BJP Announces Candidates for Maharashtra MLC Elections, Focusing on Pune and Nagpur Seats
The BJP has revealed its candidates for the Maharashtra MLC elections, targeting key seats in Pune and Nagpur. BJP Announces Candidates for Maharashtra MLC Elections, Focusing on Pune and Nagpur Seats
What is inside your supplement? Maharashtra FDA plans wider scrutiny
Tukaram Mundhe plans to examine supplement contents, labelling, consumption and sales as concerns grow over misleading health claims and products that may not match their labels
BJP announces candidates for Maharashtra Legislative Council polls 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced three candidates for the 2026 Maharashtra Legislative Council elections from the Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies. The BJP's Central Election Committee approved the names of the candidates, according to a press release issued by the party's central office in New Delhi on October 4, 2026. The announcement covers the Pune Division Graduates' constituency, Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency and Pune Division Teachers' constituency.
Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to lead Mumbai protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will lead a joint protest march in Mumbai on Sunday against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with the parties alleging irregularities in the electoral process and demanding his resignation. Speaking ahead of the protest, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the protest was a collective response to what he alleged were attempts to undermine democratic institutions, electoral processes and the constitutional rights of citizens. This protest is against the Hitler-rule prevailing in the country, hijacking elections, keeping the Election Commission and the Supreme Court in one's pocket, running a dictatorship, stealing votes, stealing elections, and poaching MPs and MLAs. This is a revolt against all that, much like the one in 1857, he told reporters. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have announced this protest march, with the entire Maha Vikas Aghadi backing it. The march...
Thackeray Cousins Lead Joint Mumbai Rally Demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Demonstrating a rare and growing political convergence, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray joined forces on Sunday to head a high-octane protest march in Mumbai. The rally demands the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged widespread irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision [] The post Thackeray Cousins Lead Joint Mumbai Rally Demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars Resignation appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Kadam on Sunday took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, saying that rather than reiterating allegations of vote chori over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the latter should clearly say that he is against removal of bogus voters. Speaking to IANS, Kadam remarked: In the future, whenever a list is made of those leaders who keep on lying, Rahul Gandhi's name will be mentioned at the top. Months before, Congress itself took out a rally to remove 'bogus voters' in Maharashtra and was even demanding the postponement of polls. Rahul Gandhi has a habit of forgetting things, and that is why he doesn't remember the demands of his own party, he said. Asserting that SIR is a process to clean the electoral rolls, the BJP leader stated that allegations made without evidence amount to an attack on democracy. Further, Ram Kadam accused LoP Gandhi of humiliating the Constitution and the Constitutional establishments. Instead of reiterating 'vote chori' allegations, Rahul Gandhi should clearly say that he doesn't want the removal of bogus voters, he remarked. Ram Kadam also criticised senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, saying: Does he not know about the rally undertaken by his party in Mumbai, demanding removal of bogus voters? Unfortunately, he belongs to that party, whose leader, Rahul Gandhi, maligns India's name during his foreign visits. On Saturday, Chidambaram lashed out at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying the wisest thing that the poll body head could do is to step down immediately, amid reports of internal differences within the Election Commission. Further, Kadam referred to the Opposition's allegations against the CEC as planned conspiracy, questioning: Why would our enemies want our country to progress? Today, heads of countries like America, Australia and Russia are praising India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the appreciation for all 140 crore Indians, as today the country is developing at a fast pace, he asserted. Referring to the 7.8 per cent increase in real GDP, the BJP MLA said: Looking at this progress, some of our enemies sitting abroad are funding people here to insult our Constitutional establishments and spread anarchy. Unfortunately, Congress, both the Thackeray brothers (Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray) and the country's Opposition are first in line to do so, he alleged.
Prithvi Shaw to lead Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy opener
Prithvi Shaw has been appointed captain of the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy squad for their opening match against Services, as regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is unavailable due to India 'A' commitments.
Thackeray brothers to lead Mumbai march against ECI today
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray have joined forces to launch a fierce attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), issuing a joint call to the people of Maharashtra for a grand public protest rally in Mumbai on Sunday, October 4. The demonstration aims 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 .
Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan among 150 detained in Delhi protest
Activist Yogendra Yadav and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan were among those detained; AISA was also joined by senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Nitya Ramakrishnan, Pallav Sisodia
Latur school students donate Rs 2 lakh to CM Relief Fund for drought aid
Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, also launched the schools Madhushala to Gyanshala QR code-based knowledge bank on this occasion
Czar Samuels remains return to Bulgaria after decades of talks with Greece
Samuel was a warrior ruler who battled the Byzantine Empire to expand his kingdom, but was ultimately defeated and died shortly afterward in 1014
Five Indian-origin men arrested in Canada over alleged extortion campaign
The arrests followed a 16-month investigation into an auto dealership whose co-owners reported extortion demands in June 2025, followed by two attacks involving arson and shootings at its Langley and Surrey locations, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement on Friday
G7 nations to release 100 million barrels from reserves amid oil price surge
G7 nations will release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel fuel from their emergency reserves to combat record high prices
Dogpalooza 2026: 296 dogs set Guinness record at Nevada pool party
Doodlepalooza in Nevada makes world record for the biggest pool party for dogs
Protest completely failed, people gave no response: BJP's Pravin Darekar on CJP agitation in Mumbai
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pravin Darekar has dismissed the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) protest held in Mumbai, terming it a complete failure and claiming that the residents of the city completely rejected the agitation. Speaking to ANI, Darekar asserted that the demonstration failed to garner support even from major opposition quarters, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The people of Mumbai did not respond. Go and see the numbers; both roads were empty. There were neither UBT leaders nor MNS leaders. The rest were sponsored people against the BJP, which is the ruling party in the state, and then there were people with a leftist ideology. This protest completely failed. There was no response, Darekar said. Darekar went on to express gratitude to the citizens of Mumbai for not backing the demonstration. I thank the people of Mumbai. This is the soil of Mumbai, the land of Maharashtra. This is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahara...
They have Lung Fung Tuk soup and Mapo Tofu Tuku and Chicken Manchow Mundhe, he concluded.
Thackeray brothers to lead grand Mumbai march today to protest against ECI
Mumbai The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray have joined forces to The post Thackeray brothers to lead grand Mumbai march today to protest against ECI appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Mumbai weather: Monsoon begins retreat from Maharashtra, October heat likely
Monsoon begins retreat from Maharashtra on schedule; Mumbai could get scattered rainfall until Friday
Three held on charge of robbery
Residents turn balconies, terraces into home medicinal gardens
Man held for bludgeoning friend to death
Pune air quality dips to moderate; many now affected by dust, vehicle smoke, say doctors
City To Face 36-Hour Water Shutdown On Oct 6-7
NMC Eyes Two-Year Water Plan As Mayor Calls For Conversation Amid Reservoir Concerns
Catch The Rain: Drop by drop, parched areas of Vidarbha taking up water conservation
Goon With 21 Cases Stabs Wife Over Suspicion of Infidelity
MPSC aspirants protest at Tiranga Chowk, send out a message
Sharing obscene clips, pics falls within public view under SC/ST Act, says HC
Daring heist at Hingna jewellery shop, robbers loot gold of Rs 40L at gunpoint & flee
40ft-long MRO gate collapses,guard crushed, trainee critical
Take A Bow, Kumkum: Amravati Archer Wins 2 Golds, Makes History
Couple, 4-yr-old son killed by speeding truck, elder son critical
Parking row turns violent, man assaulted
Mayor Neeta Thakre To Attend 118th Executive Meeting Of All India Mayors Conference
4 more nomination papers filed in Amravati
Nagpur graduates poll: Cong confirms Wanjarri, BJP still mulling names
Truck rams into vehicles due to brake failure in Pirangut; 1 killed
Yerawada MHADA residents protest stalled redevelopment, demand mini-clusters
City-based firm loses 9L in email spoofing scam
Man robbed of Rs34,500, assaulted after argument over being addressed by name
Woman loses Rs49 lakh in online share trading fraud
PM Modi to visit Baramati on Nov 3: Pawar
Earliest monsoon withdrawal commencement from parts of Maharashtra since 2018
