National Hockey: UP, MP Win 3-2 In Pool Matches
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh secured narrow 3-2 victories in their respective pool matches in Division A of the senior men's national hockey championship on Friday. Uttar Pradesh overcame a two-goal deficit against Hockey Karnataka, while Madhya Pradesh held off Maharashtra. Other matches saw Haryana defeat Manipur Hockey and Hockey Punjab beat Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu.
Pune Ring Road Cost Rises By Rs 10,502 Crore As Maharashtra Takes Over Stretch From NHAI
Maharashtra makes display of treatment rates mandatory for private hospitals
The directive seeks to improve transparency in hospital billing, reduce disputes over treatment costs and ensure patients can access rate information.
Gateway of India yacht rides: Per-passenger pontoon fee may drop from Rs 90 to Rs 50
Private yacht operators at the Gateway of India are negotiating to halve the pontoon fee from Rs 90 to Rs 50. The Yacht Operators Welfare Association raised concerns regarding the tariff and management of facilities after the closure of Jetty No 5. Operators are open to paying reasonable charges to ensure tourism remains affordable for everyone involved.
Honey Singhs request to appear later before Maharashtra Cyber REJECTED
India's First-Ever 500-Drum Bhakti Jamming Experience Comes to Mumbai with Maha Bhakti Rhythm Yatra
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: National award-winning, 8th-generation Kathak exponent Dr. Vinod Hasal, who took Kathak to South Africa in the Nelson Mandela era, invites Mumbai to leave all its stress behind at a bhakti jam with 500 drums, a djembe for every seat and loved voices from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Bigg Boss and Bollywood, with proceeds going towards ISKCON Kharghar's new auditorium.
J&K gets Rs 475.41 crore for upgradation of Jammu, Srinagar ITI clusters under PM-SETU
Srinagar, Oct 16: The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) has approved investments worth 475.41 crore for upgrading Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Jammu and Srinagar. The approvals are part of five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth a cumulative 1,194.92 crore cleared for ITI clusters across Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Odisha, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee was held on Friday under the chairpersonship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Under the approved plans, the Jammu ITI Cluster will receive an investment of 240 crore in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited, while 235.41 crore has been approved for the Srinagar ITI Cluster in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India. The Jammu cluster comprises Government ITI Jammu as the hub, with Government ITIs at R S Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua as spoke institutions. The Srinagar cluster comprises Government ITI Srinagar as the hub, with Government ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as spoke institutions. The projects aim to modernise infrastructure, introduce industry-aligned courses, strengthen trainer capacity and enhance industry participation to improve employment opportunities for youth. Chairing the meeting, Mukherjee said the approvals would help strengthen ITIs, improve training quality and increase industry participation. She encouraged the clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans. The progress made by Jammu & Kashmir is encouraging and reflects a strong commitment to strengthening skilling and expanding opportunities for youth in the region, she said. The committee also approved 240.50 crore for the Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, 241 crore for the Pune ITI Cluster in Maharashtra with BVG India Limited, in consortium with BVG Foundation, and 238.01 crore for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI Cluster in Maharashtra in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. With the latest approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has reached 3,687 crore, the ministry said. The committee also reviewed progress under the scheme's Training of Trainers component. As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had been trained through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The PM-SETU initiative seeks to transform ITIs into modern, industry-aligned skill institutions through partnerships between governments, industry and participating training institutes.
