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.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 30 (IANS) The Central Cyber Police Station has arrested Kiran Laxman Tamhane, a resident of Pune, Maharashtra, in connection with a digital arrest scam in which an elderly doctor couple from Jaipur was allegedly cheated of Rs 76 lakh. The accused was arrested in Thane and brought to Jaipur on a transit warrant. Four people have been arrested so far in the case. The fraudsters allegedly posed as officials of the police, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA), threatening the couple with arrest over alleged links to terrorist activities and money laundering. During the investigation, approximately Rs 50 lakh of the defrauded amount was traced to an ICICI Bank account belonging to Tamhane's company. The action was taken under the ongoing campaign against cybercrime, particularly digital arrest frauds, initiated on the directions of Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma. Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) Vijay Kumar Singh shared details of the investigation. According to the police, the complainant, a Jaipur resident, and his wife received a WhatsApp call from the fraudsters. Using different mobile numbers, the accused impersonated police officers and claimed that the couple's Aadhaar cards had been misused in connection with terrorist activities and large-scale financial crimes. They threatened the couple with arrest and warned that other family members could also face serious legal consequences. The fraudsters subsequently sent a forged NIA notice through WhatsApp and assured the couple that an NOC or security clearance certificate would be issued after a few days. They maintained continuous psychological pressure through WhatsApp voice and video calls, keeping the victims under constant surveillance. The couple was also forced to share details of their fixed deposits and photographs of official documents. Under pressure and acting on the fraudsters' instructions, the elderly couple liquidated their savings and transferred a total of Rs 76 lakh into multiple bank accounts. During the investigation, the cyber police analysed the WhatsApp numbers used by the accused, along with Call Detail Records (CDR), Customer Application Forms (CAF), IP Detail Records (IPDR) and bank account statements linked to suspicious mobile numbers. The investigation revealed that money deposited into one bank account was transferred through RTGS to another account on the same day and subsequently moved to a third account the following day. This established a chain of rapid financial transactions through which the defrauded money was allegedly routed across multiple accounts. Based on banking records, transaction trails and technical evidence, the police initially arrested three people from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Further investigation led the team to Kiran Laxman Tamhane, identified as the first beneficiary to receive a portion of the defrauded money. During interrogation, Tamhane reportedly disclosed that his company's ICICI Bank account, belonging to K.T. Multi Service Private Limited, had been used in the cyber fraud. Approximately Rs 50 lakh was deposited into the account before being transferred to other bank accounts. Police said Tamhane, in alleged collusion with Jigna Prathamesh Sawant (Rathod) and Anurag Maheshwari, facilitated the use of the company's bank account details, net banking credentials, including user ID and password, chequebooks and mobile SIM cards. According to the police, Tamhane claimed that he had shared the banking details after being offered investment opportunities in real estate and promised a commission on the profits. Investigators believe that the company's bank account and associated banking credentials were used to receive and transfer proceeds of the alleged cyber fraud. The cyber police are continuing their technical investigation, examining WhatsApp records, CDRs, CAF details, IPDR data and banking transactions to establish the complete money trail. The investigation is also focused on identifying the subsequent destinations of the defrauded money and other individuals involved in the network. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Cyber Crime) Shantanu Kumar Singh and the leadership of Station House Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police Gajendra Sharma. The police team included Inspector Ajay Kumar and Constables Bhivaram and Sachchidanand.
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
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
Mumbai: Golden jackal found dead near Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
Forest officials recover carcass near Airoli Bridge; wildlife enthusiast urges motorists to drive cautiously near natural habitats
'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.
Thane Water Cut Timing Revised: What Residents Need To Know About 10% Supply Reduction
The weekly water cut will affect Ghodbunder Road, Mumbra, Kalwa and several other localities supplied by TMC and STEM.
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.
Who Is Meenakshi Shinde? Former Thane Mayor In Spotlight Over Pradeep Purnekar's Murder
The Shiv Sena corporator was questioned by the SIT for over seven hours as the investigation into the September 29 killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar continues.
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
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
Kashmir Pashmina testing rises sharply as GI certification demand grows
The Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, has recorded a sharp rise in the testing of Geographical Indication (GI) products, especially Kashmir Pashmina, Kani and Sozni embroidered shawls, during the current financial year. The surge reflects stronger institutional capacity, upgraded laboratory infrastructure and growing demand for authentic GI certification and QR coding. In a detailed press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the testing rate, which was 40-45 per day in 2024-25, has now risen to 170 per day in 2026-27. In 2024-25, PTQCC conducted 13,369 tests at an average of 40-45 tests per day. This rose to 22,351 tests in 2025-26, with the daily average increasing to 75-85 tests. In the current financial year, PTQCC has already performed approximately 21,000 tests. With another 21,000 tests projected between November 2026 and March 31, 2027, the annual total is expected to reach around 42,000 tests, nearly doubling the testing rate achieved in the previous year, the spokesman explained. To support this expansion, the spokesman further stated that Pashmina Laboratory has been strengthened with advanced equipment, including a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and two High-Resolution Digital Microscopes. The Department is in the process of procuring another OFDA 2000 fibre analyser and an additional digital microscope during FY 2026-27 under CAPEX. These additions are expected to further accelerate testing, improve precision in fibre identification and quality assessment and meet the rising demand for GI testing and QR coding of certified products, he said, adding that those GI Authorised Users who submit hand-spun, hand-woven Pashmina products with Sozni embroidery are being given preferential treatment. In order to bring greater transparency in GI testing, certification and QR coding at PTQCC, the Department has developed an in-house Online Appointment Token Management System to further streamline the operations across all testing labs of the Department, including IICT and QCD (Quality Control Division). The web application has been developed by the Resource Cell of the department, which shall be operational shortly on a pilot basis, he added. The Directorate is in the process of augmenting additional manpower to operate the machines, for which technical staff is being sent to Wool Research Association (WRA), Thane, Maharashtra, for technical training. With trained manpower, we shall have more teams in place to conduct tests in PTQCC so that the rising demand for GI testing and QR coding post aggressive media campaign, by GI Authorised Users is met. The enhanced testing capacity strengthens the authentication of Kashmirs prized handicrafts, protects the interests of artisans and weavers and builds greater consumer and buyer confidence in genuine GI-tagged products, the spokesman stated. Faster and more reliable certification is particularly important for exports and premium domestic markets, where authenticity is a key differentiator for Kashmir Pashmina and related handicraft products, the spokesman concluded.
