Maharashtra News
Trump file U10 billion lawsuit accusing BBC of defamation, election interference
US President Donald Trump has sued the BBC for $10 billion, alleging defamation and unfair practices over the editing of his January 6, 2021 speech. The BBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press
A recent report reveals widespread underperformance among Mumbai corporators from 2017-2021, with 90% scoring below average. Committee meeting attendance declined, and civic questions raised saw a year-on-year dip. The study highlights systemic weaknesses, including limited monitoring and poor documentation, urging voters to demand accountability and transparent governance.
PM Modi to meet Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed during second leg of three-nation tour
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali covering all aspects of bilateral ties, including political engagement, development cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people relations
Maharashtra Govt Clears Over 50 GRs In A Day Before Model Code Kicks In For Civic Elections
The Government Resolutions included major policy decisions impacting Mumbai and other urban centres, fund allocations for various departments, and approvals for projects
PM Modi, Jordans King Abdullah II discuss trade, security and strategic ties
The Prime Minister acknowledged King Abdullah II`s personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, calling it noteworthy, especially as India and Jordan mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year
Donald Trump classifies fentanyl as weapon of mass destruction
Trump stressed that while fentanyl has legitimate medical uses, illicit production and mixing had turned it into a lethal weapon; he cited major drug seizures as evidence of progress
UAE condemns Israeli Cabinet`s approval to establish 19 settlements in West Bank
The Ministry warned that any attempt to annex the West Bank is categorically rejected, as it undermines the foundations of the two-state solution
Israeli border police arrest 513 Palestinians staying illegally in Israel
In the Jerusalem area and Jerusalem itself, 391 illegal residents and 34 suspects of aiding illegal residence were apprehended
Ghazipur, Anand Vihar worst hit with AQI 410 as smog blankets Delhi
a tourist grappling with Delhi pollution explained his situation, saying, The situation here is very serious because of pollution. I arrived in Delhi last evening from Indore. Compared to Indore, I am experiencing difficulty in breathing. Visibility here is very poor; we cannot see the India Gate properly. It is affecting our health
Mumbai's richest civic body, the BMC, will vote on January 15, alongside 28 other state municipal corporations. The State Election Commission announced the date, with results on January 16. Just before the model code of conduct took effect, significant project announcements and contract awards were made, including a central park and underground sports complex for Mumbai.
Floods kill at least 37 in Moroccos coastal city of Safi
Both employ thousands to catch, mine and process the commodities for export.
Tesla tests robotaxis in Austin without human safety drivers
The announcement followed a video posted on X on Sunday that appeared to show a Tesla Model Y driving through Austins streets with no occupants
New robot app store lets users control droids with phones
Users can guide movements and trigger preloaded demonstrations.
Scientists develop AI tool to link genetic mutations with diseases
The method, called V2P (Variant to Phenotype), is intended to speed up genetic testing and support the search for new treatments for complex and rare conditions
President Rejects Mercy Plea Of Man Convicted Of Raping 2-Year-Old
President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the mercy petition of a man convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing a two-year-old girl in Maharashtra in 2012, officials said on Sunday.