Maharashtra, Karnataka farmers stage protests seeking revision of cane FRP, sugar MSP
They want minimum selling price to be raised to 60 and the fair and remunerative rate above 4,500/tonne
MNS launches selfie, signature campaign to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The student wing of the party, Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) announced the protest on its X account, sharing photos of the campaign, named Selfie With Gyanu
Delhi Police deny permission, serve notice to Dipke ahead of 'Tiranga March'
The CJPs Lehra Do Tiranga march is scheduled to begin at 5 pm at Central Park in Connaught Place. However, police have not granted permission for the event
Maharashtra drought: Wadettiwar demands immediate release of funds
Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned whether the announced assistance of Rs 5,000 would be sufficient for farmers facing drought, agricultural losses and rising inflation
Maharashtra Cyber rejects Yo Yo Honey Singhs request to appear on Oct 22
The summons were issued after a person filed a complaint against the rapper over allegedly objectionable remarks he made during a concert, Maharashtra Cyber Cell said
Sena (UBT) announces financial aid for families of farmers who died by suicide
Sandeep Girhe, the partys district unit chief, told reporters on that party representatives would visit the homes of the deceased farmers to hand over the money to their families
Maharashtra Plans Fifth Film City On Konkan Coast In Ratnagiris Guhagar
Gujarat: Amit Shah to lay foundation stone for 81-foot Shiva statue
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone for an 81-foot Lord Shiva statue at the Varadayini Mataji Temple in Rupal, Gandhinagar, on Friday. His itinerary also includes visits to Jain spiritual leaders, an evening aarti in Mansa and a Raas Garba programme in Kolvada
Maharashtra BJP targets Sanjay Raut over SC remarks and SIR row
BJP chief spokesperson Navnath Ban targeted Raut over the court proceedings, comparing him with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accusing both opposition leaders of misleading the public
Press Council of India issues safety guidelines for journalists amid protests
The Press Council of India has issued guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations, stressing personal safety, professional neutrality and ethical reporting. The advisory asks media personnel to carry visible ID cards
'Conspiracy to seize power': Piyush Goyal targets Cong over regime change remark
Piyush Goyal said the opposition was using the controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to pursue a broader political objective
Abhijeet Dipke slams Delhi curbs, says peaceful protests do not hurt businesses
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke defended peaceful protests, saying demanding accountability from the government is not anarchy. He criticised administrative restrictions in Delhi ahead of the CJPs Lehra Do Tiranga march
Russia: NCS and NOAA report magnitude 7.0, no tsunami threat
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Russias Kamchatka Peninsula at a depth of 152 km, according to the NCS. The EMSC recorded a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, while NOAA reported no tsunami threat. Further details on the earthquakes impact are awaited
'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath Singh targets Congress and its allies
Rajnath Singh said democratic rights did not give political parties the licence to create disorder or undermine public confidence in institutions
Rs 142 Crore For Mumbai Suburban, Rs 68 Crore For Pune: Who Tops MahaRERA Recovery List?
Across Maharashtra, 1,675 warrants have been issued across 632 projects, covering dues of Rs 1,199.97 crore.
Temples, palaces and Satyajit Ray: Mumbais Durga Puja pandals turn into cultural showcases
Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on plea against Central Park closure
The Supreme Court on Friday declined an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the NDMCs decision to shut Central Park at Connaught Place ahead of the Cockroach Janta Partys proposed protest. The bench hoped better sense will prevail and said it could intervene if businesses suffer losses
Aniket Nikam Reaches 5,000+ Citizens Through Legal Aid
Nyay Vishwas Foundation reports reaching over 5,000 citizens through legal-aid camps in rural Maharashtra.
US school shooting in Oregon leaves four dead, two critically injured
A 16-year-old gunman killed three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. Two others were critically injured. The suspect was found dead inside the school after a civilian intervened, police said
Conspiracy to seize power: Piyush Goyal attacks Congress over regime change remark
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday accused the Congress party of conspiring to seize power by creating anarchy in the country, saying the use of the term regime change made it clear that the opposition's fight was not about electoral reforms, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) or Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The use of terms like Regime Change makes it clear that their fight is not for electoral reform, not for SIR, not for Gyanesh Kumar, not for the bright future of the country's youth. Rather, this is their conspiracy to seize power by creating Anarchy in the country, Goyal posted on X. The remarks came amid a political row over the regime change statement made by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan at a press conference on Thursday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing a press conference in Lucknow, also launched a scathing attack on Congress, alleging that its objective was to capture power by creating anarchy rather than address concerns relating to the Election Commission and the electoral process. Goyal also shared Rajnath Singh's remarks referring to the situation in Bangladesh. Singh accused the opposition of drawing inspiration from the neighbouring country and seeking to bring down the government. They want to change the regime like in Bangladesh and openly mention in their press conference that they are motivated by Bangladesh and talk about bringing down the government. It clearly shows that their sole agenda is to destroy democratic institutions. They are using words such as 'regime change', which clearly shows that their fight is neither for the Election Commission nor for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), nor against Gyanesh Kumar, nor for the bright future of the youth. They simply want power by creating anarchy in the nation. When political selfishness is placed above truth or the nation's interests, democratic discourse, instead of being guided by facts, becomes a victim of obstinacy and malicious propaganda, Singh said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also targeted the opposition over the remarks, saying the reference to regime change had exposed the alleged objective behind the protests. Its done bro, everything is exposed!! After all, it was all about Regime Change... In the end, the secret hidden in the heart came to the lips! The whole game is about grabbing the seat of power... and for that, why not provoke students and farmers, spread hatred in the name of caste and language, or tarnish the image of the countrys esteemed institutions? Spreading anarchy under the guise of a movement is precisely their objective, CM Fadnavis posted on X. CM Fadnavis also shared a video of Prashant Bhushan's press conference. At the press conference on Thursday, Bhushan openly acknowledged the demand for regime change, stating, Yes, we want regime change.
