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Raut: Shah Aims To Checkmate Fadnavis Using Shinde
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed Union home minister Amit Shah is deliberately empowering Eknath Shinde to curb Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss rising influence
In a first in the country, Rajasthan HC to hear cases on two Saturdays a month to cut backlog
JAIPUR: In a major step to tackle the mounting backlog of cases, the Rajasthan High Court will now hold proceedings on two Saturdays every month, making it the first high court in the country to officially increase its number of working days to expedite the disposal of pending cases. The decision follows an initiative by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant, who recently wrote to all high courts urging them to consider increasing working days to reduce case backlogs. Sources said the decision was taken during a full court meeting of the Rajasthan High Court, where all judges agreed to amend the court calendar for the coming year. As a result, the number of working days will rise from 210 to over 230 annually. Welcoming the move, former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Panachand Jain told The New Indian Express that the decision aligns with the principle of natural justice, which calls for justice to be simple, quick and expeditious. Working on two Saturdays is absolutely justified. Justice delayed is justice denied as the old saying goes. So when the court holds more hearings, the number of pending cases is bound to decrease, he said. On the likely impact, the former judge added that even if a small percentage of cases are disposed of faster, it would still be a significant achievement. Even expediting two percent of cases is meaningful. This should be seen as a beginning, and more such steps are needed, he said. Along with extending working days, the High Court has also decided to launch a pilot project to further ease judicial workload. Under this initiative, one evening court each will be set up at the magistrate level in Jaipur and Jodhpur. A committee comprising Acting Chief Justice Sharma and Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati will be formed to take further decisions related to this project. The decision coincides with a two-day West Zone Regional Conference currently underway in Jaisalmer under the chairmanship of CJI Justice Surya Kant. The conference, themed Advancing the rule of law through technology challenges and opportunities, is focusing on digital court infrastructure, the use of technology and artificial intelligence in judicial processes, and the modernisation of court functioning. Nearly 20 judges of the Supreme Court are participating in the conference, along with judges of the Rajasthan High Court and over 100 district and sessions judges from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Inter-state criminal nabbed in Indore after returning to fill SIR voter form
BHOPAL: Coming back to his home city Indore reportedly to fill up his Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter enumeration form recently, a hardened inter-state criminal landed in the Madhya Pradesh polices net. Identified as Abdul Rashid, alias Talwar Singh (54), the criminal is accused in around 100 cases, including robbery, theft and murder in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. He had recently returned to Indore after many years just to fill up the SIR enumeration form. On December 3, he broke into a closed flat in Indores Geeta Nagar locality and decamped with gold and silver jewellery valued in lakhs of rupees. Multiple teams were formed by the Indore Palasia police to crack the burglary-theft case, which led to the arrest of Abdul Rashid a few days later in Indore, following a specific tip-off. His questioning revealed that he had come down to his home city Indore after many years for filling up his SIR enumeration form. After filling the form, he committed the crime at the closed flat in Geeta Nagar, but acting on specific intelligence, the police arrested him a few days later, Indore police spokesperson and additional DCP of the city crime branch Rajesh Dandotiya told TNIE on Saturday. Subsequent investigations, based on Rashids sustained grilling, revealed that he was accused in around 100 cases of theft, robbery, burglary, murder and attempted murder in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. Had he not come to Indore for filling up the SIR form and then not committed the burglary-theft, maybe we wouldnt have been able to nab him, a senior Indore police officer said. Stolen properties, including cash, jewellery and a two-wheeler, all valued at over Rs 7.5 lakh, were recovered from Rashids possession. He was originally a native of Indores North Toda locality and started committing thefts and burglaries from the age of 19. However, he later shifted to Akola in Maharashtra after the Indore police began searching for him. He married a woman in Akola and started living there. He earned the infamous sobriquet Talwar Singh a few years back, after he beheaded a man with a sword and then surrendered at the local police station with the severed head in Maharashtras Wardha.
