35,000 Women Chant Atharvashirsha At Pune Ganpati Temple
A powerful display of faith and devotion as around 35,000 women came together to chant the Atharvashirsha at Punes iconic Dagdusheth Ganpati temple.
School Holiday Alert: Are Schools Closed Today in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane?
Are schools closed today, September 18, 2026, in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane? Check the latest updates on BMC orders, private school holiday lists, and traffic advisories for Gauri Pujan to plan your day.
'What have you SHIPPED in the last 90 days?' | Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India
'What have you SHIPPED in the last 90 days?' | Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India
India, Thailand discuss strengthening trade and investment ties
Digital Desk | Bangkok, Sep 18 (IANS) India and Thailand have held discussions on further strengthening trade and investment ties, identifying areas of complementarity, resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers, and achieving balanced trade for mutual benefit. The discussions took place during a meeting between India's Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal and Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Ambassador Puneet Agrawal paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, on 17 September 2026. During the meeting, views were exchanged on further strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Thailand by identifying areas of complementarities, resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers and having a balanced trade for mutual benefit, the Indian Embassy in Thailand posted on X. Last week, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was on an official visit to India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi on September 12-13. On September 9, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a meeting with a Thai delegation led by Deputy PM Suthumpun, where they discussed ways to further strengthen economic ties and deepen cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, clean energy, automobiles, and space. Following the meeting, Goyal, in a post on X, wrote: Held a productive meeting with the Thai delegation led by H.E. Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand. Discussed ways to further strengthen IndiaThailand economic relations and deepen cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, clean energy, automobiles, and space. Look forward to continued engagement and stronger partnerships between India and Thailand, creating greater opportunities for businesses and people of both countries. On September 7, the Indian envoy called on Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi, with discussions held on further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, including in trade, investment, defence and security, and cultural exchanges, according to the statement released by the Indian Embassy in Thailand. Diplomatic ties between India and Thailand were established in 1947, and both nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022. The bilateral ties are multifaceted and cover various sectors, including trade and investment; defence and security; connectivity; culture and tourism; education; science and technology; and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Indian Embassy in Thailand. The Act West policy of Thailand complements India's Act East policy, and Thailand is also Indias maritime neighbour.
India attracts more than 100 global capability centres in just 8 months of 2026
Hyderabad has emerged as the most attractive destination with 40 GCCs being set up in the city this year, followed by Bengaluru with 30, and Pune with 18
SNAP 2026 Mock Test Registrations Open - Apply by 22nd September
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 18: Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has announced the Official SNAP 2026 Mock Test, designed to give MBA aspirants an authentic, first-hand experience of the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test format ahead of the actual examination. The initiative is aimed at helping candidates familiarise themselves with the test structure, question pattern, and time management required to perform well on test day.
Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, Mirzapur The Movie brings the cult franchise to the big screen
Vice President Radhakrishnan Arrives in Mumbai for Cultural and Educational Events
Vice President Radhakrishnan visits Mumbai for various cultural and educational programs, including the Pune Festival. Vice President Radhakrishnan Arrives in Mumbai for Cultural and Educational Events
New poison mixed in Delhi's air, shocking revelation made
According to the shocking Pune Environment Status Report, the level of deadly PM2.5 particles in the air from vehicles and construction has increased dangerously, which has now become a serious crisis here too, like in Delhi.Delhi air pollutionFor the people living in the national capita...
