Search Continues for Missing Tourist in Uttarkashi After Fall on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
A tourist from Maharashtra remains missing after falling into a gorge on the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek, with rescue efforts hampered by bad weather. Search Continues for Missing Tourist in Uttarkashi After Fall on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
ECI clarifies: SIR decisions unanimous, upheld by SC
New Delhi, Sep 26: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturdayaddressed the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls,asserting that all major decisions, including the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, for all States and Union Territories, were taken with the unanimous approval of the full Commission. The Commission also clarified that the letter to the Cabinet Secretary was ot related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division but related to the working of an officer on deputation to ECI. Addressing the controversy directly at the Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr S S Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi,stated that the work re-distribution orders issued by the concerned officer were not actually implemented after the orders of the two Commissioners, and the oversight over the IT division by the DEC was never actually withdrawn. This clarification appears to counter the narrative that there was a breakdown in the Commission's internal functioning or that the IT division's oversight had been compromised. The Commission said the order for SIR issued on June 24, 2025, for all States and UTs, starting with Bihar, followed by West Bengal and 30 other States and UTs, was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The same has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India vide its order dated May 27, 2026. The schedule for SIR for 12 States and UTs was issued on October 27, 2025, and for 19 States and UTs on May 14, 2026, again with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The final figure of the number of electors will be known only after final publication in the remaining 12 states of Phase-III, the CEC said. The Commission said SIR has already been completed in 20 States and Union Territories, including Bihar and West Bengal. Any person whose name has been left out during SIR or thereafter, and any person, including young and first-time voters, may apply to the concerned ERO for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls under the process of continuous updation. The ECI said the CEOs have been directed to facilitate the same. The CEOs, DEOs and EROs will immediately launch a special drive for enrolment of these electors. The Commission extended the period for filing claims and objections in Delhi till October 30, 2026, and in Maharashtra till October 12, 2026. The period for disposal of notices and claims and objections has been extended till November 30, 2026, in Delhi and till November 10, 2026, in Maharashtra. BLOs will visit the homes of persons issued notices for being unmapped and for logical discrepancies, for collection of documents and uploading them on ECINet. Such persons need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO offices. Only in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, will a hearing be held, preferably online, the CEC said. He said DEOs will create adequate help desks and hold special camps for people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people and homeless persons. A Committee headed by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from IIT/IIIT will review ECINET to double-check that it complies with the provisions of the Acts and Rules.
The incident occurred after an air cylinder near the tyre of a tractor used for blasting work exploded
Baramati among eight tehsils in Pune district in states list
11 tehsils reel, activists seek crop inspections
Maharashtra Congress Launches Statewide Protest Against Election Commission
The Maharashtra Congress plans a statewide protest on September 28, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner amid allegations of bias. Maharashtra Congress Launches Statewide Protest Against Election Commission
Safe visarjan procession matters more than short one: Pune CP Amitesh Kumar
PMC collects over 900 tonnes of waste during Ganeshotsav, over 6.7L idols immersed
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Demands Apology from Rahul Gandhi Over Election Commission Allegations
Maharashtras Deputy CM Eknath Shinde calls for a public apology from Rahul Gandhi for spreading false allegations against constitutional bodies. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Demands Apology from Rahul Gandhi Over Election Commission Allegations
As Ganapati celebrations end, work to dismantle intricate & grand pandals begins
SPPU rolls back proposed meal rate hike after student protests
20-year-old returning after visarjan dies after tractor runs over him
Solapur farmers turn failed crops into fodder after monsoon dries up
Visarjan roar hits jet engine level at 115.4 dB
Cop shoots self with service pistol; police suspect suicide due to family issues
Public sector & regional rural banks to stay open today for retailers
17-week rain deficiency scripts Maha drought story
Earthquake Strikes Palghar, Maharashtra with Magnitude of 3.6
A 3.6 magnitude earthquake hit Palghar, Maharashtra, on September 26, causing brief panic but no reported damage. Earthquake Strikes Palghar, Maharashtra with Magnitude of 3.6
EC extends Maharashtra SIR claims and objections deadline to Oct 12, final roll on Nov 16
Bappas visarjan procession begins with 30-min delay, ends over 33 hours later
From idol immersions to funeral rites, Maharashtra faces the drought pinch
525 evacuated as floods hit63 villages in Bhamragarh
Ngp-Mum Duronto passengers injured in stone pelting near city
17-week rainfall deficiency scripts Maha drought story
Container with gelatin sticks explodes, 4 die in Umarkhed
Teen dies after biker hits cycle new Indora-Dighori Flyover
DMIHER gets nod to become Adani Institute of Higher Education and Research
With Water Bodies Running Low, Should Nagpur Rethink Tall Ganesh Idols?
