Leaders across nation pay floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on151st birth anniversary
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151st birth anniversary at a commemorative event in the national capital. The leaders paid their respects to the Iron Man of India, remembering his contribution to national unity and the integration of the country. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion. The Governor of Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma, also paid tribute to India's first Deputy Prime Minister on the occasion of his birth anniversary. The birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is observed as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on also Saturday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151th birth anniversary, remembering his contribution to national unity and the integration of India. In a post on X,...
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sunetra Pawar on Friday dismissed reports of internal differences within the party, saying there was no rift among its leaders and that electoral defeats called for self-introspection. There was no rift among us, and whenever there is an election, victory and defeat happen. If there is a defeat, there is a need for self-introspection. We will definitely do self-introspection, Sunetra Pawar said on Friday. Her remarks came days after the NCP suffered a setback in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, with its candidate and three-time sitting MLC Satish Chavan losing the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates' constituency to Pratapsinh Patil of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). On Thursday, NCP (SP) leader Pratap Singh Patil, following the victory in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division Graduate Constituency MLC election, asserted that a 100 per cent wave of change is sweeping Maharashtra. He said...
4 FDA officials suspended over alleged unauthorised raids in Pune, 21 others to face inquiry
Four officials from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration have been suspended for conducting unauthorized raids. The Chief Minister approved this action following allegations regarding the officials' misconduct. A departmental inquiry is also being initiated against 21 other officials involved in the matter. This inquiry will investigate the actions of officials from the Thane and Pune divisions. Further action will be determined based on the findings of this investigation.
SC sets December 1 deadline for Anant Singh to surrender in Bihar murder case
Following the SC order, Singh said, I will abide by the directive of the Supreme Court and surrender myself before December 1.
Maharashtra FDA suspends four officials over unauthorised Pune raids
The News Mill
Manoj Tiwari takes dip in Yamuna, says river pollution levels have halved
He further asserted that people can now celebrate Chhat puja in the Yamuna once again.
237-million-year-old fossils reveal existence of a fully marine amphibian
The creature inhabited ancient deep-sea environments defying modern amphibian biology.
MP: Girl allegedly kills 4-year-old boy by pushing him into rooftop water tank
After the girl admitted to the crime, she was produced before a court, which sent her to a juvenile home.
New SPIFFI imaging technique captures live cell dynamics in real-time
A new imaging technique called Spatial Polarisation-Induced Fluorescence Fluctuation Imaging (SPIFFI) overcomes this limitation by leveraging light polarisation during a single camera exposure
Mike Tyson ko gussa kyun aata hai
The Netflix documentary on boxing legend Mike Tyson projects his wildest side, but at the heart of those antics is childhood trauma and extreme poverty that repeatedly knocked him down
Govt must always prioritise tree transplantation
Transplanting trees in already green, remote areas means the city has lost the little green it had and is an exercise in inanity.
Ajay Devgn, SRK and Tiger Shroff under FDA scanner over Vimal Elaichi campaign
Department alleges that the advertisements indirectly promoted pan masala, a banned product in Maharashtra, through surrogate branding
Maharashtra FDA impounds 28,753 quintals of substandard edible oil
FDA seizes substandard edible oil worth Rs 18.95-cr, suspends 80 food business licences
BJP now left with just one graduate constituency seat in Maharashtra
Maharashtra FDA makes verified disposal of expired food mandatory
Maharashtra becomes first in country to issue compliance order, takes action against top FBOs
Maharashtra FDA suspends four officers, 21 face inquiry over tobacco seizure
Action taken against Joint Commissioner (Food), Assistant Commissioner (Food) for procedural lapses and irregularities during a January 2 raid, 21 more face inquiry
Bombay HC accepts apology of litigant who tried to throw her purse at judge
ISRO's GSLV-F18 places NVS-03 into designated orbit, restoring NavIC services
Equipped with indigenous and procured atomic clocks, NVS-03 is expected to support a range of applications, including real-time tracking of trains, vehicles and shipping vessels
Drunk Mumbai man sets cow ablaze, torches 15 bikes, 3 shops after clash with owner
Activist Arun Ferreira's arrest illegal, give him Rs 2 lakh: Bombay HC
The Bombay High Court has mandated that the Maharashtra government compensate activist Arun Ferreira with Rs 2 lakh. This ruling was based on the violation of Ferreira's fundamental rights under Articles 21 and 22, as he was arrested without valid identification and was not informed of the reasons for his detention.