Digital Desk | Pune, Oct 16 (IANS) Rifts within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra have surfaced ahead of the Teachers Constituency election. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently claimed that all five Teacher and Graduate constituencies would be contested jointly under the Mahayuti umbrella, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde signalled that all is not well within the coalition by backing Independent candidate Sachin Sanap in the Pune Teachers Constituency. The voting is slated for October 23 and counting on October 27. Dy CM Shinde on Thursday evening announced Shiv Sena's support for Sanap. Although we are contesting elections as Mahayuti, a 'friendly contest' may take place in certain places as an exception, he stated. The decision has set up a high-stakes political contest between Independent candidate Sachin Sanap and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kaustubh Gawade, turning the spotlight of political circles onto the constituency. Further, Jayant Asgaonkar (Congress) is backed once again by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Asgaonkar enters the fray as the incumbent holding the stronghold. In the 2020 elections, held under the erstwhile MVA government, Asgaonkar secured a decisive victory on first-preference votes. Having launched his campaign with high hopes of securing the BJP ticketsymbolically commencing from the courtyard of Pandharpur's Vitthal TempleDattatray Sawant missed out on the official nomination. However, the former MLA, who finished a strong second in the previous election cycle, is locked in the race as an independent contender. Incidentally, the Shiv Sena is deploying its full organisational power to secure a victory for Sanap. Senior party leaders will actively hit the ground starting tomorrow, to bolster his campaign. Shindes remarks on friendly fights have highlighted local-level disagreements among the ruling parties, raising questions about alliance coordination. Sanaps candidacybacked heavily by Shiv Senas machinerytransforms this contest into a significant test of political coordination and unity within the Mahayuti coalition. The announcement comes just days after CM Fadnavis expressed strong confidence during a visit to Pune, asserting that the Mahayuti would win all five seats in the election. Fadnavis had previously stated that Shiv Sena would work to ensure the success of BJP candidate Kaustubh Gawade, ruling out any involvement of the party in supporting Independent candidate Sachin Sanap. However, Shiv Sena's formal endorsement of Sanap creates a distinct divergence between the coalition partners in the Pune Teachers' constituency, setting the stage for an intense fight. The battleground for the Pune Teachers' Legislative Council (MLC) seat is shaping up into a fierce contest, with the race likely culminating in a multi-cornered showdown. Addressing swirling rumours of a friendly fight and potential unilateral backing for Sachin Sanap, Minister Shambhuraj Desai clarified that the ruling alliance intends to uphold coalition ethics. Emphasising that every political outfit holds the democratic right to expand its organisational footprint, Minister Desai maintained that there is no active discord within the coalition. However, political analysts note that underlying frictions persist across multiple MLC segments. Strategic friction across Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Amravati belts has exposed minor cross-currents within the Mahayuti framework. BJP rebels have surfaced in Amravati, complicating local equations. Reports of tactical cross-support manoeuvres between constituents in Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have amplified pressure on party leadership. To douse rebellious flames and tightly manage coalition alignment, high-profile leaders, including Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Minister Uday Samant, rushed to the Amravati division to manage local dissent.