Adilabad: Hilltop Temples Attracting Devotees Due to Location, Ambience
Kailash Tekidi Temple is on a hill within the reserve forest on the Telangana-Maharashtra border. Devotees from both the states visit the temple to have darshan.
Maharashtra govt. unhappy with Jitendra Singhs statement on IIT-Bombay, Minister tells House
Mumbai is a matter of pride and identity for Maharashtra, says Ashish Shelar
Messi in Kolkata: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemns chaos
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the chaos during Lionel Messis visit to Kolkata, calling it a dark day for sports lovers. He blamed poor planning and policing, ordered action against organisers, refunds to fans and sought a judicial enquiry
Messi in Kolkata: Fans alleges event as `massive scam`
What was billed as the biggest sports show of the year turned chaotic in Kolkata as fans protested poor management during Lionel Messis appearance, accusing organisers and VIPs of hogging the football legends time and demanding ticket refunds
Chaos at Messi`s GOAT tour in Kolkata as fans vandalise stadium
Lionel Messis Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour India 2025 turned chaotic after the football legend left early, triggering angry protests by fans at Salt Lake Stadium over poor event management, high ticket prices and unfulfilled promises
The Union Government on Saturday announced it has so far seized assets worth Rs 92 crore through a multi-agency coordinated action against Naxalite movements across the country. In a statement, the BJP-led Centre said it had inflicted severe moral and psychological damage on what it described as urban naxals by tightening control over their information networks. To meet the firm target of making the country completely Naxal-free by March 2026, the government has created a dedicated vertical in the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has seized Rs 40 crore, state authorities have seized an additional Rs 40 crore, while the Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 12 crore, the statement said. Simultaneous action has inflicted severe moral and psychological damage on urban Naxals and tightened control over their information warfare networks, it added. Giving exhaustive details of action taken against the Maoist extremists, the government said only three districts remain most-affected by Naxalism in 2025 compared to 36 in 2014. In 2025 so far, 317 Naxals have been neutralised, 862 arrested and 1,973 surrendered, it said. A total of 28 top Naxal leaders have been neutralised, including one Central Committee Member in 2024 and five in 2025, it said. Listing out major successes by security forces, the government said 27 hardcore Naxals were killed in Operation Black Forest, 24 surrendered in Bijapur on May 23, 2025, and 258 surrendered in October 2025 across Chhattisgarh (197) and Maharashtra (61), including 10 senior Naxals. Total Naxal-affected districts have been reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 11 in 2025. Fortified police stations increased from only 66 until 2014 to 586 constructed in the last 10 years, it said. Police stations recording Naxal incidents dropped sharply from 330 across 76 districts in 2013 to merely 52 in 22 districts by June 2025. In addition, 361 new security camps have been established in the last six years and 68 night-landing helipads have been built to strengthen operational reach. The government has adopted a unified, multi-dimensional and decisive strategy against Naxalism, replacing the scattered approach of previous governments, the statement said. The government has also given a parallel push to improve infrastructure in the Naxal-infested zones with 12,000 km of roads constructed in the areas between May 2014 and August 2025. Projects for a total of 17,589 km have been approved at a cost of Rs 20,815 crore, ensuring all-weather connectivity and mobility in previously inaccessible areas, it said. A major project to improve mobile connectivity was also undertaken with 2,343 (2G) mobile towers installed at a cost of Rs 4,080 crore in the first phase, followed by 2,542 towers sanctioned in the second phase with an investment of Rs 2,210 crore, of which 1,154 are already installed. Additionally, under the Aspirational Districts and 4G Saturation schemes, 8,527 (4G) towers have been approved, with 2,596 and 2,761 towers, respectively, now functional, dramatically improving communication and intelligence reach in core Naxal zones, it said. Banking services were promoted in the Naxal zones with the setting up of 1,804 bank branches, 1,321 ATMs and posting of 37,850 banking correspondents to give deep financial inclusion a boost. The government also opened 5,899 post offices across 90 districts with coverage at every 5 km, bringing banking, postal and remittance services directly to remote communities previously under Naxal influence, it said. The actions of the government in the last 11 years have ensured that the naxal violence has fallen over 70 per cent, civilian and security-force casualties have plummeted, top Maoist leadership has been systematically neutralised, and thousands of cadres have chosen mainstream life over armed struggle, the statement said. While pockets of resistance remain and complete eradication demands sustained vigilance till the declared deadline of 31 March 2026, the trajectory is unmistakable: the ideological and territorial backbone of the Naxal insurgency has been broken, paving the way for lasting peace and development in regions long deprived of both, it said. (With inputs from PTI)