Hullabaloo over the new High Court
Sutradhaars, Sir PM and Lady Flora, have decided to devote more time to their weekly walkabouts. Today, both are deep in discussion over the design of the new High Court building in Bandra East
Dowry demands have no place in 21st-century India
The bride allegedly told the groom and family to go take a walk
Weaving a millennium-old journey
Express News Service Some histories survive not in stone inscriptions or textbooks, but in language spoken at home, recipes passed down from kitchens, and clothes woven over generations. For a community that migrated over a thousand years without losing its name, language or craft, documentation becomes an act of preservation. The book From Homeland to Heartland: The Story of the Sourashtras , unveiled on Sunday at THE Park is both record and remembrance of the past. Authored by Anitha Rajarajan and Biswajit Balasubramanian, the coffee-table book brings together migration, textiles, faith, food, and lived memory into a single, accessible narrative. The launch was conceived as a multisensory experience, extending the books themes beyond the page. Guests were welcomed with a thoughtfully curated Saurashtrian menu that traced the communitys long journey across regions. From Debili of Gujarat and Kothi Vadi from Maharashtra to Punugulu recalling the Vijayanagar era, the culinary trail culminated in Tamil Nadu with idli and Saurashtra amti, before closing with bun halwa, a sweet symbol of memory and identity. The launch happened in the presence of scholars, writers, cultural practitioners and members of the Sourashtra community, with Nirmala Lakshman, as chief guest, Preetha Reddy, vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, as guest of honour, and author and historian Sriram V as special guest. Opening the event, Biswajit Balasubramanian spoke about how a single question what their ancestors names might have been a thousand years ago sparked years of research and travel. He noted that much of the communitys recorded history existed only in Tamil. We needed a book in English, not a heavy research document, but something engaging, visual and easy to read, something a young Saurashtrian in Chennai or Singapore or Berlin could pick up, he said. He concluded by saying, Our migration has three striking pillars: our language, our mastery of textiles, and royal patronage.This is not the final word on Sourashtras. It is the beginning of a larger conversation. Anitha Rajarajan traced the communitys deep-rooted presence in Madurai, describing the city as the cultural headquarters of the Sourashtras. The Sourashtras have always lived with a quiet sense of purpose never loud, never demanding, yet deeply woven into the citys progress, she said. From pioneering education initiatives and early noon-meal schemes to contributions in textiles, music, cinema, and philanthropy, she outlined how the community became quietly woven into Madurais civic and cultural life, emphasising the need to document lived histories. Commending the authors, Sriram spoke about the importance of communities recording their own narratives, because, when history is written only through an external lens, it becomes authoritative and everything else is considered inferior. While Preetha reflected on food, fabric, and ritual as living archives of civilisation, Nirmala described the book as a meticulous and much-needed documentation. She shared, Saurashtrans came not just as settlers, but engaged deeply with local society and contributed to Tamil civilisational life. She added that the book reminds how migrant communities have shaped Tamil Nadu, while retaining their own distinct identity. Designed with photographs, illustrations, maps, QR codes, and oral histories, From Homeland to Heartland stands as both a cultural archive and an invitation for future generations to read, remember, and continue.
Bombay high court panel: 36 sites in city mostly fail to comply with AQI norms
Mom moves Bombay high court over Mumbai schools refusal to admit autistic twins
Thane woman, brother get bail in case of sexually assaulting her minor son
Latur Man Sets Another Ablaze To Stage Own Death, Girlfriends Chats Expose Plot
The case came to light in the early hours of Sunday when police in Ausa taluka of Maharashtras Latur district were alerted to a charred body found inside a completely burnt car.
DC Edit| Fresh Start For BJP With A Young Working Chief
It may be remembered that several of the partys chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Mohan Charan Majhi (Odisha), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh) and Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan) were all under 60 when they were chosen for the post. The new young boss will be working with those young veterans
Post-CAG red flag, Maha power co prepays entire 12,800cr loan, hints at tariff cut
Docs suicide: Pre-arrest bail for kin of ministers PA
India and Jordan share common, clear stance against terrorism: PM Modi
It is Prime Minister Modi`s first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan - he had earlier transited through Jordan in February 2018 while on his way to the State of Palestine
Actor flags improperly parked car, assaulted
Man misinterprets family courts maintenance order, Bombay HC clarifies its 50k each to wife & 2 kids
False width of Bandra road: Mumbai civic body finds engineers reply unsatisfactory
Air Quality worsens in parts of India; Delhi AQI at 427
The nationwide AQI map showed multiple toxic hotspots across north India, while parts of central, eastern and southern India reported mixed air quality, ranging from moderate to poor. The data highlights sharp regional differences in pollution levels
MNS, Shiv Sena workers acquitted in 2018 rioting case
Chemicals, Equipment Worth Rs 100 Crore Seized At Drug Factory In Rajasthan
The Maharashtra police's Anti-Narcotics Cell has unearthed an MD drug manufacturing factory in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, and seized the contraband, chemicals and equipment valued at around Rs 100 crore, officials said on Monday.
