What the scrapping of reservation means for Muslims in Maharashtra
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan asked why the BJP-led government had scrapped the decision soon after Ajit Pawar's demise, when Mr. Pawar had taken the decision in 2014
Maharashtra scraps 5% quota for Muslims in jobs, education
PTI Mumbai The BJP-led Maharashtra government has formally nullified the 5 per cent quota provided to Muslims in jobs and education, introduced by the erstwhile Congress-NCP dispensation in 2014 through an ordinance, but which never became a law, putting an end to the legal limbo. The move evoked sharp reactions from the Opposition, which flayed []
Maharashtra govt scraps Muslim quota; Congress calls it 'vengeful'
Maharashtra's Congress party has labelled the state government's decision to cancel a 2014 order granting reservation to Muslims as an act of vengeance. The government maintains the move is merely procedural, as the quotas were not effectively in place. The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) also opposes the cancellation.
Ajit Pawar's Son Seeks Detailed Probe In Baramati Plane Crash
Jay Pawar, the younger son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar who died in a plane crash last month, on Wednesday sought a thorough probe into the possible serious lapses that led to the accident.
Ajit Pawar's Son Jay Demands Thorough, Impartial Probe Into Plane Crash
Amid a raging row over the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar, his son Jay Pawar on Wednesday demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the plane crash.
Woman Killed By Ex-Husband In BN Reddy Nagar
The deceased has been identified as Udukula Sunitha, a native of Ballarsha in Maharashtra: Reports
Galgotias asked to leave AI Impact Summit after Chinese robotic dog controversy
Galgotias University faced criticism at the AI Impact Summit for showcasing a Chinese-made robotic dog as its own. The university clarified it was used for student AI learning, not developed in-house, and vacated its stall following government instructions, emphasising academic integrity and hands-on innovation
BMC fines contractor for delay in GMLR flyover construction
Menopause OPD clinics serve 400+ women in Mumbai, over 30k in Maharashtra
Nalasopara Station staff manage peak hour rush with orderly boarding system
Under the supervision of Virars Assistant Security Commissioner, divisional staff ensured smooth and safe commuter movement between 6 AM and 11 AM
Next decarbonisation phase to be costlier, more contentious
MLA: Review permissions for LED hoardings on Carter Road promenade
Front lines of fight against climate change are right here: Hillary Clinton
Mumbai Coastal Forest an opportunity to set a benchmarch for green cover
Congress Slams Maharashtra Government For Scrapping 5% Muslim Quota
Congress leader Nasim Khan said the decision amounted to injustice against minorities. By cancelling the reservation, the BJP government has committed the sin of preventing minorities from joining the mainstream of development.
Maharashtra observes a public holiday on February 19, 2026, for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. While government offices and banks will be closed, public transport will operate normally. Cities will host vibrant cultural events and processions, with many visiting historical forts to honor the Maratha Empire's founder, a symbol of courage and justice.
Writer Salim Khans condition stable: Hospital
BJP MLA demands third-party quality and safety audit of entire Metro 4 after complaints
French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding their official engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. 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 .
Man makes lewd gestures at girls outside Mumbai college, arrested
Woman bitten, finger twisted in rush-hour scuffle at Kalyan station
Market Trading Guide: Bank of India among 2 PSU bank stocks offering up to 8% upside
The Nifty 50 logged a third straight gain, reclaiming key support and breaking resistance amid broad-based buying. Analysts see strength continuing toward 26,000. Breakouts in Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra signal fresh upside with bullish momentum indicators.
After BMC setback, Raj Thackeray meets Eknath Shinde amid MNS unease
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai, marking their first interaction since the BMC elections. The meeting, which covered various issues, follows MNS's support for Shinde's Shiv Sena in Kalyan-Dombivli and Shinde's praise for Thackeray's broader perspective in decision-making.