10,000 cotton farmers died by suicide due to price mechanism, says Gadkari
Court issues process against Yashovardhan Birla, 12 others in IPO funds diversion case
Nirmal Ujjwal Credit Coop Society Faces Liquidation Proceedings
Mihan among 3 sites for drone manufacturing clusters under new state policy
The Heavy Lift Behind Ganpati Visarjan
Three youths drown in farm pond near Ramtek
Cotton output may fall 50% in drought-hit Yavatmal, soyabean impacted in Amravati
Deluged & Dry: Twin Face Of Gadchiroli In 24 Hours
Bappa Bids Adieu, Devotion Hits Crescendo
CJP to launch nationwide agitation from Mumbai on Oct 2 as its deadline for CECs resignation ends
Gadkari urges Vidarbha farmers to do soil testing to boost yields
Revenue min Bawankule assures accurate panchnamas in all 265 drought-hit talukas
95 Of 265 Drought-Hit Talukas Are In Vidarbha
24-year-old drowns in Kalamb creek in Nalasopara
20-year-old woman raped on pretext of film role, FIR against four in Maharashtra
Merely 11% of IIT-B faculty from reserved categories: RTI
Abetment of suicide: When words and actions become a criminal offence
Deceased youths parents to resume fast, ask IIT Bombay students to protest too
Maha SIR: EC revises poll roll schedule, final list on Nov 16
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of Maharashtra's electoral roll, pushing the final publication date to November 16, 2026. The period for filing claims and objections has also been extended.
Tissue paper Ganesh idol dissolves under sprinklers in 30 minutes in Mumbai
Mumbai bids farewell to Ganpati; nearly 2 lakh idols immersed
Drought Declared in 265 Talukas Across Maharashtra
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed district collectors to immediately begin crop surveys and conduct panchnamas in the affected areas.
Maharashtra: Lalbaugcha Raja Immersion Marks End Of 21-Hour Procession
Had prayed for happiness, prosperity and good health for everyone: Anant Ambani
Thane netas donate to Maharashtra drought relief funds
Mumbai Metropolitan Region could get 30 lakh new homes in 20 years, says deputy CM
Maha Dy CM demands apology from Rahul Gandhi, slams INDIA Bloc
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, demanding an unconditional public apology from Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the INDIA alliance for spreading what he termed false and baseless allegations against constitutional institutions. Shinde asserted that the alliances politics relied on fake narratives to mislead citizens and malign national leadership. Referring to recent claims of internal rifts within the Election Commission of India (ECI), he said the Oppositions attempt to celebrate false news had backfired, as the unanimous joint statement issued by all three Election Commissioners had completely deflated the propaganda. Using these false claims, Rahul Gandhi and his allies attempted to defame and target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Spreading calculated misinformation to weaken faith in democratic processes has become the habit of the Opposition, Shinde said. He added that Rahul Gandhi must apologise to the nation for indulging in smear campaigns. Shinde alleged that the INDI alliance consistently targeted democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and courts, whenever election results did not favour them. He accused opposition leaders of stoking mistrust, spreading rumours and attempting to confuse voters. He asserted that 140 crore citizens stood firmly behind PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, rendering false allegations ineffective. The aware public of the country clearly recognises these political games and will give a fitting reply at the appropriate time, Shinde said, warning that attempts to undermine constitutional sanctity would lead to further political isolation of the Opposition. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and present BJP MP Ashok Chavan also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his statements on the poll panel. In his post on X, Chavan wrote: One frustrated opposition leader, with a plethora of lies. Rahul Gandhi: SIR was a unilateral decision. MeanwhileECI Press Note: unanimous approval of the Commission. Plot twist: the receipts came from the institution itself.