Pune societies flag red tape, committee action risk under new redevelopment rules
Congress names candidates for 3 Maharashtra MLC seats
Rahul Gandhi to raise MPSC aspirants demands before state govt
After Abu Dhabi debut, drought hits farmers fruit export dream
Harshvardhan Sapkal demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing election integrity and ongoing paper leak issues in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Congress President Calls for Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Amid Paper Leak Scandal
Metro to run every 5 minutes during rush hours
Why Indias independent filmmakers are reclaiming the language of cinema
Bawankule takes stock of crop damage in Akola & Buldhana districts
Stay on field, not headquarters, Bawankule tells officials
Amravati division dams hold 62% water stock
Orange growers in drought-hit Amravati wait for approved crop insurance payout
Cotton yield may plunge 50%, paddy growth stunted in drought-hit Chanda talukas
CJP faces FIR for unlawful assembly, traffic disruption at Shivaji Park protest in Mumbai
Police record IIT Bombay directors statement for 8 hours in Sahil Wakode death case
'He has our full appreciation and praise': UAE Deputy PM meets Smit Machchhar
Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed visited injured Indian pilot Smit Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage after the flydubai FZ1073 incident, while the Indian Embassy said the pilot was recovering well
Maharashtra Chief Minister Unveils Logo and Website for 2026 Mumbai Book Festival
CM Devendra Fadnavis launches the logo and website for the 2026 Mumbai Book Festival aimed at promoting literature and reading culture. Maharashtra Chief Minister Unveils Logo and Website for 2026 Mumbai Book Festival
Baby Indian rock python rescued from sea by Mumbai police
Police register FIR after singer duped of Rs 45,000 in three-way call merge fraud
Three arrested after man stabbed over online game dispute in Kalina
BJP, BVA clash over credit for sports complex inauguration
BJP stages six-hour protest at Virar venue
FDA raids: Banned pan masala, flavoured tobacco worth Rs 2.69 crore seized
The Maharashtra FDA seized banned pan masala, flavoured tobacco and other prohibited food products, along with three vehicles, worth Rs 2.69 crore in raids across Thane and Palghar on Friday and Saturday
Filmmaker V Shantaram receives Dr Kotnis Humanity Award posthumously
Mumbai airport to cut a third of weekly international departures from T2 from Oct 25
Maharashtra Chief Minister Advocates for Marathi as a Language of Knowledge
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasizes the importance of Marathi as a language of knowledge and culture during a recent address. Maharashtra Chief Minister Advocates for Marathi as a Language of Knowledge
Thane court sentences man to 5 years for harassing minor girls online
Gargai dam work likely from Jan 2027, BMC targets 440 MLD water supply for Mumbai from Monsoon 2029
Navpreet Singh needs to be taken to 4 states for probe: Delhi Police tells Rouse Avenue Court
The accused Navpreet Singh has to be taken to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for investigation, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh for Delhi Police submitted before a Special NDPS Judge at Rouse Avenue Court. After hearing the submissions, the court granted 10-day custody of Navpreet Singh to Delhi Police. The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday remanded alleged Narco Network Kingpin Navpreet Singh to 10 days of police custody. He was deported from Turkey on Saturday. He was wanted in an NDPS case of 2022. Special Judge (NDPS) Anuradha Shukla granted 10 days of police custody to Navpreet Singh after hearing the submissions of Delhi police and counsel for Delhi Police. Delhi Police Special Cell produced Navpreet Singh before the court and sought 10 days' custody to investigate the case. The court asked why 10 days' police custody is required. The court asked what evidence is against the accused. SPP submitted that there are three charge-sheeted accused...
Sheva Koliwada Displaced Women Suspend Hunger Strike After Uran Officials Assure Action
Section 163 remains in force in New Delhi, no permission for protest today: Delhi Police
Addressing the gathering, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said the movement would continue under the 'Jail Bharo' call and described peaceful assembly in support of voting rights
Amravati Celebrates Kumkum Mohod's Asian Games Archery Triumph
Kumkum Mohod from Amravati, Maharashtra, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her family and community are overjoyed, and her father expresses confidence in her future Olympic aspirations.