13-Foot Ganesha Idol Made With 21,000 Pani Puris
Pune has added a unique twist to Ganeshotsav with a striking 13-foot-tall Lord Ganesha idol. Artists associated with Ganesh Bhel on FC Road created the idol using more than 21,000 pani puris. The post 13-Foot Ganesha Idol Made With 21,000 Pani Puris appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
State govt to hold 31 employment camps in Pune district
Elderly man loses 29L in digital arrest scam
PCMC standing committee defers Rs60 crore budget proposal over alleged irregularities
Erratic streetlights turn night travel into a hazard
Indian sailors head to Asian Games with waves of optimism
Metro services till 2am, traffic curbs kick in for Ganeshotsav rush
Main accused in Mulshi murder case held from Delhi, search on for his accomplice
Water tankers in monsoon? Pimpri Chinchwad housing societies flag inadequate & low-pressure supply
Fed up with steep cab & auto charges at Pune airport, passengers demand feeder bus service back
Police, PCMC demolish 18 stalls facilitating public drinking in Bhosari
Mother-son duo booked for abusing traffic cop in Alandi
Woman from Ahilyanagar forces 6-year-old cousin to beg near Ganapati pandal in Pune, booked
Gauri puja brings Pune homes together with rituals, food and haldi-kumkum
Army sepoy posted at NDA security post succumbs to gunshot injury
Gurgaon businessman relives ordeal with cabbies over meter fare
Dead fish in rivers: Activists flag official inaction, seek probe
New UPI fee casts shadow on festive shopping season
Why Build Flyovers When Traffic Congestion Persists?
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan to visit Mumbai, Lonavala and Pune on Friday
During his visit, Radhakrishnan will pay darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on Friday morning. In the afternoon, he will travel to Lonavala to attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis at Kaivalyadhama
Maharashtra HSC exams 2027 from February 8 and SSC from February 15, says MSBSHS
The timetable will apply to all nine divisional boards of the Maharashtra State Board. These include Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Amravati, Nashik, Latur and Konkan
Sunetra Pawar flags off Beed-Pune train, says Ajit Pawar kept his promise
The train was flagged off from Beed railway station on September 17, observed as Marathwada Liberation Day. The inaugural service marks the beginning of direct rail connectivity between Beed and Pune
Retired scorers urge BCCI to reward decades of service, seek welfare cover
TCS Walk-in Drive 2026: Urgent Hiring for AI, GenAI, and MLOps Roles This Saturday
Ready for a career shift? TCS is hosting a massive multi-city walk-in drive on September 19, 2026, for experienced AI, GenAI, MLOps, and Data professionals. Check the venues, reporting times, and required documents to secure your spot at this major hiring event in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
Pankaj Tripathi has spoken about the way the success of Mirzapur: The Movie has been handled by its makers, particularly producer Ritesh Sidhwani. The actor appreciated Sidhwani for not putting pressure on the cast to regularly share box office figures on social media following the films theatrical release. Mirzapur: The Movie, based on the popular web series, opened in theatres to a strong response. The film crossed the Rs 100 crore mark worldwide during its opening weekend and has continued to add to its global collections. Despite the box office milestones, the makers did not make collection updates a constant part of the casts social media activity. Speaking about Sidhwanis approach after the films release, Pankaj Tripathi said, Once the film was released in theatres and the daily numbers started coming in, Riteshs approach was remarkable. Even as we crossed milestones, there was zero pressure from his end to project or showcase numbers across social media. Box office figures have increasingly become a part of film promotions, with actors and production houses often sharing daily or milestone collections online. According to Tripathi, Sidhwani chose a different approach with Mirzapur: The Movie, allowing the audience response and word of mouth to play a larger role in the films theatrical journey. Elaborating on the decision, Pankaj added, It was entirely his decision to let the films success spread organically through word of mouth instead of attempting to constantly project numbers. That mindset was really impressive and says a lot about him as a producer. The film continued its theatrical run after its opening, recording steady collections during the weekdays. It has reportedly crossed Rs 195 crore net in India and has also continued its run in overseas markets. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. The cast includes Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee and Rasika Dugal, among others. Also Read : BREAKING: Government of India reconstitutes CBFC; Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Priyadarshan, Pankaj Tripathi among 18 members
Maharashtra: Beed Gets Direct Rail Link To Pune After Decades-Long Wait, Beed-Panvel Service Next
CM Fadnavis welcomes Jarange Patil ending hunger strike, says 12 out of his 13 demands accepted