10,281 Ganpatis immersed as Thane noise nears 100 dB
8,573 Ganesh idols immersed at 189 spots as Navi Mumbai marks peaceful visarjan
Eknath Shinde Rushes to Aid Collapsed Traffic Cop in Thane Convoy
Navi Mumbai Thieves Burgle Jewellery Store via Wall Tunnel, Flee with Silver
'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row
The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.
Watch: Protestors at IIT B seek systemic reforms
In the latest episode of Pulse Maharashtra, we look at the growing protests at IIT Bombay, the demands of Sahil Wakodes parents and student groups, and the questions being raised over caste discrimination and systemic reforms on campus.
Deccan Odyssey begins 202627 season with new look, heritage-themed coaches
The Deccan Odyssey has begun its 202627 season with a new exterior vinyl wrap, Maharashtra heritage-themed coach names and QR codes offering information on the states history, culture, food traditions and tourist attractions
WhatsApp University and reel culture influencing decisions: Maha FDA
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday urged students to question information they see on social media, warning that reels, forwarded messages, and algorithms could shape their thinking if they stopped verifying what they consume online. Speaking during a nearly two-and-a-half-hour interaction with students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said India needed a mindset shift, starting with individuals questioning themselves and the information presented to them. We have become too shallow. We are not living deeply, we are not thinking, we are not questioning, he said. Mundhe said questioning did not mean simply challenging others but first examining ones own actions. You have to start questioning yourself first. Who am I? Am I responsible or irresponsible? And if I cannot, who else can? he said. He then turned to what he described as the growing influence of social media and WhatsApp University. One of the major challenges we have is social media influence or WhatsApp University, Mundhe said. He said users often accepted reels and forwarded messages without checking whether the information was authentic, factual, or part of a particular narrative. We take decisions on that basis, but we never try to understand whatever has come to you: is it really correct, is it authentic, is it real, or is it fake, or is it a narrative? he said. Mundhe explained that social media algorithms learn from users behaviour, including what they watch, skip, or engage with, and then show them more similar material. In one week, you will start getting what you like. Because it captures your mind, it captures your imagination, he said. According to him, repeated exposure can create an environment where people increasingly encounter information that reinforces their existing preferences. What it means is that you have stopped thinking. You are being taught by somebody else, he said. Mundhe described this as a form of new colonialism in which algorithms and reels could shape behaviour and opinions, and asked the students: Do you want to be ruled by a reel, or do you want to create a reel? He urged students to become creators rather than passive consumers of online content. The moment you start, stop for a, give it a pause, give it a moment and ask, collaborate with some other evidence, look into it, and then you will realise, oh, this is where it is going wrong, stop it, discard it, he said. Mundhe linked the issue to his broader message about ethical decision-making. He said individuals should assess information and decisions rather than simply following the direction others were moving in. Are you making a decision, or are your decisions being taken by somebody else, is the question, he said. He said this thought process needs a reboot and that it should begin in the mind. I believe that reboot has to begin in your mind, not just in reels, Mundhe said, adding that such an approach would help bring originality, legality and ethical thinking into everyday decisions.
ECI extends SIR deadline in Maha, final roll on Nov 16 (Lead)
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) In a major relief for voters across Maharashtra, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday extended the deadline for filing claims and objections under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to October 12, 2026. The decision followed a formal request from Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. Chockalingam. Under the updated timetable, the ECI will continue disposing of claims, objections, and notices until November 10, 2026, with the final electoral roll scheduled for publication on November 16, 2026. The ECI announced operational measures including door-to-door document collection, exemption from mandatory physical attendance, relief in virtual hearings, family representation and dedicated help desks for vulnerable groups, according to a statement issued by the State CEOs office late Saturday. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit the homes of citizens flagged as Unmapped or with Logical Discrepancies to collect verification documents. Voters will no longer need to attend hearings in person at Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant EROs offices. In unavoidable cases, hearings will be conducted online, and any adult family member may represent the voter. District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to set up help desks and outreach camps for homeless citizens, migrant labourers, pavement dwellers and night shelter occupants to ensure inclusive enrolment. The current SIR campaign, launched earlier this year, is the first comprehensive door-to-door electoral roll overhaul in Maharashtra since 2002. Rapid urbanisation, migration, unrecorded deaths and duplicate entries over two decades necessitated full-scale verification. BLOs initially cross-checked voters against historical rolls from 20022004 to establish eligibility cut-offs. However, heavy monsoon rains in Konkan and Mumbai, civic disruptions and large numbers of unmapped voters created operational bottlenecks, prompting calls from political parties and civil society groups for more time. The extension and home-visit protocols aim to prevent accidental omission of genuine voters, reduce red tape and ensure an accurate, verified voter list ahead of upcoming local body and state elections, sources at the State CEOs office said.