The Power of a Secure Childhood
Every child is born with possibilities waiting to flourish. A curious question, a new idea, a small achievement or a moment of courage may be the beginning of something remarkable. What helps these possibilities grow is the care, encouragement and confidence children receive during their early years. A secure childhood gives young minds the confidence to explore, the courage to learn and the belief that their dreams are worth pursuing. Childhood is a remarkable stage of human development. During the early years, the brain develops at an extraordinary pace, building the foundations for language, learning and emotional wellbeing. Harvard University's Centre on the Developing Child explains this through the concept of serve and return. When a child makes a sound, smiles or gestures, a caring adult responds with words, expressions or attention. These simple exchanges support healthy brain development. Harvard reports that more than one million neural connections form every second during the first few years of life. A secure childhood develops through patience, encouragement and caring support. Everyday experiences of listening, guidance and appreciation help children recognise the value of their thoughts and efforts. As they experience new situations and learn from mistakes, they gradually develop confidence, curiosity and an understanding of their abilities. Positive encouragement also inspires them to ask questions, explore new interests and discover opportunities for growth. The foundations of healthy childhood development extend beyond learning. The World Health Organization, UNICEF and the World Bank identify five essential conditions: good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning. Their Nurturing Care Framework explains how these elements work together. A child who is healthy, well-nourished, protected and encouraged has a stronger opportunity to learn and flourish. As children grow, they naturally experience new situations and challenges. These experiences can become opportunities to develop patience, confidence and problem-solving skills when the right support is available. Positive experiences, supportive guidance and a sense of stability contribute to children's emotional wellbeing and help them develop the confidence to face new situations. With encouragement and timely support, children can gradually strengthen their ability to adapt, learn and move forward. Internationally, universities and research institutions are exploring how early experiences influence human development. University College London studies children's social and emotional development. Professor Andrea Danese at King's College London researches childhood experiences and their effects on health. The University of Oxford's Rees Centre studies children's experiences in education and social care. Leiden University researches parenting and child development. Germany's Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry explores biological processes associated with human development, while Yale University's Child Study Center brings research, education and clinical care together. India, too, is making important progress in recognising the value of early childhood. The National Education Policy 2020 identifies Early Childhood Care and Education as the foundation of lifelong learning. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi connects nutrition, early stimulation and play-based learning through Anganwadi centres. In Maharashtra, the UNICEF-supported Aarambh programme uses home visits and play-based activities to help families encourage children's development. In Uttar Pradesh, Dular, developed with UNICEF and Dost Education Foundation, has used daily one-minute audio messages to guide caregivers on responsive parenting and early learning. Further initiatives are strengthening this effort. Navchetana provides a framework for early stimulation from birth to three years, while Aadharshila offers a curriculum for children aged three to six. Both promote responsive caregiving and age-appropriate learning. Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 aim to strengthen early-childhood services. NIMHANS in Bengaluru contributes through SAMVAD, a national initiative supporting child protection, mental health and psychosocial care, particularly for children requiring additional care and support. Indian universities and research institutions are also contributing to this field. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences studies children's emotional development and family wellbeing. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi has a Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development. Utkal University's Psychology Department has undertaken a UNICEF-supported Centre of Excellence project on Early Childhood Development and also operates the Radhanath Rath Centre for Early Childhood Education. The University of Jammu researches parenting and child wellbeing, while St. John's Research Institute in Bengaluru examines early-life experiences, nutrition and child development. Schools have an equally important opportunity to shape a child's future. A good teacher does more than explain lessons; a good teacher helps children recognise their abilities. Classrooms that welcome questions, encourage curiosity and appreciate effort can make learning an exciting experience. Creative activities, reading, sports, art and play allow children to discover interests, express ideas and develop confidence. Education becomes more meaningful when it prepares young people not only to gain knowledge but also to think thoughtfully, act responsibly and contribute positively to society. Harvard's National Scientific Council on the Developing Child identifies a stable connection with at least one supportive adult as an important protective factor as children navigate lifes varied experiences. This person may be a parent, grandparent, teacher or mentor. Such support can help children maintain confidence and find strength during challenging moments. Early experiences help shape a person's growth, while every new opportunity brings fresh possibilities for the future. With encouragement, education and opportunities, children can discover their strengths, develop their abilities and realise how much is possible for their future. A secure childhood is created through simple but caring actions: listening with attention, answering questions patiently, celebrating effort, encouraging creativity and making children feel valued. These actions can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth. Every child deserves the confidence to dream, the encouragement to learn and the support to pursue a fulfilling future. The lasting progress of a society is reflected in the opportunities it creates for future generations and the brighter possibilities it nurtures. When children grow with care, confidence and opportunity, they become better prepared to shape a capable, compassionate and hopeful world. Every child deserves the support, knowledge and encouragement to embrace life's opportunities, grow through new experiences and move towards a promising future. The greatest gift of a secure childhood is not a perfect life, but the confidence and ability to make life better. (The Author is a columnist and can be reached at: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )
CBI adds charges carrying life term in bank recruitment racket probe
Adil Kalyanpur & Soha Sadiq Emerge Champions in National Mixed Doubles Tennis
In the final, the winners dominated Maharashtras Pooja Ingale & Prasad Ingale to win in straight games at 6-3, 6-1.
