Bombay HC gets 4th Bench at Kolhapur; sittings from August 18; Maharashtra CM hails move
The new Bench is likely to have jurisdiction over six districts Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg (last two located in coastal Konkan region)
After Prada appropriation, Maharashtra to certify authentic Kolhapuri chappals with QR code
KOLHAPUR: The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry. Kolhapuri chappal row: Bombay HC dismisses PIL against Prada; questions petitioners' right to sue What was once a humble, coarse village slipper, soon became a symbol of swadeshi identity under the royal patronage. To safeguard this cultural legacy and ensure fair recognition for artisans, the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments jointly secured the GI tag in 2019. Under international trade rules such as the TRIPS agreement, this GI status legally reserves the rights to manufacture and market Kolhapuri chappals to artisans from specific districts in both the states. The certification defines the product as handmade, using traditional techniques and natural leather, with open-toe construction, prohibiting the use of synthetic materials or mechanised processes. Going a step further, the LIDCOM has introduced QR-coded certification for each pair of chappals, the corporation said in a statement. This digital initiative aims to tackle counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan or self-help group behind each product, it said. Buyers scanning the code can access details like name and location of the artisan or production unit, district of manufacture in Maharashtra, craft techniques and raw materials used, validity and status of the GI certification. This initiative not only boosts consumer trust but also strengthens the market position of traditional craftsmen, the LIDCOM said. The corporation is now calling upon consumers, designers and the common public to stand in solidarity with India's indigenous craft traditions. Kolhapuri chappals are not just fashion accessories. They are a powerful expression of traditional skill, identity and the dignity of small artisan communities, the statement quoted LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar as saying. Founded in 1974, LIDCOM has been a pivotal institution in empowering rural leather artisans. Through training programmes, market development, design innovation and economic support, the organisation has transformed traditional footwear-making into a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and grassroots economy. Kolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight, blending heritage with modern relevance. More than just the traditional footwear, they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous pride. Since 1974, LIDCOM, also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal, has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft, as per the statement. The corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training, encouraging innovation, expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, it said. On the organisation's vision, Deshbhratar, said, Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items. They embody stories of self-reliance, national pride and a living cultural tradition. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to come. Apart from economic uplift, the corporation is also committed to cultural conservation. It continues to implement a wide range of initiatives -- from developing training centres and empowering self-help groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets -- to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape, the statement said.
Smoke in Hassan-Solapur Express train triggers panic among passengers
Women should be freed from regressive customs and traditions: Mohan Bhagwat
Speaking at an event organised by non-profit organisation Udyogwardhini at Solapur in Maharashtra, Mohan Bhagwat said that the women are the most important part of any society
Women should be freed from regressive customs and traditions: Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, stated that women's empowerment is vital for a nation's progress. Speaking at an event in Solapur, Maharashtra, he emphasized freeing women from outdated customs. Bhagwat highlighted women's unique qualities and their ability to excel in all fields. He urged men to support women's aspirations, noting that a woman's progress uplifts society.
Attack on Sambhaji Brigade leader: Congress demands strict action; CM says accused nabbed
Mr. Gaikwad was manhandled and ink was hurled on him allegedly by activists of an organisation over his reported remarks on Swami Samarth, who is believed to be a reincarnation of Shree Dattatreya, at Akkalkot village in Solapur district
Ink Attack On Maratha Outfit Leader Sparks Row, BJP Leader Allegedly Involved
Maratha outfit Sambhaji Brigade's state president, Pravin Gaikwad, was attacked with black ink during an event organised by the Fattesingh Education Institute and Sakal Maratha Samaj in Akkalkot, Solapur.
Central Railways Solapur Division facilitated the travel of over 2 lakh pilgrims during the Ashadhi Fair in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, without a single incident
Elderly Couple Killed In Hit-And-Run On Pune Highway, Captured In CCTV: Cops
An elderly couple was killed in a suspected hit-and-run accident on the Pune-Solapur Highway near Bhigwan in Pune district on Sunday morning, a police official from Pune Rural Police said.