Watch: Investigators hit a digital deadlock in IIT- B student suicide probe
In the latest episode of Pulse Maharashtra, we decode the questions surrounding the suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, including the forensic hurdles in the investigation, allegations of caste discrimination, and the reforms being sought by his family, students and the NCSC.
Maha: Congress protests demanding Gyanesh Kumars dismissal
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday escalated its confrontation with the Election Commission of India (ECI), announcing a statewide agitation on September 28. The party is demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of acting in a partisan manner to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and undermining democratic institutions. The announcement comes amid mounting political friction following allegations by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding widespread Vote Chori (vote theft). Congress claimed these allegations were substantiated by reports of internal dissent within the poll panel, where fellow Election Commissioners reportedly flagged procedural irregularities. At the centre of the partys offensive is the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The MPCC alleged that over 3 crore eligible voters have been erased from Maharashtras electoral rolls under the SIR process. Nationwide, the party alleged 13 crore voters have been deprived of their rights. Congress highlighted that while Maharashtras voter base expanded by 47 lakh electors before the 2024 Assembly elections, the Commission has not verified the current status of these newly added voters. Similar purges of legitimate voters were allegedly carried out in other non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal and Bihar. Deleting the names of legitimate, eligible voters from the electoral rolls is an outright assault on the Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars authoritarian conduct is a direct attack on Indian democracy, MPCC president Harshwardhan Sapkal said in an official statement. The agitation follows media reports revealing that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded dissent on at least 14 occasions over the past 10 months regarding decisions made during the SIR rollout.
Maharashtra Tourist Missing After Falling into Gorge on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
A 65-year-old tourist from Maharashtra is missing after falling into a gorge on the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek in Uttarkashi, as rescue efforts continue. Maharashtra Tourist Missing After Falling into Gorge on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
Thane Police Sub-Inspector Killed in Attack by History-Sheeter
4 Killed, 5 Injured As Container With Gelatin Sticks Explodes In Maharashtra
When welding work was in progress, a metal container carrying gelatin sticks and attached to the tractor exploded, triggering a fire.
Maharashtra has activated Trigger-1 under its Drought Management Code 2016 to initiate relief measures in drought-affected areas. We take a look at the financial relief measures announced by the state government.
Influence carries responsibility: Maha FDA backs Prez Murmus message to film stars
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday said celebrities and advertisers have a responsibility to ensure that products they endorse do not compromise public health, backing President Droupadi Murmus recent appeal to film personalities to refrain from promoting substances harmful to health. Mundhe made the remarks during an interaction with students at Karnavati University, where he was speaking during his first visit to Gujarat. The discussion covered food safety, public health, regulation and the responsibilities of public figures. President Murmu had urged successful film artists at the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22 to promote a disciplined lifestyle and avoid endorsing products harmful to health, noting the influence popular artists have on children and young people. Asked about steps beyond such an appeal, Mundhe said Maharashtra had already started acting on existing legal provisions. The law is very clear; you cannot endorse anything that is not as per the law. We cannot endorse anything where you can claim something which is not truthful, he said. Mundhe referred to Section 24 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which restricts misleading advertisements and claims relating to food. He also cited the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which are part of the regulatory framework governing food advertisements and claims. FSSAI lists the 2018 advertising and claims regulations among its food safety regulations. If you speak to the drug sector, there is an MDR Act 1954, which is a magical remedies act. It also prevents claims about purity or magical remedies; this will be done, this will be cured, he said, referring to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Mundhe said the issue was therefore not the absence of laws but their implementation. So, the acts do exist, rules do exist; what we need to do is implement them and implement them very, very stringently, he said. His comments came amid regulatory action involving Bollywood actors over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The Maharashtra FDA had issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff in August in connection with the advertisement. Mundhe also stressed that responsibility did not end with regulators. Ethically and morally, everybody, every citizen, every endorser, every advertiser has a responsibility if they don't act just in the commercial interest, he said. People of India are not because of somebody. So, we as a nation need to practise what is right, which is correct, which is ethically also correct, he added. Mundhe said public health had to remain central to decisions involving food, drugs and advertising, and that celebrities could not be treated separately from the legal and ethical responsibilities applicable to others.