Chandrapur sends 50-member delegation to National Unity Day celebrations in Gujarat
Woman, 6-year-old son jump to death from 18th floor in Wakad
United Spirits is facing subdued demand in its mass-market liquor portfolio as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, while regulatory changes in Maharashtra and Karnataka further weigh on sales. The Diageo-controlled company is relying on premium brands for growth, even as higher input costs linked to the West Asia conflict and weaker monsoons add pressure.
Truck hits family returning from kirtan; two children, grandmother killed in Shirur
PMC to use Ather Energy data to fix roads
Cardiologist Dr Shirish Hiremaths death leaves a void in medical fraternity
Maharashtra launches physical verification of student strength across schools
Over 95% of voters issued SIR notices in Maharashtra cleared after scrutiny
Low-pressure, late resumption of water supply post-weekly cut continues across city areas
Water cuts in Pune likely to get stricter post-Diwali as PMC mulls various options
MSLTAs Mumbai premises partially sealed over alleged lease violations
Tower crane collides, collapses at MHADA site, 2 workers dead
UBT MLA among 55 detained as farmers dirsupt highway traffic
18 towns in Ngp rural to get AI led CCTV network, state okays Rs136cr proposal
E-Rickshaws Have Free Run On 12 Banned Routes
150-Metre Road Shut for 3 Years, Chaos Persists Near Daga Hospital Despite Flyover Completion
Retd bank officer trying to get life certificate cheated out of 1.90 lakh
Poll code ends, NMC works to gain pace
DGCA Nod For Air India Flying Academy At Amravati Airport
Water Cut In Nagpur Inevitable, Says Mayor
Wadettiwar demands ban on Chandrapur coal washeries, halt to new data centres
Hold Local Body Polls Assuming 27% OBC Quota: Wadettiwar
Congress Will Support If Govt Decides
Tiger terrorising villagers along TATR buffer captured
2 die in tiger attacks, Chanda death toll 39
Airport and redevelopment fuel Navi Mumbai realty business this festive season
Decoding Maharashtra MLC results: Why the BJP lost on its home turf of Nagpur, the RSS HQ
The election results to five Legislative Council seats in Maharashtra have given hope to the opposition alliance of Maha Vikas Aghadi, and have jolted the BJP-led Mahayuti. The MVA won three seats, while the ruling alliance led by the BJP won two. The Congress hit the BJP where it hurt the most by winning the most prestigious Nagpur seat, the only seat it could win across all the States which went to polls. In this episode of Pulse Maharashtra with Vinaya Deshpande, we analyse the election, the reasons behind the performance of each party in each region, and its implementation for the State politics.
Snake rescuers save 10-foot python from death in Navi Mumbai
No potable water supply connection to under-construction sites: PCMC
GPS, CCTVs deployed to curb water misuse in Navi Mumbai
Morbe dam water for Airoli, Digha wards in Navi Mumbai within a year
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders scouts partners for proposed shipbuilding hubs
The defence shipbuilder plans clusters in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, with a proposed investment of Rs 20,000 crore over five to seven years
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation urges residents to adhere to Diwali firecracker protocol
Former corporator seeks details of civic works in Thane since 2021, urges for transparency
BJP to organise Save Democracy march in Thane on November 1
Private tanker rates soar to Rs 4,000 amid water cuts, say Thane residents
Thane civic staff to get Rs 25,000 Diwali bonus, ASHA workers Rs 6,000
Ajay Devgn moves HC over FDAs pan masala ad notice
BJP netas object to BMC circular for 225-sq-ft homes for project-affected persons
FDA completes proceedings against Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff over Vimal ads
Gujarats first bullet train power substation nears completion at Bilimora
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (IANS) The first Traction Substation (TSS) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is nearing completion at Bilimora in Gujarats Navsari district, as work progresses on the 14 substations planned to supply power along the 508-km high-speed rail corridor. The substation, spread across approximately 18,000 square metres, is at an advanced stage of construction, with equipment installation, testing and commissioning activities under way. Installation work in the control panel, changeover switch, transformer and circuit breaker buildings has been completed. Work on all gantry towers and beams has also been finished. A total of 14 traction substations (TSS) are being developed along the corridor to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the bullet trains. These substations will receive electricity from the grid, transform it to the required voltage levels and feed it into the traction power system that powers the trains. Of the 14 substations, five will be located in Maharashtra at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar and Thane Depot, while the remaining nine will be in Gujarat at Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdavad, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati Depot. In Gujarat, the traction substations will receive electricity from the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited's (GETCO) 220 kV Ambetha Grid Substation. The power will subsequently be supplied to the overhead equipment (OHE) installed along the viaduct through the 2 25 kV traction power supply system adopted for the corridor. The system is designed to distribute electricity to the overhead equipment, which transfers power to the trains through their pantographs. The entire traction power supply network will be monitored in real time from a centralised control centre to oversee the electricity supply along the corridor. The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is India's first bullet train project, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat. The 14 traction substations will form a key part of its power infrastructure, supporting the operation of trains along the route.