Indonesia wildfires kills four; toxic haze spreads across Southeast Asia
Four people died battling fires in Indonesia's East Java as toxic haze worsened air quality across Southeast Asia. Singapore's PM Lawrence Wong vowed legal action against companies responsible, while Singapore's air pollution index reached 251, a very unhealthy level, according to IQAir
SC seeks explanation from Sanjay Raut over remarks on CJI in SIR case
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said Raut's petition would be entertained on a provisional basis, subject to his explaining his conduct
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: PC Jeweller Ltd has come into focus following reports that Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, associated with Cupid Ltd, acquired 5.10 crore shares of the jewellery retailer
India extradites Manjeet Singh Bedi to US over alleged SNAP benefits fraud
Manjeet Singh Bedi has been extradited from India to the US to face charges of allegedly defrauding the SNAP food assistance programme of at least $600,000. The FBI says he fled to India via Canada after being indicted and will appear before a Washington state court
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Mundhe announces strict new guidelines against adulterated spices
Mumbai After a series of strict crackdowns on adulterated food items across Maharashtra, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram The post Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Mundhe announces strict new guidelines against adulterated spices appeared first on Bilkul Online .
A Grand Celebration of Inclusion, Talent and Dreams Six Students Selected for Upcoming Films and Music Albums Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: Celebrating the extraordinary potential hidden within every
Maharashtra CEO launches special drive to ensure no eligible voter is left out
The CEO's office has urged citizens to check their names in the draft electoral roll and submit claims, applications or objections by October 26. The deadline forms part of the ongoing revision process
CJP chief Dipke says Delhi Police may detain him ahead of protest on Friday
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed Delhi Police may detain him ahead of the outfits proposed Lehra Do Tiranga march at Connaught Places Central Park on October 16. He alleged surveillance at his home and said he was ready to go to jail for waving the national flag
'Intellectual bankruptcy': Sena (UBT) targets Fadnavis over Rs 5,000 farmer aid
The editorial pointed out that 305 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas had been declared drought-affected, leaving rural households facing difficulties linked to deficient rainfall and agricultural losses
Exclusive: India's Food Safety Problem Goes Beyond Just Dirty Kitchens - By Tukaram Mundhe
On World Food Day, Maharashtra's Commissioner of Food Safety explains why instead of taking stopgap measures, the entire supply chain in India needs to be held accountable and made transparent.
Adorned with lights and steeped in lore, Durga Puja pandals open for devotees across nation
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) Durga Puja celebrations officially began in several parts of the nation as Navratri reached its sixth day. The pandal doors were opened to the public, drawing thousands of devotees seeking blessings. The city of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand transformed into a vibrant hub of devotion, joy, and celebration as community-led festivities reached their peak on Friday. Major socio-cultural and religious organisations, including the Hindi Club, Ranikudar, Sri Sri Rankini Mandir, Sri Utkal Durga Puja Committee, Agrico Puja Committee, and Tuiladungri Puja Committee, unveiled massive, intricately designed pandals. Elaborate thematic decorations, synchronised light displays, and traditional Vedic rituals have deeply immersed the local residents in the spirit of worship. Jamshedpur boasts a legacy of hosting approximately 500 distinct Durga Puja celebrations across the city, making it one of the region's largest cultural congregations. Local organising committees have deployed dedicated volunteers and coordinated infrastructure to manage the heavy footfall, ensuring safety and accessibility for families and visitors. As the multi-day festival progresses, the entire city remains unified in a rare blend of community bonding and spiritual reverence. As the nation marked the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri 2006, dedicated to Maa Katyayani, pandals were adorned across cities in West Bengal and other states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Devotees were seen hopping between pandals and seeking blessings of the Goddess. Speaking to IANS at the unveiling of Goddess Durgas idol at Kolkatas renowned Tala Barowaris 106th Durga Puja celebrations, a devotee and organiser, Abhishek Bhattacharya, said, We worship the Shakti in three forms: one is Durga, one is Saraswati, and one is Lakshmi. We know through the Puranas and Vedas that Shakti possesses the divine power of Dasha Maha-vidya and Navadurga - the Navadurga of Uma. This is what we have tried to portray in our pandal. Furthermore, in Uttarakhands Kashipur, a seven-day Durga Puja festival has been organised from October 15 to 21, featuring religious rituals, cultural performances, bhajan evenings, and community feasts, with the inauguration by Mayor Deepak Bali. In Jharkhand, JMM general secretary Binod Kumar Pandey and party spokesperson Manoj Kumar Pandey inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal at Harmu Panch Mandir near Harmu Chowk by cutting the ribbon. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, artist Hafizuddin Ahmed spoke to IANS and narrated how he has been making Ravan effigies for Dusshera for the past 50 years. I make effigies of Ravana, I make Tazia, I do set/scenery design work, and if any order comes from the film industry, I handle that too. As for how many generations, he said, I watched my father work, and he told me that his father and grandfather also used to do this same work.