ECI on defensive, refuses to relent on demand for CECs resignation: Congress
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Claiming that the ECI has been forced into a defensive posture, the Congress on Saturday reiterated its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and sought the immediate suspension of the SIR of electoral rolls. Criticising a press release issued by the ECI after its afternoon meeting to quell reports of internal differences, the Congress described SIR as a drive for massive disenfranchisement of several crores of electors. Nothing short of the CECs resignation or prosecution will suffice, said Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP and General Secretary (Communications), referring to the alleged big differences within the Election Commission. In a message on X, Ramesh said that in the wake of media reports exposing disagreement among ECI functionaries and the nationwide protests that have followed, seeking the removal of Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has now come out with a press note on September 26th, 2026. First, the Press note does not directly deny the story or its findings. It makes a defensive attempt to downplay the same in paragraph 3(i) and 3(ii) but does not say that the allegations are baseless, said Ramesh, pointing to the issues flagged in media reports. Second, in the case of Goa, after having been caught out, the ECI has sheepishly stated that Form 6 has already been filled out for inclusion by 81 of the 97 deleted voters. To put this another way, you disenfranchise voters through a broken and corrupt system, and when caught, say that they are being added back, he said. Third, it seeks to justify the Commissions actions by appealing to the Order of the Supreme Court dated May 27th, 2026. The Order, which was pronounced well before the recent revelations, will not save the CEC from the malicious deletion of targeted voters, from the incompetence that has resulted in citizens being wiped off the rolls, for the crores lost in both expenses and person-hours due to the confusion and harassment caused to entire families, said the Congress MP. Fourth, it extends the deadlines for voter registration in Delhi and Maharashtra. But what happens to the voters of Karnataka and Telangana? What happens to the voters disenfranchised in Bihar and West Bengal? Do the voters of these and other states who were deleted due to one mans corruption not deserve answers? he said. Fifth, the Press Release also states the ECI will now involve experts from IIT/IIIT to review the ECINET portal and submit a report to ensure it complies with rules. Aside from being a meaningless safeguard (since the concern is not about the technical soundness but rather the centralisation which prevents voter addition at ground level), this confirms the concerns attributed to the two other Election Commissioners per the reportage, said Ramesh. Sixth, the Press Note avoids answering the questions regarding the deliberate targeting of Gen Z voters. The ECI has no answer for its targeted disenfranchisement, beginning mid-July 2026 through wholly illegal changes made to Form 6 (unseen and unapproved by Parliament) which placed an unfair burden on them to find and disclose their parents and/or grandparents details, he said. The revelations regarding (1) the unilateral nature of decision-making by the CEC, (2) his open hatred and bias against the Opposition resulting in a clear bias, (3) his willing participation and abetment in Vote Chori by the ruling regime, (4) his specific attack to prevent the enrollment of Gen Z voters, (5) his corruption exposed ironically by his negligence in purging and pruning voter lists, need to be answered for, he said. Ramesh added, The CEC thinks he can hide behind bureaucratise and protocol. He stands exposed and is now petrified as an entire country seeks to hold him accountable. The ongoing SIR, which has turned out to be a method of massive disenfranchisement of several crores of Indians, must be suspended immediately without delay. In the meantime, nothing short of the CECs resignation or prosecution will suffice, said Ramesh.