Solapur University Result 2025 Released at sus.ac.in Direct Link to Download 6th Sem Result
Solapur University Result 2025: Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University Result 2025 has been released on sus.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.Arch 6th Sem Results Online.
Minor girl travelling in car sexually assaulted on Pune highway, her family robbed
PUNE: A 17-year-old girl travelling in a car was allegedly sexually assaulted and three other women occupants robbed of gold jewellery by two motorbike-borne unidentified persons on a highway in Maharashtra's Pune district, police said. The incident took place around 4.15 am on Monday near Bhigwan on the highway in Daund area when the car in which the victims were travelling halted after the driver wanted to answer nature's call, a police official said. There were seven persons in the car -- the driver aged 70, three women, two 17-year-old boys and a 17-year-old girl. They belonged to two different families from a village in Junnar tehsil of Pune district and were on way to Pandharpur temple town in neighbouring Solapur district, he said. As the driver felt sleepy, he halted the car near a tea stall. When the driver stepped out to answer nature's call, two unidentified men approached the vehicle and threatened the occupants with sharp weapons and robbed gold jewellery. One of the accused then took the minor girl out of the car and sexually assaulted her, the official said. The duo then fled the spot on their motorcycle, after which the traumatised car occupants gathered strength and informed police about the incident, he said. The 73-year-old owner of the tea stall, where the car passengers had stopped, witnessed the incident, but due to his old age, he was not able to provide all relevant details, according to the official. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Eight teams have been formed to trace and nab the accused, Pune (Rural) Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said.
MoRTH to frame IRC guidelines after adopting new-age machines for faster highway construction
NEW DELHI: After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) decided to adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway development to ensure timely project completion, it announced that Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines will be prepared based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires. The ministry has already sanctioned atleast 16 projects, where innovative machines will be used. According to the officials, Cabinet approval is awaited for 10 projects envisaged for implementation of AIMC system. With a significant growth in the national highways network including a significant increase in Greenfield and Brownfield highways with high embankments requiring a significant amount of earthwork and proper compaction in the last one decade, it has been felt appropriate to induct AIMC in highway construction, said officials. The decision to formally adopt the system was taken after evaluation of efficacy in a pilot; Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Project, where in GPS-aided Motor Grader, Intelligent Compactor and Stringless Paver were used. The ministry also took into consideration the feedback from stakeholders and international guidelines and specifications. The ministry has also sought feedback on adoption of AIMC to formulate IRC guidelines, added officials. Officials added that the ministry would facilitate the concessionaire or contractor with the required license for the radio frequency range from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) for the use of machines. The list of projects, which are already sanctioned, includes Western Bypass Gwalior (29 kms), 6-lane Greenfield Ludhiana Bypass (25 kms), Deoghar Bypass (49 kms), Shillong-Silchar Corridor (167 kms), Vrindavan Bypass (15 kms) and Patna-Arrah-Sasaram (125 kms) in Bihar. The projects which have been submitted for the Cabinet approval are Satellite Township Ring Road of Bengaluru (STRR) Karnataka (144 kms), BadveI Nellore Corridor (108 kms) in Andhra Pradesh, 4-lane access controlled Sirhind-Sehna section of NH-205AG (107 kms) in Punjab, and Nashik-Ahmednagar- Solapur-Akkalkot segment of the Surat-Chennai Expressway (374 kms). The ministry, in December, sought feedback from roads construction agencies, public work departments in states and union territories and other stakeholders on the proposal for adoption of the construction facilitated by innovatory. The benefits of AIMC are expected high adherence to design specification, improved rideability, performance durability and longevity and reduced wastage as well. The technology-driven construction also increases productivity, helps in real-time documentation, brings better transparency and minimises human interventions.
Man Dies After Amusement Ride Seat Snaps Mid-Spin In Maharashtra's Solapur | Video
The deceased has been identified as Tushar Dhumal, an insurance agent.