Will make Marathi the language of knowledge: Maha CM
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that Marathi is not merely a medium of communication but a bearer of rich culture and a witness to a glorious history. Endowed with a vast vocabulary, a rich literary tradition and diverse dialects, Marathi will be further empowered in the 21st century as a digital language and a language of knowledge, he said. Along with increasing the everyday use of Marathi, he urged expanding its application in modern domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, quantum computing, space technology and biotechnology. Against the backdrop of Marathi receiving classical language status, CM Fadnavis was speaking at the launch of the Classical Marathi Language Week and Classical Marathi Language Honour Day. Stating that Marathi is inherently ancient and classical, CM Fadnavis said that receiving official recognition as a classical language from the Central Government is a moment of pride for all Marathi speakers. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conferring classical language status on Marathi has highlighted Maharashtra's linguistic and cultural heritage at the national level. Reminding the audience of history, he added that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj emphasised the native language alongside the vision of Swarajya, striving to promote Marathi in state administration and giving a new direction to its use in governance. Noting that Marathi ranks 13th among the most spoken languages in the world, the Chief Minister highlighted its global character. He mentioned that the Marathi Encyclopedia (Gnyankosh) and Shabdaratnakar, compiled in the 20th century, contained between 1.1 million and 1.3 million words. By comparison, he pointed out that the Oxford English Dictionary contains around 600,000 words, while languages such as Mandarin, Spanish and French have roughly 300,000 to 350,000 words. The official Marathi dictionary currently published by the state government contains around 300,000 words, and the Chief Minister stressed the need to work on subsequent editions to expand this vocabulary to 1.3 million words. Citing Marathi's rich lexicon, CM Fadnavis underscored the importance of its encyclopaedic and lexicographical traditions. Millions of words recorded across various dictionaries showcase Marathi's deep linguistic heritage. He said this vocabulary should not remain merely a matter of pride but must be effectively used in modern knowledge generation. Making concepts in science, technology, economics, education and research available in Marathi will truly elevate it into a language of knowledge, he added. CM Fadnavis noted that communication channels are evolving rapidly because of digital technology. In this landscape, Marathi should not be confined to traditional use but integrated with new technology. He stressed the need to leverage Marathi AI to increase the language's effective footprint in artificial intelligence, make information and knowledge resources available across digital platforms, and produce high-quality Marathi content on OTT platforms and social media. He expressed confidence that providing knowledge resources in cutting-edge fields such as quantum computing, space technology and biotechnology would enable the younger generation to absorb modern knowledge in their mother tongue. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Marathi is not just Maharashtra's identity but also its self-respect. Adorned with a rich legacy spanning from Saint Dnyaneshwar to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Marathi has now travelled across oceans and made its mark globally, he said. The state government is committed to accelerating the global expansion of Marathi in the future, he added. Expanding the use of Marathi in modern domains such as digital media, social networks, podcasts, gaming and coding is essential to connect the younger generation with the language, he said. Minister of Marathi Language Uday Samant said the state government is committed to preserving, promoting and globally expanding Marathi language and culture, with several ambitious initiatives launched for its holistic development. He informed that work is underway to establish a Centre of Excellence for Marathi at Deccan University in Pune, a Global Marathi Centre named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in London, 100 dictionaries for various regional dialects across the state, and nine Marathi Skill Development Centres.