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.
Thane civic body cracks down on banned plastic, fines violators Rs 69,100
During the drive, the civic body inspected 214 establishments across markets and commercial areas. Officials seized 30 kg of banned plastic and collected Rs 69,100 in fines from those found violating the rules
TMC issues 6,580 notices to property tax defaulters, seals 126 properties
Thane Municipal Corporation has stepped up its property tax recovery drive, issuing notices to 6,580 property owners, initiating seizure proceedings against 286 properties, disconnecting water supply to 73 properties and sealing or restricting the use of 126 properties
Maharashtra Receives Over 19.6 Lakh Electoral Forms Between Aug 31 and Oct 26
Mumbai Suburban recorded the highest number of forms at 1,49,850, followed by Pune at 1,35,646 and Thane at 1,35,150, the ECI data showed.
The BMC issued the warning over a possible impact on water quality following the recommissioning of a repaired reservoir at the Pise-Panjrapur water supply complex
U.S. moves to weaken methane limits on oil and gas producers
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a sweeping rollback of rules that stop oil and gas producers from emitting methane, a greenhouse gas superpollutant.
Why Doctor Khushbu Taori Modi Quit Her Government Job For SewaConnect
Former medical officer Dr Khushbu Taori Modi launched SewaConnect to transform NGO funding through a volunteer platform after serving as a government medical officer and Thane doctor, supporting grassroots NGOs with CSR partnerships, advancing public health and social impact on a free platform built for NGO collaboration, volunteer matching, and community medicine across Maharashtra NGOs. []
PTQCC nearly doubles GI testing capacity for Kashmir Pashmina, Kani and Sozni products
Srinagar, Oct 28: The Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, has recorded a sharp rise in the testing of Geographical Indication (GI) products, especially Kashmir Pashmina, Kani and Sozni embroidered shawls, during the current financial year. The surge reflects stronger institutional capacity, upgraded laboratory infrastructure and growing demand for authentic GI certification and QR coding. In a detailed press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir stated that the testing rate which was 40-45 per day in 2024-25, has now risen to 170 per day in 2026-27. In 2024-25, PTQCC conducted 13,369 tests at an average of 40-45 tests per day. This rose to 22,351 tests in 2025-26, with the daily average increasing to 75-85 tests. In the current financial year, PTQCC has already performed approximately 21,000 tests. With another 21,000 tests projected between November 2026 and March 31, 2027, the annual total is expected to reach around 42,000 tests, nearly doubling the testing rate achieved in the previous year, the spokesman explained. To support this expansion, the spokesman further stated that Pashmina Laboratory has been strengthened with advanced equipment, including a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and two High-Resolution Digital Microscopes. The Department is in the process of procuring another OFDA 2000 fibre analyser and an additional digital microscope during FY 2026-27 under CAPEX. These additions are expected to further accelerate testing, improve precision in fibre identification and quality assessment and meet the rising demand for GI testing and QR coding of certified products, he said, adding that those GI Authorised Users who submit hand-spun, hand-woven Pashmina products with Sozni embroidery are being given preferential treatment. In order to bring greater transparency in GI testing, certification and QR coding at PTQCC, the Department has developed an in-house Online Appointment Token Management System to further streamline the operations across all testing labs of the Department including IICT and QCD (Quality Control Division). The web application has been developed by the Resource Cell of the department which shall be operational shortly on pilot basis, he added. The Directorate is in the process of augmenting additional manpower to operate the machines for which technical staff is being sent to Wool Research Association (WRA), Thane Maharashtra for technical training. With trained manpower, we shall have more teams in place to conduct tests in PTQCC so that the rising demand for GI testing and QR coding post aggressive media campaign, by GI Authorised Users is met. The enhanced testing capacity strengthens the authentication of Kashmirs prized handicrafts, protects the interests of artisans and weavers and builds greater consumer and buyer confidence in genuine GI-tagged products, the spokesman stated. Faster and more reliable certification is particularly important for exports and premium domestic markets, where authenticity is a key differentiator for Kashmir Pashmina and related handicraft products, the spokesman concluded.
