Gujarati-origin Amish Shah makes US Congress history
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 6 (IANS) Amish Shah, the Chicago-born son of Gujarati immigrants, has defeated a former American football player in Arizona to become the first Indian-American elected to the US Congress from the state, marking another milestone for the community in American politics. The 48-year-old emergency-room physician defeated Republican Jay Feely, a former National Football League (NFL) kicker backed by US President Donald Trump, in Arizona's First Congressional District. Shah was leading by around 53 per cent to 46 per cent when the race was called by major media outlets. His victory flips a Republican-held seat to the Democrats and takes the number of Indian-Americans in the incoming House of Representatives to six. I'm honoured and humbled that the people of Arizona's First Congressional District have chosen me to represent them in Congress, Shah said in a victory statement. To every voter in this district I pledge to be a Representative for all of you, whether or not you voted for me, he added, promising to work across party lines. Shah's journey to Capitol Hill has an unusual connection to his defeated opponent. Both worked with the New York Jets in 2008, when Feely was a kicker and Shah provided emergency medical care to players on the sidelines. Nearly two decades later, they faced each other in one of America's closely watched Congressional contests. Born and raised in Chicago, Shah is the son of engineering students who migrated from India in 1969. His father is Jain and his mother Hindu. He speaks fluent Gujarati and has maintained close ties with his family's Indian roots. In a 2023 interview, Shah recalled how his parents regularly took him to India. He also traced his inspiration for public service to Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat. Shah studied at Northwestern University, earned his medical degree there and completed a Master's degree in public health at the University of California, Berkeley. Before entering national politics, he served in the Arizona House of Representatives, winning three successive elections in 2018, 2020 and 2022. His first Congressional attempt in 2024 ended in a narrow defeat to Republican David Schweikert. He returned to the electoral battlefield after Schweikert vacated the seat to seek the Governorship. During the campaign, Shah focused on reducing living costs, healthcare reform, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, and opposing Trump's tariffs. His position on skilled immigration could attract particular attention among Indian professionals. Shah's victory also maintains the strength of the informal Samosa Caucus, comprising Indian-American lawmakers in the US Congress. The incoming group includes incumbent Democrats Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Suhas Subramanyam, alongside newcomers Shah and Florida's Pia Dandiya. The two newcomers replace Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar, who failed to secure their parties' nominations for the 2026 elections. The new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027, with Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives following the November 3 midterm elections. All 435 voting seats in the US House are contested every two years. Members represent Congressional districts within individual states and serve two-year terms.
Flamingos arrive early at Thane creek, greens flag missing protection for DPS lake
Thane doctors rush to Mauritius with 300kg equipment, save woman shot in police firing
2021 Antilia bomb-scare: Bombay HC cancels Mumbai ex-cop Sachin Vaze's bail
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 5 (IANS) In a setback to controversial Mumbai ex-cop Sachin Vaze, the Bombay High Court on Thursday cancelled bail granted to him by a lower court in the 2021 Antilia bomb-scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases. A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale passed the order while accepting an appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), against the September 29 order of a special court granting bail to Vaze. The impugned order of the special court is quashed and set aside. The appeal by the NIA is allowed, the High Court order said. Vaze is an accused in the Antilia bomb scare case, wherein an SUV laden with explosives was recovered near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai residence in February 2021. Hiren was one of a possible witness in the case who was later found murdered. The High Court had earlier imposed an interim stay on the bail granted to the former Assistant Police Inspector Vaze by the Special NIA Court, resulting in Vaze remaining in judicial custody in Thane Central Prison where he has been lodged for the past five years. The NIA had opposed the controversial dismissed cop's bail, claiming that Vaze could tamper with witnesses and destroy evidence. He (Vaze) was earlier charged in a fake encounter case. He was a police officer who had the duty of protecting the public. But he himself indulged in criminal activities where he not just tried to instill fear and terror but he murdered a person, the NIA's lawyer said. Earlier while hearing the NIA's appeal in October, the High Court expressed surprise over Vaze's lifestyle, including the use of high-end cars. The bench also flagged Vaze's extended stay of about 100 days in a room booked at the Oberoi hotel, asking how an officer of the rank of Assistant Police Inspector could afford to drive high-end vehicles. The High Court said that these aspects of Vaze's financial situation, conduct, and professional record were relevant to assessing the charges against him. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, representing the NIA, shared with the High Court witness statements that mentioned that Vaze used expensive and luxury vehicles while he was an Assistant Police Inspector. During the hearing, Anil Singh read out a witness statement, which said that Vaze travelled in a black Mercedes and asked those accompanying him to turn off their mobile phones. The court then asked whether the Mercedes belonged to Vaze and whether there was any evidence that the vehicle was registered in his name. After the NIA responded in the affirmative, the court asked whether it was normal for an Assistant Police Inspector to own such an expensive car. The court remarked, Since we have not yet seen an Assistant Police Inspector driving a Mercedes... The court also sought information from the NIA regarding Vaze's other vehicles and reviewed a list of five vehicles he used while serving as Assistant Police Inspector. This list included a white BMW, a black Volvo, a white Mercedes, a white Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and another black Mercedes. Seeing the number of vehicles, the court said, He (Sachin Vaze) owns five vehicles... The court noted that, according to statements submitted by the NIA, Vaze travelled in a high-end Mercedes to the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office and the Maharashtra Chief Minister's residence, 'Varsha'. NIA's lawyer Anil Singh also told the court that Vaze had stayed at a seven-star hotel in South Mumbai for around 100 days. The court asked how a police officer, earning a monthly salary of around Rs 90,000 at the time, could afford such an expensive lifestyle. The NIA said that these vehicles owned and used by Vaze are being linked to alleged extortion in the case.
