Prithvi Shaw Not Giving Up On India Comeback Dream
The explosive opener has managed two half-centuries in seven innings this Ranji Trophy season, with his highest score of 70 coming against Delhi in Maharashtra's opening match. Since then, his returns have been 7, 21, 0, 17 and 12.
In Maharashtras Hupari town, women artisans drive a 1,000-crore silver industry, sustaining a century-old trade.Radheshyam Jadhavreports on how, despite being underpaid and excluded from formal leadership, they forge their own economic autonomy in a deeply traditional landscape
According to the report, around 12 lakh candidates have applied for the MPSC Group C Combined Preliminary Examination 2026, for which more than 5,000 vacancies have been advertised
Festive season crackdown: Maharashtra FDA seizes food stock worth 63.45 crore
According to a press note issued by the FDA, officials inspected 9,667 food establishments across Maharashtra, issued 4,603 improvement notices and initiated action to cancel 25 licences and registrations
Maharashtra FDA seizes drugs, cosmetics worth 34.51 lakh, cancels 122 licences
The FDA urged citizens to report instances of illegal drug manufacturing or sales, as well as suspected substandard drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, to its commissioners office or the nearest district office
Drought strain on migrant workers, many head home in festival time
Pune Rural police arrest two criminals, detect 12 robbery and burglary cases
Man booked for drunk driving after car hits motorcycle in Bavdhan
Truck driver killed, two injured in head-on collision on Chakan-Shikrapur road
689 noise offences till Sept, cases trebled in 2 years in Maharashtra: DGP office
Drought now threatens Maharashtra's jowar belt, Solapur sees 'unprecedented' decline
Govt NOC to PMC for eight new CBSE schools in Pune
Diwali bonus dispute hits PMPML e-bus services; many trips cancelled, commuters stranded
Allot 13 TMC water to city till June: PMC standing committee chairman Bhimale submits demand to CM
Activists seek public release of all Moshi landfill collapse inquiry reports
After phone-in agitation, govt promises funds to clear contractors dues before Diwali
Pune customs personnel seize hydroponic weed worth Rs 3.72 crore at airport
Scooterist dies in hit-and-run
Scooterist faces case after he crashes into ACPs vehicle
Constable, son assault Mayo Hospital doc, cop alleges medical negligence
MARD Demands Measures To Ensure Safety Of Doctors
BJP brass hit the street, Fadnavis & Gadkari accuse Congress of undermining democracy
Rs44 crore sanctioned for Amravati farmers hit by monsoon floods
Flamingos arrive early at Thane creek, greens flag missing protection for DPS lake
Man arrested for firing at ex-partner, her sister in Navi Mumbai
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 5: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, one of India's leading private life insurers, today launched Wealth Infinity Plan, a unit-linked life insurance plan that brings together long-term wealth creation and life insurance protection. Designed around two different financial horizons 1. Building towards a goal 2. Planning for the next Generation - the plan promises customers the freedom to choose investment funds and strategies that support each life stage.
Gokul row fuels Opposition's 'vote chori' campaign against Maharashtra govt
A political struggle has emerged over recent appointments to the Gokul Milk Cooperative by the state government. Opposition parties argue that this move undermines the democratic process established by the farmer elections. The Congress party claims that the government's actions represent an attempt to seize power through illegal means. Supporters of the government argue that the appointments are necessary to resolve a deadlock within the cooperative.
Thane doctors rush to Mauritius with 300kg equipment, save woman shot in police firing
326 licences suspended across Maharashtra in pre-Diwali inspections: FDA
MSEDCL clerk arrested for murder of bedridden brother in Panvel flat
Northern Arc Diversified Debt Fund Raises Rs. 400 Crore+
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 5: Northern Arc Investment Managers Private Limited (Northern Arc Investment Manager), the asset management subsidiary of Northern Arc Capital Limited, a diversified financial services platform has announced the first close of its Northern Arc Diversified Debt Fund, with commitments exceeding Rs. 400 crore from institutions, family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). This fund is Northern Arc Investment Manager's 15th private credit fund, a sector-agnostic Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) focused on performing private credit opportunities. Rated AA (SO) by CareEdge Ratings, the fund targets a corpus of Rs. 1,500 crore, with an additional greenshoe option of Rs. 500 crore, taking its potential size to Rs. 2,000 crore, with a tenure of five years, the fund targets 16% XIRR.