Thane: Man gets 20-year jail term for sexually assaulting 5-year-old girl
The terrified child later returned home and informed about the incident to her mother, who subsequently confronted the accused before reporting the matter to the police, the prosecution said
Thane bans use of drinking water for vehicle washing at service centres
The civic body issued the directive on Wednesday, October 28, urging residents and vehicle service centres to use water carefully and avoid unnecessary wastage
Thane: TMC urges residents to boil water before consumption for a week
The advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure amid concerns that the repairs and subsequent resumption of operations could affect the quality of water supplied to parts of the Mumbai metropolitan region
Maharashtra issues 14 GRs on tribal rights as protesters call off Mumbai march
Thousands of tribals marching towards the Maharashtra secretariat in Mumbai from Thane district to press for various demands have withdrawn the protest after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to expedite measures to address the issues
Maharashtra tribals call off march to Mantralaya after CM assures action
Nearly 49,000 people set out from Bhiwandi in Thane district on Tuesday afternoon as part of the Samvidhan Hakk Sangharsh Morcha, led by Shramjeevi Sanghatna founder Vivek Pandit
Thane traffic: Protest over Sena (UBT) leaders murder leaves commuters stranded
Videos showing the agitation and long queues of vehicles circulated widely on social media. Some users claimed the blockade continued for six to seven hours. Traffic movement returned to normal by Wednesday morning, police said
Trump drastically loosens oil and gas methane rules
Mr. Trump is pushing ways of bringing down energy costs ahead of the midterms, amid voter anger over soaring oil costs caused by his war on Iran
Trump says he's ending restrictions on climate-warming emissions from oil drilling
Billings, Oct 28: President Donald Trump said Tuesday his administration is terminating a Biden-era rule that aimed to cut planet-warming emissions of methane from oil and gas drilling. Trump said during a campaign rally in Texas that the change would save consumers and energy producers USD 45 billion and unlock 210 million barrels of oil. That's equivalent to about 10 days of US petroleum consumption. The move aims to encourage more domestic drilling as Trump faces criticism over high fuel prices amid the US war in Iran. Methane is responsible for about a third of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, scientists estimate. Cuts in methane emissions have emerged in recent years as a global priority to slow the rate of climate change. Oil and gas operations are the largest industrial source of methane, which is the main component in natural gas and far more potent to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide in the short term. The invisible gas leaks from equipment and is released into the atmosphere or burned off as a waste product by oil drillers. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin previewed the changes last month, saying they would eliminate the agency's Super Emitter Program that requires companies to investigate and repair major methane releases from oil and natural gas facilities. The agency would also set less restrictive standards for small oil and gas wells. The loosening of the emissions rule comes as Trump and Republicans in Congress have been methodically dismantling climate policies enacted under former President Joe Biden. That's included the revocation of a scientific finding that was central to US action on greenhouse gas emissions, lower fuel economy standards for vehicles and a move to repeal emission restrictions for coal and natural gas power plants. Environmental groups criticized the latest rollback. They said it lets companies continue polluting the atmosphere with gas that could be captured and provide energy to millions of households. It will impose a heavier pollution burden on our front-line communities and make our energy sector less efficient, said Max Lopez, an Environmental Law & Policy Center attorney. Zeldin has said the methane rule would have cost USD 18 billion and was holding back the US energy industry. The Trump EPA is committed to fixing this so the US can reach its full energy potential, he said last month. The Biden methane rule was announced by officials including former Vice President Kamala Harris during a 2023 UN climate conference in the United Arab Emirates. Federal officials under Biden said it would prevent an estimated 58 million tons (52.6 million metric tonnes) of methane emissions by 2038 and reduce other pollutants that cause health problems. By 2034, the rule was projected to yield USD 98 billion in benefits. That figure was derived by calculating the future social costs of greenhouse gas emissions on public health and the environment, an approach rejected by Trump's EPA. While previous regulations focused only on new oil and gas wells in the US, the Biden rule regulated existing wells. Operators also would have needed to plug leaking methane from smaller wells that produce just 6% of the nation's oil and gas while accounting for up to half all methane emissions from oil and gas fields. The final rule was published in 2024. The EPA last year imposed an 18-month delay to give companies time to meet new inspection requirements and other provisions. The rule was crafted to be coordinated with a methane fee, approved in the 2022 climate law. The fee program would have levied a waste emissions charge of as much as USD 1,500 per metric ton of methane on energy producers that exceed a certain level of methane emissions. The fee marked the first time the US government directly imposed a fee, or tax, on greenhouse gas emissions. Congress repealed it weeks after Trump took office. Officials also tried to rein in methane from oil and gas under former President Barack Obama, but that effort was scaled back during Trump's first term.
Thane Traffic Chaos: Protest Over Sena Leader's Killing
Hundreds of Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters blocked Thane's Ghodbunder Road overnight, burning tyres and causing severe traffic disruption, to protest the detention of Ram Purnekar and demand arrests in connection with his father Pradeep Purnekar's murder. The protest, which stranded commuters for hours, was triggered by Ram Purnekar's attempt to march to the Deputy CM's residence, leading to political leaders joining the agitation and calls for the Deputy CM's resignation.
Trump says he's ending restrictions on climate-warming methane from oil drilling
US President Donald Trump has announced the termination of a Biden-era rule aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations, arguing that the move will save energy producers and consumers $45 billion. The rollback would ease restrictions on oil and gas companies, including requirements to detect and repair methane leaks. Environmental groups have criticised the decision, warning it could increase greenhouse gas emissions and undermine efforts to tackle climate change.