California wildfire: Bryson Fire triggers evacuation order amid strong winds
The Bryson Fire near Malibu, California, spread to 101 acres by Thursday evening, prompting an evacuation order for Encinal Canyon and warnings for nearby areas. Officials cautioned that strong winds and low humidity could accelerate the blaze amid a Red Flag Warning
Maharashtra MLC polls: Eknath Shinde confident Mahayuti will win all five seats
Elections will be held on October 23 for five Maharashtra Legislative Council constituencies: Pune Graduates, Nagpur Graduates, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates, Pune Teachers and Amravati Teachers
Maharashtra Police discuss cyber forensics, financial trails at Nyaya Setu 2026
At Nyaya Setu 2026, cyber cops train officers in cyber forensics, tracing payment trails, securing digital evidence in accordance with legal provisions
Delhi Police issue warning ahead of CJP, AAP-backed gathering at Central Park
NDMC has requested appropriate security arrangements to prevent any unauthorised entry into the park.
Trump claims drug cartels control Mexico, vows tougher action
Perez said the administration had provided unprecedented support to first responders and border enforcement personnel.
Russian extradited to US over tech smuggling
A 52-year-old Russian national, Alexander Suvorov, has been extradited from Sweden to the US to face charges of allegedly running a procurement network that smuggled American-made electronic components with military applications to Russia through Hong Kong-based front companies
Leopard attacks two villages in Chhattisgarh, injures seven people
While three villagers were injured in Karipani village in Dhamtari district late on Wednesday night, four others sustained injuries in adjoining Bastar Budra village in Kondagaon district early on Thursday
DeLorean to enter electric flying car racing in November 2026
Debuting in November 2026, the team will initially race standardised Mk3C electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft styled with DeLorean branding
Pope Leo XIV shows positive health progress after lung surgery, says Vatican
Leo is suffering from lung adenocarcinoma, a prevalent form of lung cancer.
PM Modi to visit Canada on December 11-12, India-Canada to strengthen ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada on December 11 and 12, 2026, following talks with Canadian PM Mark Carney. The two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges, while pushing for a trade agreement
Karan, you are right: Its done, bro
Its the last season of Koffee with Karan, and though KJo may be feeling emotional, the rest of us can heave a sigh of relief that we wont hear the same celebs spout the same spiel
Heres hoping flexes stay gone after BMCs drive
All they know is that many of these seem to be unauthorised, going by the suddenness with which they appear, especially during festive season.
A 39-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by two individuals in Thane district, Maharashtra. Police have arrested one suspect and are searching for the other, while investigating the motive behind the killing.
Indian-origin official arrested in Australia over stalking allegations
He appeared before the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson refused his bail application
Girl killed, 16 injured as Mumbai-Bengaluru bus plunges into field near Hubballi
The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and enter a field, police said.
Security tightened at Connaught Place ahead of CJPs Lehra Do Tiranga protest
Security has been deployed around Delhis Connaught Place ahead of CJP activist Abhijeet Dipkes Lehra Do Tiranga protest at Central Park on October 16. Traffic movement may be affected from 3 pm, while NDMC has announced the parks closure on October 16 and 17
SIR row: SC issues notice to Election Commission on Rahul Gandhis plea
While issuing notice on the plea of Gandhi and others, the bench, said it has taken note of the conduct of one of the petitioners.