Let your work to curb pollution in Mumbai speak, Bombay High Court tells BMC
Census 2027: Door-to-door population count scheduled from Jan 25 to Feb 28
According to the official notification issued on October 30, 2026, the house-to-house population enumeration will be conducted from January 25 to February 28, 2027, across most States and Union Territories
Shraddha Kapoor news: In the film Eetha, Shraddha Kapoor brings to light the extraordinary life of Lavani legend Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Overcoming significant obstacles, Vithabai gained fame in Maharashtra's folk theatre and was honored with the title 'Empress of Tamasha' for her steadfast dedication. Her passing led to the creation of a prestigious award to celebrate her contributions, solidifying her influential role in shaping Maharashtra's cultural heritage.
Ajay Devgn moves Bombay High Court against Maharashtra FDA notice over Vimal Elaichi ad
Ajay Devgn has approached the Bombay High Court challenging a Maharashtra FDA show-cause notice over his appearance in Vimal Elaichi advertisements, which allegedly amount to surrogate advertising for banned Vimal Pan Masala.
Bengal: Hawkers assault Rashtriya Ekta Diwas rally participants
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) People travelling from West Bengal to Vadodara in Gujarat to participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations were brutally assaulted by hawkers at the Bhusaval station in Maharashtra on Friday. The railway police at Bhusaval confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and several people have been detained for questioning. Further investigation is underway, an official said. We were in a group of 99 people from the Jhargram district in West Bengal, selected by the district administration to travel by a special train to Vadodara for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on October 31. When the train stopped at the Bhusaval station, some of us decided to get out and stretch our legs as it had been a long journey, said Nirmalendu Mahato. He, along with his daughter, purchased some bananas from the platform. While Mahato remained outside, the girl went inside the compartment to keep the bananas near their luggage. Trouble started after she rejoined her father on the platform and Mahato started videographing the surroundings. We had heard a lot about Bhusaval and its bananas, so it was only natural for me to make a video. There were some hawkers around, but it was not my idea to focus on them. Suddenly, an elderly man approached me from behind and asked me harshly to stop making the video. I asked him the reason, when four others approached. Realising that they were out there to create trouble, I turned to send my daughter back into the compartment. This was when they pushed me from behind, Mahato said. His co-passengers noticed the incident and accosted the hawkers, resulting in a minor scuffle. The team from Jhargram, which comprises police and administrative officers from the district, then approached the elderly man who had started the whole thing. When he was asked why he started the whole ruckus, the man left. We believed that was the end of the matter. However, he returned in a few minutes with over 20 men and started assaulting us. At least a dozen members of our group received injuries to their faces, shoulders, backs, and other parts of the body. We somehow managed to get into the train and get in touch with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Mahato said. The injured, including Mahato, received treatment at the next station, where a complaint was also registered by the railway police. After reaching Vadodara, they were taken to a hospital for medical examination. On the evening of October 30, senior police officers from Bhusaval reached Vadodara and spoke to us in detail. A DSP of West Bengal Police, who was part of our group, also provided details. We were told that seven of the miscreants have been identified and detained. More people will be booked as the investigation progresses, we were told, Mahato said. According to a senior police official, it was the handiwork of illegal hawkers against whom Central Railway has been taking steps for the last few months. Several hundred illegal hawkers have been identified and removed from stations in that area. However, they keep on returning to the stations on the sly. It seems that they were scared that their activities would get recorded when the video was being made and attacked the passengers, the official said. Whatever the reason, the incident has left a bad taste in the mouth for Mahato and the others, who had left home so happily, proud to be part of the national event, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Actor Ajay Devgn moves Bombay High Court against FDA notice over Vimal Elaichi ads
Ajay Devgn has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the FDA's show-cause notice. The notice involves his advertisements for 'Vimal Elaichi', linked to banned products in Maharashtra. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe confirmed completed investigations regarding violations by several actors. Similar notices were issued to Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff for the same reason. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on November 4.
Students showcase 54 AI projects at AISSMS IOIT summit
PMPML announces 50% concession for senior citizens on bus tickets
Michelle Poonawalla takes over Heathrow Terminal 5s digital screens with Museframe and Sedition
Prohibited tobacco products: Maharashtra suspends four FDA officials
According to the government, a review of the two cases found serious irregularities in the conduct of FDA officials. With four officials suspended and departmental inquiries ordered against 21 others, a total of 25 officials are facing administrative action