Police: No bursting of crackers on roads
Evergreen Actor Asha Parekh Brings Bollywoods Golden Era Alive In City
Awaaz Foundation, MPCB test firecrackers in Mumbai, all below 125 dB limit
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited launches amnesty scheme 2026-27
FIR on inebriated man for verbally abusing, filming traffic police on duty in Mumbai
BMC floats Rs 8,614-crore tender to concretise another 452 km of Mumbai roads
ED arrests promoter in Rs 157 crore money-laundering case
ED Busts Fake Tender Racket, Raids Locations In Tripura, Bengal, Maharashtra
The Enforcement Directorate conducted search and seizure operations at 13 locations across Tripura, West Bengal, and Maharashtra in connection with an alleged fake government tender racket. The probe targets a suspended IAS officer and co-conspirators involved in a money-laundering investigation, with victims defrauded of over Rs 44 crore.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a blistering attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that under Gandhi
Congress leader Satej Patil on Thursday accused the Maharashtra government of attempting to take control of the Rs 4,000-crore Gokul cooperative dairy by retrospectively changing the law, alleging that the move was aimed at overturning the mandate secured by his panel in the board elections. Addressing a press conference, Patil termed the Maharashtra Cabinet
12 charged for unlawful assembly, road protest after Godhani fatal accident
Two Deaths In 34 Days: Heavy Vehicles Banned On Godhani Road From 6 Am To 10Pm
No forced land acquisition in Gadchiroli, committee to resolve issues: CM
Gokul not a national issue for RaGa to tweet, quorum deadlock forced nominee move: CM
Maharashtra's 8.6 trn litmus test: From investment promises to projects
Maharashtra secured investment commitments worth 8.57 trillion through 67 agreements in October, but land acquisition and power costs could slow their conversion into projects.
Dhanteras rush drives Nagpurs markets, Rs500 crore business likely
Akot man gets life imprisonment for raping 82-year-old woman
ED searches 13 locations in Tripura, Bengal, Maharashtra over Rs 14-cr tender scam
Karjat farmers and tribals oppose hydropower projects, demand cancellation
The Karjat Taluka Paryavaran Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through the Karjat tehsildar, demanding the permanent cancellation of both projects
Chhattisgarh: 711 grenade launcher shells recovered from Maoist hideout
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising personnel from the Bijapur District Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and a Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit launched a targeted search operation
UPSC Civil Services Mains Result 2026 declared, check details here
Candidates who have cleared the mains will now appear for the personality test, which is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. The interview dates will be announced by the commission in due course
Prices drop at FCIs wheat sales in major growing States as Indian govt doubles quantity
Barring Maharashtra, prices declined by Rs 59-344 a quintal this week, when 1.99 lakh tonnes were offered
MPSC Aspirants Get One-Year Upper Age Limit Relaxation
Maharashtra reopens application portals and expands Group-C vacancies to over 16,000 following student protests and committee recommendations.
Five Get Life Imprisonment Under MCOCA In Delhi
A Delhi court on Thursday sentenced five men to life imprisonment under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for operating an organised crime syndicate. Special Judge Gaurav Rao ruled that there was o chance of any reformation for the accused, who were also fined Rs 5 lakh each. The court rejected defence pleas for leniency, citing the grave and heinous nature of their crimes and their repeated involvement.
SRTT tells charity commissioner its order tied hands on Mehli reply
In filings before Maharashtras charity commissioner, former Tata Trusts trustee Mehli Mistry questioned Venu Srinivasans vote after his trustee tenure expired and challenged Noel Tatas eligibility to serve on a charitable trust.
