Amid the Maharashtra SIR, Maharashtra CEO S. Chokalingam has demanded changes to the ECINet software. Learn more about the ERO's powers, logical discrepancies, and the omission of 20.7 million draft voter names.What is the demand of Maharashtra CEO?In Maharashtra, questions are being rai...
Now, Maharashtra Poll Officer Demands More Powers For Local Staff In SIR
Maharashtra CEO S Chockalingam has written to the EC seeking greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in handling cases in the notice phase.
Why has Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas and what do farmers get? | Explained
The declaration comes as the monsoon nears its end, with a shortfall in rainfall. Only five districts have recorded rain at or above the average for the period
Too much light at night may affect heart; avoid bright screens before bed
Donald Trump confirms Iran contact, offers no sign of deal
The questions came during a White House event on a proposed steel investment in Iowa
Shake down middlemen, not common citizens, to finance drought aid: Shiv Sena(UBT) in 'Saamana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) In a sharp critique of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss recent appeal urging citizens to cut back on personal celebrations and donate their savings towards drought relief, the Shiv Sena(UBT) on Tuesday questioned the state administrations intent and priorities. Terming the governments approach picking pennies from empty pockets, the Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Samaana', asserted that asking a financially strained public to fund disaster management is both insensitive and inadequate. The editorial drew attention to the escalating agrarian crisis across Maharashtra, noting that four farmers had died by suicide within a span of just two days across Parbhani, Yavatmal, Solapur, and Hingoli districts due to severe drought-induced debt and hardship. It warned that without immediate, direct state assistance, drought-affected areas risk turning into graveyards, placing the entire responsibility for sustaining these communities squarely on the shoulders of the Chief Minister and his administration. Directly challenging CM Fadnavis, the Thackeray camp stated that instead of asking common citizens -- who are already grappling with inflation and economic stress -- to cut down on small family functions like weddings and naming ceremonies, the government should crack down on internal corruption, kickbacks, and contractor commissions. The editorial pointed to alleged financial irregularities in various state infrastructure initiatives, citing the controversial coastal land sales in the Konkan region and heavy fund flows around the Shaktipeeth Expressway. It further claimed that public funds are routinely diverted to favour contractors, urging the Chief Minister to curb these leakages to generate drought relief capital rather than asking the public to scrimp. The state government has become a government of commission-agents and contractors. There is looting everywhere. Inventing unnecessary projects to divert the treasury to contractors and warm one's own pockets -- even if the Chief Minister stops this loot, it will benefit the drought-affected, remarked the Thackeray camp. Taking aim at political rivalries and horse-trading allegations, the editorial called on the ruling alliance to redirect political expenditures towards rural distress. It suggested that funds allegedly set aside for political defection and electioneering be diverted immediately to help affected farmers. Furthermore, the editorial proposed several key measures for the government to generate substantial drought funds. It called upon the government to ensure pending instalments meant for political allies are transferred directly into drought relief funds and mandate substantial contributions from major Mumbai builders, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) developers, and senior bureaucrats whose revenues remain high. The editorial urged the state government to request an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore from the unutilised balance in the PM CARES Fund to support Maharashtras agricultural sector. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, in conclusion, emphasised that symbolic donations from ministers, such as giving up a single months official salary, amount to empty gestures given the vast resources controlled by ruling politicians. It urged the leadership to demonstrate true courage by shaking down the thriving nexus of corrupt officials, contractors, and political middlemen to secure genuine relief for the states 11 crore citizens.
40 rescued after boat capsizes in waters west of Puerto Rico, two dead
Many of them do so on makeshift vessels that sometimes capsize in rough waters, with Monday marking the latest deadly voyage
From cocktails to bites: Indulge in these new food menus in Mumbai this week
While you can explore a curated cocktail menu, you can also indulge in Buffalo Chicken Wings glazed with buffalo hot sauce served with blue cheese ranch, and more
Enjoy relishing unique dishes from northeast India at this pop-up in Mumbai
Savour rare dishes Phaley, Fumbi and Kewa Datshi at an ongoing pop-up at a Lower Parel favourite
Rohit Pawar threatens Samruddhi Expressway blockade over Maharashtra drought aid
Rohit Pawar said the state government had declared drought in several parts of Maharashtra but had not yet announced the quantum of financial assistance for affected farmers
Ebola virus in Congo has reached 8067
Congo announced an outbreak on May 15, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches gold ring scheme for newborn babies
Rolling out the scheme at the Government Rajaji hospital here, Vijay held the babies for a while and gave away the gold rings
Maharashtra SIR: CEO S. Chockalingam Seeks Four Changes To ECINet Software For Notice Process
Chockalingam asked that EROs, usually sub-divisional magistrates or officers of equivalent rank, be allowed to waive hearings.