50% Water Cut in Thane Till December 19 as MGL Work Damages Main Pipeline Again
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar congratulates BJP`s National Working President Nitin Nabin
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar attended a ceremony marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels death anniversary and congratulated BJPs newly appointed National Working President Nitin Nabin
Nagesh Singh appointed Indias next High Commissioner to Australia
Seasoned diplomat and 1995-batch IFS officer Nagesh Singh has been appointed as Indias next high commissioner to Australia. Currently serving as Indias Ambassador to Thailand, Singh will succeed Gopal Baglay in Canberra, bringing extensive experience across key diplomatic postings
Mumbai Metro Line 9 begins operations without platform screen doors
Final voters list for BMC elections delayed due to technical issues
Mumbai: No evidence says court, acquits 21 accused in 2018 protest at BMC D Ward office
Vigil stepped up following tiger movement near Mediapalli opencast coal mine in Peddapalli district
Tiger is believed to have crossed over through Mancherial district from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtras Chandrapur district a few days ago
Fake BARC ID: Cops say no terror or espionage angle
Class 10 student murdered inside coaching centre in Punes Rajgurunagar
The victim was allegedly attacked by his own friend, who slit his throat with a knife and fled the scene immediately after the assault. According to police officers, the accused allegedly also stabbed the victim in the neck and abdomen while both were seated on the same bench during a tuition class
Deepfake videos with China link: 4 ad co staffers held
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is among the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra to which elections will be held on January 15, Wednesday. The counting of votes is scheduled for January 16, Friday, the State Election Commission (SEC) announced on Monday. Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are among the other prominent civic bodies going to polls. He reportedly confirmed that the election code of conduct has now come into force in all 29 local bodies. As many as 2,869 seats in these municipal corporations will be up for grabs in these local bodies, where elections are due since early 2022. Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the nomination process will begin on December 23, Tuesday with candidates allowed to make their submissions for a week until December 30. Scrutiny of papers will be done on December 31, and January 2, Friday, will be the last date of withdrawal of nominations, he said. Symbol allocation and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3. Polling in the 29 municipal corporations spread across Maharashtra will take place on January 15 and votes will be counted the next day, news agency PTI quoted Waghmare as saying. He said these 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have 2,869 seats on offer and 3.48 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these major urban centres of the state. After long and tiring political blame games and court battles, the Supreme Court had finally given the deadline of January 31 to conduct the polls, reported Marathi media. Full list of local bodies heading to polls: BMC Pune Municipal Corporation Nagpur Municipal Corporation Solapur Municipal Corporation Kolhapur Municipal Corporation Thane Municipal Corporation Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Nashik Municipal Corporation Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Amravati Municipal Corporation New Mumbai Municipal Corporation NandedWaghala Municipal Corporation Ulhas Nagar Municipal Corporation Sangli-Miraj-Kupwara Municipal Corporation Malegaon Municipal Corporation Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation Akola Municipal Corporation Bhayander Municipal Corporation Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation Dhule Municipal Corporation Jalgaon Municipal Corporation Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Parbhani Municipal Corporation Chandrapur Municipal Corporation Latur Municipal Corporation Panvel Municipal Corporation Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation Jalna Municipal Corporation Dates to remember: Application submission window: December 2330, 2025 Application scrutiny: December 31, 2025 Last date for withdrawal of candidature: January 2, 2026 Election symbol allocation and release of final candidate list: January 3, 2026 Polling date: January 15, 2026 Counting of votes: January 16, 2026
maharashtra-class-10-boy-slits-throat-kills-classmate-during-a-lecture-at-private-coaching
In a shocking incident, a class 10 student slit the throat of his classmate during a coaching class in Rajgurunagar, Ked taluk area of Pune, Maharashtra. The incident happened as the teacher in the coaching class was taking the class on Monday morning. The victim was taken to a hospital but died while undergoing treatment. The two students had reportedly been engaged in an argument for the past few days. The minor had arrived late to the class and sat behind the victim at around 8:30 and 8:45. He then proceeded to attack the boy and slit his throat. He also stabbed the boy in the stomach. The student then proceeded to flee the scene on a two-wheeler. Police had rushed to the spot to find the student covered in blood. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause and main motive for the attack. The father of the victim told ABP that his son had been attacked by the same boy and a group of his friends around three days ago. Locals say that the minors in the area were involved in gang activities. There have been reports of frequent incidents, including arguments and fights between students studying in the Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya and related private classes. This is not the first incident of students similarly attacking classmates. In November, a class 9 student in Pune attacked his classmate by slitting her throat with a broken bottle following a heated argument related to the school's annual day function. He had attacked the girl from behind, which resulted in a massive wound and bleeding. The juvenile offender was produced before the JJB and sent to an observation home.
