Maharashtra in forefront to emerge as global growth platform: Devendra Fadnavis
Bhopal News: Boyfriend, His Family Arrested In Womans Tank Murder
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Nishatpura Police have solved the brutal murder of a 22-year-old woman whose decomposed body was found on Thursday stuffed inside an iron trunk and dumped in a septic tank. The victim, identified as Misbah, a resident of Gondia, Maharashtra, was allegedly strangled to death by her live-in partner, who later disposed of her body with the help of his family members, police said on Friday. All four people, including the prime accuseds mother and siblings, have been arrested for murder and destruction of evidence. Bhopal News: 2 Arrested In 9.91 Lakh Stock Market Cyber Fraud Case; Crime Branch Probes Wider Network Police said the case came to light on February 12, when residents of the Chhahghara area informed authorities about a suspicious iron trunk floating in a septic tank on a vacant plot. Upon retrieving and opening the trunk, police discovered the highly decomposed body of an unidentified woman. Senior officials immediately launched a detailed investigation. Investigations revealed that Misbah had been living in a rented house in Kamal Nagar since October 2025 with Sameer, the prime accused. Argument turns fatal Police stated that the two met through an online dating app. Sameer allegedly wanted to end the relationship, but Misbah demanded money in exchange for separation. Tensions escalated on the night of February 78, when a heated argument broke out. In a fit of rage, Sameer allegedly strangled Misbah to death. Family assisted in dumping body Investigations revealed that Sameers family helped him dispose of the body. He reportedly kept the corpse inside the house for a day. The following night, Sameer, along with his brother Sahil, sister Sayma, and mother Shehnaz Bi, stuffed the body into an iron trunk. The family then transported the trunk to a nearby vacant plot and dumped it into a septic tank, attempting to destroy evidence and conceal the crime. Police action Police station in-charge Manoj Patwa said all four accused Sameer, Sahil, Sayma, and Shehnaz Bi have been taken into custody. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal Promises Resignation If Linked To Bribery Case
Mumbai : In the midst of the controversy over one of his staffers being caught red-handed accepting bribe money, food and drug administration minister Narhari Zirwal said on Friday that he would resign if any link was established between him and the clerk arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Zirwal, who was in New Delhi, told mediapersons that the incident was serious and the person concerned would face the consequences. He added that Rajendra Dherange, the clerk, was handling matters related to departmental hearings. Clarifying that he never gets involved in such things, the NCP minister said, The accused will not be spared, he added. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised questions over the ACB action and corruption in the corridors of Mantralaya, the state government headquarters. 'Issuing Fake Birth Certificates A Large-scale Corruption Within The System' Says Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde; Demands Review Of All Birth Records Also Watch: State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal and Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad came down heavily on the government, saying even though it projects itself as pro-people, papers at Mantralaya do not move without payment. Sapkal alleged that bribery and commission-taking are happening openly in Mantralaya under the Mahayuti government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should disclose details of the ACB action and sack Narhari Zirwal from the cabinet, he added. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Palghar Police Arrest Habitual Offender For Cheating Senior Citizen Of 2 Lakh At Bank
Palghar: The Crime Detection Team of Bolinj Police Station has successfully arrested an accused involved in cheating an elderly man inside a bank premises and has recovered assets linked to the offence, police officials said. The incident took place at the State Bank of India (SBI), Virar West, where the accused approached the senior citizen under the pretext of helping him fill out a bank form. On January 9, 2026, the accused gained the victims trust and falsely claimed that the balance amount from the complainants account could be transferred into a mode balance account. Misleading the elderly man, the accused convinced him to withdraw 2,00,000 in cash from his bank account. However, instead of depositing the amount as promised, he allegedly took the money for personal gain and fled, thereby cheating the complainant. Following the complaint, Bolinj Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. With fraud-related offences increasing in the area, the crime detection team launched an intensive investigation. The accused was initially staying temporarily at a dormitory in Dadar, Mumbai, but had vacated the premises. Police later found that the mobile number provided was false. Further inquiry revealed that the accused was originally from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and was frequently travelling between cities such as Lucknow and Delhi to evade arrest. On January 26, 2026, police received information that he had returned to Mumbai. Using technical and cyber investigation skills, PSI Kiran Vanjari and his team successfully tracked and arrested the accused in Dadar. Fake Call Centre Saga: CBI Grills Nashik, Palghar Cops Over Igatpuri Call Centre Operations Also Watch: The arrested accused has been identified as Brijkumar Santoshkumar Wadhwani (62). During the investigation, police seized a mobile phone worth 25,500 and lien-marked 1,51,287 from the accuseds bank account. In total, assets worth 1,76,787 were recovered. The investigation also led to the detection of another related fraud case registered at Malad Police Station in Mumbai. Police stated that the accused is a habitual offender with several cheating and fraud cases registered against him across Maharashtra and Gujarat, including Amravati, Bhusawal, Wardha, Vadodara and Gondia. Further inquiries are ongoing. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Mumbai: The BMC's health department has pulled up its socks to ensure the fake birth certificates are recovered, and going ahead will crosscheck additional documents such as government identity proof of a blood relative, for people who have applied and in future apply for obtaining birth certificate after the age of one. A review report is expected in a month's time. This followers the alleged fake birth certificates scam in Mumbai, in which allegedly Bangladeshi nationals have obtained birth certificates from the BMC, of which several have put of unauthorised hawking stalls across the metropolis. On Friday, newly anointed mayor of Mumbai, Ritu Tawde convened her first meeting after taking charge, deliberating actions to be taken to ensure no illegal immigrants, particularly the Bangladeshis obtain birth certificates by submitting bogus documents, they are identified and removed, and actions against officials involved. After elected as Mayor on Wednesday, Tawde had said that making Mumbai free from 'illegal Bangladeshi hawkers' is her top priority. The mayor called for a joint meeting with the collector, police and BMC, after BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya, who has been extensively following the issue of fake birth certificate scam in Maharashtra, wrote a letter to Tawde stating that the registrar/health officer of the BMC is knowingly or unknowingly involved in the birth certificate scam. Few months ago, the BMC found 237 birth certificates issued with bogus documents by immigrants, which were delayed application (after age of one). Of these, 122 were found to be issued from M-East ward (Govandi-Mankhurd) and two civic health officers were also suspended. While four FIRs have been registered with the Mumbai police in this regard. Speaking with the media, the mayor called the issue a larger-scale corruption with the system, and misgovernance in BMC administration for in the last four years. The matter is extremely serious. Issuing bogus birth certificates compromises national security and reflects deep-rooted corruption in the administration. Criminal action must be taken against the eight officials found guilty in the case and the corporation would not shield anyone involved in wrongdoing. Tawde said the allegations raised by the senior BJP leader would be examined in detail and appropriate follow-up action would be initiated. The mayor also demanded a review of all birth certificates issued after January 1, 2016. She also demanded that the health department should recover 237 bogus birth certificates issued to citizens residing illegally in Mumbai within a month and that the birth certificates of hawkers will be checked. Speaking with the FPJ, a senior officer from the civic health department said, The SOP says that after age of one, the issuance of birth certificate is transferred to tehsildars office. It has been found tha some 237 birth certificates were issued without following the due procedures. We have intensified our actions and review will be taken in a month. Regarding checking birth certificates of the hawkers, the officer said that it comes under the licences department, however, our staff will give assistance, if asked. BMC Targets Monsoon 2026 For Mahalaxmi Temple Precinct Phase 1 Completion Also Watch: The letter by Somaiya to Tawde dated February 8 mentions, In the year 2025, the Maharashtra government cancelled 2.24 lakh birth registration certificates issued illegally. So far, more than 40 FIRs have been registered in 34 different cities/villages. Un Mumbai too, the BMC has registered cases in this regard at Deonar Police Station, Mulund Police Station and Kurla Police Station. Claiming that officials are involved in the birth certificate scam, the letter highlights the recent developments like - Two health officers from M/East division were suspended, 112 birth registrations in M/East division were cancelled, in L ward (Kurla) birth certificates were issued on the basis by bogus doctors, and on forged documents, many birth records not yet transferred to the Central/State Government CRS portal; a large number of Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, and infiltrators have been registered in the birth records and birth certificates have been issued, and from the point of view of national security, issuing birth certificates to Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, and infiltrators are extremely dangerous. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Mumbai, Feb 13: Eight months since construction work began, Thane Coastal Road-1 has crossed a major milestone, with over 50% of the foundation work for the elevated viaduct now complete and pier cap and I-girder erection progressing rapidly, as per the MMRDA official statement issued on Friday, February 13. The 13.45 km, six-lane, access-controlled greenfield corridor is being built using cutting-edge engineering. For the first time in India, a greenfield road project is using a single-pile, single-pier system with monopile foundations on land. Project progress update As per the MMRDA, the overall project achieved progress up to January 2026 by 20% within the elevated (viaduct) portion, 50% foundation work has been completed by adopting innovative design and construction techniques. : ! - . % - . https://t.co/a8HDY54PzE MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) February 13, 2026 Strategic freight corridor The project is designed as a strategic freight corridor, which will decongest Ghodbunder Road and improve connectivity between NH-160 (MumbaiNashik Highway) and Gaimukh along the Thane Creek coastline, with major stretches on viaducts and bridges to safeguard the sensitive mangrove ecosystem. At Gaimukh, the road will directly connect with the upcoming GaimukhFountain Hotel Tunnel, enabling seamless ThaneBhayander connectivity. Together, these projects will significantly decongest Ghodbunder Road, transform urban mobility in Thane, and strengthen freight movement towards Vadhawan Port, JNPT, South Maharashtra and Karnataka, as per the MMRDA. Need for the new alignment The project starts near Balkum at Kharegaon toll plaza on the MumbaiNashik Highway (old NH-3) and ends at Gaimukh. The road experiences heavy commercial traffic, often leading to traffic congestion and frequent jams. Moreover, the ongoing urbanisation along Ghodbunder Road has substantially increased passenger traffic, further exacerbating the situation. The heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and trailers have led to a decline in the road's level of service, resulting in recurring traffic bottlenecks and congestion. It is therefore proposed to provide a new road (greenfield alignment) along the coastline of the Thane Creek so that the commercial traffic on Ghodbunder Road can be separated. Integration with future infrastructure The corridor will also integrate with key future infrastructure projects including the Thane Ring Metro, Thane Coastal Road-2, the SaketAmane Elevated Corridor, and the KasarvadavaliKharbhav Road. M/s Navayuga Engineering Company Limited has been appointed as the contractor on December 18, 2024, and M/s TEC4 Ingenieros India Private Limited in association with M/s Yooshin Engineering Corporation has been appointed as the Project Management Consultant (PMC). Also Watch: Thane: MMRDA Coastal Road-1 Project Hits Key Engineering Milestone With 50% Foundation Completion Salient features Length of alignment: 13.450 km Work completion period = 48 months (12 months for Design / Environmental Clearance) + (36 months for Construction) Defects Liability Period (DLP) = 24 months Project cost: Rs 2,727 Cr To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Mumbai, Feb 13: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has directed Oyster Corporation and its partners to pay interest for delayed possession to four shop purchasers in its registered project Mohak Oyster Living at Vasai-Virar, maintaining that the promoter had failed to hand over possession within the promised timeline and without obtaining the Occupancy Certificate (OC). Complaint filed by shop purchasers The complainants, who were represented by Adv. Anil Dsouza, the Secretary of The Bar Association of MahaRERA, had filed the complaint before the authority. As per the complaint, the complainants had booked ground-floor shops in Wing A of the project and executed registered agreements for sale in 2018 and 2020. Promised possession timeline As per the agreements, possession was to be handed over by June 30, 2018, with a six-month grace period, making December 31, 2018 the committed possession date. The purchasers had paid substantial amounts, in some cases the entire consideration, ranging from Rs 16 lakh to Rs 35.77 lakh. Despite this, possession was not handed over. Relief sought under RERA The complainants approached MahaRERA seeking possession along with interest and compensation under Section 18 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). They contended that although the RCC structure had been ready since 2018, the project remained incomplete and the Occupancy Certificate had not been obtained. One of the complainants had also issued a legal notice to the promoter, but no corrective steps were taken. Status of Occupancy Certificate During the proceedings, MahaRERA noted that although the promoter had uploaded an Architects Certificate in April 2022 on its website, the full Occupancy Certificate had not been uploaded. The order copy maintains that a status report called for from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation revealed that an application for OC had been made in March 2023 for certain buildings, but the certificate could not be granted due to non-submission of a Consent to Operate from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. The municipal authoritys report indicated that the project was physically complete in 2023, but compliance formalities remained pending. Findings on delay After examining the documents placed on record, MahaRERA held that the promoter had agreed to hand over possession by December 31, 2018 but failed to do so and had not obtained the Occupancy Certificate. It observed that under Section 18 of RERA, if a promoter fails to deliver possession as per the agreement, the allottee who chooses to remain in the project is entitled to interest for every month of delay until possession is handed over. Also Watch: MahaRERA Pulls Up Borivali Developer For 10-Year Delay, Orders Project Revival And Interest To Homebuyers Interest calculation Accordingly, MahaRERA directed the promoter to pay interest from January 1, 2019 till the date of offer of possession with Occupancy Certificate, calculated on the actual amount paid towards the consideration of the shops. The rate of interest shall be the State Bank of Indias Marginal Cost of Lending Rate (MCLR) plus two per cent, as prescribed under RERA. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Mumbai, Feb 13: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has penalised a Navi Mumbai-based developer, M/s Hitect Enterprises, a partnership firm of Brijesh Mavani, for failing to hand over possession of a flat booked in 2011. The Commission directed the developer to hand over peaceful possession of the flat within one month. It further ordered the proprietor to pay interest at 8 per cent per annum on the amount of Rs 31,64,065 for the period between January 2014 and October 2016. Additionally, the developer has been directed to pay Rs 2 lakh towards compensation for mental agony and physical harassment, along with Rs 25,000 towards litigation costs. Complaint and booking details The complaint was filed by Rajesh Prasad (49), a Thane-based resident, who had booked Flat No. 904 on the 9th floor in the project Hi-Tech Castle at Sector-17, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. The case was represented by advocate Poonam Makhijani on Rajesh Prasads behalf. According to the complainants, in January 2011 they approached the developer based on brochures, representations and assurances regarding development rights, approvals, commencement of work, amenities, connectivity and possession timelines. The flat, admeasuring 543 sq ft carpet area with terrace, was agreed to be purchased for Rs 44,28,970. The complainants alleged that the price included a cash component of Rs 10,19,050 towards development charges, society formation, amenities, utility connections, taxes, legal charges, parking, clubhouse, grills and proportionate outgoings. They claimed that the developer assured that construction would commence in February 2011 and possession would be handed over by November 2013. Payments were made from time to time through cheques and cash, supported by receipts and acknowledgments, totalling Rs 40,99,101 approximately 93 per cent of the consideration including service tax of Rs 84,014. An Agreement for Sale dated January 17, 2012 was registered. However, the complainants alleged that the developer deliberately kept the possession date blank in the agreement and failed to acknowledge the cash component. Limitation plea rejected The developer contended that the complaint filed in 2017 was barred by limitation under Section 24A of the Consumer Protection Act, arguing that the cause of action arose in January 2011. Rejecting this contention, the Commission observed: The Agreement for Sale did not specify a possession date, and the project obtained Occupancy Certificate only on 29.09.2016, and an offer of possession was issued on 01.10.2016. Thus, the relevant cause of action cannot be computed from the date of booking, because the obligation to deliver possession is a continuing obligation. As the possession is not handed over, the cause of action is continuous and recurring. The Commission held that since the complaint was filed within two years from the date of Occupancy Certificate and possession offer, it was within limitation. Findings on delay and violation The Commission noted that construction commenced late and the Occupancy Certificate was obtained only in 2016 nearly five