Digital Desk | Sambhajinagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday expressed relief and satisfaction after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his hunger strike on its 20th day. Addressing media, he welcomed the development, noting that the government had proactively engaged with the activist to resolve the standoff peacefully. We are glad that Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his hunger strike. We had urged him to do so. Out of his 13 demands, 12 have been accepted by the government. One demand could not be fulfilled due to legal constraints, which was duly communicated to him, he stated. The Chief Minister assured that the commitments made by the cabinet sub-committee would be strictly fulfilled. The state government will hold necessary meetings and take required administrative steps to implement these promises. Reaffirming the states commitment to Maratha community, Fadnavis emphasized that our doors remain open and claimed that no previous administration has taken as many concrete decisions for the welfare of the Maratha community as the current government. Extending appreciation to key leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and legislator Prasad Lad for their mediation, CM Fadnavis highlighted that the agitation concluded peacefully without disturbing upcoming festive celebrations. Earlier, Jarange Patil on Thursday at Patoda in Beed district announced the suspension of his 20-day hunger strike following his discussion with a government delegation comprising Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dadaji Bhuse, MLAs Prasad Lad and Suresh Dhas, and the Beed District Collector. Following the talks, Jarange Patil granted the government a 90-day deadline, demanding the implementation of the Satara Gazette within three months. He warned that if the government betrays them, he will march to Mumbai. Announcing the suspension of his hunger strike, he clarified that the agitation would continue, asserting that the battle would not stop until it succeeded. Giving a three-month ultimatum for the Satara Gazette implementation, he stated that antagonising the Maratha community is unacceptable. He remarked that despite any mistakes by Minister Vikhe Patil, people should treat him with affection, and expressed similar sentiments toward DCM Eknath Shinde. He added that he would not stay silent if ministers criticised them and noted that officials who previously avoided talks had finally come to negotiate, emphasising that the community's dignity is more important than reservations. The government delegation gave him assurances including implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes within three months by issuing a Government Resolution (GR), issuance of a revised GR to grant Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette, continued validation of certificates issued per the Hyderabad Gazette, no reduction in the 58 lakh Kunbi records found by the Shinde Committee and validation of the revoked Kunbi certificates of four elected representatives from Marathwada.
Juniper Hotels shares rise 2% on proposed Rs 248 crore acquisition of Novotel Imagicaa
Juniper Hotels shares rose on Thursday after the company proposed acquiring the operating Novotel Imagicaa hotel in Maharashtra for Rs 248 crore. The 287-key property, located in Khopoli, spans around 11 acres and includes restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities. The acquisition is aimed at expanding Junipers presence in the Mumbai-Pune corridor.
Income Tax Pune has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 85 vacancies, including Tax Assistant, MTS and Steno posts. The online application process will be conducted from August 15 2026 and has been extended up to 30 September 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, incometaxindia.gov.in
Jarange Patil suspends fast after Maha govt delegation gives assurances; issues 90-day ultimatum
Digital Desk | Patoda/Beed, Sep 17 (IANS) Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Thursday announced the suspension of his 20-day hunger strike following his discussion with a government delegation comprising Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dadaji Bhuse, MLAs Prasad Lad and Suresh Dhas, and the Beed District Collector. Following the talks, Jarange Patil granted the government a 90-day deadline, demanding the implementation of the Satara Gazette within three months. He warned that if the government betrays them, he will march to Mumbai. Announcing the suspension of his hunger strike, he clarified that the agitation itself would continue. Jarange Patil demanded assurances that the 58 lakh identified Kunbi records would not be reduced, offering to provide people to help search for records. He criticised the Shinde Committee for not working and the government for being inattentive, asserting that the battle would not stop until it succeeded. Giving a three-month ultimatum for the Satara Gazette implementation, he stated that antagonising the Maratha community is unacceptable. He remarked that despite any mistakes by Minister Vikhe Patil, people should treat him with affection, and expressed similar sentiments towards Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, though not at the present moment. He added that he would not stay silent if ministers criticised them and noted that officials who previously avoided talks had finally come to negotiate, emphasising that the community's dignity is more important than reservations. The government delegation gave him assurances including implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes within three months