80th Western India Squash Tournament To Commence On Wednesday
CCI Western India Squash Tournament: The Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Monday announced the dates for the 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament, Indias oldest and longest-running squash competition, which began in 1943. The tournament will be played from December 17 to 21, 2025, across the iconic glass-backed courts of the CCI, Mumbai. Organised under the auspices of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) and the Maharashtra Squash Racquets Association (MSRA), this years edition continues the clubs proud legacy of nurturing champions under the banner CCI Squash Home of Champions. The CCI Western India Squash Tournament has been a defining platform for generations of Indian squash talent. From early stalwarts like S. D. Bilimoria and Rajkumar Narpat Singh, to legendary champions Bhuwaneswari Kumari, Meherwan Daruwala, Adrian Ezra, and modern-day international stars such as Sourav Ghoshal, Joshna Chinappa, Siddharth Suchde, and Mahesh Mangaonkar, this tournament has mirrored the evolution of Indian squash. The rise of multiple Indian players in the PSA World Top 100, including Sourav Ghoshals and Joshna Chinappas historic surge into the Top 10, underlines the events impact on Indias professional squash ecosystem, particularly its role in advancing world-class women athletes. Darius Pandole, Championship Director & Vice-Chairperson, CCI Squash Sub-Committee: This is not just a tournament, it is a living heritage of Indian squash. To celebrate the 80th edition is a privilege for all of us at CCI. Set to make an appearance at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the sport of squash is on a high in the country with a lot of success in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships and Professional Squash Association (PSA) circuit. On Sunday, the country won the team title in the Squash World Cup in Chennai. Tournament Details * Dates: December 1721, 2025 * Venue: CCI Squash Courts, Mumbai, India * Courts: 6 fully equipped glass-backed courts * Venue: CCI Squash Courts, Mumbai, India Also Read: Live Cricket Score * Age Categories: BU11, GU11, BU13, GU13, BU17, GU17, BU19, GU19, Men, Women, WO35, Pro-coach, MO35, MO40, MO50, MO55, MO60, MO65. Article Source: IANS
South Seas Distilleries launches world's first Mahua spirit finished single malt
The Maharashtra based company operates Indias largest copper pot stills and maintains one of the countrys oldest private cask inventories. It traces its operations back more than a century, launching the new brand Madhuca under Crazy Cocks existing portfolio that also includes Dhua and Rare.
Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharashtra clock slower growth in bank deposits between FY11-FY25
The slower growth appears influenced by the existing base of bank deposits
Fire destroys two trucks carrying chemicals, plastic granules in Indore
Two trucks carrying chemicals and plastic granules were gutted in a fire near Indore on the Agra-Mumbai national highway, disrupting traffic but causing no injuries. The fire broke out near Manpur town, some 50 kilometres from the district headquarters, Deputy Superintendent of Police Umakant Choudhary
Poor waste management leaves Islamabad and Karachi buried under garbage
Urban and rural areas of Pakistans major cities, Islamabad and Karachi, are facing a severe garbage crisis due to irregular waste collection, failed contracts and inadequate infrastructure. Streets, roads, and open spaces across urban and rural areas are littered with garbage, leaving residents exposed to foul odours, dust, and toxic air
Maharashtra government has announced its public holiday list for 2026, comprising 24 state-wide holidays, a special bank holiday on April 1st for yearly account closing, and an additional holiday for state government and local body offices on November 11th for Bhaubeej.
Maharashtra CM's wife Amruta Fadnavis meets Lionel Messi, gets massive backlash online due to...
Amruta Fadnavis can be seen chewing gum and brazenly walking past footballer Luis Suarez to take a selfie with Messi
BMC polls: Mayahuti eyes Mumbai; Thackeray reunion irks Congress; the contest explained
Maharashtra's long-pending civic body elections are finally scheduled for January 15, with results on January 16. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls are seen as a key political mood test, pitting the ruling Mahayuti alliance against a fractured opposition. Control of the BMC, Asia's wealthiest civic corporation, holds immense political and economic significance.