ED raids 13 premises in Maharashtra, Bengal and Tripura over fake tender scam
The central probe agency said on Thursday that the searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeting individuals and entities allegedly linked to the racket
INS Sahyadri arrives in Japan to participate in MALABAR 2026 naval exercise
The Eastern Fleet warship was accorded a welcome by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), highlighting the growing maritime cooperation between the two countries
DRDO successfully tests Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off Odisha coast
DRDO has successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off Odisha's coast, with all test objectives met. The Defence Ministry said the successful user evaluation trial brings the missile's induction into the military closer
Pune Metro Line 3 records 50,000 passengers on Day 1
The District Court Metro Station emerged as the busiest station on the corridor, recording nearly 25,000 passengers. The station is an important interchange point, providing connectivity to Pune Railway Station and other parts of the city
Hingoli RTO launches drive against private bus fare overcharging
The RTO has appealed to commuters who are charged excess fares to file complaints along with their tickets or receipts so that action can be taken against the operators
What I have learnt is that I should not think so much ahead: Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw scored an unbeaten 53 runs to guide Maharashtra to a 10-wicket win over Bengal. After shifting from Mumbai, he enjoys leading Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy match. Shaw emphasised the importance of focusing on immediate tasks rather than thinking ahead about his return to the national team. He expressed confidence in achieving big runs with more consistent performances in forthcoming innings.
Indian Railways wins PM Surya Ghar award for solarising maximum govt buildings
The Ministry secured the top position in the category of Maximum Buildings Solarized by Central Ministries/Departments under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, setting an inspiring national benchmark for renewable energy adoption across public institutions
PMLA case against Maharashtra minister Hasan Mushrif and his sons shut
A special PMLA court has accepted the ED's closure report in the 2022 money laundering case against Maharashtra minister Hasan Mushrif and his sons after the Bombay High Court quashed the linked predicate proceedings
Beed: Family Booked Over Windmill Project Dispute
A family in Maharashtra's Beed district has been booked for allegedly obstructing a windmill installation project by Avaada Energy and demanding Rs 30 lakh, despite having received prior compensation for their land. They also sought jobs for their children and threatened company officials.
UGC regulations row: Centre plans panel to review UGC's new equity framework
The Centre on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that it is setting up a special committee to re-examine the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 2026 regulations aimed at promoting equity in higher education institutions
Ranji Trophy: Tripura stun Saurashtra; Mumbai get fourth win, Hyderabad edge Chhattisgarh
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Tripura pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy by defeating former champions Saurashtra by 133 runs on the final day of their Elite Group B clash. Set 342 to win, Saurashtra were undone once again by off-spinner Sandip Sarkar. He followed his first-innings figures of 4-48 with 4-81, and finished with eight wickets in the match. Arpit Vasavada made 89, the only half-century of the second innings for Saurashtra, and was the last man to be dismissed after he was run out by Manisankar Murasingh to seal a famous win for Tripura in Agartala. Sridam Paul was named Player of the Match for scores of 86 and 50. At the Brabourne Stadium, 42-time champions Mumbai beat Railways by 106 runs to get their fourth straight outright win of the season. Mumbai had to wait until the final session to clinch the victory. Railways were 250/5 at the last drinks break and seemed set