Trump announces plan to weaken methane rules for oil and gas companies
The Trump administration is moving to weaken a regulation that requires oil and gas companies to limit leaks of methane, a more potent driver of climate change than carbon dioxide. President Donald Trump announced the Environmental Protection Agencys proposed regulation at an event in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday evening. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said earlier this month that the agency was days not weeks away from issuing the proposal, roughly outlining its contents . Weve been working on this for a long time, Trump said at the rally. We were working on this before the war broke out, he added, referring to the Feb. 28 attack on Iran. Get Climate Coach newsletter News and guidance on climate, science and technology. Sign up for free The move comes even as several major oil companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, have long supported direct federal regulation of methane, arguing that industry-wide rules are needed to curb leaks. But that support has not always extended to every provision: The companies have at times pressed regulators to narrow monitoring and reporting requirements. Smaller independent producers and their trade groups have more aggressively fought methane rules as burdensome and costly. Executives at some of those firms including several major donors to Trump have pushed to roll them back . Methane, which traps about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, accounts for roughly 12 percent of greenhouse gases, according to an EPA webpage that the agency removed from its site after Trump took office. Another EPA report says methane emissions represent the greatest opportunity for low or no-cost mitigation of climate change. Last year, Zeldin said the rule aimed at curbing methane leaks and dozens of other regulations were being reconsidered in what he has called the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, aimed at saving businesses and consumers money. Environmental advocates say any savings are more than outweighed by public health costs and damage to the economy caused by climate change and increasing weather extremes. Americans must be able to afford to heat their homes in the winter and fill up their car and drive to work, Zeldin said in a statement earlier this month , before the proposals release, while attending the New Mexico Oil and Gas Associations annual meeting. They cant do that when the people producing the energy are weighed down by unnecessary burdens. The 2023 Biden-era rule requires companies to reduce methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas infrastructure, demanding monitoring and retrofitting old equipment to reduce leaks. The standard also instituted curbs on volatile organic compounds, which can cause air pollution that is harmful to breath or warm the climate. The oil and gas industry says its a good-faith partner eager to help craft regulations, but time and time again its worked behind the scenes to delay and weaken them. As a result, the United States today emits more methane from its oil and gas sector than any other country in the world, Julia Kane, a researcher with Fieldnotes, an oil and gas watchdog group, said in a statement. Now, Lee Zeldins EPA is giving oil and gas corporations exactly what theyve long wanted: a toothless methane standard they can use to pretend theyre well-regulated, all while they continue to knowingly leak and flare dangerous amounts of the heat-trapping gas. Most Read From The Washington Post Boomer women are dating after divorce. Men dont always meet their standards. I went to Mexico to test-drive the cars Americans cant buy At 80, hes a top dementia expert. Heres how he keeps his brain healthy. Grand jury declines to indict Cassidy Hutchinson over Jan. 6 testimony Trump defends White House redecorating and Cheesecake Factory from Obamas mocking The Trump EPA proposal is expected to reverse the 2023 rules ban on routine flaring, allowing companies to burn off excess gas rather than capturing it. The draft policy would also eliminate the Super Emitter Program, which required companies to take action on major methane leaks when detected by third-party watchdogs. Methane has accounted for about 30 percent of global temperature rise since the industrial revolution, according to the International Energy Agency, and the rollback is alarming environmental advocates. The proposed regulation would also change standards for marginal wells, which produce only 6 percent of U.S. oil and gas but account for about half of the sectors methane emissions . Zeldin said in October that the old rules wrongly lumped together mom and pop oil and gas producers, which he said could be put out of business by the rules, with multinationals such as Exxon and Chevron. Part of this process has been to keep the concerns that are coming in from the application of [the regulations] to these far smaller operations and how to get the regulation right for them, Zeldin told reporters in a briefing at EPA headquarters. Myron Ebell, who ran the EPAs transition team going into Trumps first term, praised the potential regulation change for trying to level the playing field between Big Oil and independent producers. The EPA weakened enforcement of existing methane regulations last year, saying the agencys enforcement and compliance will no longer focus on methane emissions from oil and gas facilities in a memo on March 12, 2025. The Environmental Defense Fund, an advocacy group, estimates that additional gas released or flared in the first year under that policy could have otherwise supplied nearly 19 million households . In November, the EPA also delayed deadlines to comply with many of the 2023 standards until 2027. This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/10/27/trump-announce-relaxed-rules-oil-firms-methane-leaks/
PM SHRI KV AFS Thane Teacher Recruitment 2026
PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya AFS Thane (Shift I) (PM SHRI KV AFS Thane) Recruitment 2026 for the post of Contractual Teacher will be conducted through a Walk-in Interview.
TMC Physiotherapist Recruitment 2026
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has invited offline applications for the post of Physiotherapist. Applications can be submitted till 29 October 2026.
TMC Fitness Trainer Recruitment 2026
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has released the notification for the post of Fitness Trainer. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 27 October 2026 to 29 October 2026.
TMC Team Manager Recruitment 2026
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has released the notification for the post of Team Manager. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 29 October 2026.
TMC Cricket Coach Recruitment 2026
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Cricket Coach. Offline applications will be accepted till 29 October 2026.
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has released the notification for the post of Assistant Coach for Men's Cricket Team. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 27 October 2026 to 29 October 2026.
Mumbai water alert: BMC issues 7-day boil-and-filter advisory for THESE wards
Mumbai residents in several civic wards, along with people in parts of Thane and Bhiwandi supplied by the BMC, have been advised to boil and filter drinking water for seven days. The precaution comes as Compartment No 2 of the Yewai balancing reservoir is set to be recommissioned on October 28
Trump to roll back methane rules in latest Texas campaign push
President Donald Trump will
Thane Metro Line 4 First Phase From Gaimukh To Cadbury Junction Set To Open In December 2026
India has reiterated its call for comprehensive structural reforms within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating that any new permanent members must share equal veto rights rather than creating a multi-tiered hierarchy. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, stressed that veto powers currently enjoyed exclusively by [] The post India Demands Comprehensive UN Security Council Reforms, Calls for Veto Power Expansion to All Permanent Members appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
New UNSC permanent members without veto would be 'second-class': India
India has asserted that any reform of the UN Security Council that creates a new category of permanent members without veto powers would effectively relegate them to second-class status, leaving the existing five permanent powers in control of the decision-making process. China, France, Russia, the UK and the US are the five permanent members of the 15-nation Security Council and enjoy veto powers. The Council also has 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, on Monday said the veto must be held by all permanent members of a reformed Council as long as the provision exists, stressing that fairness and justice demand equal rights and responsibilities for all permanent members. India's position on the veto is principled and well known... We reiterate that as long as the veto exists, it must be held by all permanent members of a reformed Council, he said. Addressing the Inter-Governmental (IGN)
Pradeep Purnekar murder: Son gives 24-hour ultimatum over murder investigation
Son of slain Shiv Sena (UBT) leader threatens protest outside Eknath Shindes residence if former Thane mayor, husband not arrested
Mumbai: Mid-Day staffer recount ordeal as signalling failure delay local trains
mid-day staffer Shahebaz Khan was stuck on a Central Railway train between Thane and Sion for three hours on Monday. He recounts his ordeal...