Pandharpur Wari Palki Yatra 2025: Check Schedule, Route, Traffic Restrictions And Other Key Details
The main procession of this annual festival started on June 18 from Dehu and Alandi in Pune district. It will end in Solapurs Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 6.
MHADA Pune flats online registration starts: Check eligibility, dates, and how to apply
MHADA has initiated online registrations for the e-auction of 52 residential flats and 28 office spaces across several districts in Maharashtra, including Pune and Solapur. Unsold flats from previous schemes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative aligns with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0, promoting affordable housing through a fully digital and transparent process.
Man facing multiple criminal cases killed in encounter with cops in Maharashtra
The Pune Police received a tip-off a few days ago back that Shahrukh alias was hiding with his relatives in Lamboti village near Solapur, the official said.
CBI arrests two for extorting nearly Rs 90L from NEET UG aspirants
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested two persons for extorting money from NEET UG 2025 aspirants under the guise of manipulating exam scores. The two accused have been identified as Sandeep Shah of Solapur and Salim Patel of Navi Mumbai. According to the CBI, Shah and Patel assured the families of these aspirants, claiming 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 .
CBI arrests two for deceiving NEET aspirants by posing as middlemen
Sandeep Shah and Salim Patel, residents of Solapur and Navi Mumbai, respectively, allegedly hoodwinked candidates by posing as middlemen with access to non-existent officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA)
MUMBAI: An elderly couple from Solapur district in Maharashtra and a young air hostess who was the pride of her village were among those who died in the tragic Air India flight crash in Gujarat. The London-bound flight crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, killing several passengers and crew. Mahadev Tukaram Pawar (68) and his wife Asha Mahadev Pawar (60), residents of Hatid village in Sangola tehsil of Solapur district, were on their way to London to meet their son. The ill-fated aircraft crashed minutes after departing from Ahmedabad, ending their journey in tragedy. Mahadev Pawar was assigned seat number 185, and Asha Pawar was in seat 186. A senior official from the Solapur district administration said the Pawars had been living in Ahmedabad for several years. Mahadev Pawar previously worked in a textile mill in Nadiad, Gujarat, while their son works as a driver. 'We are all devastated,' says PM Modi as he visits Air India crash site, meets injured at hospital In search of work, the Pawar family left the drought-prone Solapur district 15 years ago and settled in Gujarat. They had recently visited Hatid to meet their relatives, the official said. Another victim of the crash was 26-year-old Maithali Patil, an air hostess from Nava village in Panvel. She was the first person from her village to become a flight attendant, and her success was celebrated widely in her hometown with posters and banners. Patil had been working with Air India for the last two years and was on her seventh international trip. She had a dream to become an air hostess, a relative said, as her grieving parents rushed to Ahmedabad after hearing the devastating news. The entire Nava village is in mourning after losing one of its brightest young women. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew, when it crashed. According to Air India, 169 of them were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Gujarat that the number of those confirmed dead in the plane crash would be announced only after DNA tests and verification of the passenger list. 241 passengers died. One survived. His story bears witness to Ahmedabad plane crash horror
Air India crash: Elderly couple was going to meet son
An elderly couple hailing from Maharashtra's Solapur district planned to meet their son in London and were on board the ill-fated plane that crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after its take-off, a senior official said.
Solapur division promotes 220 employees as assistant loco pilots
It marks a significant step forward both in career progression and operational safety
FLY91 on Monday successfully commenced operations on the GoaSolapurGoa route
FLY91's inaugural flight from Goa to Solapur marked a significant milestone, celebrated with a water cannon salute and attended by dignitaries. This new route, operating four times a week, enhances connectivity for pilgrimage, business, and tourism. The airline is committed to improving regional air access, connecting Solapur to its growing network of eight cities, including four in Maharashtra.
India's $80 Billion Coal-Power Generation Goal Is Running Short Of Water
April marks the start of the cruelest months for residents of Solapur, a hot and dry district in western India. As temperatures soar, water availability dwindles. In peak summer, the wait for taps to flow can stretch to a week or more.
