya toward the central and western Himalaya, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Western Himalaya emerges as climate hotspot Researchers from Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and Ashoka University analysed 120 years of temperature and snow-cover changes along with climate projections. The research, 'Vulnerability of the Himalayan region under climate change,' was published online June 9, 2026, in the Journal of Earth System Science. It identifies the western Himalaya - covering Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - as the most climate-sensitive of the three Himalayan sectors examined. The study lead by Protyusha Mukhopadhyay of the Department of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, BIT Mesra; also included T P Sabin of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology; Swagata Payra and Akhouri Pramod Krishna of BIT Mesra; and Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay of Ashoka University. The east has become a hotspot for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), the study said. That risk is expected to spread westward in the future, driven by retreating glaciers and the new lakes they leave behind, not by temperature alone, it said. The western Himalaya has warmed by about 1 degree Celsius since the early 20th century, the study found. Under a high-emissions pathway, winter temperatures during 2081-2100 could rise 7.18 degrees Celsius above early-20th-century levels in the western Himalaya. The projected rise is 6.71 degrees in the central Himalaya and 5.82 degrees in the eastern Himalaya. The western Himalaya is also projected to experience the sharpest snow loss, with implications for glacier retreat, meltwater flows and downstream water availability. The western Himalaya consistently emerges as the most sensitive stretch - it warms the most and loses the most snow under every pathway we tested, the study said. In the west and centre, winters are warming faster than springs, it said. Less snow on the ground would mean a darker surface, which absorbs more heat, which melts more snow, the study said. Nighttime temperatures are also rising faster than daytime temperatures across the western and central Himalaya, potentially altering the timing and pace of snowmelt, the study found. The researchers called for sustained monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes, stronger ground observations and improved early-warning systems. Ladakh, Chenab Valley face greater concern Climate scientist Prof Ghulam Jeelani, dean of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kashmir, said the immediate GLOF concern in Jammu and Kashmir is higher in Ladakh and the Chenab Valley than in the Kashmir Valley. anskar, Nubra and Shyok are particularly vulnerable because glaciers are retreating rapidly and new glacial lakes are forming, Dr Jeelani told Greater Kashmir. These lakes originate due to glacial recession. Most are moraine-dammed lakes, formed behind loose glacial debris, and such lakes are inherently more vulnerable to outburst floods, he said. Dr Jeelani said glacier-fed upper catchments in Chenab valley - Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban also warrant scrutiny because a breach upstream could send floodwaters rapidly through narrow valleys. The wider western Himalayan belt, including Himachal Pradesh, also requires closer monitoring as glaciers retreat and snow patterns change. But Dr Jeelani cautioned against treating the presence or expansion of a glacial lake as evidence of imminent GLOFs. In Kashmir, many of these lakes have existed for centuries and have never burst. Their stability cannot be judged only through satellite imagery, he said. Remote sensing can identify lakes and monitor their expansion, but it cannot determine the geological stability of a moraine dam. That requires detailed field investigations, Dr Jeelani said. He said potentially hazardous lakes should be assessed through field investigations, while downstream exposure, monitoring and early-warning systems should be strengthened.