by issuing a Government Resolution (GR), issuance of a revised GR to grant Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette, continued validation of certificates issued per the Hyderabad Gazette, no reduction in the 58 lakh Kunbi records found by the Shinde Committee and revalidation of the revoked Kunbi certificates of four elected representatives from Marathwada. Jarange Patil clarified that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are not his enemies, but asked what choice he has when attacked. He requested that good officers be assigned to locate Kunbi records, warning that if the government intends to buy time, the protest will continue. He specifically demanded the validation of the four revoked Kunbi certificates of Marathwada representatives and urged CM Fadnavis to address his key points publicly through a press conference or video statement. During discussions with the delegation, Minister Vikhe-Patil explained that the Satara Gazette involves a 1,100-page report requiring three to four months of study before taking action. Regarding the Hyderabad Gazette GR, which is currently pending in court, Vikhe-Patil assured that care would be taken to ensure it faces no stay order. In response, Jarange Patil asked why the Maratha community continues to be overlooked and demanded the immediate implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes via GR. Pointing to a recent government resolution stating that Hindu Wani, Hindu Vaishya, and Vaishya Wani are the same community, Jarange Patil demanded a similar GR stating that Maratha and Kunbi are one and the same. He requested that the GR explicitly mention -- just as it did for other communities -- that Marathas were historically Kunbi during the pre-independence era and were left out of reservations due to an oversight. He said that the commitments regarding 58 Kunbi records must carry the signature of Chief Minister Fadnavis or be publicly assured by him via the media. BJP MLA Prasad Lad stated that Jarange Patil ended his 20-day hunger strike following requests from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Lad affirmed that the government committed to fulfilling the promises made to Jarange within the next 90 days. Jarange Patil had previously set off for Mumbai to begin an agitation at Azad Maidan on September 19. However, police denied permission due to security concerns and potential operational strain during the Ganesh festival. As Jarange Patil marched toward Mumbai, his health deteriorated after he stopped consuming water and IV fluids. The successful outreach by the government delegation in Beed persuaded him to halt the fast. Speaking to his supporters, Jarange Patil extended greetings on Marathwada Liberation Day, marking the end of Nizam rule in the region. He assured the community that he would never abandon them and would not back down without securing the Gazette. Addressing Minister Dadaji Bhuse and MLA Prasad Lad, he emphasised that the government must implement the GR for the Satara, Aundh, and Bombay Gazettes, noting the widespread public support across Western Maharashtra. He concluded by reiterating that the government must provide written guarantees that not a single Kunbi record out of the 58 lakh records will be removed, and that certificates must be granted in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette.
Airport records five-month smuggling-free run after customs crackdown
Homebuyers await clearance as 176 recovery cases worth Rs106.7 crore remain pending in Pune district
PMC standing committee approves Rs3,722 crore for HCMTR, inner ring road land acquisition
El Nio conditions linked to higher dengue risk in Kerala, IITM study finds
Ganeshotsav goes high-tech with smart cams, livestreams & chatbots
Small traders worry new UPI fees could trim slim margins
Wholesalers Feel They Will Be Hit Hardest
PMC standing panel clears 17.9 crore to deploy 500 traffic wardens
Mandals installing Ganapati idols in Pune up to 4,170, fewer households this year
Friendship, dance and modak: Life and celebrations at Punes old-age homes
Rampant wrong-side driving at Golibar Maidan junction raises accident fears
Ganeshotsav turns Punes orphanages into a place of belonging, togetherness & devotion
Pune YouTuber gets bail in obscene remarks against minister, woman corporator case
Light & sound show at Shaniwarwada showcasing Punes history from Sept 19
Soybean in Pune under stress due to prolonged rainfall gap: District agriculture report
9 students injured after bus turns on its side in Supe Ghat
Nigerian national who murdered his friend over a woman in Pune denied bail
Worker injured during demolition of hazardous water tank, rescued by fire brigade
Clash of 2 groups in Mundhwa sends police on a wild goose chase for a bullet
ED Concludes Searches in Fake Call-Centre Case
ED completes two-day searches in Chandigarh, Patiala and Pune, seizing phones and laptops in a money-laundering probe targeting US citizens
US call centre scam: Hyderabad ED raids across 3 cities
Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, conducted searches at four premises in Patiala, Pune and Chandigarh in connection with an alleged fake call centre scam targeting US nationals, where it seized 66 mobile phones, 13 laptops, hard disks, communication equipment, cash and records. The searches were conducted on Tuesday, September 15, under Section 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 .