Maha CM launches Mumbai Book Festival 2026 logo and website
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) Marking a major milestone for Maharashtras literary landscape, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday unveiled the official logo and website for the Mumbai Book Festival 2026. The announcement marks the commencement of preparations for a six-day celebration of books, literature, art and culture scheduled to take place from Nov 24 to Nov 29, 2026, at the University of Mumbais Kalina Campus. Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and the University of Mumbai, the festival aims to celebrate Indias rich and diverse literary traditions, deepen the nations reading culture, nurture young readers and build a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange. The launch ceremony took place in the presence of several key dignitaries and stakeholders, including Milind Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust, India; Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai; Ameet Satam, Chief Organiser; Acharya Pawan Tripathi, Chief Convenor; and Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India. Adding to the occasions significance, CM Fadnavis shared the announcement on social media, emphasising the festivals vital role in connecting the public with literature. The launch coincides with a significant anniversary. Exactly two years earlier, on Oct 3, 2024, the Marathi language was officially conferred the status of a Classical Language. Announcing the Mumbai Book Festival on Oct 3, 2026, connects this proud heritage with a renewed commitment to promoting reading across the state, the Chief Minister said. Now, NBT brings this large-scale initiative to Indias economic capital, Marathe said. He added that the upcoming festival at the Kalina Campus would serve as a single destination for readers, families, students and literature enthusiasts across Mumbai, featuring dedicated children and youth zones, interactive learning activities, workshops and talent-development programmes. Dozens of publishers will display works across multiple genres and languages under one roof. In addition, there will be evening performances showcasing local and national performing arts. Marathe said that the National Book Trust, established on Aug 1, 1957, operates on three core mandates: curating diverse literature, fostering multilingual translation, and promoting a culture of reading through the translation of outstanding literature across various Indian and international languages. It focuses on producing India-centric, non-academic, general-reading books for all age groups. During book festivals, Meet the Author sessions, translation workshops and youth writing initiatives are also organised. While the New Delhi World Book Fair remains NBTs flagship annual event, the trust has actively expanded its footprint across India to ensure books reach every citizen. NBT has successfully hosted regional festivals across the country, including the Gomti Book Festival in Lucknow, the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar, as well as events in Patna, Sambalpur, Shillong, Pune, Nagpur, Goa, Ahmedabad and even at an altitude of 11,500 feet in Ladakh, Marathe said.
4 women injured after speeding Thar hits rickshaw, runs them over in Mumbai
Karnataka: Illegal pistol racket key accused held in Hyderabad
Bidar: Bidar district police have arrested Balbir Singh alias Shera Jadhav, allegedly a key accused in an illegal country-made pistol supply network, during a special operation in Hyderabad. According to Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti, Singh, a native of Nanded in Maharashtra, was arrested after police gathered information about his involvement in the illegal arms 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 .
Sena (UBT) leader's Murder: Oppn Parties to Take Out Protest March in Thane
Opposition leaders of Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Congress, AAP, Dharmarajya Paksha and Republican Party of India (RPI) announced the protest march
13 days off for Hyderabad schools: Visit this car-free hill station
Imagine spending a holiday in the hills without hearing constant horns, seeing traffic jams or breathing in vehicle exhaust. In Maharashtra, there is a hill station where this is still possible. Matheran, located in the Sahyadri hills, is known as Indias only hill station where motor vehicles are not allowed inside the main tourist area. 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 .