Farmers protest against construction of regulator at Uthamasolapuram in Nagapattinam district
Farmers and residents say the construction of the regulator would make it difficult to take up agricultural operations in the region and wanted the structure to be buil at anothe site
Six people died and another person received injuries when a speeding truck hit a group of rescuers trying to remove an SUV stuck on the road divider at Dhule-Solapur National Highway near Beed on the Gadhi bridge late on Monday night, police sources ...
Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far
Heavy rains lashed several parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, on Monday, resulting in one death and the rescue of 48 people from inundated areas. The state received widespread rainfall, with Pune, Satara, Solapur, Raigad, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) experiencing significant precipitation. Mumbai recorded 135.4 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to waterlogging and power outages in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in Mumbai over the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
Videos: Pune-Solapur Highway Flooded, Cars Swept Away As Heavy Rain Batters Maharashtra
Heavy rains lash Baramati, Indapur in Pune; NDRF deploys two teams to tackle flood-like situation
PUNE: Heavy rains lashed Baramati and Indapur tehsils in Pune on Sunday, resulting in a flood-like situation in several areas, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to deploy specialised teams on the urgent request of the district collector, officials said. Baramati tehsil received 83.6 millimetres of rain during the day, while the figure was 35.7 mm for Indapur, they added. Pune (Rural) Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said a stretch of the Pune-Solapur highway near Indapur remained closed for about two hours due to waterlogging, but traffic resumed after the water receded. Rainwater entered several homes in 70 villages in Indapur, as well as 150 homes in Baramati, forcing local authorities to immediately shift residents to safety, police and district officials said. In response to an urgent requisition from the district collector, the NDRF deployed two specialised teams to conduct rescue and relief operations in Baramati and Indapur. In Baramati, 19 homes suffered partial damage. In Katewadi, a family of seven stranded in their waterlogged home was rescued by locals and officials. In Jalochi village, Rupesh Singh, stranded in a stream after his motorcycle was swept away, was rescued by the fire brigade, an official said. In a release, the NDRF said, The deployment was necessitated due to a breach in water canals, which resulted in severe inundation of multiple low-lying residential areas. Rising water levels in the Kara River (Baramati) and the Neera River (Indapur) further exacerbated the risk, triggering urgent evacuation concerns. Initially, seven people were reported trapped in Baramati, and two in Indapur. Both NDRF teams were mobilised from the unit headquarters in the evening. They comprise trained personnel, including divers equipped with deep diving sets, flood water rescue (FWR) gear and medical first response (MFR) equipment. The teams were dispatched to Baramati and Indapur for immediate response. All stranded people have been rescued, it added. In a post on X, Baramati Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule requested the state's higher education ministry to postpone exams of various departments scheduled on Monday due to heavy rains in the district. There has been continuous rainfall in Pune district and its adjacent areas for the last three to four days. This has led to a flood-like situation in many areas. Students may face difficulties who are appearing for the engineering department and other exams to be held tomorrow. I humbly request the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakantdada Patil, that he should consider postponing all the exams scheduled to be held tomorrow considering the interest of the students, she said in her post. In another post, the NCP (SP) leader said rains over the past three days in Pune and her Baramati Lok Sabha constituency had caused waterlogging due to overflowing of drains and streams and urged people to take all precautions over the coming period. In the post, she asked the district collectorate, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and civic bodies to take note of the rains and activate the administrative apparatus and also ensure affected people are given immediate relief. . . . Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) May 25, 2025
Six, including four of a family from Telangana, killed in road accident
The SUV vehicle travelling towards Solapur jumped the median and collided with a private bus coming from Mumbai to Ballari on the National Highway 50.