years after booking. Citing Section 3(2)(f) of the Maharashtra Ownership Flats (Regulation of the Promotion of Construction, Sale, Management and Transfer) Act, 1963 (MOFA), the Commission observed that a promoter is required to specify in writing the date by which possession is to be handed over. Keeping the possession date blank was held to be in violation of MOFA. It further held that even if the agreement is silent, a builder is obligated to complete construction within a reasonable period. A delay of nearly five years was held to be unreasonable, particularly when assurances of earlier possession remained unrebutted. The developer argued that Rs 3,29,869 remained unpaid and that possession was withheld solely for this reason. While the Commission acknowledged the outstanding amount, it held that non-payment of the balance consideration does not extinguish the promoters liability for delay. The Commission concluded that the promoter had committed deficiency in service under Section 2(1)(g) of the Consumer Protection Act. Unauthorised terrace construction The complainants further alleged that the open terrace attached to their flat had been covered by construction carried out for the flat above, contrary to sanctioned plans. Upon approaching CIDCO under the RTI Act, they received a reply dated April 25, 2017 confirming that no alteration in plans had been permitted and that the Occupancy Certificate was issued strictly on the basis of the original Commencement Certificate dated May 13, 2011. Also Watch: Mumbai Grahak Panchayat Seeks Governors Intervention Against MOFA Amendment, Flags Risks To Homebuyers The Commission noted that CIDCOs inspection report and notices established that the terrace was covered without approval and contrary to sanctioned plans. Under the MRTP Act, such unauthorised construction is liable to removal. Holding the developer guilty of deficiency in service and delay, the Commission granted relief in favour of the complainant. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Autorickshaw driver arrested for stalking college girl in Mumbai
New Saket Creek Bridge Work Completed: Relief Expected For Mumbai-Nashik Highway Congestion
Thane: In a major development for regional connectivity, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced the completion of the new Saket Creek Bridge. The bridge is expected to be opened for public traffic within the next two days, providing a much-needed solution to the persistent traffic bottlenecks on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Overcoming Chronic Congestion The Majiwada to Vadpe section of the Mumbai-Nashik Highway has long been a pain point for commuters. Currently, the old Saket Bridge spanning the Thane Creek only facilitates a two-lane passage. This narrow stretch has been insufficient to handle the high volume of heavy vehicle traffic, leading to severe congestion during morning and evening peak hours. Furthermore, the old structure frequently developed large potholes during the monsoon season, paralyzing the traffic management system within Thane city. Features of the New Infrastructure To address these challenges, the MSRDC constructed a four-lane bridge adjacent to the existing structure. Key details of the project include: Length: The new bridge spans 200 meters. Capacity: The addition of four new lanes significantly expands the total carrying capacity of this highway segment. Current Status: Construction is complete, and authorities are currently conducting final capacity and safety tests. How To Reach Mumbais Major Shiva Temples On Mahashivratri By Local Train, Metro And Bus; Check Routes Also Watch: Revised Traffic Flow Following the opening of the new bridge, a revised traffic management plan has been established to streamline vehicle movement in the area. Under this new plan, all traffic departing from Thane and heading toward Nashik, Mumbra, Navi Mumbai, or Bhiwandi will utilize the New Saket Bridge. Conversely, vehicles traveling towards Thane from those same locations Nashik, Mumbra, Navi Mumbai, and Bhiwandi are directed to use the Old Saket Bridge. Expected Impact Officials state that the commissioning of this bridge will provide significant relief to residents and commuters in the Majiwada, Kharegaon, and Mumbra areas. By separating the traffic streams and providing more lanes, the project aims to eliminate the daily gridlock that has defined this route for years. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Maharashtra Minister Denies Link After Staff Caught Taking Bribe
Mr. Zirwal said he was prepared to take full responsibility if any personal link to corruption is established
Mumbai, Feb 13: At the recently concluded 5th India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026, a prestigious international-level tournament held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, the Mumbai kickboxing team delivered a spectacular and commendable performance, winning a flurry of gold, silver and bronze medals. The competition witnessed participation from athletes representing Poland, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Iraq, Algeria, Egypt and India. Facing tough competition from world-class opponents, the Mumbai team showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing a total of 9 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze medals, thereby elevating Mumbais reputation on the international stage. Excellence across multiple formats Demonstrating rigorous training, disciplined preparation, confidence and fighting spirit, Mumbai athletes excelled across multiple events including Point Fight, Light Contact, Kick Light, K-1 and Creative Forms. Outstanding individual performances Outstanding individual performances included: Vince Patil 1 Gold, 1 Bronze Alok Breed 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Sahil Baperkar 1 Silver Ashwini Jamble 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Yatharth Budmala 2 Gold Syed Ahmed 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Durva Gavde 1 Gold, 1 Silver Grisham Patwardhan 2 Gold, 1 Silver Rajeev Rajesh 1 Gold, 1 Bronze Siddhant Gupta 2 Gold Coaching and organisational support This historic success was strongly supported by the guidance, quality training and consistent encouragement of Umesh Murkar, President of the Sports Kick Boxing Association, Mumbai City, and Vighnesh Murkar, International Referee. Additionally, through the Gurukul Kruti Foundation Trust, athletes received essential training equipment and international-level preparation, which played a crucial role in this achievement. Nilesh Shelar, President of the Maharashtra Kickboxing Association, and Santosh Kumar Agrawal, President of WAKO India, congratulated all the winning athletes and wished them success in their future endeavours. Team Coach Bhupesh Vaity and Referee Ashish Mahadik also played significant roles during the competition. Also Watch: Dream Sports MSSA Inter-School Football Tournament: Ascend International Win U-10 Division 2 Title, Smt RSB AVM Take Third Place This remarkable achievement has drawn widespread appreciation and congratulations for the athletes, coaches and team management at all levels. Best wishes are being extended for continued strong performances in the future, bringing further glory to the nation on the international platform. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
NEET-aspirant from Madhya Pradesh found dead in Kota
She had arrived in Kota around two-and-a-half months ago on her own volition and had been self-studying for NEET-UG and taking offline mock tests while living in a rented room in Basant Vihar area of the city, Dadabari Station House Officer Baldevram said
Indian Navy initiates board of inquiry into waste stockyard fire at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai
Heritage Foods Ltd. denies link with Indapur Dairy, condemns motivated campaign
The allegations linking it to the ghee supplied by the Maharashtra-based dairy to the TTD are completely unfounded and have no connection to the company, clarifies Heritage Foods COO
IDSA And Maharashtra Govt Join Forces To Empower Women Entrepreneurs At Mahavikas 2026
Mumbai, Feb 13: Consumer commission members, industry leaders, women direct sellers and self-help groups representing Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) gathered on Friday at the Y B Chavan Centre, Mumbai, for Mahavikas 2026, organised by the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) in collaboration with the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection. Strengthening ethical business and consumer awareness The conference focused on strengthening consumer awareness, reinforcing ethical business practices and promoting womens entrepreneurship in the direct selling sector. Industry growth and Maharashtras contribution According to IDSA, Indias direct selling industry continues to demonstrate steady growth. As per IDSAs Annual Survey FY 202324, the sector recorded total sales of Rs 22,142 crore in FY 202324, marking a 4.04 per cent rise over the previous year, and currently supports over 88 lakh direct sellers across the country, including close to 39 lakh women. Maharashtra has emerged as the largest contributor to this growth, with Rs 2,879 crore in sales and a 13 per cent share of the national market. Over 10 lakh active direct sellers in the state earn their livelihoods through the sector, positioning Maharashtra at the forefront of industry expansion and accountability. Focus on regulation and grievance redressal The conference featured deliberations on regulatory frameworks, grievance redressal mechanisms and responsible business conduct. A key session titled Smart Consumers, Strong Markets highlighted practical guidance on evaluating direct selling platforms and consumer protection measures. Among the panellists, Vandana Mishra, President, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and Advocate Shri Uday Warunjikar, Member, Consumer Lawyers Association, Mumbai, shared their views. Empowering women through entrepreneurship Another session, Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship, showcased the journeys of women direct sellers and MAVIM self-help groups building sustainable livelihoods across communities, recognising these women for their achievements through awards. Voices from government and industry Anil Diggikar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Maharashtra, noted, Regulations deliver real impact only when they are effectively implemented on the ground. Consumers must be aware of their rights, and companies must be accountable for their conduct. When this balance is achieved, the marketplace becomes safer, more transparent and more credible for all stakeholders. Aprajita Sarcar, Vice-Chairperson, IDSA, said, True growth is not defined by scale alone, but by trust. A fair and transparent ecosystem is especially empowering for women it instils confidence, encourages entrepreneurship and enables them to build sustainable sources of income with the right support system in place. Among the industry leaders, Soma Maitra, Chief Operations Officer, Modicare; Dr Abraham Lee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Atomy India; Dr Ratnesh Lal, Chairperson, IDSA; and Vivek Katoch, Treasurer, IDSA, also shared their insightful views at the event. Also Watch: Mumbai: Consumer Commission Holds Amazon India Liable For Defective Product Sale; Orders Compensation For Faulty TV Commitment to trust and transparency Mahavikas 2026 concluded with a joint commitment to strengthen consumer awareness, ethical practices and womens entrepreneurship. It reinforced that the future of direct selling in Maharashtra will be built on trust and transparency. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Pune: The Pune district administration has granted limited permission to use loudspeakers and public address systems beyond regular hours on 15 select festival days in 2026. As per the notification, sound systems will be allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on these notified occasions. The order was issued by District Collector Jitendra Dudi under Rule 5(3) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, amended in 2017. Officials clarified that this relaxation is strictly time-bound and will apply only on approved festival days, while still adhering to the prescribed sound level limits. Pune Police To Use RFID And CCTV To Monitor Candidates In Massive Recruitment Drive, Starting Feb 16 The permitted days include: Shiv Jayanti February 19 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti April 14 Maharashtra Day May 1 Ganesh Chaturthi During the Ganpati festival period Eid-e-Milad September (as per lunar calendar) Anant Chaturdashi September 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, and 25 Navratri October 19 and 20 Christmas December 25 New Years Eve December 31 Additionally, the district administration has reserved two extra days for other major events, which may be approved later if required. Officials stressed that this permission does not cancel the noise limits set for residential, commercial, and industrial zones. The exemption will also not be valid in silent zones, such as areas around hospitals, schools, colleges, and courts. Police and civic enforcement teams have been instructed to closely monitor compliance. Any violations will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions. The yearly notification aims to balance cultural celebrations with environmental protection. Collector Dudi has urged organisers and citizens to cooperate and ensure that all celebrations remain within the legal framework.
Documents during Bengal SIR process to be preserved for 5 years: EC
ECI has ordered five-year preservation of Bengal voter revision records and warned officials of strict action if foreign nationals are found in the final voters list
Humanity the only religion: Maharashtra sarpanch declares village caste-free
Mumbai: Soundala village in Maharashtras Ahilyanagar district convened together and declared itself caste-free, claiming to live as per the Preamble of the Constitution. At a special Gram Sabha on February 5, sarpanch Sharadrao Argade, before the forum began, announced a voluntary blood donation camp. After the event concluded, and as the villagers gathered, the sarpanch Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Giriraj Singh accuses LoP Gandhi of spreading misinformation amid Parliament row
Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh accused Rahul Gandhi of misleading the public on farmers and the IndiaUS trade deal. BJP leaders, including Nishikant Dubey and Kiren Rijiju, sought action against him, while Gandhi challenged the government led by Narendra Modi to move a privilege motion
Nashik: Union Budget Encourages Indias Self-Reliance, Says Economist Chandrashekhar Tilak
Nashik: The Union Budget 202627 presented by Nirmala Sitharaman provides major impetus to the industrial sector and clearly reflects Indias steady march toward self-reliance, especially with substantial allocations made for the defence sector, noted noted economist Chandrashekhar Tilak. He was speaking at a special lecture organised at the NIMA auditorium jointly by NIMA, AIMA, Laghu Udyog Bharati, NICE, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, and the Industry and Trade Front. The lecture focused on the Union Governments budget 202627. Tilak offered a comprehensive analysis of the budget provisions, their impact on the national economy, industry, and other sectors, as well as future opportunities. His presentation, delivered in a simple yet scholarly manner, captivated the audience. Dignitaries present on the dais included NIMA President Ashish Nahar, AIMA President Rajendra Pansare, Laghu Bharati Udyog President Nikhil Tapadiya, NICE President Ramesh Vaishya, Maharashtra Chamber Vice President Sanjay Sonawane, Sunil Kedar, Pradeep Peshkar, NIMA Secretary Rajendra Ahire, Industry Front President Satish Kothari, and Trade Front representative Suraj Rathi. Pune Police To Use RFID And CCTV To Monitor Candidates In Massive Recruitment Drive, Starting Feb 16 Reviewing the entire budget, Tilak observed that the concept of Nation First is prominently reflected throughout. The budget symbolises a stable and progressive economy and includes several schemes aimed at accelerating industrial growth. With nearly 67 per cent of defence production currently taking place domestically, the government has expressed its intention to raise this figure to 75 per cent over the next five years. This move is expected to significantly benefit small and medium enterprises. Expressing confidence that Nashik can emerge as a hub for defence-related manufacturing, Tilak advised all industrial organisations in the city to seriously consider opportunities in this sector. Despite global economic instability and uncertainty, Tilak expressed optimism that the budget would boost investment in India. He described it as an excellent budget presented without imposing any additional tax burden. Through the Securities Transaction Tax (STT), the budget appears to send a subtle signal to the United States while simultaneously strengthening Indias evolving economy. Tilak also reiterated that cryptocurrencies have consistently been viewed as unfavourable for India by successive governments since 1991. He added that the proposed BRICS currency could shape new global economic equations. Referring to the revival of municipal bonds after 17 years, he suggested examining whether there is any connection with the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik. In his introductory remarks, NIMA President Ashish Nahar highlighted various initiatives undertaken for the benefit of entrepreneurs. He emphasised efforts to bring different industrial associations onto a single platform to attract large-scale investment to Nashik. Satish Kothari introduced Chandrashekhar Tilak in his characteristic style. The programme was compered by NIMA secretary Rajendra Ahire, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Nikhil Tapadiya. Among those present were NIMA Vice President Manish Raval; Treasurer Rajendra Vadnere; AIMA General Secretary Sanjay Mahajan; Dilip Wagh; Rajendra Kothawade; Milind Rajput; Nitin Awhad; Kailas Patil; Shrikant Patil; Yogesh Joshi; Shripad Kulkarni; Raosaheb Rakibe; Nanasaheb Devre; Pramod Puranik; and Dipali Chandak, along with numerous entrepreneurs and citizens.
Nagaland State Lottery results for Dear Horizon Night Lottery at 8 PM will be announced today, February 13, 2026. The top prize for the lottery is a whopping Rs 1 crore. We at FPJ are keeping track of the results. If you have bought a lottery ticket and want to know the winners, you can find the list here. Here is the winners list from the Nagaland State Dear Horizon Friday Night Weekly Lottery held on February 13, 2026: Official websites to check the lucky draw The users can also check the results on the official website of the Nagaland State Lottery on www.nagalandlotteries.com, www.lotterysambad.com and www.nagalandlotterysambad.com and follow the steps. Playing lottery is legal in only 13 states in India Lottery is legal in 13 states in the country. These states consist of Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland and Mizoram. Among these states, the lotteries of West Bengal State Lottery and Nagaland State Lottery are highly reputed as the prize money in these state lotteries are high. The first prize in the Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery amounts to Rs 1 crore. The poor can also afford to buy the tickets of Sikkim State Lottery, Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery as the prize of the ticket is as low as Rs 6 and the winning prize is huge. The prizes of the Nagaland State Lottery are as follows: 1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore 2nd Prize: Rs 9,000 3rd Prize: Rs 450 4th Prize: Rs 250 5th Prize: Rs 120 Cons Prize: Rs 1,000 Nagaland State Lottery Result: February 12, 2026, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Fame Sambad Night Thursday Weekly Draw Disclaimer: FPJ does not support or encourage playing the lottery. It's important to be careful because playing lotteries too much can be addictive and this involves financial risk. The information provided here is just to share updates and should not be seen as advice or encouragement to play.