Thane water crisis: TMC repairs 90 wells, targets leakages, illegal connections
Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has directed officials to ensure strict management of available water stocks, increase the use of water from public wells and borewells, prevent leakages, take action against unauthorised water connections and maximise the use of treated wastewater
Thane Police seize cobra venom worth Rs 5.2 crore, arrest five
The police recovered two glass vials containing approximately 250 mg and 260 mg of cobra venom from Mohammed Danish Fayim Khan (23) and Abdul Karim Rashid Ahmed Shaikh (51), respectively, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mira Road Division) Ganpat Pingle told
Waze Bail Cancelled By Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court on Thursday cancelled the bail previously granted to dismissed police officer Sachin Waze, an accused in the 2021 'Antilia' bomb scare case and the killing of businessman Mansukh Hiran. The court allowed the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) appeal, overturning a special court's decision that had granted Waze bail in September. Waze, booked under the UAPA, will remain in Thane Central Prison.
Cobra Venom Racket Busted In Thane, Five Held
Police in Thane, Maharashtra, have busted a wildlife smuggling syndicate, seizing over 500 mg of cobra venom worth Rs 5.2 crore and arresting five individuals. The arrests followed a tip-off and a trap laid by the Crime Detection Unit, leading to the apprehension of suspects and key suppliers from Mumbai.
Thane Rural Police arrest alleged D gang leader, three associates in crackdown
Acting on a tip-off received on Wednesday, a Crime Branch team learnt that Pisal, the alleged leader of the infamous 'D gang', was present in the Sai Valivali area of Ambernath, the official said
Thane engineer gets 10-year jail term for dowry death of pregnant wife
Additional Sessions Judge G T Pawar, in a judgment delivered on Wednesday, said injuries found on the womans body and the accuseds failure to explain them corroborated witness accounts of assault
Mumbai's New Luxury Addresses: Why Thane, Borivali And Chembur Are Becoming Homebuyer Hotspots
The suburbs are gaining ground, however. In the April-June quarter, redevelopment corridors such as Goregaon East and Borivali East entered the top micro-markets by value for homes priced at Rs 5 crore and above.
Court Jails Engineer For Dowry Death Of Pregnant Wife
A Thane court has sentenced a mechanical engineer to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for the dowry death of his pregnant wife in 2021. The court found that the wife was subjected to violence and harassment for money and a car, with injuries on her body corroborating witness accounts of assault. The accused was also found to have attempted to conceal the truth after the incident.
Thane to Navi Mumbai Airport: CIDCO floats tender for 25-kilometre elevated corridor project
Thane businessman allegedly duped of Rs 95.25L by fabric firm directors, broker
The accused allegedly gained the trust of the businessman, a resident of Bhiwandi, under the pretext of business dealings. They allegedly purchased large quantities of raw fabric material from his establishment over the past four years but failed to pay the outstanding amount
Thane: Five arrested for robbing man of Rs 30,000 on Samruddhi Expressway
The incident took place on November 2 on the Nagpur-to-Mumbai lane of the expressway in Kalyan taluka. Additional Superintendent of Police, Thane Rural, Anmol Mittal, shared details of the case at a press conference on Wednesday evening
Samosa Caucus set to regain heft as Democrats win control of US House
The Samosa caucus is set to regain its heft on Capitol Hill with Democrats wresting control of the US House of Representatives, and newcomers Pia Dandiya and Amish Shah set to join four Indian American lawmakers. The Samosa Caucus, the informal group of Indian American lawmakers, was set to shrink to four with Congressman Shri Thanedar losing the Democratic primary from Michigan and Raja Krishnamoorthi making an unsuccessful bid to contest the Senate poll from Illinois. Indian-American Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Suhas Subramanyam and Pramila Jayapal have been re-elected to the US House of Representatives, while Dandiya made a strong debut by winning the newly carved out 22nd congressional district in Florida, a Republican stronghold. Shah, an emergency room doctor, was on course to win Arizona's first Congressional district bagging 52.6 per cent votes against 45.4 polled by Republican Jay Feely. The results were yet to be declared as 85 per cent votes have been counted. Several other ...
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 5 (IANS) Indian Americans are on course to keep six seats in the US House of Representatives, matching their record, after five Democrats from the community won on Tuesday and Arizona physician Amish Shah held a lead in a race that had still not been called on Wednesday night (local time). That would reverse a forecast of a shrinking caucus. Two veterans, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar, will not return, but two newcomers, Pia Dandiya in Florida and Shah, if he holds on, are set to replace them. Every Indian American who won a House seat is a Democrat, so the entire group will sit in the majority from January. Shah, a Democrat and former Arizona state lawmaker, led Republican Jay Feely by about 53 per cent to 45 per cent in Arizona's 1st Congressional District, with about 85 per cent of the expected vote counted on Wednesday night. The District, which takes in Scottsdale and parts of the Phoenix area and is now held by a Republican, swung about 10 points toward Democrats compared with the 2024 presidential result, according to NBC's vote-shift figure. Maricopa County was still counting ballots on Wednesday. A release from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), emailed on Wednesday, already lists Shah among the winners. No news organisation's decision desk had projected the race as of Wednesday evening (local time). The five confirmed winners were: Ro Khanna in California's 17th District, Ami Bera in California's 3rd, Pramila Jayapal in Washington's 7th, Suhas Subramanyam in Virginia's 10th, and Dandiya in Florida's 22nd. The current 119th Congress has six Indian American House members: Bera, Khanna, Jayapal, Krishnamoorthi, Thanedar and Subramanyam, who became the sixth when he was sworn in in January 2025. Krishnamoorthi gave up his Illinois House seat to run for the Senate and lost the March 17 Democratic primary, and Thanedar lost his Michigan primary on August 4. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) thanked both departing members for their years-long service. That leaves the group at five confirmed members for the 120th Congress, and six if Shah wins: the same as the current record, not a new high. Dandiya, a Democrat, won the redrawn 22nd District in Florida over Republican Casey Askar by about 52 per cent to 48 per cent, with about 99 per cent of the vote counted. CBS Miami described her as the first South Asian American to represent Florida in Congress. The CAPAC called her he first Indian American woman elected to represent Florida's 22nd Congressional District. In a post on X, Dandiya wrote: Thank you #FL22!! I am humbled and honoured to represent my home state... Now, the real work begins! Dandiya is the second Indian American woman and the third South Asian American woman elected to Congress. Jayapal, on X, called her he third South Asian American woman (along with me and @aishabbwahab) headed to the House. CAPAC said that if Shah wins, he would be he first Indian American elected to represent Arizona's 1st Congressional District and would bring CAPAC's Asian American and Pacific Islander membership to 23. The release says at least 22 AAPI Members are poised to join CAPAC next year, the most ever. Among the newcomers it named, Dandiya is the only Indian American confirmed so far. Among the incumbents, Bera, the longest-serving Indian American now in the House, won another term in a redrawn seat. He led Republican Robb Tucker by about 60 per cent to 40 per cent with about 139,000 votes counted, according to county counts. Khanna, co-chair of the House India Caucus, beat fellow Indian American Republican Ritesh Tandon by about 72 per cent to 28 per cent. It was Tandon's fourth loss to Khanna. Khanna went into the final quarter of the campaign with about $17 million cash on hand on September 30, the largest war chest of any Indian American in Congress, according to his Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing. Jayapal took about 88 per cent of the vote against Indian American Republican Nirav Sheth. Subramanyam won a second term by about 63 per cent to 35 per cent over Republican Dave Beckwith. In an email to supporters on Wednesday, which he also posted on X, he said: The campaign is over, but the work is just beginning. I look forward to working with our community to deliver change in Washington. All four incumbents won easily, with an average vote share of about 71 per cent. Every Republican and independent Indian American on the federal ballot lost. Republicans Tandon in California's 17th District, Sheth in Washington's 7th and Max Ganorkar in North Carolina's 4th all lost to Democrats. Ganorkar took about 16 per cent against Democrat Valerie Foushee's 83 per cent. Independents Sandeep Dixit in Ohio's 13th District and Anil Kumar in Michigan's 11th, who had endorsed the Democrat, each drew about 1 per cent. In Massachusetts, Shiva Ayyadurai, running as an independent for the Senate, received about 2 per cent, or about 58,000 votes, as Democrat Ed Markey won re-election with about 63 per cent. Democrat Mark Nair lost Texas' 13th District to Republican Ronny Jackson by about 62 per cent to 39 per cent. A write-in candidate, Dev Gupta, in Arizona's 1st District had no reported result. Of the 14 Indian Americans on the federal ballot, five won, one leads, seven lost, and one write-in has no reported result. Indian American Democrats won all five of their called races; the only Democratic loss was Nair. Republicans and independents each went none for three. Two of the five confirmed winners, Jayapal and Dandiya, are women. Both newcomers, Dandiya and Shah, ran in seats that were held by the other party or reshaped by redistricting, which is where the Democratic wave paid off for the community. In the two races that pitted Indian Americans against each other, Khanna against Tandon and Jayapal against Sheth, the Democrat won by a wide margin. The races drew heavy outside money. In the last FEC reports before the election, covering October 1-14, Shah raised about $623,000 and had about $206,000 in cash. Dandiya raised about $689,000 and had about $735,000 in cash, while Askar reported about $1.9 million in cash after lending his campaign about $2.3 million of his own money. Super PACs that attacked Shah and Dandiya were funded by MAGA Inc., FEC filings show. Post-election reports are due December 3. The community's results tracked the national swing. NBC projects that Democrats have won the House, with 231 seats called for Democrats and 144 for Republicans as of Wednesday morning, a net Democratic gain of 29. NBC estimates Democrats will finish with about 258 seats. It also projects that Democrats retake the Senate, 54 to 44, with Mississippi and Alaska not yet called. That means the Indian American lawmakers will serve in the House majority for the first time since Democrats lost the chamber in the 2022 midterms. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won the open Senate seat over Republican Mike Rogers by about 52 per cent to 46 per cent. He is not Indian American; his wife, psychiatrist Sarah Jukaku, was born in Michigan to Indian immigrant parents. Indian American representation in Congress dates to 1957, when Dalip Singh Saund became the first Indian-born member. The community elected a record six House members in 2024, up from five in the previous Congress.
Music Dispute Leads To Firing, Five Arrested In Thane
Five individuals have been arrested in Thane district, Maharashtra, following a violent clash at a hotel that involved a firearm. The incident, which occurred during the intervening night of November 1 and 2, stemmed from an argument over playing music. One group allegedly fired at a member of a rival group. Police swiftly apprehended the accused and recovered the weapon.
Thane Police Arrest Duo In Rs 1.3 Crore Online Trading Scam
Thane Police's cyber cell arrested two individuals for allegedly defrauding a 70-year-old man of nearly Rs 1.30 crore through a fake online share trading scheme. The fraudsters lured the victim via WhatsApp, promising high returns, and persuaded him to invest in a specific trading application.
Mumbai railway updates: CR restricts platform ticket sales at five stations
The restriction will apply at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane and Kalyan stations
Drying harvested blue-green algae sludge halves methane emissions in experiments
In some lakes around the world, including some in China, cyanobacterial blooms are increasingly managed through large-scale mechanical harvesting to improve water quality and ensure a continued supply of drinking water.
Indian-American Swing Midterms: Pia Dandiya, Suhas Subramanyam, Ro Khanna Win. Vivek Ramaswamy Loses
The Samosa Caucus was widely expected to shrink dramatically. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar lost their party primaries. Then election night happened. Democrat Pia Dandiya clinched Floridas 22nd District, reportedly becoming the 10th Indian-American lawmaker ever elected to Congress and the first South Asian American to represent Florida. Suhas Subramanyam, Pramila Jayapal and Aruna Miller persevered, Ro Khanna is in the winners circle, and Ami Bera and Amish Shah lead in still-open counts. But Vivek Ramaswamy, the most recognisable Indian-American on any ballot, lost Ohios governor race to Democrat Amy Acton despite 101 million dollars in ads. Every single major Indian-American winner was a Democrat, and the new faces are a school principal and an emergency room doctor, not professional politicians. Jayapal won with about 87 per cent, Subramanyam with about 63 per cent. Watch exactly who won, who they are and what this transformation means for American governance.