to escape with a draw. Eshaan Goyal and Zubair Ali had rebuilt the innings from 83/5 in the 31st over with a 167-run sixth-wicket stand. But on the very first ball after drinks, Goyal attempted a paddle sweep off Musheer Khan, and Musheers brother Sarfaraz, anticipating the shot from first slip, moved swiftly towards leg slip to take the catch. A couple of overs later, Musheer had Ali caught at long-off. Raj Choudhary and Himanshu Sangwan dug in for a while in an attempt to take Railways to a draw. But Tanush Kotian removed Choudhary, and Musheer came back to dismiss Sangwan and wrap up the win for Mumbai, as Railways lost their last five wickets for 15 runs. Elsewhere, Hyderabad scraped home by one wicket against Chhattisgarh in a nail-biting chase of 259 at the Gymkhana Ground. At 220/9, Hyderabad looked beaten, but a 39-run last-wicket stand off 104 balls turned the game, and Rakshann Readdi finished it with a six over long-off. The win also took Hyderabad to the top of the Group B table with 20 points. At the Eden Gardens, Maharashtra thrashed Bengal by 10 wickets in an Elite Group C clash. Bad light had cut into play on three days, but Maharashtra still had time to secure a bonus point. Pradeep Dhade and Hitesh Walunj took four wickets each on day for as Bengal were bowled out for 186 in their second innings, leaving Maharashtra a target of 112 to chase. Openers Sachin Dhas and Prithvi Shaw knocked it off in just 19.4 overs. While Dhas was unbeaten on 61 off 68 balls with 10 fours, and reached his fifty in 43 deliveries, Shaw made an unbeaten 53 off 50 balls, laced with three fours and four sixes, and got his half-century in 47 balls. It was Maharashtras biggest win of the season and their second outright victory. The seven points took them to 19, past previous leaders Bengal, who suffered their first defeat of the season. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat crushed Kerala by an innings and 58 runs to get a bonus-point victory. Urvil Patels unbeaten 210 set up the win, while Arzan Nagwaswalla finished with match figures of 8-83, including 4-24 on the last day, as Kerala were bowled out for 197 after being made to follow on. Tamil Nadu needed three wickets on the final day, and Ajith Ram took them all, finishing with 7-48 to seal the win over Chandigarh. At the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam, Yash Dhulls first hundred of the season helped Delhi hold on for a draw against Services and take three points due to taking a first-innings lead. Chasing 320, Delhi slipped to 119/4 just before tea when Nitin Tanwar removed Ayush Doseja for 14. But Dhull stood firm and finished unbeaten on 104 off 104 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes. He reached his century off 102 deliveries, shortly before the teams shook hands with Delhi, ending on 168/4 after 38 overs. Services captain Rajat Paliwal completed a century in each innings, while ex-Delhi player Mohit Ahlawat made 142 as Services declared their second innings at 397/9. Elsewhere, several games ended in draws. Uttar Pradesh made 492, built on Adarsh Singhs 162 and Madhav Kaushiks 137, and Prashant Veer took 3-42, but they could not get a win over Baroda in Kanpur. Jammu and Kashmir piled up 555/6 and took a 170-run first-innings lead over Pondicherry, who batted out the game thanks to Ankit Sharmas 62 in Srinagar. Andhra replied to Punjabs 592/9 with 505/8 to secure a draw. Shaik Rasheed made 176, while Karan Shinde fell four runs short of a hundred. Rain cost Jharkhand plenty of overs against Odisha, who reached 280/7 on the final day as the match was drawn. Pukhraj Manns unbeaten 153 on the final day saved the game for Himachal Pradesh against Rajasthan. All three Plate Group matches produced results. Satyajeet Bachhav followed his first-innings 6-50 with figures of 7-33 as Sikkim beat Manipur by 201 runs. Nagaland bowled out Meghalaya for 172 in the second innings to win by 122 runs. Mizoram beat Arunachal Pradesh by an innings and 29 runs, with Chinmay Sutar making 175 and Bobby Zothansanga taking five wickets in the second innings. The Ranji Trophy will now take a break for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and resume in January.