Ajit Pawar 'compelled' to leave undivided NCP, was to lead party post merger: Shashikant Shinde
Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde claimed manoeuvres by invisible forces, threats, and a web of false allegations led late Ajit Pawar to leave the undivided NCP, resulting in the 2023 split. In a party magazine tribute, he said efforts to reunite the two factions were underway and a formal merger decision was to be taken on February 12, with Ajit Pawar set to lead the unified party before his death in a plane crash on January 28.
'Back In Action': Tehseen Poonawalla Posts Recovery Update On Mother Injured In Pune Crash
Political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla on Friday shared a health update about his mother, who is recovering after undergoing hip surgery following a hit-and-run accident in Pune. In a post on X, Poonawalla said his mother was back in action just 10 days after the accident, surgery, and insertion of a rod. He praised her resilience, writing that women are mentally, emotionally and physically stronger, and expressed gratitude to doctors at Ruby Hall as well as family members for their support. He added that she is expected to be discharged if her recovery continues smoothly. In just 10 days post her accident, a hip surgery & a rod, mom is back in action. Women are mentally, emotionally and physically stronger than us men. A big Shout out to Ruby Hall, my brother Simon Grant & Dr Satyajeet Naik ! Gratitude to the Universe. Grateful @Shehzad_Ind pic.twitter.com/v5QzMfnWXy Tehseen Poonawalla Official (@tehseenp) February 13, 2026 The update comes days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla confirmed that his mothers surgery had been successful and that she would remain under observation, noting that standing and walking would take time due to her age and reduced bone density. Yasmin Poonawalla, 75, was injured in a hit-and-run incident on February 3 at around 6:15 pm, when a four-wheeler struck her at a petrol pump near Punes Regional Transport Office and fled the scene. She suffered a fracture and was initially treated at Jehangir Hospital before being shifted to Ruby Hall Hospital for further care. BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla Apologises To People Of UP & Bihar After Backlash Over His 'Jha 2' Remark During Live TV Debate Police later arrested Hemant Ravindra Chandgude, 40, identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident very unfortunate and directed senior police officials to investigate the matter while wishing the victim a speedy recovery.
Hours after a man from Maharashtra died of a heart attack at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's rally in Salem, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Friday mocked the actor-politician with a post, saying one should carry a coffin to attend his rally in the future. Looks like to attend TVK rally in future one should carry his/her coffin, national spokesperson of the AIADMK, Kovai Sathyan, posted on X. . Looks like to attend TVK rally in future one should carry his/her coffin. #TVK_rallymurder pic.twitter.com/kPyO7u5j1E Kovai Sathyan (@KovaiSathyan) February 13, 2026 The post featured the viral Dancing Pallbearers, a Ghanaian group of dancers performing a coffin dance. The group rose to fame for their choreographed, high-energy dancing while carrying caskets. The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Suraj from Maharashtra. The man died after suffering a heart attack, as reported by news agency ANI. During the event, he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed for medical assistance, but was declared dead, reportedly due to a heart attack. Police are conducting further inquiries into the incident, police said. Neither TVK nor Vijay has reacted to the tragic incident yet. However, according to India Today, the man initially suffered heatstroke, and dehydration was the primary cause of his death. The incident comes just months after the Karur stampede. In September last year, as many as 41 people were killed at Vijay's rally.
REnergy Dynamics Delivers India's Fastest CBG Plant to Achieve 21+ TPD Capacity
REnergy Dynamics (RED) announced today that its Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Nagothane, Maharashtra has become the fastest CBG plant in India to cross its nameplate capacity of more than 21 tons per day (TPD). This milestone makes it the only plant in India to have achieve its capacity in less than 24 months. Additionally, it is only the second industrial scale multi-feedstock plant in India to achieve full nameplate production. RED delivers India’s Fastest CBG Plant to achieve 21+ TPD Capacity RED’s scope for the project included technology, EPC and operations for one of India’s largest conglomerates. Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Kushagra Nandan, Chairman and Managing Director, REnergy Dynamics , said, “ Both these achievements mark an inflection point in India’s CBG journey as RED has successfully demonstrated industrial scale, multi feedstock CBG plants can be designed, stabilised and optimised in record time in India. Nagothane validates our execution model and our belief that bioenergy can be scaled with technical rigour and economic discipline .” Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Varun Karad, CEO, REnergy Dynamics , said, “ Nagothane was our first competitive win, and achieving nameplate capacity at this speed reflects the strength of our engineering teams and operational strategy. We are building assets that are not only commercially viable but also deeply integrated with the local ecosystem, supporting farmers, generating employment and strengthening India’s clean energy transition .” Achieving stable, full-scale operations at a CBG plant of this size is rare in the current bioenergy ecosystem. The Nagothane facility represents an important step forward for India’s CBG and bioenergy sector, reinforcing confidence in the scalability and long-term viability of large bioenergy projects when designed and executed with rigor. The Nagothane plant is engineered to process a diversified mix of feedstocks including napier grass, press mud cake, cow dung, paddy straw, bagasse and cane trash. This multi feedstock capability enhances operational flexibility and ensures stable year-round performance. It integrates an advanced membrane-based gas upgrading system capable of delivering biomethane purity of up to 99 percent when required, with high methane recovery efficiency that maximises yield and strengthens plant economics. About REnergy Dynamics REnergy Dynamics (RED) is dedicated to advancing the renewable energy sector in India, offering an integrated bioenergy platform to its clients. RED’s portfolio of solutions includes: company-owned and developed large-scale bioenergy projects; EPC services to renewable energy developers; feedstock aggregation and its supply to compressed biogas projects; and the manufacturing and supply of CBG plant components. RED has quickly established a significant presence in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat through various bioenergy projects. The company is committed to sustainable growth and aims to create positive social and economic impacts on the communities and businesses they collaborate with. www.renergydynamics.com
PM Modi shifts to new office at Seva Teerth, clears welfare measures for farmers
The move coincided with February 13, marking 95 years since the formal inauguration of New Delhi as Indias modern capital in 1931. PM Modi arrived at the Seva Teerth complex in a motorcade along with Union ministers Manohar Lal and Jitendra Singh and senior PMO officials
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Kidney Donors To Be Honoured By City Hospitals On World Kidney Day
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: On the occasion of World Kidney Day, a special Gratitude Felicitation Ceremony honouring kidney donors and kidney transplant recipients will be held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The event is being jointly organised by Orion City Care Super Speciality Hospital, Burnella Kidney Care, and the Indian Medical Association, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. It will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Sant Eknath Rang Mandir, Osmanpura. The main objective of the programme is to raise public awareness about kidney diseases, promote the importance of organ donation, and spread the message that Organ Donation is Life Donation. The ceremony will express gratitude to selfless kidney donors, encourage transplant recipients, remove myths related to organ donation, and inspire more citizens to pledge their organs. Pune Police To Use RFID And CCTV To Monitor Candidates In Massive Recruitment Drive, Starting Feb 16 The event will be graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including former Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope, District Collector Dilip Swami, District Civil Surgeon Dr Kamalakar Mudkhedkar, Mayor Sameer Rajurkar, Dean of Government Medical College and Hospital Dr Shivaji Sukre, Municipal Commissioner G. Srikant, Deputy Director of Health Services Dr Kanchan Wanere, Superintendent of Police Dr Vinaykumar Rathod, and senior religious leaders H.B.P. Mahant Swami and Prakashanandgiri Maharaj. Prominent medical professionals and hospital administrators such as Dr Ashish Deshpande, Dr Yogesh Vargantwar, Dr Shoaib Hashmi, Dr Shrigansh Burnella, and senior doctors from Orion City Care Super Speciality Hospital will also be present. The organisers have appealed to citizens to attend in large numbers and join in honouring donors and recipients, thereby strengthening the noble cause of organ donation and community health awareness.