Maharashtra Gen Z Adivasis ask for more
In Manjari village, on the outskirts of Pune, tribal students have been protesting for over two weeks with a hunger strike against the Maharashtra government, which they say has not heard them for years. They hope this time their need for better quality education and hostel infrastructure will be seen, and the Supreme Court-mandated employment assured nine years ago will be given. Vinaya Deshpande Pandit speaks with the students, many of whom are first-generation college-goers
1st International Film Festival of J&K : 135 films from 41 countries; DIPR announces cash prizes
Srinagar, Aug 27: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to screen 135 films from 41 countries in its inaugural edition of the International Film Festival, bringing the world of cinema to the Union Territory from 7 to 10 September 2026. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the final arrangements for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK 2026), directing all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for filmmakers, artists, delegates, and audiences. The meeting reviewed the key features, participation, programming, venue arrangements, cultural presentations, publicity strategy, and departmental responsibilities for the four-day festival, which is being positioned as a major international cultural and creative platform for Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Home; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Divisional Commissioners, Jammu and Kashmir; IGP (POS); Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Director, Information; Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; Director, Hospitality & Protocol; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir; Director, School Education, Kashmir; Director, Estates; Joint Director, Information Jammu and Kashmir; GM, NFDC; and other senior officers of DIPR. The Chief Secretary took detailed note of the arrangements being put in place for the successful conduct of the festival and directed the Divisional and District Administrations to remain fully geared up to ensure seamless, professional, and glitch-free conduct of the marquee event. He stressed the importance of close inter-departmental coordination and directed all concerned agencies to discharge their assigned responsibilities efficiently and in unison. Emphasising the significance of the inaugural edition, Atal Dulloo called upon the NFDC to make special efforts to bring a larger number of acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and other prominent personalities from the film fraternity to Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the detailed roles and responsibilities of the concerned departments and agencies were also discussed during the meeting. The Chief Secretary emphasised that the success of such a major international event would depend on seamless coordination, timely execution, and a shared sense of ownership among all stakeholders. The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure that every aspect of the festivalfrom hospitality and protocol to venue management, security, civic amenities, transportation, cultural programming, and public outreachis handled with professionalism and efficiency. He underscored that the festival is envisaged as an annual international event from this year onwards, and therefore its inaugural edition should establish high standards of organisation, programming, and audience engagement. Giving a detailed presentation on the festival, Director Information & Public Relations, Shreya Singhal, highlighted the extensive international participation secured for IFFJK 2026. She highlighted that the inaugural edition will showcase an expansive lineup of 135 films representing 41 countries, bringing together diverse cinematic traditions, storytelling formats, and creative voices from across the world. She added that India leads the country-wise participation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 and Iran with 8. Argentina and Spain will contribute four films each, while Brazil, Germany, the Russian Federation, and the United States will have three films each. A further group of countries, including South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Qatar, Colombia, and Trkiye, among others, will each contribute curated films, giving the festival a distinctly global character. A major attraction of the inaugural festival will be its proposed Rs 96 lakh total prize purse, distributed across nine award categories to recognise excellence in filmmaking and cinematic craft. The Best Film award carries the top prize of Rs 25 lakh, while Best Director and Best Debut Film of a Director will carry Rs 15 lakh each. Reflecting the festival's special focus on the region, the Best Film J&K Select category carries a prize of Rs 10 lakh. The performance categories of Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) carry Rs 8 lakh each, while the technical categories of Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Editing carry Rs 5 lakh each. The award structure, she said, has been designed to celebrate artistic excellence as well as the diverse creative and technical dimensions of filmmaking. Adding a distinctive visual and experiential dimension to the festival, a Floating Screen on the waters of Dal Lake near SKICC is also being installed as part of the festival experience. The initiative is expected to provide an iconic setting for film screenings while showcasing the unique cultural and natural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir to visiting filmmakers, artists, and delegates from across India and abroad. The Director Information also elaborated on the festival's masterclass programme, which will provide aspiring filmmakers, students, and cinema enthusiasts an opportunity to engage directly with leading professionals from the industry. The three-day masterclass series will feature acclaimed director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, celebrated editor Namrata Rao, veteran sound designer Baylon Fonseca, in addition to Chittranjan Tripathi from NSD, Supriyo Sen (IDPA), Anil Mehta, and many others from the film industry. A workshop by Canon is also planned, where it will showcase the latest camera gadgets and equipment to students and enthusiasts. The award framework reflects the DIPR's endeavour to create a meaningful ecosystem of recognition for filmmakers across different dimensions of cinematic excellence. The cash prizes seek to appreciate creative achievement, individual performance, technical craftsmanship, and regional talent, making the inaugural IFFJK not merely a celebration of films but a platform for acknowledging the diverse artistic contributions that bring cinema to life. The cash prizes are part of the broader vision of the J&K Government to position Jammu and Kashmir on the international cinematic map, provide opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, facilitate cultural