MoS Pankaj Chaudhary likely to be new UP BJP chief; CM, nine other leaders propose his name
LUCKNOW: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to get its party chief for the Uttar Pradesh unit on Sunday. The nomination process for the election of the new state chief took place at the BJP headquarters in the state capital here on Saturday afternoon, with Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary leading the race. Chaudhary filed his papers, and his name was proposed by 10 senior BJP leaders, including UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to sources, Chaudhary is almost certain to get elected unopposed, as no other leader has filed nomination papers. However, a day ahead of the nomination process, BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh arrived in Lucknow and met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. An organisational meeting was also held at CMs residence on Friday night. Amid intense political activity, Union Minister Piyush Goel, appointed as the election officer by the party, arrived in Lucknow on Saturday along with central election observer Vinod Tawde, and Pankaj Chaudhary who is believed to be a close aide of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. While Pankaj Chaudhary was being considered as the front-runner for the post of UP BJP chief, the arrival of former Union Minister Sadhvi Nirajan Jyoti at the party office on Saturday morning added to the buzz of voting, as she is also being considered as a candidate. Moreover, the name of Union Minister BL Verma had also been doing the rounds for the post. The party chief was supposed to be elected in January 2025, but was delayed due to assembly elections in Maharashtra and Bihar. According to party leaders, Piyush Goyal will complete the election process on Sunday. BJP sources said that the party had zeroed in on an OBC face in Pankaj Chaudhary to lead the state. Chaudhary, a seven-time BJP MP from the Maharajganj Lok Sabha constituency of eastern Uttar Pradesh, is regarded as one of the party's cadre. He started his political career in Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. In 2024, he defeated Congress candidate Virendra Chaudhary by a margin of over 35,000 votes to enter the Union Cabinet. A prominent OBC Kurmi leader, Chaudhury filed his nomination on Saturday in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with several senior party leaders and central representatives. Hailing from Gorakhpur, Chaudhary is being seen as a choice by the party to counter the oppositions PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) narrative, while also consolidating OBC support ahead of the panchayat elections next year and the 2027 Assembly polls. Chaudhury has been a member of the Union Cabinet since 2021. If elected as the Uttar Pradesh BJP president, he would become the fourth Kurmi leader to head the party in the state, following Swatantra Dev Singh, Vinay Katiyar, and Om Prakash Singh. He is set to replace Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, a Jat leader from Moradabad.
Messi`s event organiser detained, will refund ticket prices to spectator: Cops
According to the police, the event saw serious crowd management issues, which led to inconvenience and disappointment among spectators. Police intervened after complaints were received regarding poor arrangements and lack of proper control at the venue
Project Udaan: 4,000 students participate in practice exam in Gadchiroli
The police said that the practice test was conducted at the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters and at 74 public libraries set up under the One Village, One Library initiative across police stations, sub-posts and outposts
Mamata Banerjee after chaos at Kolkata stadium as `Sincerely apologise to Messi`
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level enquiry and apologised to Lionel Messi and fans after chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata over alleged mismanagement during the football icons brief appearance
Mahayuti will contest all local polls together, says Maharashtra BJP chief
The announcement comes in the backdrop of acrimony between ruling alliance partners during the recent local body elections where they were seen poaching each others candidates, leaders
2 businessmen held for mis-declaring chemicals, evading huge duty
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested two chemical traders, Ankit Mehta and Maulik Kothari, for allegedly evading over Rs 22 crore in customs duty. The traders are accused of mis-declaring imported chemicals from China, suppressing country of origin and Bill of Lading details to avoid higher duties.