GOAT India Tour: Jay Shah Gifts T20 World Cup Tickets, A Signed Jersey, And A Bat To Messi
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: Argentina football legend Lionel Messi was presented with India vs USA Men's T20 World Cup 2026 tickets by ICC chairman Jay Shah on the last leg of the GOAT India Tour, here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta also attended the event along with DDCA president Rohan Jaitley. Messi was also gifted with a framed cricket bat and a Team India jersey, along with Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez. Former Indian goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan, who represented West Ham United in the Women's Premier League, gifted a signed t-shirt to all three guests. Acknowledging the crowd present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium cheering his name, Messi said, Thank you for all the affection you have shown us here in India over these days. Truly, it was a unique experience for us to be able to share this. Although it was intense and very short, it was wonderful to receive all this love, which I already knew was there, but experiencing it firsthand was incredible. Everything you did for us over these days was astonishing, pure madness. So thank you all for the love, and we will surely return someday perhaps to play a match or on some other occasion but we will definitely visit again. Thank you very much, thank you, said Messi. Messi was scheduled to land in the national capital earlier this morning, but his charter flight was held up due to foggy conditions here. He straightaway proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel, where he had a meet-and-greet session for around an hour with a select group of people. Messi's GOAT Tour got off to a rough start as the organisers were unable to manage the Salt Lake Stadium crowd. When the football legend visited the city with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, thousands of fans flocked to see him. However, the venue's bad management transformed their enthusiasm into frustration. Messi was scheduled to land in the national capital earlier this morning, but his charter flight was held up due to foggy conditions here. He straightaway proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel, where he had a meet-and-greet session for around an hour with a select group of people. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Argentine was in Mumbai last evening, where he interacted with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, some current India and former football players, film stars, celebrities, and politicians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Article Source: IANS
Goa fire tragedy: Luthra brothers to land in Delhi on Tuesday
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra will be taken into custody by the Goa Police immediately upon their arrival in Delhi from Thailand where they were detained, officials said
BMC elections date: Mumbai to vote on January 15; counting on January 16
Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections is set for January 15, 2026. Counting of votes will take place on January 16. This announcement formally begins the process for the long-awaited civic polls in Maharashtra. Candidates can file nominations from December 23 to December 30, 2025. The schedule covers elections for the BMC and other municipal corporations across the state.
NFCSF urges Centre to revise sugar MSP to 41 per kg, increase ethanol price
NEW DELHI: The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSF), the apex body of sugar cooperatives, has urged the Central Government to immediately revise the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar. This demand comes in light of rising production costs, declining ex-mill sugar prices, and the increasing financial stress on sugar mills, which could soon lead to a crisis for sugarcane farmers. Meanwhile, the NFCSF applauded the government's decision to permit the export of 15 lakh metric tons (LMT) of sugar for the Sugar Season 202526, stating that this move will address several issues. However, they highlighted the liquidity crisis faced by cooperative sugar mills, which could adversely affect sugar farmers. Harshvardhan Patil, the President of NFCSF, remarked that cooperative sugar mills are owned by millions of farmers, and sustaining the momentum of the current sugar season requires decisive support from the government at this critical time. Early action from the government will enable mills to meet cane payment commitments, protect farmer incomes, and maintain confidence in the cooperative sugar framework, he said. Patil also urged the government to allow an additional diversion of 5 LMT of sugar towards ethanol production, which could generate nearly Rs 2,000 crore. This would directly strengthen cash flows for the mills and facilitate timely payments to sugarcane farmers. The Sugar Season 202526 has begun on a strong note due to early crushing operations and improved yield. As of December 15, 2025, 479 sugar mills across the country have produced 77.90 LMT of sugar, compared to 60.70 LMT produced by 473 mills during the same period last year, marking an increase of 17.20 LMT (28.34%). Cane crushing has also risen by 183.75 LMT (25.61%), with an improving trend in sugar recovery. State-wise performance indicates that in Uttar Pradesh, 120 sugar factories have commenced crushing and processed 264 LMT of sugarcane, achieving an average recovery rate of 9.50%, resulting in the production of 25.05 LMT of sugar compared to 22.95 LMT last year with a recovery rate of 8.90%. In Maharashtra, 190 factories are operational and have crushed 379 LMT of sugarcane, producing 31.30 LMT of sugar with an average recovery of 8.25%, marking a significant increase from 16.80 LMT produced during the same period last season. In Karnataka, 76 factories have started crushing and produced 15.50 LMT of sugar by processing 186 LMT of cane, compared to 13.50 LMT last year. The NFCSF has therefore urged the Government of India to adopt a proactive and forward-looking policy approach to maintain stability in the sector. The Federation emphasized the urgent need for the revision of the Sugar MSP to Rs 41 per kg, an enhancement of ethanol procurement prices, and an additional diversion of 5 LMT of sugar towards ethanol production. This added ethanol production alone could generate nearly Rs 2,000 crore, thereby directly strengthening mill cash flows and supporting timely payments to sugarcane farmers.