Rs 640-crore cyber fraud case: Supreme Court denies anticipatory bail to CA
The SC denied anticipatory bail to Bhaskar Yadav in a Rs 640 crore cyber fraud and money laundering case, involving siphoning funds from middle-class investors through 5,000 plus bank accounts and laundering via a UAE-based platform
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal apologises to followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji
The Congress leader, facing criticism in the run-up to Shivaji Jayanti, says his remarks had been misrepresented
NITI Aayogs Suman Bery links growth, women and clean energy at Climate Week
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery at Mumbai Climate Week highlighted the link between Indias economic growth, womens workforce participation, and renewable energy. He emphasised clean technology, competitive infrastructure, and reliable power as key to development and advanced manufacturing
I-PAC raids: Supreme Court adjourns ED plea against Mamata Banerjee to March 18
On January 15, the top court observed that the West Bengal chief ministers alleged obstruction of the EDs probe was very serious and agreed to examine whether a states law enforcement agencies can interfere with a central agencys investigation into a serious offence
Maharashtra govt cancels Muslim quota: AIMIM alleges discrimination in jobs, education
AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel vehemently condemned the Maharashtra government's removal of the five percent reservation for Muslims, asserting that the decision aims to hinder young Muslims from aspiring to roles like IAS and IPS officers.
Rajya Sabha Elections For 37 Seats On March 16: Check Full Schedule, Names Of MPs Retiring & More
The elections will take place in 10 states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh.
Residents of Palghar taluka who are impacted by the Vadhvan Port development will be compensated with over Rs 2 crore for each hectare of land taken. The local government has established clear compensation rates and an efficient retrieval process. This land acquisition aims to facilitate road and rail connectivity to the new port.
Jalgaons Atharva Chauhan scores 99.78 percentile in JEE Main
An elated Atharva credited his parents, teachers, and friends for his achievement, while emphasising the importance of honesty and regularity in exam preparation. His father, Avinash Chauhan, expressed confidence in his sons abilities, citing his consistent academic performance over the years
India AI Expo Summit 2026 to remain closed to public on Feb 19 and Feb 21
The India AI Expo Summit 2026 will remain closed to the public on February 19 due to Prime Minister Narendra Modis inauguration and security arrangements. The event has been extended to February 21 to accommodate strong public interest. Around 20 heads of state are expected to attend
Maharashtra Govt Cancels 5 % Muslim Quota in Jobs, Education
The previous Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance to grant a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims
Happy Streets is therapeutic and fun, says Manish Goel
Chembur's St. Sebastian School Road buzzed with life as Happy Streets transformed it into a car-free haven. Residents of all ages enjoyed exercise, art, and community bonding. Actor Manish Goel energized the crowd with a dance performance, calling the event therapeutic and fun.
We had to wash dishes due to PHF: Pak hockey captain Shakeel lashes out
Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt slammed the Pakistan Hockey Federation after the team faced severe mismanagement in Australia, including delayed flights, lack of hotel bookings despite PSB funding, and being forced to wash dishes before matches
MP govt presents Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget with focus on women, farmers, infra
The Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled a Rs 4.38 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27, prioritising womens welfare, agriculture, rural development and infrastructure expansion. Presenting the Budget in the Assembly in Bhopal, Finance Minister Jagdish Devda emphasised inclusive growth, sustainable development and economic self-reliance
Trump Organization seeks trademark for airports bearing presidents name
Applications filed by the Trump Organization with the federal trademark office are seeking exclusive rights to use the president`s name on airports and dozens of related things found there, from buses shuttling passengers to umbrellas and travel bags to flight suits
Youtube says brief global outage affecting thousands has been fixed
YouTube said it has resolved a widespread outage that disrupted access for hundreds of thousands of users worldwide late Tuesday. According to Downdetector, more than 300,000 users reported issues at the peak of the disruption around 0100 GMT. During the outage, visitors to YouTubes homepage were asked to return later as videos failed to load
Maharashtra govt scraps 5 per cent Muslim quota in jobs and education
A GR to this effect was issued on Tuesday, following the lapse of the previous ordinance granting the quota, which also faced an interim court stay. The earlier Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance providing a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims
Global AI Summit 2026: PM Modi calls AI a force multiplier
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 to promote responsible and inclusive AI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said AI will create new opportunities, while global leaders backed Indias role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence
Maharashtra showcases AI-driven agri transformation at India AI Impact Summit 2026
A key highlight was the work of the Maharashtra Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Center, which has compiled 26 transformative case studies.