Supreme Court upheld Bombay HC order cancelling of bail to gang rape accused
The Supreme Court has cancelled the bail of Akash Bindu, an accused in a gang rape case, ordering his surrender by January 5, 2026. The apex court found significant flaws in the lower court's bail order, which overlooked crucial evidence like head injuries and relied on irrelevant factors.
UP: Girl kidnapped, raped multiple times over 25 days; accused held
BALLIA: A man was arrested here for allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old girl and taking her to Mumbai and Pune, where he raped her multiple times for around 25 days, police said on Saturday. The accused, Baburam (21) kidnapped the girl on November 14. Based on her fathers complaint, a case was registered against the accused, they said. Chitbaragaon Station Officer (SO) Dinesh Pathak said the minor was rescued from an area under the police station. She told police that Baburam kidnapped her and had taken her to Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, where he raped her. Based on her statements, sections related to rape under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act have been added to the case, the officer said. The accused was arrested the accused on Friday near the Dharmapur intersection, and he was sent to jail after completing the necessary legal formalities, Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh said.
1.5 Lakh Crore Road Works Approved for Maharashtra: Gadkari
The Union minister said road works of Rs 50,000 crore have been approved for the Pune region, and construction will begin in the next three months
Road works of 1.50 lakh crore have been approved for Maharashtra: Nitin Gadkari
The works will begin in the next three months, he told reporters on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan, where the State legislature session is underway
Maharashtra records cold morning as interiors dip below 10 degrees Celsius
In the coastal regions, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.3 degrees Celsius with 71 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri reported 17.1 degrees Celsius and 41 per cent humidity. Harnai experienced warmer conditions, with a low of 21.4 degrees Celsius and dry weather
Cancelled our honeymoon plan: Fans flock to see Lionel Messi in Kolkata
Notably, this is the first time since 2011 that Messi has visited India. Back then, the legendary footballer visited Kolkata and played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0
Messi mania grips Kolkata as thousands welcome Argentine icon on Saturday
The Barcelona legend`s 2.26 am touchdown in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into a frenzy
Bombay High Court directs elections forBuldhanaWaqf Trust in two months
Controversy erupted when Waqf Tribunal invalidated the 2019 election of trustees and annulled Maharashtra State Waqf Boards approval of their change report, leading elected trustees to seek relief from High Court
Savarkar statue unveiled in Andaman as tribute to freedom struggle legacy
The Sagara Pran Talamalala marks 116 years since Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar composed this iconic poem, with the waves of the sea as witness, said Ameya Hete, a Mumbai-based businessman who conceptualised and organised the commemorative event and commissioned the statue
Shivraj Patils last rites performed with state honours; Om Birla, Kharge present
Latur, Dec 13: The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district Latur in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre were among those present. A prominent member of the Lingayat community, Patil was buried in [] The post Shivraj Patils last rites performed with state honours; Om Birla, Kharge present appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lionel Messi virtually unveils his 70-foot statue in Kolkata
Football legend Lionel Messi virtually unveiled a massive 70-foot statue at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata, during his GOAT Tour India 2025, drawing huge crowds and sparking celebrations among fans across the city
Resident doctors in Maharashtra face systemic neglect, says statewide survey
Central MARDs statewide survey across 18 government medical colleges reveals failures in safety, accommodation and infrastructure, urging government intervention
Maharashtra FYJC admissions for 2025 are now open for a special round, starting today at 2 pm, to fill remaining vacant seats. Students who missed earlier rounds, fresh applicants, and those who cleared supplementary exams can register online until December 14. Allotment results will be out on December 15, with confirmation required by December 17.