Pune: A special MCOCA court has granted bail to six accused, including notorious gangster Rizwan alias Tipu Sattar Pathan, after the police failed to file the mandatory chargesheet within the 90-day deadline prescribed under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court also directed that a copy of the order be forwarded to Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar for information and necessary action, citing serious procedural lapses by the investigating agency. The accused who have been released on bail are Rizwan alias Tipu Sattar Pathan, Ijaz Sattar Pathan, Saddam Salim Pathan, Azim alias Antya Mohammad Hussain Shaikh, Mateen Hakim Syed, and Tanveer Shakeel Shaikh. Pune Police To Use RFID And CCTV To Monitor Candidates In Massive Recruitment Drive, Starting Feb 16 According to a complaint filed by Lawrence Harry Swamy at Kalepadal Police Station, Tipu Pathan and his associates had allegedly encroached upon a 1,290 sq. metre property in Hadapsar, erected a tin shed, rented it out, and later demanded 25 lakh as extortion money to return the land. The Kalepadal police arrested all six on November 10, 2025, and invoked MCOCA. The probe was later handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police Namrata Desai. Police also registered additional cases against Pathans gang, and illegal structures linked to him were demolished with the help of the Pune Municipal Corporation to weaken the syndicates financial network. However, the police failed to file the chargesheet within the mandatory period and also did not seek a valid extension in time. Special MCOCA Judge S.S. Kanthale noted serious procedural violations and granted bail. Advocate Bilal Shaikh, representing the accused, argued that while police moved an extension plea on the 89th day, they did not follow due legal procedure. The court had fixed a hearing for February 7, but notices were never served. The defence further alleged that police submitted a misleading report claiming the accused were to be produced via video conference, even though no hearing was scheduled that day. Citing two High Court rulings, the court held that MCOCA extension pleas must be filed at least 10 days in advance, rejected the prosecutions request, and granted bail on a surety bond of 1 lakh each. Court-Imposed Conditions The court ordered that the accused shall not enter Pune city for three years or until the completion of the trial, except to attend court hearings or when summoned by police. They must provide their residential address and contact details, and any violation of these conditions will lead to cancellation of bail.
Over 75 pc of RERA authorities failing to publish mandatory reports: FPCE
FPCE has urged the Ministry to direct all RERA authorities to publish Annual Reports in the prescribed format. It has also called on state governments to take action under Sections 82 and 83 of the Act against non-compliant authorities
L&T Finance Ltd. Scales Gold Loan Footprint to Over 260 Branches
The Company’s entry into Gold finance business began with 130 branches via an acquisition deal in June 2025 Within 8 months of acquisition, the Company has added over 130 new branches L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) , (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, today announced a major milestone in its retail strategy by doubling its Gold Loan branch network to over 260 branches nationwide. This rapid expansion was marked by the launch of its 130th new branch earlier this month since the acquisition of the gold loan business in June 2025. By matching its acquired portfolio with over 130 new branches in under a year, LTF has signalled a high-velocity play in India’s secured credit landscape. Visit our website to avail of the L&T Finance Gold Loan By scaling operations across the North, West, East, and South regions, LTF is pursuing geo-expansion to capture increasing demand for secured credit. LTF’s Gold Loan business has expanded its footprint to 18 States and Union Territories, marking its strategic entry into Assam, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. By seamlessly integrating physical proximity with digital agility, LTF continues to redefine the gold loan experience through rapid turnaround times and flexible credit solutions. Commenting on this development, Mr. Raju Dodti, Chief Operating Officer, LTF , said, “ We are elated to share that we have successfully doubled the Company’s dedicated gold loan branch network in record time since our entry into this business, bringing the total count to over 260 branches nationwide, which will continue to increase given our aggressive branch expansion policy. Our rapid expansion is a testament to our 'Lakshya' strategy—transforming into a top-class, digitally-enabled, customer-centric retail powerhouse. By adding nearly 1 branch per day over the past few months, we aren't just increasing our footprint; we are building a robust ecosystem of security and trust. By scaling across the North, West, East, and South, LTF is de-risking its portfolio through geographic diversification while capturing high-growth retail demand. It is also underpinned by operational excellence, featuring state-of-the-art security systems and an experienced workforce specialised to deliver gold-standard customer service .” About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies. In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers. x.com/LnTFinance www.facebook.com/LnTFS www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance www.instagram.com/lntfinance www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance
Man who attended Vijays TVK meeting in Salem dies
S. Suraj (37), a native of Maharashtra, was residing in Salem for the past 20 years with his family. According to police, he had undergone a heart surgery over a year ago.
Smart Electricity Meters Benefit Over 12 Lakh Consumers Across Marathwada
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) is providing a discount of 80 paise to Re 1 per unit on electricity consumption during the day through smart Time of Day (TOD) meters for domestic electricity consumers in the state. According to the electricity tariff fixed by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission for the next five years, domestic consumers will be given a discount in electricity tariffs under the TOD system, starting from July 1, 2025. So far, 12,17,228 consumers in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Latur and Nanded circles under the MSEDCL regional office in Marathwada have received an average discount of Rs 1 crore 98 lakh 13 thousand. The smart TOD meter is being installed free of charge by MSEDCL. Pune: 3,000 Driving Licences Cancelled; Collector Jitendra Dudi Calls For Tougher Enforcement Automatic monthly readings from these new-technology meters ensure accurate bills. Household electricity consumption can be monitored every hour on the consumers mobile phone. Therefore, consumers will have direct control over their electricity consumption. Under the Time of Day system, tariffs are charged based on the duration of electricity usage. For the first time since industrialisation, household consumers are being charged under the TOD system, enabling access to cheaper electricity rates. Joint Managing Director of MSEDCL, Aditya Jiwane, appealed to consumers to accept the changing technology, cooperate in installing these meters and take advantage of MSEDCLs modern services. Pune Police Reject 'Hate Crime' Claim In Bengali Worker's Murder, Say Drunken Spat Led To Killing; West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Stands By Charge Circle office Meters Received benefits (Rs in lakh) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar City 1,12,906 30.66 Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Rural 2,18,118 29.55 Jalna 1,00,947 14.90 Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Circle 4,31,964 75.10 Beed 1,13,192 19.60 Dharashiv 1,42,054 16.67 Latur 2,38,922 34.23 Latur Circle 4,94,168 70.50 Nanded 1,91,845 33.55 Hingoli 48,308 7.38 Parbhani 50,943 11.60 Nanded Circle 2,91,096 52.53 Marathwada Total 12,17,228 198.13
Mumbai's Coastal Road, with its innovative musical section playing the iconic 'Jai Ho,' has become a talking point among citizens. However, Amit Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has raised eyebrows, questioning why a traditional Marathi tune wasn't selected. He proposes the inclusion of the state anthem or timeless melodies from Lata Mangeshkar to better reflect local culture.
Nashik: Dindori Lok Sabha MP Bhaskar Bhagare strongly criticised the Union government while speaking on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, alleging neglect of Maharashtra and its farmers. He pointed out that Maharashtra is the engine of Indias economy and contributes more than 35 per cent to the national exchequer, yet questioned what the state has actually received through this budget. While the government speaks of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Bhagare said the budget reflects clear neglect of Maharashtra and the farming community. Bhagare stated that continuous rainfall from May to October has resulted in a wet drought in the Dindori constituency, causing extensive damage to onion, grape, tomato and soybean crops. At present, onions are fetching only 700 to 800 per quintal, which does not even cover production costs, pushing farmers deeper into debt. Climate change has made agriculture increasingly risky, and without adequate funding for research, farmers will struggle to survive, he warned. He demanded legal protection for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers. Pune Police To Use RFID And CCTV To Monitor Candidates In Massive Recruitment Drive, Starting Feb 16 Speaking on education, Bhagare said that as a teacher himself, he understands the seriousness of the issue. Over the past ten years, nearly 93,000 schools have shut down across the country, highlighting the need to allocate at least six per cent of the budget to education. He also drew attention to the serious problem of child malnutrition in remote areas such as Peth, Surgana and Kalwan. On womens welfare, the MP noted that while several schemes are announced for women, the government continues to delay increasing honorariums for Anganwadi workers serving in rural areas. He also expressed dissatisfaction over railway services, stating that several trains that had halted at certain stations during the Covid-19 period no longer stop there, causing inconvenience to passengers. Bhagare demanded that these halts be restored at the earliest.
