Trump renews USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee amid move targeting layoffs
The measures combine the fee renewal with new checks on sponsoring employers employment practices. Agencies must consider recent and planned layoffs when assessing applications under the skilled-worker visa programme
On prescription checks, 36% of 3,697 Mumbai respondents said chemists never refused to give them medicines without a prescription and another 35% said they did so very rarely
PM Modi to distribute over 51,000 appointment letters at 20th Rozgar Mela today
The Prime Minister will also address the new appointees who are expected to simultaneously attend the Rozgar Mela at 45 locations across the country, according to a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO)
Trump to greet Xi at airport as Chinese leader arrives for US state visit
The heart of the visit comes Thursday, when Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at an arrival ceremony held indoors on the State Floor of the White House
Philippines school shooting kills two students, teenage gunman; 10 wounded
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, said police
Jharkhand: 12 students injured as school van crashes into divider in Jamshedpur
The accident occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the road divider near in Telco Stadium area
Thousands rally across Iran pledge readiness to fight after months of war
They marched through downtown Tehran in combat uniform, carrying flags, as onlookers cheered
NASA spacecraft just found a giant new crater on Moon
Observed before and after by NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the event allows researchers to study displaced lunar material and the surrounding physically altered region.
Mid-Day Opinion: Hospitals cannot be allowed to loot patients
The findings are significant because these are not optional purchases for a patient undergoing inpatient treatment, our report said
Mid-Day Opinion: Zverevs battle beyond the baseline
Two-time Grand Slam champ Alexanders challenges on the tennis court pale in comparison to the complications off it as he successfully negotiates Type 1 diabetes and helps others do so tooTwo-time Grand Slam champ Alexanders challenges on the tennis court pale in comparison to the complications off it as he successfully negotiates Type 1 diabetes
Maharashtra TET papers smuggled in shoe insoles for 8K, says chargesheet
Question papers for the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) were smuggled out of an Agra printing press hidden inside shoe insoles by two employees for a mere Rs 8,000, a nearly 3,500-page chargesheet filed by the Thane City police stated. The chargesheet, submitted before a local court in Bhiwandi on Friday, names 18 accused, including alleged mastermind Bijendra Gupta, who was previously implicated in an Odisha paper leak, with 16 suspects already arrested and two key accomplices, Ashok Sav and Prakash Misal, remaining absconding as investigations continue. A senior police official said that a supplementary chargesheet will be submitted as further investigation progresses. The racket unravelled a day before the examination scheduled on June 28 after Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Pavan Bansod received a tip-off about three men attempting to sell exam papers to a Bhiwandi resident. Police laid a trap using decoy personnel in the Kongaon area, detained the suspects,
WhatsApp group no ground to end professor's career: Bombay HC
Delhi-NCR likely to stay mostly dry; air quality remains in satisfactory category
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Delhi and most parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to experience predominantly dry weather on Saturday, with no major spell of heavy rain forecast for New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and several other areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency has forecast partly cloudy skies over Delhi, with the maximum temperature expected to remain between 34 degrees celsius and 36 degrees celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to settle in the range of 22 degrees celsius to 24 degrees celsius. The forecast comes at a time when the Southwest Monsoon is showing signs of retreat from northwest India. According to the IMD, atmospheric conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the monsoon from some parts of West Rajasthan on Saturday. However, Delhi is expected to continue witnessing largely dry conditions in the immediate forecast period. For New Delhi, the IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies and has issued no weather warning. The wider Delhi region is also expected to remain free of significant rainfall, with temperatures staying within the forecast range. Some parts of the NCR could, however, see isolated changes in weather. Gurugram is likely to remain partly cloudy, with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day. No warning has been issued for the city. Meanwhile, several districts of Maharashtra, including Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar, are expected to receive rainfall on Saturday. Rain is also likely in areas including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Latur, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna and Osmanabad. The IMD has forecast scattered monsoon showers and thunderstorms over Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and West Rajasthan on Saturday. East Uttar Pradesh may also experience similar conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms through September 24. Central India is also expected to remain active weather-wise. West Madhya Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh may witness fairly widespread to widespread rainfall along with thunderstorms on Saturday. Chhattisgarh could also receive fairly widespread rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning in several areas. In southern and coastal regions, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep are likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall through September 24. Parts of Karnataka may also see similar conditions during the period. North Interior Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka and Telangana are likely to receive rainfall on Saturday . Coastal Andhra Pradesh may witness isolated to scattered rainfall between Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the air quality of Delhi remained in the satisfactory category. CRRI Mathura Road (131), Burari Crossing (99), North Campus DU (125), IGI Airport (T3) (102), Pusa (89), Aya Nagar (75), Shadipur (79), ITO (88), DTU (94), R K Puram (128), Ashok Vihar (91), Dwarka-Sector 8 (116), Narela (120), Rohini (107), Chandni Chowk (98), and IIT Delhi (131).
Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts heavy rain in 11 districts of Tamil Nadu today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 19 (IANS) Eleven districts in Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiris and Coimbatore, are likely to receive heavy rain on Saturday, according to a forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre. The weather office attributed the anticipated rainfall to a trough extending from Maharashtra to the southeast Arabian Sea. Under its influence, widespread rain is expected across several parts of Tamil Nadu, with some districts likely to experience thunderstorms and gusty winds. The Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts are expected to receive heavy rain until September 22. Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert as intense spells of rain could lead to waterlogging and disruption of traffic. Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is also likely at isolated places in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Ranipet, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Vellore, Kallakurichi and Madurai districts today. Moderate rainfall has been forecast for districts along the Western Ghats and several other parts of the state. Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu are also likely to experience intermittent showers during the day. Similar weather conditions are expected in Cuddalore, Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts. Rainfall may vary in intensity from one locality to another, with short but intense spells possible in some areas. The weather office has warned that another spell of heavy rain is likely to affect several districts tomorrow. Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Madurai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur and Vellore have been placed under a heavy-rain alert. Cloudy conditions are expected to prevail in many parts of the state, while thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon and evening. Gusty winds may accompany rain in the interior and western districts. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution during intense spells because of reduced visibility and the possibility of waterlogging on roads. Farmers have also been urged to take precautionary measures to protect harvested crops and agricultural produce stored in the open. District administrations are expected to monitor rainfall levels and respond to any localised flooding or weather-related emergencies. The public has been advised to follow official weather updates and avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms.
Mumbai man on knifing spree: Lane caked in blood, how row over 'money' turned deadly for 15-year-old
Sharad Pawar urges Maharashtra government to declare drought, provide 50,000 per hectare relief
Instead of taking a decision based solely on the average district figures, the actual damage should be considered together based on taluka-wise rainfall, crop condition, and declare drought, says NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar
Centre moves to review surgical consumable prices after Mundhe push
The move follows Maharashtras push to review wide gaps between hospitals procurement costs and MRPs, while hospital operators argue that such gaps do not necessarily represent their profit margins.
Pawar Seeks Drought Declaration, Loan Waiver For Maharashtra Farmers
Mr. Pawar said inadequate rainfall had damaged soybean, cotton, bajra, maize, tur, moong and urad crops across the state, and warned of worsening shortages of drinking water and fodder.
Fadnavis Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Understanding of Democracy
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticizes Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions amid election controversies. Fadnavis Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Understanding of Democracy
Fadnavis Inaugurates University Of Western Australias 1st Indian Campus In Mumbai
The UWA campus will provide fresh impetus to the Maharashtra governments efforts to transform Mumbai into a global hub for knowledge, innovation, technology and talent, said Fadnavis.