Mahayuti does not want LoPs in state legislature as its afraid of opposition: Sanjay Raut
Mumbai, Dec 13: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said the ruling parties should be ashamed for not having leaders of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislature, claiming it reflects their fear of the post and weakens democratic processes. Speaking to reporters, Raut also criticised Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule over his remarks suggesting the creation of a separate state of Vidarbha, allegedly backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Raut said Shiv Sena (UBT) would strongly oppose any move [] The post Mahayuti does not want LoPs in state legislature as its afraid of opposition: Sanjay Raut appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Survey flags hazardous pesticideusein South Asia;MaharashtrasYavatmalcotton belt under spotlight
A community-based study across four countries finds 87% of farmers use pesticides; India reports highest share of highly hazardous chemicals.
Suggestion to release goats in forest to curb leopard attacks laughable: Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has suggested that forest officials release goats in large numbers in forests to stop leopards from entering human settlements in search of prey
Officials should have refused illegal registrations: Ajit Pawar amid son's land deal row
NAGPUR: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday said officials responsible for registering documents should have refused to process agreements that were not permissible under the law and clearly informed the parties concerned about such limitations. His comments come against the backdrop of a notice issued by the deputy registrar to the firm of his son, Parth Pawar, seeking Rs 21 crore in stamp duty and penalties in connection with a controversial land deal in Pune. Recently, the Bombay High Court raised sharp questions regarding the police probe into the land deal, suggesting authorities might be shielding Parth Pawar by failing to name him in the FIR. Ajit Pawar sought to dispel perceptions stemming from a bill cleared by the legislative assembly on Friday, which empowers the revenue minister to hold hearings in contentious cases related to the IGR. Pawar said those who registered such documents were at fault, and officials should have exercised due diligence at the time of registration. The officials who received the documents for registration of a deal should have refused to register it. They should have clearly informed the parties that such an agreement cannot be processed, said the deputy chief minister. When asked about allegations that the bill was moved to protect Parth, who holds a 99 per cent equity stake in Amadea Enterprises LLP, Pawar reiterated that responsibility lay with the registering authorities. We are elected representatives in the House, and people have voted for us. We are free to take decisions or make amendments we find suitable, he said when asked about the intent behind the amendment. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that under the earlier provision, complainants dissatisfied with decisions at the level of the IGR had to approach the High Court. After the amendment, such complainants can now approach the revenue minister, who will be authorised to hold hearings in these matters. He also stated that certain transactions have caused financial losses to the state exchequer, necessitating a more effective redressal mechanism. The sale of 40 acres of land in Pune's upscale Mundhwa area for Rs 300 crore to Amadea Enterprises LLP, in which Parth Pawar is a majority partner, came under scrutiny after it emerged that the plot belongs to the government and it could not be sold. The firm was also allegedly exempted from paying Rs 21 crore in stamp duty. A committee headed by the Joint Inspector General of Registration (IGR) had indicted Digvijay Patil (Parth Pawar's business partner and cousin), Sheetal Tejwani (who held the power of attorney on behalf of the land sellers), and sub-registrar Ravindra Taru. They were named in an FIR registered at a police station in Pune. Parth Pawar was not named as his name didn't appear on any document, a senior official had said.
Ajit Pawars comments came against the backdrop of a notice issued by the deputy registrar to the firm of his son, Parth Pawar
Land deal row: Revenue officials should have refused faulty registrations, says Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said officials should have refused illegal land deal registrations, amid scrutiny of a Pune sale involving his sons firm. He denied a legislative amendment was meant to protect Parth Pawar, stressing accountability lay with registering authorities, not lawmakers.
BJP set to elect new UP President; senior leaders to file nominations today
Maurya asserted that the BJP remains committed to a transparent electoral process within the organisation, contrasting it with the Samajwadi Party
Preservationists sue to halt Trump`s 90,000-sq-ft White House ballroom project
The Trust had previously called for a pause in construction in letters to the National Capital Planning Commission, the National Park Service, and the Commission of Fine Arts.
Israel signs 10-year strategic space agreement with NASA
We are now committed to the next national goal: training the first Israeli female astronaut.