Rahul Gandhi meets farm leaders to oppose India-US trade deal
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met farm union leaders at Parliament House to oppose the India-US interim trade deal and protect farmers livelihoods. He urged a nationwide movement and said he will continue to fight for farmers even if the government takes legal or parliamentary action
Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal says he will resign if linked to FDA clerk bribery
A scandal has erupted as an FDA clerk was caught red-handed accepting a bribe at the state secretariat. In light of these allegations, Minister Narhari Zirwal offered to step down should his involvement be confirmed. The Congress party reacted strongly, denouncing the government for rampant corruption and demanding a full investigation to ensure accountability.
Maharashtra Man Dies Of Heart Attack During TVK Chief Vijay's Rally In Tamil Nadu's Salem
The man, identified as Suraj, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.
Thane: MMRDA Coastal Road-1 Project Hits Key Engineering Milestone With 50% Foundation Completion
Thane: The Thane Coastal Road-1 project has gathered pace, with over 50% of the foundation work for the elevated viaduct completed within eight months of the start of construction, according to an update shared by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on X (Formally Twitter). Major Project Update: Thane Coastal Road hits fast forward In just eight months since construction began, Thane Coastal Road-1 has crossed a major milestone, with over 50% of the foundation work for the elevated viaduct now complete and pier cap and I-girder erection pic.twitter.com/xLkNICrXu7 MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) February 13, 2026 In just eight months since construction began, Thane Coastal Road-1 has crossed a major milestone, with over 50% of the foundation work for the elevated viaduct now complete and pier cap and I-girder erection progressing rapidly. The MMRDA said on X. According to the tweet, the pier cap construction and I-girder erection are now progressing rapidly along the corridor, marking a key milestone for the 13.45-km, six-lane, access-controlled greenfield road project. The coastal road is being built with advanced engineering techniques. Notably, it is the first greenfield road project in the country to adopt a single-pile, single-pier system with monopile foundations on land, a method aimed at faster construction and reduced environmental impact. MMRDA Awaits L&Ts Response On 12,000 Crore Bid Estimates For Thane GaimukhBhayander Infra Project Revealed In Supreme Court Conceived as a strategic freight corridor, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion on the busy Ghodbunder Road and improve connectivity between the MumbaiNashik Highway (NH-160) and Gaimukh along the Thane Creek coastline. A significant portion of the alignment will run on viaducts and bridges to protect the ecologically sensitive mangrove areas in the region. At Gaimukh, the road will link directly with the proposed GaimukhFountain Hotel Tunnel, which is expected to provide seamless connectivity between Thane and Bhayander. Authorities believe the combined impact of these projects will substantially reduce congestion on Ghodbunder Road, enhance urban mobility in Thane, and improve freight movement towards major logistics hubs, including Wadhawan Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), South Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The coastal road is also planned to integrate with several upcoming infrastructure projects, such as the Thane Ring Metro, Thane Coastal Road-2, the SaketAmane Elevated Corridor, and the KasarvadavaliKharbhav Road, positioning it as a key component of the regions future transport network. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Man From Maharashtra Dies During TVK Chief Vijays Rally In Salem - VIDEO
Salem : A 37-year-old man suffered a heart attack on Friday during TVK chief Vijay's rally in Salem, Tamil Nadu. The deceased has been identified as Suraj, also 37. The man died after suffering a heart attack, as reported by news agency ANI. During the event, he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed for medical assistance, but was declared dead, reportedly due to a heart attack. Police are conducting further inquiries into the incident, police said. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: A 37-year-old man from Maharashtra, identified as Suraj, died after reportedly suffering a heart attack during TVK's political meeting in Salem today. Police say, During the event, he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed for medical assistance, but was pic.twitter.com/DP3VMLTfmI ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 (This is a developing story. More updates to follow)
Bangladesh Elections: Mamata Banerjee congratulates Tarique Rahman on BNP win
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Prime Minister-designate Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on their emphatic victory in Bangladeshs general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties
32-year-old Pune IT professional found dead in gorge at Lonavala
A 32-year-old IT professional from Pune was found dead in a gorge near Lions Point, Lonavala, in the early hours of Thursday. According to preliminary details from the Shivdurg Rescue Team, the body was located around 250 feet below the viewpoint and retrieved around 4.30 am
Bangladesh Polls: Public opinion praises Rahman`s leadership as vote count under
Bangladesh elections: As vote counting continues in Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading with a strong margin. Preliminary reports indicate BNP and its allies have secured 177 of 299 seats, signalling a major political shift
PM Modi congratulates Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley on third consecutive victory
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has secured a historic third consecutive electoral victory, reinforcing her strong leadership at home and global presence on climate and development issues. India extended warm congratulations, recalling their meeting at the India-CARICOM Summit 2024 and reaffirming to strengthening bilateral ties
MHT CET 2026: Aadhaar authentication made optional during registration; check official notice here
Maharashtra CET Cell offers relief to MHT CET 2026 applicants facing Aadhaar authentication issues, allowing form submission without it temporarily. Registration deadlines for PCM, PCB, MBA, and MMS courses are extended to February 20, 2026. MHMCT and MCA applications are now due February 18, 2026, with exams scheduled in March.
BNP wins Bangladesh Elections; PM Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman
The BNP-led alliance has won 210 seats in the 13th parliamentary polls, paving the way for the formation of a new government under Tarique Rahmans leadership. Local media, citing party sources, said Tarique Rahman is set to become PM
Trump emphasises need for Iran deal, warns failure could be `traumatic`
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) emphasised the need for a deal with Iran, warning that failure to reach an agreement could be traumatic. Here is more about what US president said
EU leaders agree on sweeping economic overhaul to boost competitiveness
European Union leaders have broadly agreed on a plan to restructure the 27-nation bloc`s economy to make it more competitive as they face antagonism from US President Donald Trump, here is more on it
Trump to meet China`s Xi Jinping in April, calls relationship very good right n
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, with Xi expected to visit the United States later this year. While addressing reporters, Trump said, I`ll be visiting President Xi Jinping in April. He`s coming here later in the year
Uttarakhand CM Dhami launches one-day medical camp for journalists in Haldwani
District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Chief Medical Officer Nainital, and Joint Director Information Nitin Upadhyay attended the camp and reviewed the health services being provided
CPIs new method skewed; UP and Maharashtra account for nearly half of newly added markets, says SBI
Consumer Price Index (CPI) new method market additions for the calculation of the inflation data skewed towards few states as UP, Maharashtra accounts for 43 per cent of new markets, highlighted a report by SBI.
33-year-old killed, another man critical in firing over old rivalry
A 33-year-old man was killed and another critically injured in a late-night firing in Goregaon town of Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, following a long-standing rivalry between two groups. Police have registered a case and launched a probe, with strict action promised against those involved
Four of family among six trampled to death by wild elephants in Jharkhand
At least six people, including four members of a family, were trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in Jharkhands Hazaribag district. A child was seriously injured and hospitalised. Forest officials said the herd had been moving across Bokaro, Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts in recent days
Obama says Trump climate repeal leaves Americans `less safe, less healthy`
Former US president Barack Obama criticised Donald Trumps decision to repeal a key climate regulation known as the endangerment finding, warning it would leave Americans less safe, less healthy and weaken efforts to combat climate change
Maharashtra Govt Unveils Multi-Sector Plan To Make Mumbai Drug-Free And World-Class
The plan also includes pollution control measures. Construction sites, both private and government, will have to use sprinklers and protective netting to reduce dust.