RSS chief stresses need to unite Hindu society, pitches for 3 children in Hindu
Addressing a social-harmony meeting on Tuesday, the RSS chief expressed concern over what he described as a declining Hindu population and said inducement- or coercion-based religious conversions should be stopped
Maharashtra scraps Muslim quota, opposition protests
In a controversial move, the Maharashtra government has annulled the 5% reservation for Muslims in education and public sector jobs. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition factions, who label the ruling coalition as discriminatory towards minority communities.
Centre has allocated 15,385 crore for developing National Highways in Maharashtra: Nitin Gadkari
As of now, 116 highway projects covering a total length of 2,612 km are under construction in the state at an estimated cost of 57,360 crore, says the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways
`Grabbing womans breasts, pulling pyjama string amount to attempt to rape`
The lower court had stated that merely grabbing breasts and pulling a pyjama string did not amount to the offence of rape. Setting aside the HCs judgment, the apex court restored the original charge of attempt to rape against two men under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
Maharashtra government cancels 5 pc Muslim quota in jobs, education
Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Maharashtra government has cancelled the five per cent reservation for members of the Muslim community in jobs and education. A Government Resolution (GR) was issued to this effect on Tuesday, February 17, as the previous ordinance about the five per cent reservation has lapsed and there is an interim court 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 .
Judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia
In a ruling made public Tuesday, the judge, Nina Froes, said she had terminated the case because of a procedural misstep by government attorneys, who failed to properly certify an official document they intended to use as evidence
Delhi Police arrest key member of Lawrence Bishnoi gang
The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested an alleged key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who had been absconding for seven years. The accused, identified as Bobby Kabutar, was apprehended by the Counter-Intelligence Unit in New Delhi. Police said he was a significant operative linked to the gang, which has been associated with extortion
Election Commission of India announces schedule for biennial Rajya Sabha polls
According to a press note released on Wednesday, the tenure of 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will end in April, thereby vacating the seats for fresh elections
Bank holiday tomorrow, 19 February: Bank holidays are decided by the Reserve Bank of India, where lenders follow the RBI bank holiday calendar that is released at the beginning of every year.
US, Japan announce first tranche of USD 550 billion investments
The commitments of USD 36 billion for three projects came as Japan comes under pressure to deliver on its pledges made in 2025 in return for lower US trade tariffs. The announcement came ahead of a scheduled trip by PM Sanae Takaichi to the White House in March after Trump`s visit to Japan last year
India, France express concern over Russia-Ukraine war
In a joint statement issued by India and France, following bilateral talks during Macron`s visit to India, the two leaders reiterated their concern over the war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences.
Spain, Mauritius, Seychelles leaders arrive in Delhi to attend AI Impact Summit
Leaders from Spain, Mauritius and Seychelles arrived in New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting global cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital partnerships. Spanish President Pedro Snchez, Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay reached New Delhi
Mrunal Thakur says she will keep balancing career between Bollywood and south films
MUMBAI, Feb 18: Following her success in Telugu cinema with Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna, actor Mrunal Thakur says she has made a conscious choice to engage with both Bollywood and south cinema. Born to a Marathi-speaking family in Maharashtras Dhule city, Thakur garnered acclaim for her performance in her debut in Telugu films in the 2022 period romance drama, Sita Ramam, opposite Dulquer Salmaan, and followed it with yet another romantic-drama, Hi Nanna with Nani. When I started my [] The post Mrunal Thakur says she will keep balancing career between Bollywood and south films appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Maharashtra Teen Kills Aunt With Bamboo Stick, Hides Body In Sofa-Cum-Bed
A 15-year-old boy murdered his aunt with a bamboo stick on Sunday night in Maharashtra's Vasai after a minor altercation. The boy took his friend's help to conceal his crime.