Israel, US Navies complete joint exercise `Intrinsic Defender`
The exercise was designed to strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation between the navies, expand and improve the response to maritime threat scenarios and conduct mutual operational learning, said the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)
Reddit challenges Australias ban on social media use by teens
California-based Reddit Incs suit filed in the High Court follows a case filed last month by Sydney-based rights group Digital Freedom Project
Hundreds of immigrants remain detained after 7th Circuit Court ruling in Chicago
The consent decree has been in the spotlight amid the Trump administrations Chicago-area immigration crackdown thats led to more than 4000 arrests
EU set to freeze Russian assets over Ukraine war, Orban criticises move
Russias central bank calls move illegal; threatens to file lawsuits in arbitration court to recover damages
SIT files murder charges in Zubeen Garg death case, four accused named
Murder charge slapped on four despite Singapore cops no foul play line
Retail inflation rises to 0.71 per cent in Nov on higher food and fuel prices
Fuel and light inflation for November was 2.32 per cent against 1.98 per cent in October 2025
Global blockbuster Ozempic injection now available in India
India gets Ozempic as Novo Nordisk rolls out weekly diabetes jab known worldwide for slimming effects
Thane Central Prison holds first naming ceremony of inmates baby
Thane Central Prison witnessed its first-ever naming ceremony for an infant daughter of a woman inmate. The heartwarming event, organized by the Nanhe Kadam foundation, featured traditional songs and a special reveal of the baby's name. This initiative highlights the prison's efforts to support mothers and children within its complex.
14,526 children died in last three years in Maharashtra: State Health Minister
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have set thetarget of reducingthe NMR to less than 12 per 1000 births
Voting should be made a breeze for the elderly
Some of the committees recommendations to make voting more senior-friendly strike a chord
Mumbai weather: Sunny skies, warm temperatures; AQI remains poor
Mumbai awakens to a bright, sunny day with temperatures reaching 29.3C, ideal for outdoor plans. Despite yesterday's 'poor' air quality (AQI 135), clear skies and gentle breezes are forecast to stabilize pollution levels throughout the week. Sensitive individuals are advised to wear masks in congested areas. Enjoy the pleasant weather, but remain mindful of lingering air concerns.
Gallery at Mumbais CSMVS trains lens on Indias links with ancient world
Stipends late, 1/3rd resident docs forced to take loans: Survey
Central funds forJalJeevanMission pending since Oct. 2024: Maharashtra Minister tells Assembly
BJP Finalises Alliance Pact With Shiv Sena For BMC Polls
The decision follows Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavans meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah earlier this week. On Thursday night, Mr. Chavan also held discussions with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on the upcoming polls.
BMC to auction 6-acre Century mill land in Worli in Mumbai, base Rs 1,348 crore
Thane: MPCB chairman directs remedies to control AQI
Congress stalwart Shivraj Patil passes away at 90
PTI Latur Veteran Congressman Shivraj Patil, who served as the Lok Sabha speaker and was Union home minister during the 26/11 attacks, passed away at his hometown Latur in Maharashtra on Friday morning, family sources said. Patil (90) passed away at his residence Devghar after a brief illness, they said, adding his funeral will be [] The post Congress stalwart Shivraj Patil passes away at 90 appeared first on The Navhind Times .
50% water cut, Thane residents to get 12 hours of water supply daily
Navi Mumbai: House break burglary at Matheran chief officers New Panvel residence, FIR filed
Dighi port to handle 2 lakh cars per year in Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai: Eight years on, police to auction 900 kg ships crankshaft scrap
Navi Mumbai: 216 illegal mobile towers in PCMC, no action taken, says Prahar Janshakti Party
Mumbai police book Mankhurd man for abetting wifes suicide
Years After Woman's Death, Husband Arrested For Murder Using Venomous Snake In Maharashtra
After nearly three years of investigation, Badlapur police in the district has arrested a man and three others for allegedly murdering his wife using a poisonous snake.