Man rescued from SATIS Bridge roof, officials puzzled over how he got there
A 30-year-old man was rescued from the roof of the SATIS Bridge near Thane Railway Station on Wednesday morning. The Thane Fire Brigade and Disaster Management Cell carried out the operation, while police are investigating how he reached the roof
Firecracker insurance during Diwali: What all is covered and all you need to know
Every Diwali, Raj Mehta from Thane buys the same big box of crackers for his kids. Last year, a flowerpot tipped over before it went off, and his nephew burned his hand. It wasn't a huge accident, but the hospital bill still came to a few thousand rupees more than the family expected, and nobody knew which policy, if any, would pay for it. According to Rakesh Goyal, Director of Probus, this is the sort of situation where people start asking about firecracker insurance.
Dissatisfaction with Trump behind Republican rout in US Midterms, says Congressman Shri Thanedar
By Ayushi Agarwal Describing the Republican losses in the 2026 US midterm elections as a strong message of public discontent with President Donald Trump, Indian-American Congressman in the US House of Representatives, Shri Thanedar, said that the results reflected growing frustration over rising living costs, the Iran war, tariffs and corruption within the administration. Speaking to ANI on the midterm election outcome, Thanedar, a Democrat representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District in the House, said that the electoral setback was not necessarily an endorsement of the Democratic Party but rather a reflection of voters' dissatisfaction with Trump's leadership and policies. I don't see this as support for the Democratic Party. This I see as dissatisfaction with Trump. This is really on Trump, Thanedar said. He argued that Trump's economic and foreign policies had become central issues in the election, turning the midterms into a referendum on the President's performance. Tru...
Thane: Three vehicles collide on Patlipada Bridge, chemical tanker overturns
A chemical tanker carrying 20,000 litres of propylheptanol overturned after three vehicles collided on Patlipada Bridge along Ghodbunder Road in Thane early Wednesday. One tempo driver was injured and taken to a nearby hospital, while traffic movement on the route remained slow
Study maps Nelore cattle microbiota to reduce methane emissions
Researchers at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) are studying the relationship between the genetics of Nelore cattle and the microorganisms in their guts (microbiota). Nelore cattle are the most widely raised beef breed in Brazil. The goal is to develop strategies that reduce emissions of methane
Thane: 68 construction sites issued notices over air pollution
Thane civic body's inspection drive was focused on dust-control measures and compliance with pollution guidelines across six municipal ward areas, officials said
Haunted By Dreams, Man Confesses To Murder
A man in Dombivli, Thane, confessed to killing his friend during a drunken quarrel after being haunted by the victim in his dreams. Prabhu Karkade, 24, was arrested after he approached the police, admitting to beating Pallav Kadam, 43, to death and disposing of the body. The police have registered a murder case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
BEST's electric fleet grows to 94 buses as 44 new AC vehicles launch on Kandivali and Thane routes
Thane is emerging as a key growth hub in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with the 11.8-km Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel set to cut travel time to 20 minutes. Metro lines and major road projects are further strengthening its connectivity.
Who Was Ved Rahi? Veteran Writer And Filmmaker Known For Gul Gulshan Gulfam, Dies At 93
Ved Rahis last rites were performed at Thanes Kopari crematorium ground in Thane on Sunday afternoon.
FDA seizes food products worth Rs 9 crore in Maharashtra; Patanjali Ghee on the list
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -- led by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe -- has seized food products, including Patanjali Cow Ghee, valued at more than Rs 9 crore during a statewide enforcement drive ahead of Diwali to curb food adulteration, according to a report. According to a NDTV Profit report, the operation that was carried out across all seven administrative divisions of the state covered 114 food establishments and resulted in the suspension of licences or registrations of 19 food business operators for serious hygiene and regulatory lapses. Among the notable actions, the FDA seized 2,279 litres of Patanjali cow ghee valued at around Rs 20 lakh from a distributor in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, it added. The authorities said the stock was detained under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, on suspicion of misbranding and adulteration. The largest seizure was reported from the Konkan division where more than 1.44 lakh kg of edible oil of various brands was confiscated from a facility in Bhiwandi, Thane district. Several other consignments, including edible oils, rice, pulses and jaggery were seized during inspections in Pune, Satara, Solapur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The drive also covered a broad range of food products such as spices, flour, dairy products, sweets, snacks, dry fruits and bakery items. The FDA said inspections in Mumbai revealed multiple hygiene and compliance deficiencies at food establishments, including poor sanitation, insect infestation, inadequate documentation and lapses in food storage practices, according to the report. In a parallel operation targeting banned food products conducted between October 28 and October 31, the department seized goods worth Rs 79.4 lakh from 17 establishments. In addition, authorities registered 13 FIRs, arrested 16 individuals, sealed seven establishments and seized six vehicles. However, the FDA has advised consumers to purchase food products only from licensed vendors, avoid unlabeled or loose items and carefully verify packaging details, batch numbers and expiry information before making purchases during the festive season.
BEST adds 44 electric buses to Mumbai fleet, to operate on five routes
The 12-metre-long buses were introduced on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at an event held at the Magathane Depot in the presence of BEST Committee Chairperson Trupti Vishwasrao and other dignitaries
Mumbai: More than 2,000 families have made Kalpataru Parkcity their home, embracing the promise of Thanes Finest Commune. Spread across 108+ acres on Kolshet Road, the development reflects the evolution of an integrated residential community and its growing role in shaping the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. Kalpataru Parkcity brings together six essential elements of []
Fire breaks out at electrical shop and bike service centre in Thane
According to the civic authorities, the fire engulfed the plastic shed and documents stored on the mezzanine floor of the premises housing the shop and the service centre
Thane, Hingoli courts receive bomb threat emails; nothing suspicious found
The court authorities immediately informed the police, following which a police team, accompanied by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), rushed to the spot and launched a thorough search
Thane court receives bomb threat, judges and advocates safely evacuated
Bomb threat email prompted the evacuation of the court complex in Maharashtra's Thane on Monday afternoon. Judges, advocates and staff were safely evacuated as police, a dog squad and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad personnel launched a search. No suspicious object has been found so far
Bomb Threat Emails Spark Scare At Maharashtra Courts
District and sessions courts in Thane and Hingoli, Maharashtra, received email threats of bomb blasts on Monday, leading to evacuations and extensive police searches. No suspicious items were found, and authorities suspect the threats were hoaxes, with investigations underway.