Daily Train Service Between Beed and Pune to Launch on September 17
A new daily train service between Beed and Pune will commence on September 17, enhancing connectivity for commuters in Maharashtra. Daily Train Service Between Beed and Pune to Launch on September 17
ED raids in Patiala, Pune and Chandigarh unearth call centre syndicate
Renesas crosses 1,000 employees in India, expands footprint with Pune office
The company has offices in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Noida, with a Pune office opening later this year, says Malini Narayanamoorthi, President of Renesas Electronics India
Beed-Pune train service: Central Railway to introduce first daily train service
Central Railway will introduce the first daily train service between Beed and Pune on Thursday, strengthening rail connectivity between Marathwada and western Maharashtra. The service is expected to benefit students, commuters, traders, pilgrims, and patients travelling between the two cities
Microsoft India's Puneet Chandok: AI won't take your jobit'll unbundle it, and that changes work
Handpickd eyes Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune expansion, targets 3-5x growth
The fresh produce platform plans to scale its zero-inventory model into three more metros and is targeting three-fold to five-fold year-on-year growth
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) Actress Sonalee Kulkarni opened up about her familys eight-year tradition of making their own Ganpati idol. Speaking to media, she shared how they gave the celebration a special touch this year by depicting Lord Ganesha as a farmer seated on a bullock cart. Talking about the family tradition, Sonalee said they bring clay home and lovingly shape the idol with their own hands every year. As the tradition completed eight years, the family decided to experiment with a new concept for their Ganpati idol. This is a bullock cart and Lord Ganesha is seated on it as a farmer. In our family, it has been a tradition for the last eight years that we make the idol of Lord Ganesha ourselves. We try to make it with clay with our own hands. This time, we thought that since it has been eight years, we should do something new and make it look different, she said. The actress revealed that the bullock cart used as inspiration dates back to 2008 and was from Punes Sinhagad Road. The family then imagined how Lord Ganesha would look seated on the traditional cart and chose to portray him as a farmer. Sonalee said the farmer-themed idol also carried a heartfelt message for those working in agriculture, especially amid challenging weather conditions. With this, we will be able to pray to Lord Ganesha that this time there is a flood in many places and it is not raining in many places. So, all our farmer brothers are having to go through such extreme climate. We are praying to Lord Ganesha that there is a change in their situation and they do not have any more problems. And this is what we tried to make through our idol, she explained. Work-wise, Sonalee Kulkarni is recognized for her work in Marathi cinema. She is widely known for her performances in films such as Natarang, Mitwaa, and Jhimma.
Guwahati, September 16: Filmmaker Rima Das acclaimed feature Village Rockstars 2 is set for a nationwide release on September 25, bringing the award-winning Assamese film to audiences in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. The announcement follows its earlier theatrical run in Assam and its screening at MAMI Independent. A continuation of Das 2017... The post Assam Filmmaker Rima Das Village Rockstars 2 to Release Nationwide on September 25 first appeared on Northeast Today .
Delhi To Varanasi In Under 4 Hours: India's High-Speed Rail Blueprint Takes Shape
Proposed high-speed rail corridors could significantly cut travel times across India, reducing the Delhi-Varanasi journey to 3 hours 50 minutes, Varanasi-Siliguri to 2 hours 55 minutes, Chennai-Bengaluru to 1 hour 13 minutes, and Mumbai-Pune to just 48 minutes.
BJP President Nitin Naveen Visits Iconic Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai and Pune
Nitin Naveen, BJP President, embarks on a one-day tour of Mumbai and Pune, visiting prominent Ganesh pandals and temples for prayers. BJP President Nitin Naveen Visits Iconic Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai and Pune
Ganpati Visarjan 2026: The Complete Guide To Dates, Timings And Rituals
In lanes across Mumbai, Pune and beyond, the same scene repeats every year: a family gathered around a clay idol they've fed, dressed and sung to for days, working up the nerve to let him go. That farewell, Ganpati Visarjan, is
Robokidz Eduventures IPO to Open September 21, Check Key Details
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 16: Robokidz Eduventures Limited, a technology-enabled learning and skill-development company focused on Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, Electronics and STEM education for K-12 students, is entering
Baby at a 'dhol-tasha' celebration? These Pune parents knew exactly what to do
A seemingly innocent parenting choice in a large crowd gathered for dhol tasha in Pune is being discussed widely on social media. Dhimahi Jain has uploaded a post appreciating parents who went that extra mile to ensure that their babies' ears were safe from the extremely loud music that was being played at FC Road, Pune.