BMC garbage truck kills woman pedestrian on Thane-Belapur road; mob thrashes driver
Apple today announced the eighth-generation iPad mini , introducing a larger OLED display, a thinner and lighter design, the A20 Pro chip, and water and dust resistance, but how much does it differ from the previous model? The new iPad mini starts at $699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model and $849 with cellular connectivity. With the prior generation now discontinued, buyers also face a choice between paying for the new features and finding a cheaper A17 Pro model. Both offer the same storage capacities, advertised battery life, Touch ID authentication, and USB-C transfer speeds, so the new model does not improve every aspect of the experience. Here are the key differences between the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip from 2024 and the iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip from 2026: iPad mini (seventh generation, 2024) iPad mini (eighth generation, 2026) 8.3-inch display 8.5-inch display Liquid Retina display with LED backlighting and IPS technology Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness and 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio 2266-by-1488 resolution 2316-by-1512 resolution Wider display borders 24% thinner display borders 500 nits maximum brightness 600 nits maximum SDR and full-screen HDR brightness; 1,200 nits peak HDR brightness Optional nano-texture display glass on 256GB and 512GB models for an additional $100, supplied with a polishing cloth Extended external display mode with iPadOS 27.2 IP67 water and dust resistance, rated for a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes A17 Pro chip A20 Pro chip, with CPU and Neural Engine configurations varying by storage capacity Portrait front camera Landscape front camera Center Stage front camera with /2.4 aperture Center Stage front camera with /2.0 aperture True Tone rear flash Adaptive True Tone rear flash Landscape stereo speakers with external speaker holes Acoustic Display with display-coupled woofers and concealed tweeters, without external speaker holes Third-party wireless module Apple N1 wireless networking chip Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Wi-Fi 7 connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity Bluetooth 6 connectivity Thread networking technology Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 5G modem (Cellular models only) Apple C2 5G modem; up to 50% faster cellular data speeds according to Apple (Cellular models only) U.S. cellular model (A2995) supports 5G band n76 U.S. cellular model (A3596) supports LTE band 106 UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA cellular support UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ cellular support 19.3Wh battery 18.9Wh battery Fast charging up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 35W or higher USB-C power adapter Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue Available in Midnight and Starlight Previous polyurethane Smart Folio design Redesigned two-panel TechWoven Smart Folio with adjustable viewing angles, available separately in Navy Blue and Taupe for $79 More than 25% recycled content overall 35% recycled content overall Originally started at $499 (Wi-Fi) or $649 (Wi-Fi + Cellular); Wi-Fi starting price subsequently increased to $599; now discontinued Starts at $699 (Wi-Fi) or $849 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) A17 Pro vs. A20 Pro Unlike the previous model, the new iPad mini's chip hardware now varies according to storage capacity: iPad mini (seventh generation, 2024) iPad mini (eighth generation, 2026) Chip Apple A17 Pro Apple A20 Pro Manufacturing process 3-nanometer 2-nanometer CPU 6 cores 128GB and 256GB : 5 cores 512GB : 6 cores Higher-performance CPU cores 2 performance cores 2 super cores Efficiency CPU cores 4 cores 128GB and 256GB : 3 cores 512GB : 4 cores GPU 5 cores 7 cores GPU Neural Accelerators Dedicated Neural Accelerators in each GPU core Neural Engine 16 cores on all storage configurations 128GB and 256GB : 16 cores 512GB : Dual 16-core Neural Engine, totaling 32 cores Unified memory 8GB Increased capacity, according to Apple; exact amount not yet known Unified memory bandwidth 51.2 GB/s 115.2 GB/s Apple also claims that the new model has the following maximum improvements over the previous model with the A17 Pro chip: Up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU performance. Up to 2.7 times faster graphics performance. Up to 4.5 times faster AI performance. Dimensions and Weight iPad mini (seventh generation, 2024) iPad mini (eighth generation, 2026) Height 7.69 inches (195.4 mm) 7.69 inches (195.3 mm) Width 5.3 inches (134.8 mm) 5.22 inches (132.6 mm) Thickness 0.25 inch (6.3 mm) 0.21 inch (5.4 mm) Weight (Wi-Fi) 0.65 pound (293 grams) 0.56 pound (255 grams) Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular) 0.66 pound (297 grams) 0.58 pound (263 grams) The new model is approximately 14% thinner, with the Wi-Fi model approximately 13% lighter and the cellular model approximately 11% lighter. Should You Upgrade? Most A17 Pro iPad mini owners can comfortably keep their current device. The new model offers the same advertised battery life, storage capacities, Apple Pencil support, and USB-C transfer speeds. If your iPad mini still meets your needs, there is little reason to upgrade for everyday performance alone. The slightly larger display now with OLED technology may be the strongest reason to consider replacing it, particularly if you frequently use your iPad mini for watching videos or reading. The thinner and lighter design may also make a worthwhile difference if you spend long periods holding it. For users who regularly encounter distracting reflections or enjoy reading on their device, nano-texture glass could provide a more specific reason to upgrade. It does raise the cost considerably, since it requires at least 256GB of storage as well as the additional $100 display option. The landscape camera, water resistance, and fast charging are useful additions, but are highly unlikely to justify replacing a A17 Pro model on their own. An upgrade makes more sense when several of these changes address things you find limiting about your current device. Which Model Should You Buy? For most new buyers, the A20 Pro model should be the starting point. The OLED display and new design are its main advantages, and both largely matter more to the everyday experience than the chip. The A17 Pro model may still be worth considering when it offers substantial savings. It retains many of the same capabilities and remains a sensible choice for reading, browsing, taking notes, and watching videos, even if it uses the design of an older device. For the A20 Pro model, it is important to remember that the 256GB version makes nano-texture glass available, while the 512GB version adds a CPU core and a second Neural Engine. Related Roundup: iPad mini Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Coming Soon) Related Forum: iPad This article, iPad Mini 2024 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade? first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
'Who checks the power?' Ex-SC judge calls for safeguards in poll panel appointments
Justice Abhay Oka presented compelling arguments for a structured legal framework to ensure election commissioners' independence. He cited Lal Krishna Advani's collegium system as a potential method for their selection. Oka placed strong emphasis on civil discourse as a pillar of democracy and raised alarms about environmental issues fueling rising temperatures in urban areas like Thane and Mumbai. Additionally, he recommended more efficient uses for public transport funding.