Thane man loses Rs 2.5 lakh to fraudster posing as ATS officer
The accused allegedly contacted the victim through a WhatsApp call, accused him of being a Pakistani informant and claimed that suspicious financial transactions worth Rs 3 crore had been detected in his bank account
Thane: Man held with mephedrone worth Rs 40.68 lakh, 1.3 kg drug seized
The accused, a resident of Palava, was apprehended while riding a scooter in the early hours of October 30 near a hotel at Kalyan Phata in the Shil-Daighar area
Portugal Job Promise Turns Costly As Thane Friends Lose Rs 7.59 Lakh In Recruitment Fraud
Thane: Two friends from Thane, Maharashtra, allegedly lost Rs 7.59 lakh after being duped by an individual who promised to arrange lucrative employment opportunities in Portugal. The accused reportedly collected money from the victims on the pretext of completing recruitment formalities and processing their visas. According to police officials, the complainant, a 38-year-old resident of []
Social Worker Duped In Thane Cyber Fraud
A social worker in Ulhasnagar, Thane, was allegedly defrauded of Rs 2.5 lakh by a caller impersonating an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer. The caller threatened the victim with terror links and an arrest warrant, coercing him into transferring money. Police have registered a case against three individuals, and an investigation is ongoing.
Jammu-Born Writer and Filmmaker Ved Rahi Dies at 93
SRINAGAR: Eminent Dogri and Hindi writer, screenwriter and filmmaker Ved Rahi died at his residence in Maharashtras Thane district on Sunday morning. He was 93. A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, one of the highest distinctions in Indian literature, Rahi made significant contributions to literature, Hindi cinema and television, earning recognition across the country. []
Maharashtra Plans Grain ATMs In Major Cities
The Maharashtra government plans to introduce automated grain ATMs in Mumbai, Nagpur, Thane and other cities: Reports
Thane Congress delegation raises alarm over Yeoor forest constructions
During the meeting, Congress representatives expressed concern over the alleged increase in constructions in the Yeoor forest area surrounding Sanjay Gandhi National Park. They alleged that large bungalows were being constructed at the cost of the region's natural environment and ecological balance
NASA Invites People To Send Their Names To Saturn's Moon With Dragonfly Mission
Titan has a thick atmosphere, rivers and lakes of liquid methane, large dunes and a landscape rich in organic material.
Eminent Dogri Writer Ved Rahi Passes Away at 93
Jammu, Nov 1: Eminent Dogri and Hindi litterateur, Sahitya Akademi Fellow and Bollywood personality Ved Rahi passed away at his residence in Maharashtras Thane district on Sunday morning. He was 93. His last rites will be performed at the Kopari cremation ground in Thane later this afternoon. He is survived by his two daughters, Geetanjali [] The post Eminent Dogri Writer Ved Rahi Passes Away at 93 appeared first on Northlines .
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis accuses Congress of 'Samvidhan chori' during Emergency
Speaking at the BJP's 'Save Democracy' march organised in Thane against what he described as attempts to create anarchy, Fadnavis claimed that international forces and social media algorithms were being leveraged to spread misinformation and destabilise the country
Thane Court: Man Jailed For Culpable Homicide
A Thane court has sentenced Pravin Santosh Mukane to eight years' rigorous imprisonment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder in a 2018 assault case. Another accused, Satyawan Balkrishna Waghe, was acquitted. The incident involved a dispute where the victim was hit on the head with a wooden rod and later died.
Thane man, friend duped of Rs 7.59 lakh in overseas job fraud
Thane: Police have registered a case against an individual for allegedly cheating two friends from Thane in Maharashtra of Rs 7.59 lakh after promising them jobs abroad, officials said on Sunday, November 1. The accused lured the 38-year-old complainant, a resident of Kopri Colony in Thane, and his friend with promises of securing them jobs 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 .
Thane: Two friends lose Rs 7.59 lakh in alleged overseas job scam
Two friends from Thane were allegedly cheated of Rs 7.59 lakh after being promised jobs in Portugal. In a separate case
Job Scam: Thane Friends Duped Of Rs 7.59 Lakh
Police in Thane have registered a case against an individual for allegedly defrauding two friends of Rs 7.59 lakh by promising them jobs in Portugal. The accused collected money for formalities and visa processing before the victims realised they were cheated.
Thane jungle cat rescue: Kitten to be hand-raised at RAWW wildlife facility
An abandoned jungle cat kitten found in Thane district will be hand-raised at RAWW's wildlife facility after repeated attempts to reunite it with its mother failed. The kitten will undergo gradual rewilding before being released back into its natural habitat
Thane traffic relief in two years as Metro 4, coastal road nearing completion: Sarnaik
Thane Municipal Corporation restricts vehicle washing at service centres to conserve water
A 70-year-old man from Bhiwandi, Thane, allegedly lost Rs 1.29 crore after cyber fraudsters lured him into investing through a fake online trading app promoted via a WhatsApp group. Police have registered a case against the accused, but no arrests have been made so far.
Gujarat man held in Thane with methaqualone worth Rs 11.12 lakh - Rediff
Drug Bust In Thane: Man Held With Methaqualone
A man was arrested in Thane city with 1.11 kilograms of methaqualone powder, valued at Rs 11.12 lakh. The arrest was made on October 30 at Kharegaon toll plaza, and a case has been registered under the NDPS Act.