exchange, and encourage emerging as well as established talent. The meeting was also briefed about the proposed participation of prominent national and international film personalities, jury members, and members of the Steering Committee. Details of live performances planned for the opening and closing ceremonies were also shared. The cultural programme will feature leading national and local artists, with performances designed to showcase the rich, diverse, and vibrant cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir alongside contemporary artistic expression. The meeting was further briefed about the publicity and branding strategy being undertaken through social media, national and local media platforms, as well as outdoor promotional campaigns, aimed at generating wider public engagement and building anticipation around the festival. With its diverse international film selection, substantial prize purse, leading industry masterclasses, participation of eminent personalities, and unique cultural programming, IFFJK 2026 is set to provide Jammu and Kashmir with a new global platform for cinema, creativity, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange as envisaged as the outcomes of this festival of international repute. Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday announced the eminent five-member Jury for the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from 7th to 10th September 2026. The maiden edition of IFFJK is being organised with the objective of establishing Jammu and Kashmir as an important destination for cinema, creative expression, cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. The festival will provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices while showcasing the rich cultural heritage, stories and creative potential of Jammu and Kashmir before a national and international audience. The Jury comprises distinguished personalities from the world of cinema, including internationally acclaimed filmmakers, cinematographers, sound artists and film curators. The five-member Jury includes, Santosh Sivan Acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, and actor, and a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). His acclaimed directorial work includes The Terrorist, and in 2024 he was honoured with the Pierre Angnieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival. Resul Pookutty, an Academy Award (Oscar) and BAFTA Award winner for Slumdog Millionaire, a Padma Shri recipient, and National Film Award winner. Internationally acclaimed sound designer, he has served on the executive committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), elevating Indian cinemas global recognition. Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, curator, writer, and journalist renowned for her contributions to international cinema and cultural exchange. Since 1990, she has been associated with the Berlin International Film Festival, serving as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She is also a founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and has worked extensively to promote African and Asian cinema globally. As a filmmaker, her notable works include Peace Mission, DramaConsult, and Kinshasa Collection. Keiko Bang, Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer, and international curator with over three decades of experience in the global media industry. As the founder and CEO of Bang Singapore Pte Ltd., she has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries, including Zheng He: Emperor of the Seas, Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet, and Secrets of the Samurai. A leading advocate for international co-productions across Asia, she has worked with governments, broadcasters, and media oganizations in over 25 countries. Himansu Sekhar Khatuaa National Film Award-winning filmmaker, and educator known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. An alumnus of FTII Pune, he has worked on acclaimed films including Shunya Swaroopa, Ishanou, and several award-winning regional productions. He has also served as a faculty member and mentor, influencing generations of filmmakers through teaching and practice. He has also served as Director of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). The Jury will evaluate films submitted under various competition and thematic sections of the festival, including international, national and Jammu and Kashmir-focused categories. Their collective expertise is expected to ensure an independent, credible and internationally informed assessment of the cinematic works presented at IFFJK. The festival will feature a diverse programme of film screenings, masterclasses, in-conversation sessions, panel discussions and other cinematic engagements, providing opportunities for filmmakers, students, film professionals and audiences to interact and exchange ideas.
Pune Police ban plasma speakers and pressure mids before Ganeshotsav
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159 crore funds fail to reach 412 model ZP schools under scheme 5 months after approval
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The makers of Mirzapur: The Moviehave introduced a new way for fans to reconnect with the show's popular characters ahead of the film's theatrical release. The original cast of the franchise will feature on the Mirzapur Hotline, where they will answer questions submitted by fans. The initiative brings together some of the franchise's most recognisable faces, including Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya, Divyenndu as Munna Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, Rasika Dugal as Beena Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee as Compounder and Shweta Tripathi Sharma as Golu. The cast members will respond to questions from viewers while staying in character with the attitude associated with the Mirzapur universe. The interaction is aimed at giving fans an opportunity to engage with the actors ahead of the franchise's move from streaming to theatres. Mirzapur: The Movie marks the theatrical continuation of the popular crime drama franchise, which began as a Prime Video series. The film brings the established characters and world of Mirzapur to the big screen for the first time. The film's teaser and trailer have already offered glimpses of the characters returning to the Mirzapur world. The hotline now adds another fan-focused interaction to the promotional campaign ahead of the film's release. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movieis directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar are producing the film under the banner of Excel Entertainment, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. Mirzapur: The Movieis scheduled to release in cinemas on September 4, 2026. Also Read:8 Days To Mirzapur: The Movie! Makers set countdown with say no to violence post featuring Kaleen Bhaiya, Munna Bhaiya and Guddu Pandit
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