Drought Impact: City May Soon Get Alternate-Day Water Supply
flydubai incident a 'terrorist attack', says UAE; says co-pilot used crash axe
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot began executing his plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the flight deck using a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft
Mumbai Police register FIR after singer duped of Rs 45,000 in three-way call merge scam
'Smit's courageous act will motivate aspiring pilots': Capt Machchhar's family
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) Relatives of Captain Smit Machchhar on Saturday said that the way he saved 170 lives on board flydubai flight FZ1073, despite being attacked by his co-pilot, will serve as motivation for aspiring pilots. Kishorbhai Machchhar, uncle of Captain Machchhar, said that though he has not spoken to his nephew, he has got to know from the latter's father that the pilot is now stable. I will go to meet him at his home in Dubai once he is discharged from the hospital...we just want him to come home, then we will have a grand celebration, he told IANS. Further, the pilot's uncle said that the incident has conveyed a message to the world, aviation is not just a glamorous sector. The foremost priority is the safety of passengers...Smit's courageous act will serve as a motivation for aspiring pilots, he said. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on a video call to Captain Smit Machchhar, where the latter told him that he kept chanting 'Hanuman Chalisa' while fighting off the attacker co-pilot. The pilot's aunt, Sonal Machchhar, recalled that the parents played 'Hanuman Chalisa' while putting the Machchhar siblings to sleep during their childhood. Speaking to IANS, she said: Since their childhood, we would play the Hanuman Chalisa while putting the children to sleep at night. In the morning, everyone would seek blessings at the temple built inside the house. Hanuman Chalisa is also kept in our temple. This is how all the children have grown up. Sonal added that Smit Machchhar, along with his cousin brother (her son), was initially expected to join the family's textile business. The pilot's cousin also works at flydubai airline. They were also pursuing education accordingly. But one day, both of them came and said that they wanted to pursue aviation. Though we were surprised at first, we then supported them. They studied in New Zealand and have progressed so well, she said. Regarding meeting with the Maharashtra Chief Minister, she said: Devendra Fadnavis ji reassured us, praying for Smit's speedy recovery. He also told us to contact him if we needed anything. Smit Machchhar's cousin sister Pooja Ganatra said that though the news regarding her cousin was all over television and social media on the day of the incident, the family was not sure whether the pilot was on the same flight or not. My (biological) brother is also in flydubai. He received a call that Smit was injured. He called me, and that is how I came to know about it. Obviously, the family was very disturbed. I went and informed his parents and my parents as well, took care of them and sent Smits parents to Dubai, where the family met him. He is stable now, she told IANS. Ganatra, who is the Centre Head of FlyBy Aviation Academy in Mumbai, called her cousin brother's courageous act a proud moment for the world. Certainly, this is a moment of pride for the entire world, but as a family, it is a very emotional moment for us. We will only pray that he recovers at the earliest and hope that he returns home soon. He also greatly respects Narendra Modi ji...while speaking to him, he also became very emotional, she said.
NHRC orders probe into mobilisation of minors at Mumbai protest
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of complaints alleging the use and mobilisation of minor children during the protest held in Mumbai on October 2 and their subsequent exposure through photographs and videos circulated on social media. A Bench presided over by Member Priyank Kanoongo has issued notices to the Mumbai Police Commissioner; Maharashtras Department of Women and Child Development; social media platform X; and the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), directing them to take immediate action and submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within one week. The action has been initiated under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers the NHRC to inquire into alleged violations of human rights. The apex human rights body observed that the allegations prima facie raise serious concerns relating to the dignity, safety, privacy, protection and possible exploitation of children. According to the complaints filed by Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation and another organisation, posts on X allegedly depicted a young child being held above a crowd carrying the National Flag and a placard, while slogans were being raised and several persons recorded the child on mobile phones. The complaints alleged that children were involved by persons associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), and sought examination of the role of organisers, coordinators, accompanying adults and every person who allegedly brought, prompted, encouraged, facilitated or mobilised the participation of minors in the gathering. The complaints also referred to purported group and chat discussions concerning the planning and coordination of the protest, where the participation of minors was allegedly discussed in advance. It was specifically alleged that discussions took place regarding the involvement of minors on the premise that police may not detain them, raising concerns over whether their status as children was consciously sought to be used to avoid, restrict or discourage lawful police action. The material referred to Ajinkya Shinde, Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das and other persons, whose respective roles, communications and coordination in relation to the alleged planning, mobilisation or facilitation of participation of minors have been directed to be independently verified on the basis of the complete digital trail and other evidence. The NHRC observed that the issue was not confined to the mere presence of children at a public gathering and said the allegations, if established, could indicate planned mobilisation or instrumental use of minors with knowledge of their age and vulnerability. It further said the allegations raised concerns requiring immediate examination under the child-protection and criminal-law