Indian-American lawmakers oppose census plan
Digital Desk | Washington, Oct 31 (IANS) Five Indian-American lawmakers joined more than 150 House Democrats in demanding that the Trump administration withdraw a proposed census rule that would exclude some non-citizens from the population used to allocate congressional seats. Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam and Shri Thanedar signed the public comment letter, according to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. The effort was led by Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and the chairs of the Asian Pacific American, Hispanic, Black and Equality caucuses. We will fight this rule in Congress and the courts, Garcia said. The lawmakers argued that the proposal would violate the 14th Amendments requirement that representation reflect the number of people in each state. They said restrictions on demographic questions would weaken enforcement of voting rights and other civil rights protections. Grace Meng, who chairs the Asian Pacific American caucus, said the changes could cost minority communities representation and resources and weaken data needed to identify disparities. Under the bureaus proposal, lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green-card holders, would remain included in the apportionment population. Undocumented immigrants and non-citizens with legal status less permanent than a green card, including temporary visa holders, would be excluded. The proposed rule would also bar questions about race, ethnicity and sexual orientation on census questionnaires used to enumerate the population. That restriction would not apply to the American Community Survey or other surveys that do not enumerate the population. The bureau argues that lasting residence and allegiance to the United States should determine who is counted for apportionment. The agency is considering administrative records to establish individuals legal status and is seeking comments on whether to add a legal-status question to the census form. Separately, Republican Representative Mary Miller of Illinois announced a letter Friday supporting the proposal and urging the administration to go further by excluding all non-citizens, including green-card holders, from congressional apportionment. Millers group also sought restrictions on demographic questions in the American Community Survey, extending beyond the bureaus proposal. She argued that congressional representation should be determined by American citizens. The National Conference of State Legislatures, in comments published Friday, sought a further 60 days for public responses and consultation with states over the changes. The organisation said census data were essential for drawing electoral boundaries and that American Community Survey estimates and administrative records could not adequately replace detailed census counts for that purpose. It warned that changing the information collected without consulting states could complicate compliance with their redistricting laws. It said the survey generally provides data for larger geographical areas than individual census blocks, potentially forcing states to develop costly methods to allocate the information to the smaller units used to build electoral maps. The Census Bureau published the proposal on September 10. An October 5 notice extended the public comment deadline from October 13 to November 2. The United States conducts a census every 10 years. Its population figures are used to divide the House of Representatives 435 seats among the 50 states.
Former corporator seeks details of civic works in Thane since 2021, urges for transparency
BJP to organise Save Democracy march in Thane on November 1
Private tanker rates soar to Rs 4,000 amid water cuts, say Thane residents
Thane civic staff to get Rs 25,000 Diwali bonus, ASHA workers Rs 6,000
Gujarats first bullet train power substation nears completion at Bilimora
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (IANS) The first Traction Substation (TSS) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is nearing completion at Bilimora in Gujarats Navsari district, as work progresses on the 14 substations planned to supply power along the 508-km high-speed rail corridor. The substation, spread across approximately 18,000 square metres, is at an advanced stage of construction, with equipment installation, testing and commissioning activities under way. Installation work in the control panel, changeover switch, transformer and circuit breaker buildings has been completed. Work on all gantry towers and beams has also been finished. A total of 14 traction substations (TSS) are being developed along the corridor to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the bullet trains. These substations will receive electricity from the grid, transform it to the required voltage levels and feed it into the traction power system that powers the trains. Of the 14 substations, five will be located in Maharashtra at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar and Thane Depot, while the remaining nine will be in Gujarat at Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdavad, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati Depot. In Gujarat, the traction substations will receive electricity from the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited's (GETCO) 220 kV Ambetha Grid Substation. The power will subsequently be supplied to the overhead equipment (OHE) installed along the viaduct through the 2 25 kV traction power supply system adopted for the corridor. The system is designed to distribute electricity to the overhead equipment, which transfers power to the trains through their pantographs. The entire traction power supply network will be monitored in real time from a centralised control centre to oversee the electricity supply along the corridor. The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is India's first bullet train project, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat. The 14 traction substations will form a key part of its power infrastructure, supporting the operation of trains along the route.
A Thane businessman and social media influencer are embroiled in a legal dispute involving serious allegations of extortion and harassment. Legal Battle Erupts Between Thane Businessman and Social Media Influencer Over Allegations of Extortion
Rs 1.5 Cr Mephedrone Seized In Mumbra Drug Bust
Mumbra Police in Thane have seized mephedrone worth over Rs 1.50 crore from four foreign nationals, including three Tanzanians and one Nigerian, following a raid on Thursday. The accused have been booked under the NDPS Act, and authorities have urged residents to conduct tenant verification for foreign nationals.
Mumbai local train updates: Central Railway to operate mega block on November 1
The block will be operated on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Vidhyavihar on the Main line, and on the UP and DOWN Trans-Harbour lines between Thane and Vashi/Nerul
Mumbai, Thane and Palghar likely to receive light rain: IMD
The weather department has forecast dry conditions in all three districts from October 31, until Tuesday, November 3. It suggests that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is likely to experience a largely dry spell after Fridays predicted light showers
Thane Man Jailed For Attacking Wife, Rescuer
A court in Maharashtra's Thane district has sentenced a 32-year-old autorickshaw driver to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for attempting to murder his estranged wife and stabbing a man who intervened. The attack, which occurred in November 2021, left his wife with a 40% permanent disability in both hands.
Two Nigerians Arrested In Thane Drug Haul
Police in Thane, Maharashtra, have arrested two Nigerian nationals and seized mephedrone and cocaine valued at Rs 2.2 crore. The Anti-Narcotics Cell of Navi Mumbai police conducted the operation, which is part of a larger drug case where nine individuals have been arrested so far.