Case Against 'Drunk' Biker For 'Recklessly' Overtaking Minister's Convoy In Pune
Police have registered an FIR against a motorcyclist for overtaking the convoy of Union minister Murlidhar Mohol in Pune city allegedly in an inebriated condition, officials said.
Maratha quota protest: Fadnavis says Ganeshotsav should not face disruption
Devendra Fadnavis said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the police but stressed that the timing of the proposed protest during the festival could affect devotees and public movement in Mumbai and Pune
Ajay Banga makes nuclear energy World Bank priority: US Treasury Secretary
Digital Desk | Washington, Sep 16 (IANS) World Bank President Ajay Banga has made nuclear energy financing a priority as the institution returns to the sector after decades, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told lawmakers. The policy shift comes as the World Bank prepares to phase out lending to China by 2031 and direct more of its resources towards poorer countries requiring development assistance. Mr. Banga, who heads the World Bank, we have made it clear to him that this is a priority, Bessent told the House Financial Services Committee. And indeed, he has adopted this as a priority. This is the first time in decades that the World Bank has moved forward on nuclear energy, he said. Bessent said nuclear power could help poorer countries improve living standards, expand economic opportunities and secure sustainable sources of electricity. I think it is an important part for the poorest countries in engaging in their -- in increasing their welfare levels and increasing their prosperity and developing truly sustainable energy, he said. The World Bank began returning to nuclear energy financing in June 2025 after years of avoiding the sector. Committee Chairman French Hill said the institution had taken its first concrete step by reaching an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The arrangement allows the bank to receive technical expertise from the UN nuclear watchdog, support existing reactors and examine the potential of small modular reactors. This year, we also saw the first contribution to a new Nuclear Energy Assistance Trust Fund at the bank, which I hope will see additional funds from the US Treasury going forward, Hill said. Developing economies need access to reliable and affordable electricity to grow, making this exactly the kind of practical, pro-growth approach these institutions should fully embrace, he added. The committee had supported legislation encouraging the World Bank to reconsider its restrictions on nuclear financing. Republican Representative John Rose said the change could provide developing countries with reliable, affordable and secure energy. The institutions renewed interest in nuclear power is taking place alongside a broader reassessment of where its development funds should be directed. Hill welcomed the World Banks decision to end financing for China by 2031. He said the worlds second-largest economy possessed substantial financial resources and had become a major international creditor. American taxpayers should not be backstopping Beijing and their ambitions at the World Bank, Hill said. That's why the World Bank's decision to phase out its lending to China by 2031 is an important step in the right direction. Hill said the World Bank should focus on reducing poverty and supporting economic growth in countries that genuinely needed development assistance. The committee also raised concerns about Chinas role at the International Monetary Fund. Bessent said the IMF was holding advanced discussions with Beijing on economic imbalances and the possible risks they posed to global financial stability. Banga, who was born in Pune, became World Bank president in June 2023. The Indian-American executive previously led Mastercard and has focused his World Bank tenure on employment, infrastructure, private investment and expanding reliable energy access in developing economies.
65-year-old dies in accident near Dehu Road
Over 35,000 women gather at Dagdusheth Ganapati pandal for Atharvashirsha recital
Pune dhol-tasha pathak see surge in demand amid noise concerns
Govt chalking out plan to tackle drought situation: Fadnavis
Deadline for Pune-Mumbai Connecting Links rockfall protection work pushed to November
Weeks before girls death in Punes Nigdi, RTO found several unfit vehicles in PCMC trash fleet
PCMC seeks time from NGT to assess internal funds for Pavana cleanup after state denies aid