Food safety laws exist, but compliance remains a challenge: Maha FDA
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday said Indias food safety framework has several laws and regulations, but compliance remains a major challenge, arguing that enforcement systems must evolve with new forms of food businesses and changing consumer habits. Speaking to students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said the central problem is not necessarily the absence of rules but their implementation. In food safety, the major concern is that we are not following regulations that are there. Rules do exist. Acts do exist. Regulations are there. By-regulations are there, he said. Mundhe said that apart from licensing and registration requirements, several other food safety regulations were not being followed properly, with consequences for public health. He said Indias food safety regime also needed to respond to businesses that did not exist in their current form when the Food Safety and Standards Act was enacted in 2006. E-commerce did not exist then. Today we have e-commerce. We did not have dark godowns then, dark stores; today we have those. We did not have cloud kitchens then; we have cloud kitchens. Do we require legislation and regulation on that? he said. Mundhe said suggestions on such emerging issues had been made at the national level through the Central Advisory Committee, of which state food commissioners are members. New challenges come; we have to come up with the solutions for that, we have to anticipate and work on that, he said. He also described a year-round approach Maharashtra adopted for food safety enforcement during festivals. Instead of issuing separate orders before individual festivals, the state had moved to a standing order covering festivals throughout the year, he said. The framework categorises festivals at state, regional and local levels. It provides for enforcement beginning 21 days before an event, followed by action in the period immediately preceding it, during the festival and legal proceedings after the event. Mundhe said the approach had already produced results during the Ganesh festival. He said, Around 250 to 300 licences or registrations had been suspended during the period for violations including operating without the required licence or registration, while nearly 30,000 kg of food had been seized and destroyed. He also said food products worth around Rs 10 crore had been seized and FIRs registered in cases where violations were found. Mundhe said enforcement also needed to become more transparent and technology-driven. Maharashtra has started a complaints portal through which consumers can register complaints, track them and have them automatically assigned to officers. We need to use IT to the best possible extent, he said, adding that the state was working towards end-to-end digital platforms. He said the ultimate objective was continuous enforcement rather than ad-hoc action. If we make SOP with a continuous process, automatic process, it will work. It cannot be an ad-hoc approach, Mundhe said. He added that food safety had to involve food businesses, regulators and consumers, with compliance becoming part of everyday food practices rather than something pursued only when enforcement agencies intervene.
Maharashtra: Man on rampage kills 2, injures 6 at old-age home
Ahilyanagar: Two persons, including a security guard, were killed and six others injured when a man allegedly attacked inmates with a support stick at an old-age home in Maharashtras Ahilyanagar district on the morning of Saturday, September 26, police said. The accused, who was also staying at the facility near the Vihad area, was apprehended 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 .
Election Commission Extends Deadline for Voter Claims in Delhi and Maharashtra
The Election Commission has extended the deadline for filing voter claims and objections in Delhi and Maharashtra to provide relief to voters. Election Commission Extends Deadline for Voter Claims in Delhi and Maharashtra
ECI revises electoral roll revision schedule for Delhi and Maharashtra
The News Mill
Gangotri-Gaumukh trek tragedy: Maharashtra tourist falls into gorge, remains untraced
Digital Desk | Uttarkashi, Sep 26 (IANS) A 65-year-old tourist from Maharashtra went missing after falling into a deep gorge along the Gangotri-Gaumukh trekking route in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. According to officials, search and rescue operations are underway for the second consecutive day while heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions continue to persist. According to the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), a group of five tourists from Maharashtra had set out from Gangotri towards Gaumukh on September 25. At around 2:30 p.m., Ram Kumar Hanuman Gupta, 65, reportedly slipped near Kachhidang, beyond Chirbasa, and fell into a gorge estimated to be around 130 metres deep. He has remained untraced since the incident. After the incident, teams from the forest department, police, SDRF and local porters were deployed for the search operation. On Saturday, an 18-member team comprising six SDRF personnel from Gangotri, four Nepali porters, four forest department personnel from Bhojwasa, two police personnel and two porters took part in the operation. The teams searched extensively around Kachhidang, Chirbasa, Devgarh Khale and along the riverbank below Ram Mandir. However, persistent rain and difficult weather conditions hampered the rescue operation, and no trace of the missing tourist was found till late evening. Officials said the search would be intensified once weather conditions improve. The other members of the trekking group have been identified as Deepak Chhotelal, Shivsevak Motilal, Vishal Ram Kumar and Nikhil Suresh. The missing tourist's family members are present in Gangotri, while the other trekkers are staying at a hotel in Gangotri. Meanwhile, in view of the red alert issued by the weather department, the district administration has suspended the pilgrimage to Gangotri and Yamunotri dhams at the Hina and Dobata holding points as a precautionary measure. The emergency operations centre and smart control room have been placed on alert, while rainfall and landslide-related developments are being continuously monitored, said officials. Authorities have also directed the National Highway, BRO, PWD and PMGSY officials to keep machinery and manpower ready for immediate clearance of blocked roads.