Over 400 seats added for postgraduate medical aspirants in Maharashtra
MP CM hails naxal cadre elimination as top achievement ahead of two-year government milestone
BHOPAL: A day before his government completes two years in power, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav termed the end of naxal cadres through the elimination and surrenders policy as the biggest achievement of his government so far. The naxal menace is as old as 37-38 years. Various naxal dalams had been formed way back in 1988-89. In 1995, an entire bus carrying 17 police personnel was blown into pieces. Four years later, a minister in the then Congress government (transport minister Likhiram Kanware) was brutally hacked to death by the outlaws. Despite Congress governments ruling the centre and states for decades since independence, the naxal problem wasnt adequately addressed, Yadav told journalists in Bhopal on Friday. In the three naxal-affected districts of MP, Dindori, Mandla and Balaghat, eliminating the naxals was a cumbersome task. Searching for and acting against 35-40 outlaws in the vast forests was difficult. They ran parallel courts, police stations, and councils of ministers. The fear of the Laal Salam extremist ideology among forest dwellers made anti-naxal operations even more difficult, Yadav added. But the situation dramatically changed when Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a March 2026 deadline for eliminating the naxal menace. I was initially sceptical about whether it was achievable, but he was confident, and the results are for all to see. The numbers in the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Zone dropped to zero on Thursday the biggest and most historic development. Ten hardcore naxals were gunned down in 2025, the maximum in any year. First Dindori, then Mandla were freed from left-wing extremism (LWE), and on Thursday, Balaghat also recorded zero listed naxal cadres, Yadav said while congratulating the police forces involved in the operations. All credit for eliminating naxal cadres through the surrender or get killed policy goes to our brave cops. For the first time, IPS officers volunteered for postings in naxal-infested areas and set targets to uproot naxalism. Our IG in Balaghat Range, Sanjay Kumar, moved on a motorcycle like a regular jawan such was the commitment and dedication of our police force. We also pay rich tribute to all cops who sacrificed their lives, including young Inspector Ashish Sharma. The 42 surrenders in 42 days wouldnt have been possible without the proactive approach of our brave cops. Salute to their efforts, he added. They once ran a parallel regime in the jungles and terrorized villagers. Now, the same outlaws were competing among themselves to surrender first to save their lives. Mobile phone conversations between them reveal their urgency. With naxal cadre numbers now down to zero in Balaghat, Mandla, and Dindori, we will now ensure a proper framework and system to prevent naxalism from reviving, Yadav said. The MP CM also highlighted inter-state river linking projects like Ken-Betwa, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal, and the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project as other major achievements of his two-year tenure. The river linking projects, once implemented, will enhance irrigated land from 52 lakh hectares to 100 lakh hectares in five years, he maintained. While reiterating his governments commitment to ending drug abuse in MP, Yadav said, We have begun by banning liquor in 19 religious towns and cities. With cooperation from society and social organisations, we are confident of eliminating the drug menace completely within the next three years.
Stop-work notice to Mumbai bldr for flouting air pollution norms
Mumbai: 41-year-old Chembur man duped of 86.85 lakh in online investment scam
Crocodile rescued from Kurla pond after 25-day operation and released into the wild
Devendra Fadnavis Praises Prada Pact As Big Win For Maharashtra Artisans
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has praised the agreement between Global luxury brand Prada and state-owned bodies LIDCOM & LIDKAR as not just a demand for credit but a command for a business partnership.