framework, including Sections 75 and 83(2) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The NHRC has directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to examine the entire video, photographic, social-media and other digital material concerning the incident and register an FIR wherever commission of cognisable offences is disclosed, followed by investigation strictly in accordance with law. The police have also been directed to ascertain how the child or children came to be involved in the gathering and identify the organisers, coordinators, accompanying adults, parents or guardians and every person who brought, prompted, encouraged, facilitated or otherwise caused their participation in the gathering, sloganeering or related activities. The apex human rights body has further directed the police to obtain, preserve and forensically examine material relating to the alleged group and chat discussions, including identification of creators, administrators and relevant participants, besides preserving messages, timestamps and other electronic records. The police have also been asked to specifically ascertain whether participation of minors was planned in advance and whether any discussion took place about their involvement on the premise that police may not detain them. The roles and communications of Ajinkya Shinde, Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das and others are also to be examined, with the NHRC directing that responsibility be determined strictly on the basis of evidence collected during investigation. The police have been asked to examine the applicability of Sections 75 and 83(2) of the Juvenile Justice Act, including the role of persons having actual charge or control over the children and any adult or group found to have used children in circumstances attracting the provisions. The NHRC also directed the police to examine the digital dimension of the incident and identify persons or accounts which posted, uploaded, coordinated, circulated, promoted or otherwise used photographs or videos of the children. The authorities have been directed to secure and preserve the complete digital evidentiary trail, including original videos and photographs, group or chat communications, posts, reposts, URLs, post IDs, account particulars, timestamps and relevant metadata. The NHRC directed that necessary preservation and disclosure requests be issued to social media platform X and other concerned intermediaries so that relevant evidence is not deleted, altered or rendered unavailable. The identified children have been directed to be produced before the competent Child Welfare Committee (CWC), with the CWC and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) asked to assess their circumstances and ensure necessary counselling, psychosocial support, care, protection and rehabilitation. The NHRC has directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to submit a comprehensive ATR within one week, detailing the status of the FIR and investigation, verification of alleged prior planning and group-chat discussions concerning minors, persons and organisers identified, the roles of the individuals named in the complaint, social-media accounts identified, action under the Juvenile Justice Act and other applicable laws, preservation of electronic evidence and child-protection measures undertaken. Meanwhile, media platform X has been directed to preserve the complete digital evidentiary trail relating to the concerned content and accounts, including account particulars, URLs, post IDs, timestamps, registration and login details, IP information and relevant metadata. It has also been asked to provide particulars of the concerned accounts and content, including whether the material has been removed, restricted or disabled and the date and basis of any such action. The NHRC has further directed X to explain how the content involving children was permitted to be uploaded, hosted and disseminated and whether its child-safety, content-moderation and reporting mechanisms were applied at the relevant stage. The platform has also been directed to disclose the moderation and enforcement action subsequently taken and furnish preserved records and requisite account or content information to the investigating agency upon lawful requisition. The Secretary, MeitY, has been directed to examine X's compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and applicable IT Rules, 2021, particularly obligations relating to due diligence, child safety, grievance redressal, preservation of information and assistance to law-enforcement agencies. The MeitY has also been asked to examine whether applicable child-safety and content-moderation safeguards were duly applied and whether any failure of statutory due diligence is disclosed. The NHRC directed MeitY to ensure preservation of the complete digital evidentiary trail and examine the concerned accounts and any coordinated or repeated dissemination or use of children through such content. It further directed that where any violation or failure of statutory due diligence is established, appropriate action be taken against the intermediary and/or concerned accounts strictly in accordance with law. The Principal Secretary, Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department, has been directed to ensure rescue, care and protection of the children in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act. The NHRC has directed all concerned authorities to protect the identity, privacy, dignity and best interests of the children throughout the proceedings and ensure that no action pursuant to the notice results in further unnecessary exposure or dissemination of their identity.
From Odisha To Maharashtra: Centre Approves 5 Classical Language Centres Across 5 States
Classical Language Centres: The centres aim to strengthen academic research, digitisation, preservation, and dissemination of the heritage of these classical languages.
Youth angry with BJP rule, wont back down despite cases, says Sapkal
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said the protest held at Mumbais Shivaji Park on Friday reflected the discontent among the youth. He said young people would not be deterred by cases registered against them
Jantar Mantar protest: Delhi Police register three FIRs against protesters
The cases have been registered under Sections 223, 221, 132 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The sections relate to alleged violations of prohibitory orders, obstruction of public servants and unlawful assembly. Police are investigating the cases