Workers join Bharat bandh in Maharashtra, demand to scrap new labour codes
Organising a legal strike is made difficult, and the government will put you in jail for an illegal strike. Provident Fund contribution is reduced, and working hours can be increased to 12 hours per day, said Shailendra Chauhan, General Secretary of Mumbai, CITU
Shiv Sena (UBT) Installs Muslim Mayor In Parbhani With Congress Help As BJP Cries 'Aurangzeb Agenda'
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday installed its only mayor (Sayed Iqbal) across Maharashtras municipal corporations in Parbhani, securing the post with the backing of the Congress even as strains within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) remained visible following the Chandrapur episode. Numbers Game Parbhani is one of the 29 municipal corporations that went to polls last month. The election has acquired wider political significance as the Sena (UBT) chose a Muslim candidate for the mayors post, inviting sharp attacks from the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In the 65-member Parbhani Municipal Corporation, the Sena (UBT) emerged as the single largest party with 25 corporators, while the Congress won 12 seats. Together, the two parties command 37 seats, well above the majority mark of 34. The BJP has 12 corporators and the NCP 11. The civic body also reflects Parbhanis demographic composition, with 30 corporators belonging to the Muslim community, including 13 from the Sena (UBT). Iqbal Named Mayor The Sena (UBT) nominated Sayed Iqbal for mayor, while the Congress fielded Ganesh Deshmukh for deputy mayor. The alliance came together amid speculation that the MVA had been badly strained after the Sena (UBT) supported the BJP over the Congress in the Chandrapur mayoral election, despite being part of the opposition bloc. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said that while the Sena (UBT) had failed to honour the spirit of the alliance in Chandrapur, the Congress chose to stand by its commitment in Parbhani. He said the partys support was aimed at keeping the BJP out of power and strengthening both the INDIA alliance and the MVA. This was done to protect the spirit of democracy and the Constitution, Sapkal said. Mumbai Weather Update For Feb 13, 2026: Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply Overnight; AQI Remains in Unhealthy Zone He pointed out that despite having eight corporators in Chandrapur, the Sena (UBT) voted in favour of the BJP, calling the move politically incorrect. Supporting the BJP while attempting to discredit the Congress was akin to a thief crying foul, he said. Defending his party, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Jadhav said the Parbhani outcome was never in doubt. He insisted that the developments in Chandrapur were limited to that city and did not reflect the broader alliance dynamics. We had a pre-poll alliance with the Congress in Parbhani, and we were confident of winning, he said. BJP's Ban The BJP, meanwhile, mounted a sharp attack on the Sena (UBT). Party spokesperson Navnath Ban alleged that Uddhav Thackeray was pushing what he termed Aurangzebs agenda. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam also took a swipe at the Sena (UBT), claiming that Muslims constituted the partys only remaining vote bank. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Donald Trump to visit China in April for summit with Xi Jinping
US President Donald Trump said he will visit China in April for a summit with President Xi Jinping, with Xi expected to travel to the United States later this year. Trump described current US-China relations as very good, even as the two powers continue to compete over trade, technology and security issues
MP tiger strike force secures conviction of international poacher Adin Singh to
The State Tiger Strike Force achieved a key milestone by securing conviction in a high-profile tiger smuggling case. Three accused received four-year sentences, reinforcing Indias commitment to forest and wildlife conservation
PM Modi to move to new address `Seva Teerth` today; details here
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will move to the newly constructed `Seva Teerth` today, marking a significant shift for the PMO. He will also inaugurate Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2, housing key ministries. The inauguration reflects Indias push for modern, citizen-centric governance
Very traumatic: Trump warns Iran of consequences if nuclear deal fails
Irans nuclear programme has remained a major flashpoint in West Asia. The US had withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear deal during Trumps first term. Since then, tensions have persisted over enrichment levels and regional security concerns
Maharashtra govt to hold Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investment Summit on Feb 22
The Agriculture Artificial Intelligence policy promotes the practical use of AI in agriculture and allied sectors and develop the digital infrastructure such as MahaAgriX (Maharashtra Agriculture Data Exchange), AI-enabled traceability systems
MNS leader says, `Sena (UBT) corporators took money from BJP`
political rift between Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) seems to be widening. On Thursday, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande accused Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators of supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Pune senior citizen duped of Rs 22 crore in massive online trading scam
Investigators revealed the gang used 26 mobile numbers, fraudulent websites and a fake trading app to gain the victims trust. Pune Cyber Police said funds were transferred in phases under the guise of high investment returns
JeM links to Nov 10 Red Fort attack: UN
In its report, the UN Security Council stated that JeM claimed responsibility for a series of attacks and was also linked to the assault on the Red Fort. The report also stated that Jaish leader Masood Azhar has formally announced a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, intended to support terror ops
Will Kims daughter be future North Korea leader?
National Intelligence Service officials said they are closely monitoring whether Kims daughter believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, 13 appears with him before thousands of delegates at the upcoming Workers Party Congress.
Ex-DD news reader Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71
Sarla Maheshwari, a pioneering Doordarshan newsreader from 1976 to 2005, passed away in Delhi at 71. She was one of the most recognisable faces of Indian TV news in the 1980s and 1990s
Odisha is home to 765 dolphins
The count of the species in the brackish water lagoon was 159 in 2025, too, they said. Besides the Irrawaddy dolphins, Chilika also recorded 16 humpback dolphins.In 2025, the lake had reported 15 humpback dolphins. In all, 765 dolphins of six species were sighted along the Odisha coast
Notice filed to cancel Rahuls LS membership
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has given a notice to initiate a substantive motion against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging collusion with anti-India elements and demanding his Lok Sabha membership be cancelled and election ban for life
Bangladesh: Counting begins to determine election results
In places where voters were in line inside the polling station, voting was to continue. Meanwhile, a crude bomb blast at Makhati Gurucharan High School poll station in Munshiganj caused a brief disruption. There were no casualties
New battery is charged in seconds
An international team has developed a nickel-iron battery prototype that recharges in seconds and can endure over 12,000 cycles, equivalent to 30 years of daily use, making it ideal for storing solar energy despite lower energy density than lithium-ion
Russia fires another barrage at Ukraine
Russia launched a large-scale overnight assault on Ukrainian cities, firing 219 drones and 24 ballistic missiles, as the US proposed further peace negotiations next week.
India unveils worlds smallest AI laser sniper
India has developed a compact AI-powered 2 kW laser sniper mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle, designed for close-combat and perimeter defence with rapid, non-kinetic precision strikes
Dont operate amusement rides unless they are safe
Seven days have not erased the horror of the video showing the swing collapse
In the world of social media, you have to pick a side, or lean towards an extreme. There is no place for a nuanced, middle path here
Fire erupts in waste stockyard at Naval Dockyard in south Mumbai, doused
Mumbai Police trying to verify threat voice message to Ranveer Singh
Mumbai businessman assaulted by girlfriends brothers, Goregaon police file FIR
New Research Highlights 'Biofilm Shield' as the Hidden Culprit Behind Recurrent UTIs
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 12: Despite advancements in personal hygiene, millions of women worldwide continue to battle a silent, recurring cycle: the Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). While traditional treatments focus on surface-level bacteria, new scientific insights are pointing toward a much more resilient enemy--Bacterial Biofilms.
Bombay high court directs municipal and police officers to appear over Powai road encroachments
Maharashtra govt - Tata Trusts partner on development programmes in the State
Multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed to facilitate this
FIR against retired deputy director of education, 18 others for Rs 1.25 cr Shalarth ID scam
Woman files police complaint against ex boyfriend for stalking and threats
Man steals passenger`s gold, cash worth Rs 32L from train; nabbed in Bengal
The incident took place on 17 January 2026 on Train No. 12104 Vidarbha Express. The complainant was travelling in Coach S3, Seat No. 32. While he was asleep, the train passed Nashik Road railway station at around 2:42 am. During this time, an unknown person stole his green bag
Maharashtra Man Poses As Monk To Loot Jain Temples, Bought Gold, Land Before Arrest
During interrogation, Jeevan Singh told police that he used the stolen money to buy a plot in the Lonikand area and built separate houses for his wife, son and daughter.
35-year-old commuter held for molesting teen on train