TN Assembly condoles Ajit Pawars demise
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday, February 18, condoled the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Immediately after the House met for the days proceedings, Speaker M Appavu read out the resolution condoling the demise of Pawar, national president of Nationalist Congress Party, who died in a plane crash near Baramati on 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 .
Biennial polls to 37 Rajya Sabha seats on March 16
Seats are falling vacant from Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar
Garonne River overflows as France remains on repeated orange, red flood alerts
After weeks of heavy rainfall, the village of La Role in southwestern France was inundated on Tuesday as the Garonne River overflowed its banks. Authorities said the countrys flood monitoring system has been operating at an unprecedented pace due to saturated soils caused by nearly a month of continuous rain
Minor driver out on bail after SUV crash kills biker Sahil Dhaneshra in Delhi
The mother of Sahil Dhaneshra, who died in a road accident in Dwarka, has demanded justice, alleging that a minor driving an SUV was making social media reels when the fatal collision occurred. The incident took place on February 3 in Delhis Dwarka area, where the SUV allegedly driven by a minor in the wrong lane rammed into Sahils motorcycle
RJD will expand beyond Bihar, aspire to become national party: Tejashwi
Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday said the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) would expand beyond Bihar and aspire to become a national party. Addressing a function marking the 38th death anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, the political mentor of his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi announced that the party would soon begin a nationwide strengthening drive
Cheetah Gamini gives birth to three cubs in MP`s Kuno National Park in MP
Cheetah Gamini has given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, taking Indias total cheetah population to 38, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Wednesday. Gamini, translocated from South Africa under Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme, is a second-time mother
Delhi High Court hears Xs plea on safeguarding satire and public speech
Social media platform X on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that satire, fair comment and public speech must be safeguarded from takedown orders in personality rights cases. Justice Jyoti Singh was hearing a lawsuit filed by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who alleged large-scale misappropriation and commercial exploitation of his personality
Bhupen Borah meets Assam CM after Congress exit, likely to join BJP
Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, a day after resigning from the Congress party. Sarma indicated that Borah is expected to soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), fueling political speculation ahead of the upcoming polls
Ajit Pawar's death: Multiple aspects of Baramati plane crash raise apprehensions, says NCP
The NCP has requested a CBI investigation into the Baramati aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others. The party cited several concerns, including changes in flight crew, Air Traffic Control anomalies, and onboard safety systems. They believe a central agency probe is necessary to ensure fairness and public confidence in aviation safety and institutional accountability.
Bank holiday today: Are banks open on closed on February 18? Check state-wise details
Planning a bank visit? Be aware that Indian banks observe both national and state holidays, leading to varied closures. Today, February 18, Sikkim banks are closed for Losar. Maharashtra observes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19, while Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh celebrate State Day on February 20. Remember, second and fourth Saturdays also mean no branch operations.
Hawaiis Kilauea volcano ignites episode 42 of ongoing summit eruption
Hawaiis Kilauea volcano has triggered Episode 42 of its ongoing summit eruption inside Halemaumau crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The latest lava fountaining event follows a 19-day pause, with all activity confined to the summit caldera and no threat to nearby communities
Trans dad named in US hockey game shootout at Pawtucket youth hockey match
Three people, including the suspect, were killed during a youth hockey game in Pawtucket on Monday, authorities confirmed. Among the victims was a young girl, while three others remain in critical condition. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the incident appears to stem from a family dispute
Sub-Inspector killed as Police SUV crashes into tree in UP`s Maharajganj
A sub-inspector was killed and four other police personnel were injured after a police SUV crashed into a tree in Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday morning. The deceased officer, Santosh Kumar, was part of a team from Gorakhpur that was returning after conducting a raid in Maharajganj
BNP leader Tarique Rahman takes oath as Bangladesh Prime Minister
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladeshs Prime Minister on Tuesday, becoming the countrys first male premier in 35 years. Rahman, a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), took the oath of office at the South Plaza, administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin
Maharashtra Cancels 5% Muslim SEBC Quota After Court-Backed Review
Officials clarified that the latest decision is not a fresh policy change but an administrative correction based on the legal position that evolved after court intervention
Maharashtra scraps 5% Muslim quota in government, semi-govt jobs and educational institutions
The Maharashtra government has rescinded its resolution. This resolution had previously granted a 5% reservation for the Muslim community. The quota applied to admissions in educational institutions. It also covered recruitment in government and semi-government jobs. This withdrawal marks a significant policy shift by the state administration.