BMC polls on January 15, results on January 16; voting for 29 civic bodies across Maharashtra
Opposition slams govt over bill seeking to repeal MGNREGA
The government faced sharp opposition during the Parliament Winter Session over a bill seeking to repeal MGNREGA and replace it with a new rural employment law under Viksit Bharat 2047. Opposition leaders questioned the removal of Mahatma Gandhis name from the scheme
Dense fog distrupts life in Rajasthan; AQI ranges from moderate to severe
Several cities in Rajasthan woke up to thick fog on Monday, reducing visibility, while air quality across the state remained largely moderate, with some areas reporting poor to severe AQI levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Dholpur recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 184 in the morning, placing it in the `moderate`
Actor Anuj Sachdeva suffered a brutal public assault, leaving him bleeding from the head. The incident occurred after he reported a wrongly parked car in his society. An agitated individual attacked Sachdeva and his pet dog with a rod, hurling threats. A security guard intervened, and Sachdeva shared the disturbing video online, prompting calls for a police complaint.
Messi Lands In Delhi For Final Stop Of His G.O.A.T Tour
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: Argentine football legend Lionel Messi arrived in New Delhi on Monday afternoon for the final stop of his G.O.A.T. Tour, after a weather-related delay postponed his flight. Messi was scheduled to land in the national capital earlier this morning, but his charter flight was delayed due to foggy conditions here. He immediately proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel, where he will have a meet-and-greet session for around an hour with a select group of people. Messi's schedule in the national capital includes an exhibition match, a stage event, a football clinic for children, and several high-profile private meetings; therefore, Delhi has implemented precautionary measures to manage large crowds and traffic congestion in anticipation of his arrival. The Argentine was in Mumbai last evening, where he interacted with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, some current Indian and former football players, film stars, celebrities and politicians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai was the third stop on his GOAT India Tour 2025, and the Argentine World Cup winner spent the most time with fans after making a brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and a slightly longer stay at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. Messi's GOAT Tour started on a chaotic note as the organisers failed to manage the crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of fans gathered to see the football icon as he visited the city with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, but their excitement turned to frustration due to poor management at the venue. Mumbai was the third stop on his GOAT India Tour 2025, and the Argentine World Cup winner spent the most time with fans after making a brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and a slightly longer stay at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. Also Read: Live Cricket Score At Uppal Stadium, the Argentine star stayed inside a VIP box and was seen waving at the camera, making a brief appearance on the big screen inside the stadium and on broadcast visuals as two teams played a match. Article Source: IANS
Nitin Nabin hails PM Modi after being appointed as BJP national president
Newly appointed BJP national working president and Bihar PWD minister Nitin Nabin termed his elevation a blessing of the party, praised PM Narendra Modis leadership, credited BJP for empowering grassroots workers, and pledged to carry forward his fathers legacy
Australian PM pushes for tougher gun laws after anti-Semitic terror attack
Speaking to the media ahead of the National Cabinet meeting scheduled for 4 pm local time, Albanese said stricter gun controlsincluding limits on the number of firearms licensed to individuals and periodic reviews of licenceswould be placed on the agenda
Land-for-job scam: Court grants CBI more time in case involving Lalu Yadav
Delhi court has granted the CBI additional time to file verification reports in the alleged land-for-job corruption case involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, deferring the hearing on framing of charges to December 19
IndiGo cancellations: Supreme Court directs petitioner to approach Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court, on December 10, questioned the central government for not taking timely action to check the crisis caused by IndiGo flight cancellations and asked why the situation was allowed to precipitate, with lakhs of passengers stranded and other airlines charging hefty fares
Candidates in Mumbai's R North ward face challenges including depleted mangrove cover and a polluted river, alongside issues of poor walkability and delayed hospital inauguration. Environmental activists highlight unchecked urban development's impact, while residents express concerns over the Coastal Road project and the effectiveness of sewage treatment plants.