ED raids 13 locations across three states, including Tripura, over Rs 14.55-crore tender scam
Guwahati: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search and seizure operations at 13 locations across Tripura, West Bengal and Maharashtra in connection with an alleged fake government tender racket that reportedly defrauded a Nagpur-based company of approximately Rs 14.55 crore. The searches were carried out on November 4 by the EDs Agartala Sub-Zonal Office under [] The post ED raids 13 locations across three states, including Tripura, over Rs 14.55-crore tender scam appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis defends government decision on Gokul Dairy election amid Rahul Gandhi
The News Mill
ED raids 13 premises in Tripura, Bengal and Maharashtra over alleged fake govt tender racket
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Agartala, Nov 5 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search and seizure operations at 13 premises across Tripura, West Bengal and Maharashtra in connection with an alleged fake government tender racket operated through a fictitious entity named the 'Directorate of Higher Education'. The central probe agency said on Thursday that the searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeting individuals and entities allegedly linked to the racket. The searches were conducted by the ED's Agartala Sub-Zonal office on Wednesday, in connection with an ongoing money-laundering investigation arising from FIR registered at Capital Complex Police station in Agartala, the probe agency said in a statement. It said that the FIR was registered on the complaint of Nagpur based M/s S.K. Sales Corporation, against Abhishek Chandra, a Tripura cadre IAS officer, and co-conspirators, alleging that the firm was fraudulently induced to pay Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs) of around Rs 14.55 crore between September 2024 and February 2025 against purported tenders of the of Tripura government in the mid-day meal and power sectors, which were never floated. The offences registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, cheating by personation and forgery, are scheduled offences under the PMLA, 2002. Accordingly, the ED recorded an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) and initiated investigation under the PMLA, 2002. Investigation has revealed that Abhishek Chandra (presently under suspension) represented himself as the officer controlling tender processes in the Tripura government and introduced the complainant to one Utpal Kumar Chowdhury as the official responsible for processing payments. The EMDs were paid through demand drafts in favour of 'Directorate of Higher Education', which was, in fact, a proprietary concern of Utpal Kumar Chowdhury bearing a name deceptively similar to the genuine government department. Forged tender notices and work orders were allegedly used, and a joint venture with Krishna Chakraborty, represented by her husband Sudip Paul, was used to structure the collection of funds. Partial 'refunds' were made at critical junctures to sustain the confidence of the victim and induce further payments. The ED said that the funds credited into the fictitious entity's accounts were allegedly layered within days, and in some instances within 24 hours, through a network of shell entities, several of which are registered in the names of domestic staff and associates of Utpal Kumar Chowdhury. The proceeds of crime were allegedly utilised for acquisition of immovable properties, including flats in a housing project and a residential property in Mumbai's Shivaji Park in the names of family members of Abhishek Chandra, as well as for foreign travel and luxury goods. Funds were also allegedly routed through an alleged hawala conduit based in Kolkata. The ED is already investigating Utpal Kumar Chowdhury and others, arising out of five FIRs registered in West Bengal and Tripura, wherein the same fictitious entity and modus operandi were used to defraud multiple victims of an aggregate amount exceeding Rs 44 crore. In that case, provisional attachment orders on January 22, 2026 and July 31, 2026, have already been issued. The search proceedings were conducted in the residential premises of Abhishek Chandra and hawala operators and also in the office premises of several companies/entities connected to the money trail, the ED statement said. During the course of search proceedings, voluminous documentary evidences of hawala transactions, several high value property details and other evidences indicating suspicious control over corporate entities were found and seized. Digital devices and records belonging to various accused persons crucial to the current investigation were also seized. Further investigation is underway.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration inspected 9,667 food establishments between September 1 and November 3, suspending 954 licences and seizing food stock worth Rs 63.45 crore.