Kanjurmarg signal failure hits Mumbai locals, all four lines restored
Mumbai's Central Railway suburban services encountered notable disruption on Monday following a signalling failure at Kanjurmarg. Although the signalling system was restored later, train operations between Vikhroli and Bhandup were severely affected. Adding to the turmoil, an overhead wire was discovered dangling between Mulund and Thane, forcing operators to follow special protocols for safety while managing the delayed services throughout the region.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 26 (IANS) In a major push toward wildlife preservation and habitat protection across Maharashtra, the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday approved key environmental proposals during its 26th official meeting. Among the landmark decisions made, the board granted Wildlife Sanctuary status to two key forest pockets and formally approved proposals for 14 new Conservation Reserves spanning seven districts. The new Wildlife Sanctuary status has been accorded to Kolamarka Conservation Reserve (Gadchiroli district), which is widely renowned as a vital habitat for endangered Asiatic wild buffaloes (Bubalus arnee). Kolamarka has officially been upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary. Further, approval was granted to expand the existing Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary by incorporating 588.767 hectares of private and revenue land from six villages (Ogda, Khodde, Tirmal, Pachghar, Phansad, and Amle) to make the sanctuary human-settlement-free. Proposals for 14 new conservation reserves spread across Pune, Raigad, Nashik, Nandurbar, Thane, Palghar, and Chandrapur districts received official board clearance. These reserves include Velhe Mulshi (Pune / Raigad), Bhorgirigad (Pune), Lonavala (Pune / Raigad), Dindori (Nashik), Surgana (Nashik), Taharabad (Nashik), Chinchpada (Nandurbar), Alibaug (Raigad), Ghera Manikgad (Raigad), Gumatara (Thane), Jawhar (Palghar), Asherigad (Palghar), Dhamani (Palghar) and Ekara (Chandrapur). Further, the State Board for Wildlife declared 100.139 sq. km area in Koka Wildlife Sanctuary as Critical Wildlife Habitat and 255.79 sq. km area in Jaakwadi Bird Sanctuary as Critical Wildlife Habitat. It was also decided that maintenance, silt removal, and dam repair works inside wildlife sanctuaries must be permanently integrated into the respective Management Plans within 3 months. Wildlife officials are to be notified in advance instead of seeking fresh administrative approvals for every project. Clearances were granted for essential civic and infrastructure projects (irrigation, drinking water, roads, bridges, power transmission, medical units, and underground optical fibre cables) across protected zones, eco-sensitive areas, and tiger corridors. Discussions were held on declaring Human-Wildlife Conflict as a Natural Disaster under the Disaster Management Act, establishing quiet zones in tiger reserves (core/buffer/ESZ), and formulating relocation policies for villages in buffer zones. The CM instructed officials to evaluate staffing requirements, deputations, and vacant positions within one month to shift notified sanctuaries from Regional Forest/Forest Development Corporation Maharashtra control to the dedicated Wildlife Wing.
Maha govt formulates master water plan to safeguard Mumbai Metropolitan Regions demand
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 26 (IANS) In a major initiative to secure long-term water sustainability for Indias premier economic engine, the Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level study group to draft a comprehensive 25-year water management blueprint for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The directive, issued via a Government Resolution (GR) by the Water Resources Department, mandates the expert panel to evaluate future demand, assess available resources, identify structural shortfalls, and submit an actionable roadmap within three months. The Mumbai Metropolitan Regionspanning major municipal corporations, industrial belts, and rapidly developing semi-urban centresfaces escalating demand driven by population growth, commercial expansion, and major megaprojects. While the region currently relies on a hybrid network of state dams and civic sources, the government emphasised that fragmented management is no longer viable. The study group will conduct an integrated audit across domestic, industrial, commercial, institutional, and construction sectors to establish precise demand projections for three key horizons: 2031, 2041, and 2051. The newly formed study group is chaired by Sanjay Belsare, retired secretary of the Water Resources Department. To ensure inter-agency synchronisation across administrative jurisdictions, the panel incorporates leadership from key urban and regional authorities. The study group comprises Chief Engineer - Konkan Region (Member Secretary), Additional Commissioners from BMC & MMRDA; Commissioners of Thane, Navi Mumbai, & Kalyan-Dombivli; and representatives from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), and Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC). The study groups scope extends beyond traditional dam-building solutions, prioritising sustainable demand management and climate adaptation. The study group will review completed, ongoing, and proposed water supply projects to calculate total assured yields against projected localised shortfalls, evaluate recycled wastewater reuse, large-scale rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and the ecological revival of local water bodies, recommend strict measures to curb Non-Revenue Water (NRW), eliminate distribution leaks, and modernise metering systems and assess vulnerabilities linked to altered monsoon cycles, erratic extreme rainfall events, prolonged dry spells, and rising sea levels impacting coastal aquifers. The final report will deliver an integrated Water Security Plan 2051, detailing prioritised infrastructure projects, estimated capital expenditures, implementation timelines, funding mechanisms, and clear inter-departmental responsibilities. By laying out a clear, climate-resilient water strategy, the state aims to eliminate future supply bottlenecks and safeguard economic stability across the region for the next quarter-century.