Six killed in road accident in Karnataka's Vijaypura district
VIJAYAPURA: Six people died in a road accident involving two SUVs and a private bus in this district on Wednesday morning, police said. The accident occurred on National Highway near Managuli village in Basavana Bagewadi taluk and the identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained, they added. According to Laxman Nimbargi, Superintendent Of Police, Vijaypura , a Mahindra SUV 300 vehicle traveling towards Solapur jumped the median and collided with a private bus coming from Mumbai to Ballari. A Bolero SUV is also involved in the accident, he said. Tragically, six persons have died in the accident -five passengers from the Bolero and the driver of the private bus. Vehicular movement is ongoing on one side of the National Highway, he said. Police couldn't immediately explain on how exactly the Bolero involved in the accident.
Factory owner, 87, toddler grandson among 8 killed in Maha factory blaze
A devastating fire at a textile factory in Maharashtra's Solapur district claimed eight lives, including a toddler and the factory's owner. The blaze, suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit, trapped families living on-site. Rescue efforts were hampered by a structure near the entrance, and firefighters faced intense flames and smoke while recovering bodies throughout the day.
PM Modi reacts to Solapur Tragedy, announces relief for deceased and injured
A tragic fire in Solapur, Maharashtra, claimed eight lives, including women and a child. The blaze, suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit, occurred at Central Textile Mills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences. He announced financial assistance from the PMNRF for the families of the deceased and those injured.
8 Killed After Short Circuit Triggers Massive Fire At Maharashtra Factory
Eight persons, including three women and a child, were killed in a massive fire at a factory in Maharashtra's Solapur district on Sunday, officials said.
Eight dead in fire at factory in Maharashtra's Solapur district
The deceased individuals include the factory owner, identified as Haji Usman Hasanbhai Mansuri, three members of his family including his one-and-a-half-year old grandson, and four workers.
Fire Breaks Out At Textile Factory In Maharashtra's Solapur, 8 Dead
Owner, toddler grandson among eight killed in massive fire at factory in Maharashtra's Solapur
MUMBAI: Eight persons, including three women and a child, were killed in a massive fire at a factory in Maharashtra's Solapur district on Sunday, officials said. Prima facie, a short in the circuit triggered the blaze around 3:45 am at Central Textile Mills situated on the Akkalkot Road in Solapur MIDC, around 400 km from Mumbai. The deceased individuals include the factory owner, identified as Haji Usman Hasanbhai Mansuri, three members of his family including his one-and-a-half-year old grandson, and four workers. An official said the deceased individuals included three women. Due to the intensity of the blaze, it took five to six hours for Fire Brigade personnel to control the raging flames. Fire fighting operations are underway at the spot, he added.
Central Railway Saves Rs 170.7 Crore With Energy-Efficient HOG Technology
As per a railway release, the technology brought the highest saving of Rs 136.16 crore in the Mumbai division, followed by Rs 22.31 crore in Pune, Rs 6.96 crore in Nagpur, Rs 3.68 crore in Solapur, and Rs 1.59 crore in Bhusawal.
Ready-to-Guide Entrepreneurs to Export to Dubai - Dhananjay Datar
The delegation included Amit Jain, Director, Solapur Garments Manufacturers Association; Dr. Rajesh Gurani, CEO, Udyam PAHSUI Foundation; Alpesh Sanklecha, Vijay Patil, Yash Jain, Pradeep Jain, Anand Zaad and Chandrashekhar Jadhav.
Tirupati Special Train Services Extended
Extra trains to Solapur, Charlapalli & Banaras to ease holiday rush and serve more passengers
Himachal: Earthquake of magnitude 3.4 jolts Mandi
A 3.4 magnitude earthquake struck Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district on Sunday morning, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremors, felt at a depth of 5 kilometers, caused no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. This follows a recent 2.6 magnitude earthquake in Maharashtra's Solapur district and a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar that caused widespread destruction.
Earthquake of magnitude 2.6 strikes Maharashtra's Solapur
An earthquake measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale struck Solapur, Maharashtra, with tremors felt at a depth of 5 kilometers. No immediate reports of casualties or damage have surfaced. Previously, a 4.2 magnitude quake hit Leh, Ladakh, and a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar led to significant destruction and over 3,000 fatalities.