Greece: Two found unconscious as rescuers search rubble after Athens blast
Rescuers searching a collapsed building in Athens Plaka district recovered two unconscious people after a blast believed to have been caused by a gas leak. Crews continued searching for four others, while nearby buildings were evacuated and an investigation into the explosion was underway
3 Of Family Killed As SUV Rams Truck In Maharashtra. Driver Had Fallen Asleep
The family was travelling from Nashik to Jalna in their Mahindra XUV car when the driver suddenly rammed the vehicle into the back of a moving container.
Congress to protest across Maharashtra on September 28 to demand action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Congress announced on Saturday that it will stage protests across Maharashtra on September 28, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party alleged that 13 crore voters were removed from electoral rolls across the country during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and that 47 lakh voters had been added to the electoral rolls before the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections. The party said that its leader Rahul Gadhi's repeated claims of vote theft have been vindicated.
People will take to streets if Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign: Oppn
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday warned that people will take to the streets in protest if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign or the impeachment motion against him is allowed to pass in Parliament. Citing the earlier defeat of the impeachment motion against the CEC this year, RJD MP Manoj also said citizens will decide the next course of action. Speaking to IANS, Prithviraj Chavan said: Just as a Supreme Court judge can be removed, the Chief Election Commissioner can also be removed. This is a constitutional provision. So, I believe the Opposition leaders should immediately file an impeachment resolution. Still, if nothing material and all efforts (to remove Gyanesh Kumar) are blocked...if the President does not take any decision on this and the Supreme Court also does not take suo motu cognisance. Obviously,, the Opposition leaders will have to bring the entire public out onto the streets. I hope such a situation does not arise, he added. Further, Chavan said: Prime Minister Narendra Modi can find a solution (to the controversy), but if he remains adamant against (Gyanesh Kumar's) resignation, then people will have to come out on the streets. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh recalled that in April, 73 opposition members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha submitted a formal notice to the Secretary-General seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on grounds of proven misbehaviour. He alleged: The government is trying to protect him (CEC) because he is working for them. BJP leaders want to protect him, but this is no longer restricted to that. Maintaining that the impeachment motion had been attempted before by the Opposition, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said: We had submitted that option earlier as well. Apart from that, a petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court. It is within the Supreme Courts powers to take suo motu cognisance, because all the evidence is before it as well. Another thing, which I consider most important, is that this is no longer a matter between the Opposition parties and the ruling party. This is now a matter concerning citizens. So, citizens will also decide their strategy, he told IANS.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Inaugurate Boiler India 2026
The largest heat and steam industry platform to open on 8th October with 243 exhibitors, 17 Knowledge sessions, and 20,000 expected visitors. Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 26: Boiler India
CEC Gyanesh Kumar, ECs Sandhu-Joshi meet; Form 6, SIR decisions clarified (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday sought to quell reports of differences within the poll panel, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi holding a full commission meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. In a detailed press note accompanied by a photograph of the three commissioners, the EC addressed allegations concerning its internal functioning, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, voter enrolment and its technology systems. The statement came days after The Indian Express reported on September 23 that Sandhu and Joshi had raised objections to several decisions and orders linked to the SIR exercise. The reports triggered a wider political controversy, with Opposition parties questioning the functioning of the Commission and demanding greater transparency. The EC maintained that the June 24, 2025, order launching the SIR across states and Union Territories was approved unanimously by all three commissioners. It said subsequent schedules related to the exercise were also issued with unanimous approval. The Commission further noted that the Supreme Court had upheld the original SIR order. On Form 6, used for enrolment of new voters, the EC addressed concerns over a declaration introduced during the SIR process requiring applicants to establish their linkage with the previous SIR through their parents' names. The Commission said the declaration had been upheld by the Supreme Court. Outside the SIR exercise, it clarified, forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, would continue to be used. The Commission also responded to questions surrounding 97 voters in Goa who had initially been left out of the electoral rolls. It said the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, had directed Booth Level Officers to conduct house-to-house visits and collect the necessary forms. Of the 97 voters, 81 had already submitted Form 6 for inclusion. On ECINET, concerns had been raised about access to electoral-roll databases and the functioning of the portal. The EC said field officials receive role-based access in accordance with their statutory powers. It announced a review of ECINET by a committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT. The Commission also clarified that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary concerned the redistribution of work involving an officer on deputation related to the officer's functioning, rather than any policy concerning the EC or its IT division. As part of measures to strengthen internal procedures, the EC said agendas for Commission meetings would be circulated in advance and minutes issued thereafter. It also stated that directions issued by commissioners to officials would be complied with meticulously. The EC further extended SIR deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while reiterating that its major decisions had been taken collectively and unanimously.