Major Mumbai local train disruption impacts thousands
A fire in a relay room at Kanjurmarg and a foreign wire on the overhead equipment between Mulund and Thane caused significant disruptions to Mumbai's Central Railway suburban services on Monday morning. Commuters faced long delays, with trains stalled for over an hour, leading to overcrowding and passengers walking on tracks. Alternative arrangements were implemented to manage train movements, and services were eventually restored.
Thane water cut: Ghodbunder Road, Mumbra, Kalwa among affected areas
Ghodbunder Road, Mumbra, Kalwa, Lokmanya Nagar, Siddhachal, Vartak Nagar, Saket, Rustomjee and other areas to face a 24-hour water shutdown. Check the full list.
Mumbai local train disruption: Signal failures, OHE issue hit CR services
The signal failures were reported between Thane and Mulund stations and between Kanjurmarg and Bhandup stations. The disruption affected train movements on both fast and slow lines in both directions
Mumbai local train impacted: Hanging OHE wire disrupts services; office-goers face delays
Local train services in Mumbai faced disruptions during the morning rush hour on Monday due to an overhead equipment issue. A wire was found hanging, prompting delays of 15 to 20 minutes on the Central Railway's mainline. The foreign wire was detected between Mulund and Thane stations at 9.23 am. An overhead equipment block was implemented at 10 am to address the problem effectively.
Thane fire: Three meter boxes gutted in Wagle Estate building blaze
According to the Thane disaster management authorities, information about the incident was received at 3:03 am. The building, located near Jain Temple in Shrinagar, comprises a ground floor, one upper floor and a terrace room
Thane flat owners given 30 days to clear pending housing dues
Pradeep Purnekar murder case: Thane SIT likely to invoke MCOCA against accused
According to police sources, the SIT is completing the legal formalities required to invoke the stringent anti-organised crime law. Five accused have been arrested in connection with the murder
Purnekar Murder: Accused In Judicial Custody
A local court in Thane has remanded two accused, Santosh Kanojia alias Talli and Amit Singh alias Paplu, in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) Manpada ward chief Pradeep Purnekar. Purnekar was killed at his office on September 29, and the remand follows the conclusion of their police custody.
Aaditya Thackeray Writes to CM as Locals Oppose Proposed Thane Data Centre
He said several questions about the project in the city's Balkum area remain unanswered, including those concerning energy consumption, noise pollution, heat emissions and safety.
Quick Thinking Driver Prevents Disaster in Thane Container Fire
A container fire on Ghodbunder Road in Thane was swiftly controlled, thanks to the drivers quick actions and the fire departments response. Quick Thinking Driver Prevents Disaster in Thane Container Fire
Thane: Fire breaks out in container truck cabin on Ghodbunder Road, traffic hit
According to the incident details, the fire broke out in the cabin of a Tata container truck bearing registration number NL 01 AK 0485. The driver, Shrikrishna Tadas, was travelling from Vasai to Pune, and the container was empty at the time of the incident
Aaditya Thackeray writes to Fadnavis over AI data centre proposed in Thane
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over a proposed AI data centre in a Thane residential area. He has questioned its location, flagged concerns over power consumption, noise, heat and security, and asked why it cannot be shifted to an MIDC industrial zone
Unknown Persons Enter Thane Flat Attached In Case Against Dawood's Brother
The agency added that it lodged a complaint with Thane police (Kasarvadavali police station) on October 15 alleging unauthorised entry by trespassers.
Indian Americans in Michigan courted as Trump heads to Port Huron
Digital Desk | Washington, Oct 24 (IANS) Michigans Indian American community, the largest Asian group in a state that could decide control of Congress, is being courted by Asian American political groups in the closing days of the midterm campaign, as President Donald Trump prepares to rally supporters in Port Huron on Sunday. Trump is scheduled to speak at McMorran Place in Port Huron on Sunday, according to the White House schedule, his third rally in three days after Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday and Perry, Georgia, on Saturday. The AAPI Victory Fund, a super PAC that backs Asian American candidates and voters, held a reception at the Godfrey Hotel in Detroit on October 17 attended by Senator Elissa Slotkin and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic candidate for governor, according to The Oakland Post, Oakland Universitys student newspaper. We established a super PAC, but that was a very explicit recognition, the groups president, Linh Nguyen, told the paper. There was not enough political money thats actually backing and supporting Asian voters and then Asian candidates. Nguyen said states such as Michigan and Georgia, with large Asian American populations and a history as battlegrounds, had become increasingly important to the groups organising. We can be voting for people like Abdul El-Sayed and be proud of doing that, Nguyen said, referring to the Democratic Senate candidate. The groups Michigan endorsements include El-Sayed, Benson, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Indian American state legislator Ranjeev Puri. Indian Americans number about 138,644 in Michigan, the largest Asian ethnic group in the state, according to an AAPI Data fact sheet. The state has about 123,545 eligible Asian American voters. Michigans Indian American population is concentrated in Oakland County suburbs such as Troy, Novi, Canton and Farmington Hills, which fall in or near competitive House districts. The states only Indian American member of Congress, Democrat Shri Thanedar, represents the Detroit-based 13th District. Port Huron, in St. Clair County, lies in a Republican-leaning part of the states Thumb region. Indian American voters have leaned Democratic in recent elections, but Republicans have made gains with some immigrant communities. Both parties are competing this cycle against a backdrop of tighter H-1B visa rules and a surge in anti-Indian rhetoric online. Michigan voters will choose a governor, a US senator and all 13 House members on November 3.