Two men injured as leopard strikes Alibaug villages again, search underway for rogue cat
BJP and Shiv Sena settle differences, seal seat-sharing pact for BMC polls
The BJP and Shiv Sena have sealed a seat-sharing formula for the polls to Asias richest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is scheduled for January, said Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan on Friday. In the 277-member BMC, the BJP is likely to contest 130 to 140 seats, while the DCM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will contest 80 to 90 seats. The remaining seats will be given to other partners in the Mahayuti including the DCM Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The seat-sharing arrangements were discussed in a meeting in which Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Shinde, Chavan and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule were present. Later, Chavan held a meeting with Fadnavis. Then he flew to Delhi to meet Shah, where the decision was sealed. Bawankule, a senior BJP leader, had said earlier that instructions will be given to local leaders to sit together and start discussions on seat sharing. We are confident that 90 per cent of the issues will be resolved at the local level, while any remaining issues will be resolved at state level. We decided that there will be four representatives from each party who are empowered to discuss the issues, he said. The truce between the two parties comes after their relationship had hit rough weather ahead of the local body elections earlier this month, with the BJP poaching several Sena workers in the constituency of Eknath Shindes son and Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde in Kalyan and Dombivali.
Mumbai bizman on motorcycle who tried to speed away, dragging cop for 100m, gets 2 yrs jail
Maharashtra Logs 14,526 Child Deaths In 3 Years
The minister also acknowledged that Palghar, a tribal-dominated district, reported 138 deaths of infants and young children (aged 06 years) in the past six months, underscoring persistent concerns over maternal and child health in vulnerable regions.
Bombay High Court upholds 1.2 crore MACT compensation to woman disabled in 2013 crash
Probe ordered after allegations of scam over slum rehab project
Red Terror Nears Its End As Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra Maoist-Free
In a landmark development, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two key states in the Red Corridor, have officially declared themselves Maoist-free, signalling a decisive collapse of the Maoist stronghold that once dominated central India.
Cabinet approves Rs 11,718-crore budget for Census 2027
Around 30 lakh Census functionaries, including supervisors, master trainers, charge officers and district census officers, will be deployed. All of them will receive an honorarium for working on the Census alongside their regular duties
Maharashtra teams up with Microsoft to catch cyber criminals using AI
The AI tool will increase the efficiency of policing and reduce the turnaround time of investigation by 80%, says Microsoft team
IndiGo appoints external aviation expert to probe recent flight disruptions
Aviation Advisors LLC, led by veteran pilot Captain John Illson, has been tasked with carrying out the assessment. The decision comes as IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras face questioning by a four-member panel set up by the DGCA to investigate the widespread flight disruptions
Indian Navy to commission its first indigenous diving support craft on Dec 16
The commissioning will take place under the Southern Naval Command in the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, an official statement said
Govt not serious about winter session, violating Vidarbha Agreement: Sapkal
He alleged that despite serious issues concerning farmers, workers, unemployment, law and order, corruption and womens safety, the government had avoided meaningful discussion.
Pradas new move: 85,000 Kolhapuris that are actually 'Made in India'
Prada has partnered with Indian leather bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR to launch a limited-edition sandal line inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. This initiative follows criticism for cultural appropriation, ensuring artisans are central to the production of 2,000 handcrafted pairs made in Maharashtra and Karnataka, set for a global release in February 2026.
Maharashtra: Liquor worth Rs 28.55 lakh seized in Nashik District
An officer said that acting on a tip-off, the police stopped a truck near the start of Kotambi Ghat. Although the driver insisted the vehicle was empty, a hidden compartment was found containing India-made foreign liquor worth Rs 28.55 lakh
2 BJP, NCP(SP) supporters get civil custody, barred from Vidhan Bhavan
The report tabled in the House noted that Deshmukh, a supporter of NCP(SP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jitendra Awhad, and Takale, a supporter of BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar, had engaged in a physical confrontation in the assembly lobby
Maharashtra nearing Maoist-free status, says Fadnavis; directs fresh security and development push
Fadnavis was speaking while presiding over a review meeting of the State-Level Committee on the National Plan and Action Framework. During the meeting, he issued a series of directives aimed at strengthening security arrangements and deepening development work in affected regions.
MoU was signed between Prada and Maharashtra and Karnataka's Leather Industries
UP illegal cough syrup case: ED carries out raids in multiple states
The federal probe agency recently registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), taking cognisance of about 30 UP Police FIRs related to the misuse, illegal manufacturing, trade and transport of CBCS, including smuggling across the Bangladesh border