Land-for-job scam: Hearing on charges against Lalu Yadav deferred to Dec 19
A Delhi court has allowed the CBI additional time to file verification reports in the alleged land-for-job scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. The court is examining whether charges are to be framed under Sections 120B, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with provisions of Prevention of Corruption
Amid Karnataka Congress crisis, Shivakumar signals talks with party high command
Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar said party matters would be discussed internally as he met senior Congress leaders amid leadership speculation. When further asked whether this was important at this juncture, Shivakumar replied, Dont worry
Bombay high court questions Taloja prison over failure to produce undertrial in court
The Bombay High Court has sternly questioned Taloja prison authorities regarding the daily court appearances of inmates, questioning if producing undertrials is left to the jail superintendent's discretion. A report is demanded on why one accused missed 66 out of 69 court dates, a lapse described as shocking and a grave failure, especially with video-conferencing facilities available.
Rijiju demands Parliament apology from Congress leaders over PM threat remark
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asked Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to apologise in Parliament for Congress workers alleged threats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The parliamentary affairs minister said the workers and leaders of the Congress and the BJP are political rivals, not enemies
Maharashtra Horror: Student Slit Classmate's Throat In Front Of Teacher During Lecture
A student attacked his classmate with a knife in a Maharashtra's Rajgurunagar. The attacker fled on a two-wheeler.
Jaishankar condemns Sydney terror attack, assures Australia of India`s support
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, expressing condolences and extending Indias fullest support after the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack. The attack is now being described as the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly three decades, in a country known for its strict gun control laws.
PM Modi`s three nation tour to boost trade, invesment ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman is aimed at strengthening trade, investment and strategic partnerships across West Asia and Africa. Last week, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman, aimed at deepening trade and investment relations
Congress targets Centre over air pollution, calls for long-term action
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said these plans are essentially reactive, with the emphasis being on crisis management and not crisis avoidance
AAI's Mumbai radar to be relocated, will free land for affordable housing: Naidu
This decision was taken following a meeting between various stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Maharashtra government and others
Delhi airport operations hit as dense fog reduces visibility
The airport operator said it is working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience and advised passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates
EC appoints 5 nodal officers for EVM first-level checking ahead of 2026 Bengal assembly polls
The five officers are Shania Kayem Mize (deputy CEO, Arunachal Pradesh), Yogesh Gosavi (deputy CEO, Maharashtra), P K Boro (additional CEO, Meghalaya), Ethel Rothangpuii (joint CEO, Mizoram) and Kanishka Kumar (under secretary of ECI)
Maharashtra departments default on utilisation certificates, rushed spending in March: CAG
The Housing Department figured prominently on both counts
Maharashtra Man Burnt Alive Inside His Car, Body Was Found Stuffed In Sack
Ganesh Chavan, a resident of Ausa Tanda, was allegedly stuffed inside the sack, made to sit in his car and the vehicle was set on fire by unknown assailants.
Thick smog blankets Delhi-NCR as air quality stays in severe zone
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a dense fog warning for the morning and forenoon hours, with such conditions reported from the Safdarjung observatory
Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff attended Lionel Messi's India tour at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the crowd booed them during their felicitation by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Later, Messi shared a warm moment with Sachin Tendulkar, exchanging a Team India jersey for a football. Messi was also seen holding the Indian flag.
EC appoints five nodal officers for EVM first-level checking ahead of 2026 Bengal assembly polls
KOLKATA: T he Election Commission said it has appointed five nodal officers for first-level checking (FLC) of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of next year's West Bengal assembly polls. All the officers hailed from other states, the poll panel said in a statement. The EC has introduced rules by which the image of each candidate would be displayed on the EVM. The five nodal officers were appointed as observers at different FLC venues for assembly polls, said the statement issued on Sunday. The five officers are Shania Kayem Mize (deputy CEO, Arunachal Pradesh), Yogesh Gosavi (deputy CEO, Maharashtra), P K Boro (additional CEO, Meghalaya), Ethel Rothangpuii (joint CEO, Mizoram) and Kanishka Kumar (under secretary of ECI). In the 2021 elections, West Bengal had over 80,000 booths. An EC official said that following the enumeration, the number of booths is likely to go up by over 10,000.
Only permit holders allowed on main ground during Messis Delhi visit: DDCA
Messi is set to conclude his GOAT India Tour 2025 in New Delhi on Monday and will participate in multiple events at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Sharma further added that the decision has been made to restrict access to the main ground, allowing only those with permits to enter