Shaw speaks about Team India's comeback after Maharashtra's win over Bengal
In the match against Bengal, Prithvi Shaw scored 12 runs in 21 balls, including two boundaries in the first innings. Later, he smashed an unbeaten 53 runs off 50 balls, with the help of three boundaries and four maximums
Diwali food safety drive: FDA suspends 326 licences, seizes stock worth Rs 44 cr
The Maharashtra FDA issued 1,501 improvement notices, collected 3,864 food samples and seized 1,886.44 metric tonnes of food stock, an official statement said
2021 Antilia bomb-scare: Bombay HC cancels Mumbai ex-cop Sachin Vaze's bail
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 5 (IANS) In a setback to controversial Mumbai ex-cop Sachin Vaze, the Bombay High Court on Thursday cancelled bail granted to him by a lower court in the 2021 Antilia bomb-scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases. A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale passed the order while accepting an appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), against the September 29 order of a special court granting bail to Vaze. The impugned order of the special court is quashed and set aside. The appeal by the NIA is allowed, the High Court order said. Vaze is an accused in the Antilia bomb scare case, wherein an SUV laden with explosives was recovered near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai residence in February 2021. Hiren was one of a possible witness in the case who was later found murdered. The High Court had earlier imposed an interim stay on the bail granted to the former Assistant Police Inspector Vaze by the Special NIA Court, resulting in Vaze remaining in judicial custody in Thane Central Prison where he has been lodged for the past five years. The NIA had opposed the controversial dismissed cop's bail, claiming that Vaze could tamper with witnesses and destroy evidence. He (Vaze) was earlier charged in a fake encounter case. He was a police officer who had the duty of protecting the public. But he himself indulged in criminal activities where he not just tried to instill fear and terror but he murdered a person, the NIA's lawyer said. Earlier while hearing the NIA's appeal in October, the High Court expressed surprise over Vaze's lifestyle, including the use of high-end cars. The bench also flagged Vaze's extended stay of about 100 days in a room booked at the Oberoi hotel, asking how an officer of the rank of Assistant Police Inspector could afford to drive high-end vehicles. The High Court said that these aspects of Vaze's financial situation, conduct, and professional record were relevant to assessing the charges against him. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, representing the NIA, shared with the High Court witness statements that mentioned that Vaze used expensive and luxury vehicles while he was an Assistant Police Inspector. During the hearing, Anil Singh read out a witness statement, which said that Vaze travelled in a black Mercedes and asked those accompanying him to turn off their mobile phones. The court then asked whether the Mercedes belonged to Vaze and whether there was any evidence that the vehicle was registered in his name. After the NIA responded in the affirmative, the court asked whether it was normal for an Assistant Police Inspector to own such an expensive car. The court remarked, Since we have not yet seen an Assistant Police Inspector driving a Mercedes... The court also sought information from the NIA regarding Vaze's other vehicles and reviewed a list of five vehicles he used while serving as Assistant Police Inspector. This list included a white BMW, a black Volvo, a white Mercedes, a white Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and another black Mercedes. Seeing the number of vehicles, the court said, He (Sachin Vaze) owns five vehicles... The court noted that, according to statements submitted by the NIA, Vaze travelled in a high-end Mercedes to the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office and the Maharashtra Chief Minister's residence, 'Varsha'. NIA's lawyer Anil Singh also told the court that Vaze had stayed at a seven-star hotel in South Mumbai for around 100 days. The court asked how a police officer, earning a monthly salary of around Rs 90,000 at the time, could afford such an expensive lifestyle. The NIA said that these vehicles owned and used by Vaze are being linked to alleged extortion in the case.