Maharashtra Government Takes Steps to Combat Drought, Welcomes Suggestions from Sharad Pawar
Maharashtras Chief Minister outlines government actions to address drought and support farmers, responding to Sharad Pawars concerns. Maharashtra Government Takes Steps to Combat Drought, Welcomes Suggestions from Sharad Pawar
Abhijit Deepke Highlights Lack of Facilities in Tribal Schools of Gadchiroli
Abhijit Deepke raises concerns over inadequate facilities in tribal schools during his visit to Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Abhijit Deepke Highlights Lack of Facilities in Tribal Schools of Gadchiroli
Mulshi industrial units complain of traffic & power supply woes
AI brings creative twist to Ganapati reels this festive season
Maha fuel dealers to take call on halting UPI payments on Sept 27
Thieves break into sari showroom, eatery in Pune; flee with Rs1 lakh
Family out to visit Ganapati mandals ends up in tragedy; elder brother killed in crash
Man held for bludgeoning grandmother to death in Charholi
Cops detain Bangladeshi woman staying illegally in Dehu Road
SPPU students protest Rs10 hike in mess meal rates
Oppn wants hearing dates during Ganeshotsav put off, 15 days to submit documents
Bar-cum-restaurant owner shot dead in Shirur 3 months after tiff over liquor bill
Declare drought, dont wait for criteria to be met: Pawar to CM
Two injured as metal shed collapses in Kondhwa
Parking space shortage in Pune hampers pandal-hopping ahead of visarjan
FOB from Civil Court Metro station to Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi line to open soon
MNGL upgrades CNG supply infra; Motorists to get quick refill at stations
Fire Dept HQ traces 170-year history alongside the Ganeshotsav display
Congress Traders Wing Protests Proposed UPI Charges
Change will be scarce, change will be king, say shopkeepers
Citys Longest & Costliest: Rs998cr Indora-Dighori Flyover Project Set to Open Today
Factory Owner Dies by Suicide After Woman Employees Call to Wife Sparks Fight
Man Breaks Into Late Fathers Shop, Steals Property Papers
Chandrapurs air connectivity push gains Centres backing
3 schoolgirls forced to go on ride by social media friends
Girls enrolling in engineering up by 75% in 4 years in Maharashtra
Solar-Omnia revenue may touch 32K crore in FY28: CEO Nuwal
Flight from Delhi diverted to Raipur
FDA Issues Food Safety Advisory For Ganpati Mahaprasad
57mm in 3hrs: Sept deja vu, but city not deluged, relief & cheer
Decks cleared, Kamathipura redevelopment work set to begin this Diwali
State Govt Must Connect Bamboo Sector To Markets
FDA seizes 593kg expired ghee in Akola
2 cousins die in back-to-back lightning strikes in Saoner
5 Aghori tantriks claiming to revive corpse held in Amt
Pension trap tightens grip, two retirees conned of Rs 37L
Learn from Ktaka on drought relief, oppn to double-engine Maha govt
13 Years On, NMC HQ Lacks Full OC, Final Fire Clearance
One killed, one critically injured in Thane road accident
Mumbai Nesco drug case: Court rejects second bail plea of bouncer
Mosquito-borne diseases in Mumbai see alarming rise in Sept
Guard kisses, pulls cheek of girl (8) in lift, gets 5-year jail
FDA sent notice after cheeses expiry, Bombay HC quashes fungus case
Kasturirangan report: Karnataka govt to decide on physical survey after discussion with officials
Digital Desk | Udupi (Karnataka), Sep 18 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday assured residents of the Malnad and coastal regions that the state government would discuss with officials and take a decision on conducting a physical survey of areas covered under the Kasturirangan report. Shivakumar made the assurance while interacting with local residents at Hebri in Udupi district on the merits and demerits of the Kasturirangan report. Local organisations and elected representatives had urged the state government to conduct a physical survey and consider the Kerala model while deciding on the implementation of the report. You have explained the Kasturirangan report and the ecologically sensitive areas and brought the problems you are facing to my attention. We have to send our decision to the Centre by September 27. We have come here so that your opinion becomes our opinion. You have suggested the Kerala model and recommended an expert committee. We have accepted your suggestions and will discuss these issues in the Karnataka Assembly, Shivakumar said. He added that the state government had convened a three-day special session to discuss issues concerning farmers, drought and the Kasturirangan report. The report would be discussed on the first day of the Assembly session, he said. I will also visit Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru and listen to the sentiments of the people there, he added. On the Forest Rights Act, Shivakumar said there was a provision prescribing different time limits, including 25 years for some and 75 years for others. The state government would consider taking a decision to prescribe a uniform 25-year limit and send it to the Centre, he added. He said that he had instructed Forest Department officials not to cause difficulties to people residing in forest areas. We will not do politics based on emotions. We are concerned about your lives, Shivakumar added. He said that important decisions had been taken regarding fisheries and that representatives from the region had sought a zonal management plan and a taluk hospital in Hebri. The state government would discuss these demands with officials and take decisions in the coming days, he added. I do not want to make announcements before you and then forget about them. I will do whatever service I can with the opportunity I have received. I will come to Udupi in the coming days and discuss the issues with elected representatives, he said. Shivakumar added that the people of Tulu Nadu region were an asset to the country and assured them that the state government would continue to seek their suggestions. He said a special Cabinet meeting had been held in Mangaluru after discussions with legislators and representatives of all parties from the region. Of the 60 decisions taken at the meeting, 40 were related to the coastal districts, he added. He also referred to the Cabinet decision to recognise Tulu as the second additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He said the state government had given priority to tourism in the coastal and Malnad