Thane braces for water crisis as weekly cuts threaten 2.5 dry days
ED files FIR over trespassing at Thane flat linked to Dawoods brothers case
The Enforcement Directorate has filed an FIR after alleged trespassing at a Thane West flat attached in a money laundering investigation linked to Iqbal Kaskar. The agency restored possession after alleged lock tampering and removal of a possession notice
ED Files FIR After Intrusion Attempt at Dawood Ibrahims Brothers Seized Flat
The Enforcement Directorate has filed an FIR after an attempted intrusion at a flat linked to Dawood Ibrahims brother in Thane. ED Files FIR After Intrusion Attempt at Dawood Ibrahims Brothers Seized Flat
ED files FIR, foils bid to trespass flat attached in extortion case against Dawood's brother
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 23 (IANS) In a matter related to fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim's brother, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) lodged an FIR seeking action against miscreants who trespassed a Thane flat that was attached earlier in connection with an extortion case registered against Iqbal Ibrahim Kaskar, an officials said on Friday. The flat was attached by the ED in 2022 during money laundering investigation in a case relating to extortion by accused Iqbal Kaskar, younger brother of underworld don Dawood, who is suspected to be in Pakistan, the official said in a statement. The FIR was filed as a deterrent action against miscreants for trespassing the confirmed attached properties in the possession of the ED's Mumbai Zonal Office-I, it said. The FIR was lodged on October 15 after restoring the possession of a flat in Thane (West) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the ED said. In respect of the alleged unauthorised entry and interference with the attached property, an FIR dated October 15 has been registered at Kasarvadavali Police Station in Thane under Sections 329(4) and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, so that the matter is investigated and trespassers are punished, the ED added. The property was provisionally attached vide provisional attachment order dated April 8, 2022, during money laundering investigation in the extortion case against Iqbal Kaskar and others, it said. The provisional attachment was subsequently confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under Section 8(3) of the PMLA vide order dated September 29, 2022, and possession of the flat was also taken by the ED on December 17, 2024, under Section 8(4) of the PMLA, the statement said. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of FIR registered at Kasarvadavali Police Station in Thane, concerning allegations of extortion against, inter alia, Iqbal Kaskar, Mumtaz Azaz Sheikh alias Raju, Israr Ali Jamil Saiyad and others. During investigation, it was revealed that pursuant to threats and extortion, flats were demanded to be registered in favour of or at the instance of the accused persons, the ED said. In this context, Flat No. 405 was registered in the name of Mumtaz Azaz Sheikh on May 29, the ED said. It came to notice that some people had entered the property, broken the lock and removed the ED's possession notice, the statement said. The ED conducted inspections and took necessary steps to safeguard the attached property. The matter was also placed before the Special PMLA Court, which also directed the ED to restore the possession with police assistance, if required. In compliance and also to safeguard the property, the lock of said flat was changed in presence of police personnel and witnesses and the possession of the said flat was restored, the ED said. A fresh notice was also affixed on the premises clearly mentioning that any aggrieved person may either approach the office of the ED or the court where the trial of the case is being conducted, it added.
Thane railway cops arrest two women while stealing mangalsutra at Diva station
The railway police officials recovered five gold mangalsutras weighing 61.15 grams, collectively valued at Rs 7.55 lakh, during the investigation, said an official
Illegal forex receipt: ED raids Mumbai, Delhi premises of Mega Millennium
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 23 (IANS) The ED conducted search operations at half a dozen premises, including offices and residential properties, in Mumbai and Delhi and a farmhouse in Maharashtra in connection with the illegal receipt of foreign exchange from Dubai and Singapore by Mega Millennium Private Limited, an official said on Friday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted the searches under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official said in a statement. Apart from inspecting digital devices and incriminating documents related to Mega Millennium Private Limited, the investigators also conducted searches at a farmhouse in Karjat, Maharashtra, the ED said. Foreign currency, Indian currency and valuables worth several crores of rupees were also detected by the ED during the search operation, said an official. The focus of the EDs search operation was on Harish Dedhiya, a Mumbai-based consultant and director of the company, the statement said. The company and its directors, including Dedhiya and his wife Dhara Dedhiya, have received large sums of foreign exchange from suspicious companies based in Dubai and Singapore, the ED said. The ED investigation indicated that Dedhiya incorporated companies by appointing his own employees/dummies as Directors. Within a year of incorporation, these companies received hundreds of crores of rupees, which were layered through multiple shell entities, the ED said. In a separate case in Maharashtra, the ED conducted search operations at 10 premises, including hospital/IVF centres, located in Thane, Baramati and Nashik and seized digital evidence and Rs 29 lakh in cash during the investigation in a human egg extraction racket, an official said. The EDs Mumbai Zonal Office-II conducted search operations on October 16 at the10 premises under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED investigation was initiated based on an FIR and a subsequent chargesheet filed by Badlapur (East) Police Station, Thane, Maharashtra, alleging offences of cheating and forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and violations of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, by Manjusha Wankhede and 16 others, the ED said in a statement. The case pertains to an organised network involved in recruiting financially vulnerable women for human egg donation and supplying them to various IVF centres and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) banks through donor-supply agents operating under different proprietorship concerns, the agency said.
10 Arrested In Thane Work-From-Home Scam
Police in Thane district have arrested 10 individuals for allegedly operating a work-from-home scam. The fraudsters reportedly lured job seekers, collected their bank details and SIM cards, and then diverted their money into illegal online betting platforms. The racket was exposed following a complaint, leading to a raid in Mumbai where several electronic devices were seized and the accused apprehended.
Thane Coastal Road-2 gets Coastal Zone Authority nod, 680 mangroves to be felled
As per the minutes of the MCZMA's 202nd meeting, held on September 24, the authority recommended the proposal to the Union Environment Ministry, accepting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (MMRDA) submission that no alternative route was feasible to bypass the internationally recognised Ramsar site
Maharashtras Thane-Bhiwandi Metro Line 5 Gets First Rake, Trial Runs To Begin Next Week
IMD issues yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane as parts of state reel in hot weather
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are likely to experience hot and humid conditions, with light rain or thundershowers possible towards the afternoon and evening on the first day