India says AI, maritime security key priorities for its UNSC candidature for202829
Mr. Parvathaneni underscored the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and maritime commerce, saying recent attacks against commercial shipping have demonstrated how disruptions at critical maritime chokepoints can have consequences far beyond their immediate geography
AI, maritime security key priorities for 2028-29 UNSC bid: India at UN
Maritime security and Artificial Intelligence will be key priorities for India during its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term, India's envoy to the UN has said. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said on Thursday that technology must make shared maritime commons safer, not more contested. Oceans are the arteries of global commerce, connecting economies, sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food and energy security. Their safety and security are indispensable to international peace and prosperity, Parvathaneni said. Addressing the high-level open debate on 'Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security: Implications for Peace and Security' at the Security Council, India has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security as important priorities for its candidature to the Security Council for 20282029. Parvathaneni said that emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming the
India says AI, maritime security key priorities for its UNSC candidature for 202829
United Nations, Oct 30: Maritime security and Artificial Intelligence will be key priorities for India during its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term, India's envoy to the UN has said. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said on Thursday that technology must make shared maritime commons safer, not more contested. Oceans are the arteries of global commerce, connecting economies, sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food and energy security. Their safety and security are indispensable to international peace and prosperity, Parvathaneni said. Addressing the high-level open debate on Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security: Implications for Peace and Security at the Security Council, India has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security as important priorities for its candidature to the Security Council for 20282029. Parvathaneni said that emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming the maritime domain. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, satellite-based surveillance and advanced cyber capabilities offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen maritime security. Equally, their misuse presents new challenges that demand our collective attention, he said. Our objective is clear: technology must strengthen human security, not undermine it; it must expand opportunity, not inequality; and it must make our shared maritime commons safer, not more contested. India stands ready to work with all partners towards this objective, he said. India stressed that technological advances must not deepen existing disparities. Developing countries require access to technology, training and institutional capabilities to secure their maritime infrastructure and participate meaningfully in shaping technological governance, Parvathaneni said. New Delhi has announced its candidature for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council for the 2028-29 term, elections for which will be conducted in June next year, when India and Tajikistan will compete for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group category. Parvathaneni underscored the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and maritime commerce, saying recent attacks against commercial shipping have demonstrated how disruptions at critical maritime chokepoints can have consequences far beyond their immediate geography. They threaten seafarers, disrupt supply chains and disproportionately affect developing countries through higher costs and economic uncertainty, he said, reiterating Indias strong condemnation of attacks against commercial vessels. He said Delhi reiterates the importance of freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and the safety of seafarers, in accordance with international law. Highlighting the need to harness technology to strengthen maritime security, Parvathaneni said AI-enabled analysis of satellite imagery, radar and vessel-tracking data can improve maritime domain awareness, detect suspicious activities and support search and rescue operations. In this context, India's Information Fusion CentreIndian Ocean Region, located near New Delhi, demonstrates the value of cooperation and information-sharing in strengthening maritime security. Our approach is guided by the vision of SAGAR Security and Growth for All in the Region and the broader commitment to inclusive maritime cooperation, he said. Calling on the international community to address emerging technological vulnerabilities, he said increasing digitalisation and automation also expose ports, vessels, communication networks and undersea infrastructure to cyber threats. The proliferation of autonomous systems raises complex questions of attribution, accountability and unintended escalation. We must therefore ensure appropriate safeguards, meaningful human oversight and clear responsibility in the deployment of emerging technologies, he said. India emphasised that the UN Charter and international law, including the law of the sea as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provide the essential framework for State conduct. India also called for strengthening international cooperation while respecting institutional mandates, saying the work of the International Maritime Organisation and other relevant institutions must be reinforced, not duplicated. The Security Council should focus on technological developments with demonstrable implications for international peace and security, encouraging practical cooperation, confidence-building and resilience, Parvathaneni said. The debate was held under Greeces Presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had co-chaired an event AI in the Context of International Peace & Security, with an Emphasis on Maritime Security, alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the margins of the high-level UN General Assembly week. Jaishankar had emphasized the need to harness the possibilities offered by AI, anticipate its consequences and mitigate its risks. He had stressed that in the maritime domain, AI can enhance maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, disaster response, identification of suspicious activity and resilience of ports and critical infrastructure.
AI, maritime security key priorities for its UNSC candidature for202829: India
Technology must make shared maritime commons safer, not more contested, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni says
'This war is not over': Obama, Trump trade fire in midterms' closing week
Digital Desk | Washington, Oct 29 (IANS) Former US President Barack Obama and current President Donald Trump held dueling rallies in Georgia and Ohio five days before the November 3 midterm elections, with Obama attacking the Iran war and tariffs and Trump mocking his predecessor while backing Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy for the Ohio Governor. Campaigning in the Atlanta area on Wednesday for Senator Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, Obama said the President had chosen o start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for and nobody voted for, according to remarks released by his office. This is the reason why the price of oil is up. This is the reason why the price of diesel is up, the price of just about everything is up, he added. And by the way, contrary to the promises and statements and declarations that were made seven months ago, this war is not over. It's still going on, which means you are not getting any relief anytime soon. He mocked Trump's trade war with Canada. And the big trade war he's waging now is that well-known evil empire, that historical adversary of the United States, Canada, the people who gave us maple syrup and Martin Short, the nicest people around, our friendly neighbours to the North, Obama said. Now, they're booing our hockey games. He also returned to his jibe about White House renovations. They mobiliSed a whole of government response to that joke, not to inflation, but to that joke! Obama said, The Guardian reported. Obama urged Georgians to vote early before Friday's deadline. At the same time in Chillicothe, Ohio, Trump rallied for Senator Jon Husted and Ramaswamy, and hit back at Obama over the renovations. I paid for it myself. I fixed it, and now it's more beautiful and in better shape, Trump said, according to The Guardian, calling Obama someone who doesn't understand cleanliness, who doesn't understand broken, cracked stone and sidewalk. He also said of Obama's campaigning: He got involved with Hillary Clinton ... and he lost. He then got involved with Kamala and he lost. Trump attacked the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as one of the dumbest deals I've ever seen in my life. He again defended Ramaswamy's advertisement featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. The mother said that Amy Acton, the daughter, is a liar, that she's no good, that she lied about the opponent. How the hell is that his problem? he said, NBC4 and Al Jazeera reported. NBC4 noted the mother never says in the ad that Acton lied about Ramaswamy. National polls favour Democrats. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll conducted on October 19-20 gave Democrats a 52-44 per cent lead among likely voters on the generic Congressional ballot. The Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, conducted on October 24-26, put the race at 52-48 among voters and Trump's approval at 39 per cent. Several Indian-Americans are on the November 3 ballot. Besides Ramaswamy, the House's Indian-American members, including Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam, are seeking re-election. Nithya Raman is running for Mayor of Los Angeles and Saritha Komatireddy as Republican Party nominee for the New York Attorney General.