regions and approved several development measures to attract investment and prevent migration. Representatives of various organisations and elected representatives urged the state government to constitute an expert committee and conduct a physical survey before taking further decisions on the Kasturirangan report. They said the report covers around 13,000 square km in Kerala and around 20,000 square km in Karnataka. According to them, Kerala conducted a physical survey through a high-level officials' committee, separating inhabited areas from forest areas and reducing the area covered by the report to around 9,000 square km. They claimed that a similar exercise in Karnataka could potentially exclude around 5,000 square km from the report's coverage. The representatives said the Kasturirangan committee had relied on satellite and GPS-based surveys and had not conducted a physical survey. They also raised concerns over the inclusion of areas with more than 100 residents and regions with less than 20 per cent protected forest cover. They said the report had created apprehension among residents that they could eventually be displaced and urged the state government to create awareness about its actual provisions. The representatives urged the state government to conduct a physical survey and place its findings before the Centre, the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal to resolve the concerns. It can be noted that the Kasturirangan Committee was set up by the Union government in 2012 under the chairmanship of K. Kasturirangan to examine the recommendations of the Gadgil Committee on protecting the Western Ghats. The committee recommended identifying parts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA). It proposed restrictions on certain activities such as mining, quarrying, large construction projects and some industrial activities in ESA areas. The recommendations cover parts of six states: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Karnataka, the recommendations have faced opposition from residents, farmers and local organisations, who have raised concerns about restrictions on agriculture, development and property rights
Fire breaks out at welding shop in Maharashtra, three injured
24-year-old woman from Maharashtra injured after tree falls on house at Balkum
LPG tanker overturns on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway, no leak reported
19-year-old dies, pillion rider hurt as bike skids on Eastern Express Highway in Mumbai
Football association has no right to Bandra plot, Mhada tells Bombay High Court
New 3-judge HC bench to hear Maratha quota case
India Strikes Nestl: FSSAI Flags Baby Formula Amid Biggest Food Safety Crackdown In Years
India's food safety regulator FSSAI has filed three separate adjudication cases against Nestle India in a single notice, targeting baby formula products NAN Excella Pro, Lactogen Pro, and a follow-up formula that failed biotin testing twice. Nestle's stock dropped nearly 3% within hours. This isn't an isolated incident it's part of a sweeping nationwide crackdown that has already hit Domino's, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and quick-commerce giants like Blinkit and Zepto, with over 8,000 food licences cancelled in three years and one in five tested samples failing safety standards. We break down the Nestle cases, the Maharashtra official behind the viral raids, why this enforcement wave is happening now, and the looming Supreme Court battle over front-of-pack warning labels that could reshape India's entire packaged food industry.
22 accused sent to judicial custody in Relief Hospital ruckus case in Maharashtra
Make oil companies absorb new levy on UPI: Mumbai petrol pump operators
Tribunal stays Rs 57 lakh order against IDFC First Bank over unauthorised money transfers
Chlorine issue keeps Chembur civic pool shut for a week
Vasai-Virar Civic Body Completes Hearings on 95 Redevelopment Projects
Skilled hands carve large idols with perfect balance and symmetry
Police arrest two for assaulting 29-year-old during Ganpati procession in Mumbai
Western Railway revises train halts at Mumbai's Charni Road station for Anant Chaturdashi
V-P Radhakrishnan inaugurates Pune Fesitval, says nation must never forget its history
Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 18 (IANS) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday inaugurated the 38th Pune Festival at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Pune, reminding the nation must never forget its history and the great sacrifices made by its heroes. The Vice President said the vision of Viksit Bharat encompasses not only economic growth and infrastructure but also an inclusive and equitable society rooted in its civilisational heritage. He noted that events such as the Pune Festival can promote cultural exchange, tourism, local talent and national integration. Emphasising the need to remain rooted in Indias civilisational heritage, Radhakrishnan said that development must go hand in hand with preservation of heritage. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi, he said modernity and technological advancement need not come at the cost of traditions and cultural values. Recalling the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said that his contribution to the preservation of Hindu Dharma and Indias civilisational heritage must always be remembered. He also highlighted the deep historical and cultural bonds between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, noting that Tamil literary works have been preserved at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur because of Maratha leaders. He also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar. Appreciating Punes growing global character, the Vice President lauded the performance of international students at the inauguration session. He noted that students from around 20 countries participated in the Traditional Ganesh Worship programme, describing it as a beautiful manifestation of the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He said Pune has emerged as a major centre of education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism and horticulture, while retaining its cultural identity. He credited the Pune Festival with contributing significantly to Punes emergence as a City of Festivals and appreciated the vision of its founder, late Suresh Kalmadi.