Centre launches 9th tranche of e-auction for critical mineral blocks
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Union Mines Ministry on Thursday launched the ninth tranche of e-auction for critical and strategic mineral blocks, together with the third tranche of the auction for Grant of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks. The launch was officiated by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as Chief Guest. A total of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks are being put up for auction in the ninth tranche. Five critical mineral blocks are located in Chhattisgarh, while Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal account for three each. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra each have two blocks, followed by Bihar and Andhra Pradesh with one each. The blocks contain critical minerals such as graphite, vanadium, gallium, titanium, tungsten, and scandium. These are used as critical elements in clean energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, fertilisers, defence, aerospace, electronics, and other strategic industries, thereby strengthening India's mineral security and supporting the country's energy transition, an official statement said. In the previous eight tranches, 100 unique critical and strategic mineral blocks were offered, of which 64 have been successfully auctioned. Alongside the ninth tranche, the Ministry of Mines also launched the third tranche of the auction of exploration licences. Exploration Licences, introduced through Section 10BA of the MMDR Act, enable private investment in the exploration of 29 critical and deep-seated minerals specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Act, opening up exploration to private industry even before mining begins. So far, 11 EL blocks have been successfully auctioned in two tranches. The government has notified the Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2026 on October 16, reducing the minimum number of Technically Qualified Bidders required for the second round from three to two for Part D minerals. The change, built into the tender documents for both tranches, addresses a key reason blocks have gone unsold. Letters of Intent will now be issued automatically through the Unified Mining Portal. These build on earlier reforms, including the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 and Insurance Surety Bonds, aimed at improving ease of doing business and investor confidence. The sale of tender documents for both auction processes commenced on Thursday. The last date for purchase of the tender document is January 1, 2027 (by 5 p.m. IST), and the last date for submission of bids (Technical Bid and Initial Price Offer) is January 7, 2027. Critical Mineral Blocks (Composite Licence and Mining Lease) will be auctioned online through a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction, where the bidder quoting the highest percentage of revenue share wins. Exploration Licence Blocks will be auctioned online through a transparent two-stage descending reverse auction, where the bidder quoting the lowest percentage share of the revenue share of the future lessee wins. Details are available on the MSTC e-auction platform at: https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/
Rainfall deficit, fund crunch leave Maharashtra battling drought
Roughly 15 million farmers in Maharashtra are getting anxious about the Rs 5,000 that the government promised as advance relief for their crops, which withered due to the extraordinary drought that has gripped the state. This relief is due by Diwali, as per a voluntary promise by the state, but that date is very closeDiwali 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 .
Mushrif Money Laundering Case Closed By PMLA Court
A special PMLA court in Mumbai has accepted the Enforcement Directorate's closure report in a 2022 money laundering case against Maharashtra minister Hasan Mushrif and his sons. This decision follows the Bombay High Court quashing the linked predicate offenses, which are essential for a PMLA case to proceed.
India Comeback Always At Back Of My Mind: Prithvi Shaw
Shaw has managed two half-centuries in seven innings this Ranji Trophy season, with his highest score of 70 coming against Delhi in Maharashtra's opening match
Goa records most marine mammal strandings, CMFRI maps 161 cases
Digital Desk | Kochi, Nov 5 (IANS) Goa has reported the highest number of marine mammal strandings along the Indian coast, with 113 cases during 2024-25. Kerala came next with 13 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 11, according to a study by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The institute has now developed a digital map to track such incidents and help protect marine mammals. The map uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and brings together around 1,300 location records covering 32 marine mammal species. The study was led by CMFRI Senior Scientist Ratheesh Kumar Raveendran. It was presented at an international symposium on fisheries and remote sensing being held at the institute. Humpback dolphins topped the list of stranded marine mammals, with 82 cases. Indo-Pacific finless porpoises came next with 44 cases. The data were collected through CMFRI's marine mammal stranding network. The network works through staff at the institute's regional centres along the Indian coast. The records were also supported by verified information from trained volunteers and open-access databases. One such source was the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Network of India. The new digital platform provides details of where the animals were found, their species, the incidents and possible causes of death. It also allows users to study when and where strandings take place. The map is expected to help identify areas where such incidents are more common. It will also help researchers and government agencies study possible threats to marine mammals and plan better conservation measures. Ratheesh Kumar Raveendran said the information would help researchers, policymakers and conservation agencies identify important areas and improve their response to stranding incidents. He also stressed the need for better coordination and stronger networks to report such cases. The study also pointed out the need for field checks, DNA tests to identify species and mapping of locations to understand why marine mammals get stranded. The three-day international symposium is being jointly organised by the Trevor Platt Science Foundation, the Department of Chemical Oceanography of Cochin University of Science and Technology, CMFRI and the Marine Biological Association of India. Union Earth Sciences Ministry Secretary Srinivasa Kumar Tummala will inaugurate the valedictory session on Friday.
Maharashtra CEO asks officials to ensure every voter claim is examined carefully
Maharashtra CEO S Chockalingam stressed that officials must handle every application carefully and transparently, ensuring that no application remains pending