Pradeep Purnekar murder case: Aaditya Thackeray accuses Eknath Shinde of protecting conspirators
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 29 (IANS) Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is desperate to safeguard former Thane Mayor Meenakshi Shinde from the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar murder case. The Sena (UBT) leaders alleged that the police have merely arrested the contract killers and that until Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde are arrested, the true conspiracy will never come out. We demand that the main accused and conspirator should be arrested at the earliest. We have no idea why she is being protectedwhen we met the police commissioner, we sensed that the policemen are convinced about who the main accused is, said Thackeray, addressing a press conference in Thane. Thackeray, along with Purnekars son Ram, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders from Thane, held a press conference after holding a meeting with the Thane police commissioner. Earlier, Thackeray visited the house of Purnekar to meet the wife of the dead leader. Thackeray said that despite giving the evidence of CCTV footage, arrests have not been made. What and why are you waiting for? Thackeray asked. This is a political murder of which CCTV footage is available. Why are the main conspirator and masterminds not being arrested? Why is Eknath Shinde so desperate to safeguard the accused and conspirator? he asked. Thackeray criticised deputy CM and Thanes guardian minister Eknath Shinde for detaining Ram Purnekar, who had gone to meet the latter demanding action in his fathers murder. We had come to Thane only to meet the Purnekar family and the police commissioner. But the local MP used abusive language and made a childish attempt to threaten us. Instead of facing us, they (Shinde-led Sena leaders) protested somewhere else and did not face us, said Thackeray. He also slammed Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis for failing to deliver justice to the Purnekar family. The Home Minister is busy breaking parties, cutting trees and selling Sahyadri mountain ranges instead of stopping all these things, he said. Targeting CM Fadnavis, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut said that Maharashtra never had such a weak home minister. I want to tell those who challenged us to come to Thane that we not only came here, but we are ready to wait till we face you. Dont boast because you are in power. It is not permanent. Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde are the main accused in this case, and people are coming out of the streets to safeguard killers, he said, adding that police will have to arrest both of them.
Former Thane Mayor Resigns Amid Political Row
Former Thane Mayor and Shiv Sena leader Meenakshi Shinde resigned as the party's district women's wing chief on Thursday. Her resignation comes two days after she was questioned by police regarding the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar, a case that has intensified political friction and led to accusations against her and her husband.
Meenakshi Shinde resigns as Thane Shiv Sena womens wing chief amid allegations
In a letter dated October 29, 2026, Shinde said allegations and counter-allegations circulating on social media and in political circles had caused her considerable distress. She said her name was being linked to matters with which she had no connection
Thane: Spectacled cobra spotted preying Russells viper along Ghodbunder Road
A spectacled cobra was documented feeding on an adult Russells viper at Waghbil along Ghodbunder Road in Thane West. Wildlife enthusiast Shivam Dubey of NGO WWA captured the rare encounter, highlighting ophiophagy
The protests, which continued overnight, followed allegations by Purnekars family that police had failed to act against former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde despite evidence allegedly linking them to the murder conspiracy
Purnekar Murder: Family Alleges Cover-Up, Police Deny
A month after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead in Thane, his family accuses the police of shielding the real culprits and ignoring evidence, despite five arrests. The killing has heightened political tensions, with protests and opposition leaders expressing solidarity, while police maintain they are conducting a comprehensive investigation to establish the motive.
Thane Creek Bridge III: Bombay HC forms task force to decide fisherfolk payout
Bhayandar Police Bust Racket, Two Women Rescued
Police in Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar have busted an alleged prostitution racket, rescuing two women and arresting one female agent. The accused reportedly supplied women to various locations including Mumbai, Thane, and Goa. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend a second absconding agent and identify other individuals involved.
Mumbai: Thane protests trigger 27-km traffic snarl, woman crushed by container
Slain Sena (UBT) leader supporters blockade spills over to Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, commuters stranded for hours, traffic personnel deployed to ease congestion
PTQCC boosts testing capacity for Kashmir handicrafts
Srinagar, Oct 28: The Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, has significantly expanded its testing capacity for Geographical Indication (GI) products, including Kashmir Pashmina, Kani and Sozni-embroidered shawls, with the daily testing rate rising from 40-45 in 2024-25 to around 170 in the current financial year. According to a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, PTQCC conducted 13,369 tests in 2024-25, which increased to 22,351 in 2025-26. The centre has already conducted approximately 21,000 tests in the current financial year, with the annual tally projected to reach around 42,000 by March 31, 2027. The increase has been attributed to strengthened laboratory infrastructure, improved testing facilities and growing demand for GI certification and QR coding of authentic handicraft products. The Pashmina laboratory has been equipped with advanced instruments, including a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and two high-resolution digital microscopes. The department is also procuring an additional OFDA 2000 fibre analyser and another digital microscope under the CAPEX budget for 2026-27 to improve testing efficiency and accuracy. The department is also developing an online appointment and token management system to bring greater transparency to GI testing, certification and QR coding. The system, developed by the department's Resource Cell, will initially be launched on a pilot basis and will cover its testing laboratories, including the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and the Quality Control Division (QCD). To meet the growing demand, the Directorate is augmenting its technical workforce and sending staff to the Wool Research Association in Thane, Maharashtra, for specialised training in operating the testing equipment. The department is also giving preferential treatment to GI-authorised users submitting hand-spun and hand-woven Pashmina products with Sozni embroidery. The enhanced testing capacity is expected to strengthen the authentication of Kashmir's traditional handicrafts, safeguard the interests of artisans and weavers, and improve consumer confidence in genuine GI-tagged products. The department said faster and more reliable certification would also benefit exporters and manufacturers catering to premium domestic and international markets, where authenticity is a key factor in determining the value of Kashmir's renowned handicrafts.