Papers hidden in shoes for 8,000: Charge-sheet traces Maharashtra TET leak to Agra press
Investigators allege that two serving employees and a former employee of the press removed the confidential papers by concealing them beneath their shoe insoles and walking past security
State taking drought measures, open to suggestions from Sharad Pawar: CM Devendra Fadnavis
Digital Desk | State taking drought measures, open to suggestions from Sharad Pawar: CM Devendra Fadnavis Mumbai, September 18 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the Maharashtra government has already initiated several key measures regarding drought mitigation and farmer relief. He noted that the overall drought situation and prospective financial assistance were formally discussed during the recent Cabinet meeting. He was responding to a letter written to him by the NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar requesting immediate state intervention for the drought-like situation across Maharashtra. CM Fadnavis said that the state governments farm loan waiver program is actively underway. Three beneficiary lists have already been published, and additional lists are currently being prepared to ensure all eligible farmers receive assistance. Crop damage assessment (panchnamas) conducted as per National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) protocols starting October 5 will be submitted to secure central financial aid. He further stated that the government is taking the drought situation with utmost seriousness, making necessary provisions for fodder camps and drinking water supply across impacted regions. Welcoming Pawars letter, he said that the state administration is open to incorporating further constructive suggestions without giving the issue a political colour. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the Maharashtra's rainfall situation and reassured farmers facing severe crop damage due to dry spells. He asserted that the government will not abandon the farming community and will provide complete support in drought-like regions. Responding to Sharad Pawars demand urging the state government to officially declare a drought and distribute immediate relief aid, he acknowledged that dry spells have scorched standing crops in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada. Crop loss assessments (panchnamas) are currently underway to distribute aid based on actual losses. Earlier, Pawar raised urgent concerns regarding standing crops, drinking water shortages, and fodder scarcity for livestock.Due to the failure of rains across most parts of the state this year, the farming community is facing a massive crisis. Standing crops such as soybean, cotton, pearl millet (bajra), maize, pigeon pea (tur), green gram (moong), and black gram (udid) have withered away, compounded by an increase in pest infestations. Consequently, the situation regarding agriculture, drinking water, and fodder supply is set to worsen, he noted. He has demanded immediate declaration of drought bypassing formal procedural norms to declare drought immediately. Identify worst-hit talukas as drought-affected and implement relief measures without delay, provide financial aid of at least Rs 50,000 per hectare to affected farmers and a special assistance package of Rs 25,000 to land less farm-labor households and implement a farm loan waiver immediately to ensure fresh crop credit. Pointing out the stark ground reality, Pawar emphasised that deficient rainfall has severely impacted crops across Marathwada and other parts of the state, leaving farmers in deep distress. He raised urgent concerns regarding standing crops, drinking water shortages, and fodder scarcity for livestock.
Delhi man allegedly murdered, decomposing body found inside storage trunk
Delhi Police arrested a 20-year-old man from Maharashtra for the alleged murder of his 26-year-old friend, whose decomposing body was found inside a storage trunk at a jhuggi in Pandara Park. Police suspect an old dispute may have led to the killing
Delhi man allegedly killed over financial dispute, body dumped in Gurugram drain
A 31-year-old Delhi man who had left a restaurant to meet his former colleague in Gurugram was allegedly murdered over a financial dispute, police said. His body was allegedly dumped in a drain, while his former colleague and her partner have been arrested