Imran Khan told to leave India: A look at others who faced OCI action
Zabarvan Legends Series takes mountain biking from Kashmir to Ladakh
Srinagar, Oct 15: Indias mountain landscapes are emerging as a promising arena for international downhill mountain biking, with the Zabarvan Legends Series returning for its second season with races across Sikkim, Ladakh and Pune, aiming to put the country on the global adventure sports map. Organised by Zabarvan Xtreme, the international championship seeks to bridge the gap between Indias growing mountain biking community and the professional infrastructure, sponsorship and competitive opportunities available to riders in established cycling nations. Founded by Sehan Shetty, a snowboarder, surfer and football player, Zabarvan Xtreme was conceived to help Indian athletes pursue mountain sports professionally rather than treat them merely as recreational activities. Zabarvan Xtreme was created to build an ecosystem for mountain sports where Indian athletes can thrive and see these disciplines as serious sporting opportunities rather than simply hobbies, Shetty said. The series made its debut in October 2025, travelling through Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Shillong in Meghalaya and Guwahati in Assam. More than 30 riders participated in the inaugural edition, including competitors from Brazil, Australia, the Czech Republic and Iran. Brazils Douglas Vieira, a five-time national champion, emerged as the overall winner. Building on that experience, the second season has introduced three new venues, each offering a distinct combination of terrain, technical challenges and regional character. The opening race, Singge Oralo, was held from October 7 to 11 at Zoom village in Sikkims Eastern Himalayas. The two-kilometre course, named Snow Lion, featured a 200-metre descent through dense forests, with steep gradients, exposed roots, rocky drops and centuries-old granite stairways passing through historic mountain settlements. With gradients reaching 40 degrees, the track tested riders precision and adaptability across slippery roots, soft forest soil and unforgiving stone surfaces. The event attracted participants from eight countries, including India, Brazil, Australia, Iran, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Nepal and Italy. Vieira continued his winning run, finishing first in the elite category. Czech rider Matej Charvat secured second place, while Irans Hossein Zanjanian finished third. Australian mountain biking legend Samuel Hill, an eight-time world champion, finished fourth. Indian riders also made their presence felt, with Taitus Marak finishing eighth, Virendra Mali ninth and Aaronson Oniel Kharpuri tenth. In the second competition category, Meghalayas Will Willbornson finished second and Darian Laloo of Meghalaya Pro Cycling secured third place. The championship has now moved to Ladakh for Druk Layul, scheduled from October 14 to 18 at South Pullu, near the gateway to Khardung La. Named after the legendary Tibetan Thunder Dragon, Druk Layul translates to Thunder Dragons Heaven. The approximately 3.5-kilometre course descends from an altitude of 4,300 metres to 3,700 metres, presenting riders with a 600-metre elevation drop across the rugged Trans-Himalayan landscape. Loose shale, rocky chutes, exposed traverses, technical switchbacks and fast sections punctuated by jumps and drops are expected to test the competitors endurance and technical skills. Around 25 athletes are expected to participate in one of the championships most demanding high-altitude settings, where temperatures may range from minus 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Riders are being given two days to acclimatise to the altitude before racing. The event is being organised in partnership with Unexplored Ladakh, represented by Tenjin Jamphel, whose regional knowledge and experience in mountain biking and adventure travel are central to the competition. Beyond hosting the race, the organisers see Ladakh as a potential long-term destination for competitive mountain biking, with plans to encourage local participation, create opportunities for young riders and establish recurring competitions. The final leg, Gaur Ghat, will be held from October 22 to 25 in Pune, Maharashtra, beneath the historic walls of Sinhagad Fort. Drawing its name from the historic mountain pass leading towards the fort, the race will take riders through the rugged Sahyadri mountains. The 2.2-kilometre course, set at approximately 1,300 metres, features a 400-metre descent across dry basalt terrain, loose gravel, exposed bedrock, steep rock faces and technical switchbacks. The tracks rocky surfaces and rough rock gardens offer a different challenge from Sikkims forest trails and Ladakhs high-altitude desert. The organisers hope the event will help establish Pune as a destination for international mountain biking, building on its active cycling community and access to outdoor recreation areas. For Zabarvan Xtreme, however, the championship is about more than race results. The organisation aims to address the structural challenges confronting Indian mountain biking, including expensive equipment, limited training facilities, inadequate sponsorship and a shortage of professional racing opportunities. Bringing international riders to India gives local competitors an opportunity to experience professional racing standards without having to travel overseas. Collaboration with local organisers and cycling communities is also intended to build the foundations for sustained participation beyond individual events. The series could additionally create opportunities in adventure tourism, local employment and sports infrastructure, particularly in mountain destinations with the terrain and natural appeal to host international competitions. However, the long-term benefits will depend on sustained investment, local athlete development and responsible management of fragile mountain environments. From Gulmarg, Shillong and Guwahati in its inaugural season to Sikkim, Ladakh and Pune in 2026, the Zabarvan Legends Series is expanding its geographical reach while seeking to establish a stronger professional pathway for Indian mountain bikers. Its larger ambition is to create an ecosystem where Indian athletes can train, compete at international standards and pursue mountain sports as a career, while bringing the countrys diverse landscapes to a wider global sporting audience.