Jalna Murder: Wife, Paramour Held For Husband's Death
Police in Jalna, Maharashtra, have arrested a woman, her paramour, and another individual in connection with the murder of her 26-year-old husband. The crime, initially staged as a road accident, occurred in July, and investigations revealed a marital dispute and threats preceding the incident.
NCW Chief Vijaya Rahatkar interacts with working women in Gwalior
Digital Desk | Gwalior, Sep 26 (IANS) National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Saturday began a four-day visit to Madhya Pradesh from Gwalior where she interacted with working women and discussed issues related to empowerment. In a message on X, Rahatkar shared details of her schedule and said, Starting today, I am beginning a four-day tour of Madhya Pradesh. During this journey, I will have the opportunity to participate in many programs being organised in Gwalior and Shivpuri districts. By travelling to every corner of the country to infuse new energy into the campaign for women's empowerment, by meeting women at the grassroots level and engaging in conversations with them, and by closely understanding their hopes and experiences this is my small effort, she said on X. Her engagements in Gwalior over two days include a visit to Central Jail, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education and Shri Pitambara Peeth near Datia Railway Station. Meetings with local representatives and interaction with Maharashtra Samaj in Jayendraganj, Shinde Ki Chhawani were also scheduled. On the third day of her visit to Shivpuri, Rahatkar is scheduled to undertake a Mahila Jansunvai; lead consultations on state specific women related issues, visit a Sakhi One Stop Centre and chair a review meeting with senior district administrative and police officials at the collectorate meeting hall. On the final day of her state visit, the NCW Chairperson will be back in Gwalior to hold a Mahila Jansunvai, interact with district administrative and police officials and take part in Yadhodha AI and She Serves programmes involving the youth at LNIPE and a private university. Earlier, Rahatkar visited Hussainiwala Border in Punjabs Ferozepur. In a message on X, she said, My visit to Hussainiwala Border, Ferozepur (Punjab) was not just a trip for me, but an unforgettable experience of pride and gratitude toward the nation. When I reached the Hussainiwala border and saw that the border of another country was just a few steps away, a deep feeling stirred in my heartthat our citizens are so secure because our border guardians are protecting the country with such vigilance and dedication, she said. After a visit to the National Martyrs Memorial, she wrote, The visit to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala was an extremely emotional experience for me. On this sacred land, the echoes of the sacrifice of martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev can still be felt today. Seeing their letters and documents preserved in the museum deeply touched my heart. In these letters, the indomitable courage of those three young revolutionaries and their resolve to dedicate their lives to the nation are evident. The youth of today should draw inspiration from this selfless patriotism and play their role in building the country, she said. Visiting the samadhi of Martyr Bhagat Singh's mother, Vidyavati Ji, was a particularly poignant moment for me. For a mother, losing her child is the greatest sorrow, and perhaps the greatest pride could be that her son devoted his life to the nation. Expressing that maternal pain and maternal pride in words is difficult, said Rahatkar.
Maharashtras Meghankar Tirth: A Sacred Destination for Ancestors Liberation During Pitru Paksha
Meghankar Tirth in Maharashtra is a revered site for ancestral rites during Pitru Paksha, believed to grant liberation to the departed souls. Maharashtras Meghankar Tirth: A Sacred Destination for Ancestors Liberation During Pitru Paksha