5% reservation for Muslims scrapped in Maharashtra; cites court rulings
Maharashtra's Social Justice Department has revoked the 5% reservation previously granted to certain Muslim communities under the SEBC category. This decision, based on court rulings and existing legal frameworks concerning the 2014 policy, impacts admissions to educational institutions and government job recruitments. The earlier order has now been officially cancelled.
Assi nabbe poore sau per cent truth!
Whats it about Anubhav Sinhas latest, pulsating thriller that must draw you into theatres this Friday?
Penalise auto drivers who dont adhere to meter
An Ulwe resident stated in our report that drivers decide rates at their discretion and refuse rides if passengers argue
Maharashtra ATS busts soccer club front for radicalisation
Maharashtra ATS has busted a radicalisation network operating under a soccer club's guise, raiding 21 locations. A Nagpur grocer allegedly used a Yavatmal club to indoctrinate youth into 'jihadi' ideology, with suspects maintaining cross-border terror links. The operation uncovered a well-funded network grooming vulnerable youths through targeted meetings and workshops.
New study finds silent cervical infection linked with altered immune response
Court upholds 2-yr jail for man whose wrong side driving killed 2 in 09
Hearing on breach of privilege complaint against comedian Kunal Kamra now on March 10
Ajit Pawar death: AAIB seeks co's help to retrieve data from voice recorder
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is seeking expert help to recover data from the crashed Learjet 45's cockpit voice recorder. Both recorders were severely damaged by intense heat and fire. The CVR, made by Honeywell, is undergoing examination. This investigation aims to understand the cause of the accident that claimed five lives, including Maharashtra's deputy chief minister.
Ajit Pawar plane crash: NCP urges CBI probe amid claims of conspiracy
NCP leaders met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They demanded a CBI probe into the aircraft crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others. The Chief Minister assured the state government will write to the Union Home Ministry. This request seeks a CBI investigation into all angles of the crash. The move follows allegations of conspiracy behind Ajit Pawar's death.
Safety checks ordered at all upcoming Metro sites in Mumbai region
President Macron charms Mumbai, the city of dreams
Bogus hypertension drug racket busted; 2 distributors held
May rescind approval for JJ architecture programme over faculty crunch: CoA
Logistics employee run over by truck near Mumbai airport
Telangana CM Revanth to attend Mumbai Climate Week on Feb 18
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy would attend Mumbai Climate Week in the western metropolis on Wednesday, February 18. Reddy, who is attending the event at the invitation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, would speak on the state governments successes in the rapid progress of Hyderabad and administrative issues, an official release said. 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 .
Bill Gates to attend India AI Summit 2026: Gates Foundation
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates` participation in the world`s biggest AI summit became a topic of speculation on Tuesday, following conflicting reports. Government sources initially stated he would not attend, but a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation quickly contradicted to say he is indeed participating
Iran briefly shuts Strait of Hormuz for missile drills as US nuclear talks begin
The US and Iran held a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva as Iran carried out live-fire drills and briefly closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remain high amid US military deployments and warnings from Donald Trump, while Iran insists it will not bow to pressure
Solapur cop arrested for aiding jailed accused run drug syndicate from behind bars