'Lehra Do Tiranga': CJPs protest at at Azad Maidan today against arrest of its founders
Maharashtra FDA bans loose sale of powdered spices and mixed masalas
Drying spices on roads, drains, or near cattle sheds also forbidden; move comes amid crackdown on adulteration
Caretaker, boyfriend get triple life terms for 2018 Bandra murders
Pakistan school roof collapse: Death toll in Peshawar rises to 33
At least 33 people, including 31 children and two teachers, died after a school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan. More than 50 others were injured, while the school owner was taken into custody and rescue teams searched for anyone trapped beneath the rubble
Delhi: Central Park to remain closed on October 16-17 ahead of CJPs march
Delhis Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons, the NDMC said. The closure comes ahead of the Cockroach Janata Partys Lehra do Tiranga march scheduled for Friday at 5 pm
Maharashtra draft voter list: Check your name, file claims by October 26
Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer has urged voters to check their names in the draft electoral roll and file claims or objections by October 26. Special camps will be held at polling stations on October 17-18 and 24-25 to assist eligible voters
Dussehra 2026: Delhi Ramlila to burn 30-foot cockroach effigy alongside Ravan
A 30-foot cockroach effigy will be burnt alongside Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad at a Ramlila in Delhi. Organisers say it symbolises filth and dirt and supports cleanliness campaigns, while denying any political motive amid Cockroach Janata Party protests
Maharashtra UCC: Citizens can submit suggestions, feedback till November 15
Maharashtra's Uniform Civil Code Committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai, has invited citizens to submit suggestions and feedback by November 15, 2026. The panel has launched a portal and will also accept responses by email and post
CJP protest: Home Ministry clarifies unconditional apology in SC affidavit
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry said some media organisations were reporting that the Home Secretary had tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court in response to a contempt notice concerning restrictions imposed in Delhi during the CJP protest on October 10
Sanjay Nirupam Welcomes Supreme Court Hearing on Maharashtras SIR Process
Sanjay Nirupam discusses the Supreme Courts review of Maharashtras SIR process and the implications for voter registration. Sanjay Nirupam Welcomes Supreme Court Hearing on Maharashtras SIR Process
Maharashtra FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe bans sale of loose spices
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has implemented a ban on loose spices to combat adulteration. The ban comes after discovering harmful industrial dyes in local spice samples. Action will be taken against manufacturers who violate the compliance order issued by the FDA. The FDA will also regulate the storage of spices to ensure public health isn't jeopardized.
Pune police arrest BPO employee for fake kidnap ransom demand
States decision to give Rs5,000 before Diwali is like rubbing salt on farmers wound, says opposition
IIM Mumbai approached to study Punes traffic woes, suggest long-term solutions
Bengali music, dance and theatre take centre stage at Punes Durga Puja pandals
NCW chief calls for support groups to help families cope with pregnancy and infant loss
Pune-based Green Solutions, Czech Research Centre sign MoU to explore joint research
Bawankule tells collectors to submit district-wise drought mitigation proposals within 15 days
Special voter registration camps across state on Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25
ESTIC 2026: ICMR-NIV charts roadmap for advanced, affordable healthcare
PMRDA tightens water norms for building, occupancy approvals
YCMOU to launch online research diploma for teachers
Pune passport office issues passports within 24 hours to ZP students selected for NASA-ESA visit
Man with criminal record held for firing at cousin in Rajgad taluka
Private bus operators vow to keep Diwali fare hike in check due to drought in Maharashtra
HCMTCR, inner ring road land surveys to be completed by Oct 30
Driver dies of heart attack at wheel, car hits pole in Pune; 2 women injured
Maharashtra Implements Strict Regulations Against Adulterated Spices
Maharashtras FDA announces new guidelines to combat adulterated spices, ensuring consumer safety across the state. Maharashtra Implements Strict Regulations Against Adulterated Spices