Congress workers: Gaddar Gyanesh painted on CECs Agra residence
The protesters arrived at Kumars residence in the morning in large numbers and raised slogans outside his Vijay Nagar home
Maharashtra govt sets up chief secretary-led panel amid MLC poll code
The committee will scrutinise proposals from government departments before they are forwarded to election authorities, according to a circular issued by the General Administration Department on Monday
Pope Leo XIV urged religious leaders to preach peace and unity
He urged Europe to draw from its Christian roots and traditions of dialogue to blunt the desire for domination driving todays wars, as he wrapped up a visit to France by recalling the forces that contributed to the continents peaceful integration
Nvidias software platform to stop AI from misbehaving
Nvidia also introduced Sentry, a Bluefield DPU tool to quarantine agents breaching boundaries. Tech firms like Cisco, Microsoft, and Dell are collaborating on these AI safety efforts
Ambala building collapse toll climbs to six
Two more people, who were pulled out from under the debris, were declared dead late Sunday night, they said
Late September rains bring winter-like chill to Delhi-NCR; more showers likely before dry spell
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Rain brought winter-like weather to Delhi-NCR residents in the early hours of Monday, with the national capital waking up to cooler conditions and cloudy skies. The region is likely to witness isolated rainfall on Tuesday, continuing the light spell recorded on Monday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather is expected to set in from September 30, with mainly clear skies likely through the first week of October. Rain, thunderstorms and lightning are expected at isolated places across Delhi, Chandigarh and Haryana on Tuesday. Similar weather conditions are likely in Punjab. However, from September 30, mainly dry weather is expected over several parts of northwest India. As the southwest monsoon nears its final departure from the country, rainfall activity continues across several regions. While some areas are witnessing heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds have brought a noticeable change in weather conditions elsewhere. From the hilly states of North India to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Northeast India and several parts of South India, rainfall is expected. Some areas may also receive heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely in Himachal Pradesh, parts of the Northeast, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka. Rain and thunderstorm activity may also continue across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Delhi had received 4.3 mm of rain at Safdarjung on Sunday morning, after recording 0.6 mm until 8.30 p.m. the previous evening, extending rainfall into the final days of September. The September 27 shower was the first rain recorded this late in the month since September 29, 2019, when 0.3 mm was recorded. The late-season rain arrived just four days after the southwest monsoon withdrew from Delhi on September 23. The IMD's normal withdrawal date for the national capital is September 25, based on the 1971-2019 period. This year's withdrawal was the earliest since 2002, when the monsoon exited Delhi on September 20. The 2026 monsoon arrived on July 2, five days later than the normal onset date of June 27. It lasted 83 days, seven days shorter than the normal duration. Delhi's rainfall pattern was also uneven during the season. Safdarjung recorded 728.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 23, against the normal 629.7 mm, marking a surplus of 16 per cent. The seasonal rainfall was classified as normal by the IMD despite being above the long-period average. The late showers added at least another 4.3 mm at Safdarjung by Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category. Monitoring stations recorded AQI levels of 58 at Mandir Marg, 60 at Aya Nagar, 60 at Punjabi Bagh, 83 at CRRI Mathura Road, 67 at Sirifort, 72 at IGNOU-Maidan Garhi, 73 at Chandni Chowk, 58 at Burari Crossing, 69 at Anand Vihar, 82 at Mundka, 77 at Jahangirpuri, 70 at Okhla Phase-2 and 65 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
J&K Assembly passes resolution seeking urgent restoration of full statehood
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday last week
Saudi Foreign Minister arrives in United States for talks with Macro Rubio
Asked on Sunday whether military strikes could return before the elections, Trump said, Its possible, but I just dont want to say that.
Student held for trespass, theft at Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe's Pune home
Police said the case was registered on the complaint of a security guard deployed at the bungalow. The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to theft and house trespass or house-breaking
Maharashtra FDA chief to act if money-demand allegations are proven
FDA commissioner responds to Sanjay Rauts allegations of officials seeking money from hotels, restaurants, and quick-commerce firms
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Postpones 3 Exams Amid Paper Leak Concerns
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Exams 2026: The commission stated that the 2026 Main Examinations for State Services, Maharashtra Civil Engineering Services, and Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) have been postponed.
Maharashtra CEO Seeks 4 Changes To ECINet Software For SIR Notice Process
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has sought four changes to the ECINet software used for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notice process. One key proposal seeks greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), including allowing them to decide cases involving logical discrepancies after conducting a hearing. The proposed changes are aimed at giving EROs more options while processing SIR notices.
Pandal dismantling should be done mindfully
The point is that an effort has been made, awareness is on the up and we have seen action across the city.
Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and Lavani icon, Shakuntala Nagarkars demise has left a massive vacuum for the fraternity, as well for countless fans like us who she drew towards the folk art form
Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state
A new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra is raising questions about faith, choice and freedom.
SIR row: Congress holds protest across Maharashtra seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal
According to the Maharashtra Congress, demonstrations were held outside district collectorates across the State, including in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Raut Alleges Systemic Extortion By Maharashtra FDA Officers
Mr. Raut commended Mr. Mundhes relentless crackdown on adulterated milk, analog paneer, unhygienic restaurant kitchens, and expired goods since taking charge of the FDA in May 2026.
Crop-loss panchanamas across Maharashtra from today, says agriculture minister
Pune city at high risk of Zika cases in future, states NIV research
Drought Declared, Nagpur Dist Staring At Depleted Water Stock In 5 Major Dams
2 Class 12 students killed as speeding truck rams two-wheeler
Amravati ashramshala girl death sparks outrage
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to prepare rabi crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with water-stressed areas prioritising less water-intensive crops. He also called for higher cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce Indias import dependence, while flagging drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
PCMC plans to add 22 new fire vehicles to its fleet in boost to faster rescue ops in high-rise bldgs
Income Tax officials clean Sarasbaug temple premises
Lohagad murder: Ketan, Siya, Chetan spotted at crime scene in tourists photos
PWD Plans To Open Ajni Underpass By Nov, Remaining Works To Continue In Phases
Gondia dam which irrigates 18K hectares in 3 districts, overflows
Alarming Dip in Groundwater Level in Amravati District
Three Talukas in Over-exploited Category
Eight Crematoriums Wallow In Apathy, Now Get Nod For Rs40 Crore Phased Facelift
Last years flood erodes topsoil, now drought wilts crops in Dharashiv & Solapur
Trader ends life in Kalamna Market shop
Hazari Pahad fire: 4homes wrecked, but no casualties
14-year-olds murder in Jaripatka triggers chain of gang violence, dad runs amok at ground zero
Man stabs brother after family row in Chinchwad, arrested
First steel bridge for bullet train project in Maharashtra launched over Nashik highway
Two held for pledging fake gold chains, taking Rs4.44 lakh from Chakan jeweller
Minor worker dies after getting trapped in stone crusher in Pune
Maharashtra Food Body Suspends 30 Licenses, Seizes Stock Worth A Crore
An FDA statement on Monday said licences or registration certificates of 13 establishments in Mumbai, six in Konkan division, eight in Pune division and three in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division were suspended.
Student (21) allegedly attempts to tamper with water connection of MLC Neelam Gorhe
SIR should be scrapped: Civil groups ahead of Wednesdays protest
Voters need not appear in person, BLOs will collect documents & upload: State CEO Chockalingam
Fadnavis gives in-principle approval to Rs1,826cr plan for Chakan, Hinjewadi infrastructure
Maval farmers firm on Jal Samadhi protest on Oct 2 over Pavana pipeline project
Police constable captured on video abusing cab driver on Karve Road
Student suicide: Police checking if IIT-B followed its cheating SOP
BMC move against multi-storey shanties faces political pushback
Maharashtra govt proposes policy to provide support to college-going children of single mothers
Igatpuri private medical college gets deemed university status
FDA now suspends licence of iconic Irani restaurant Kyani, 12 others
81-year-old gets advanced heart valve op at BMC-run KEM Hospital for half of private hospital cost
Maha drought worsens, cancels leave for 11 departments
The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.
Maha SIR: CEO announces weekend voter camps across 100,000 stations
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) In a major push to streamline the electoral roll under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. Chockalingam on Monday announced special camps at polling stations across the state to help citizens rectify discrepancies in their voter records. Addressing the low public response to fixing voter record errors, Chockalingam confirmed that weekend camps will be held at over 100,300 polling stations statewide, including 10,000 centres in Mumbai. Voters can visit these stations directly to submit applications to update names, addresses, or correct errors in draft rolls. The deadline to file claims and objections has been extended to October 12, and processing of notices, claims, and objections will conclude by November 10. The final voter list will be published on November 16. Notices were issued to 1.22 crore voters flagged for logical errors or missing document matches. Citizens no longer need to visit Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in person; they can respond by sending notices and required documents via WhatsApp. Out of 1.51 crore voters omitted from draft rolls, only 3.9 lakh have resubmitted fresh registration forms over the past month. District Collectors have been instructed to conduct voter registration camps across all junior and senior colleges, with mandatory reporting on student enrolment numbers. Political controversy has erupted after the state government declared drought in 265 talukas without prior clearance from the Election Commission of India (ECI), despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in force for upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Teachers and Graduates constituencies. The government is accused of violating MCC guidelines by extending 12 relief concessions without ECI approval. Sources said a proposal seeking clearance was submitted, but the executive order was issued while the application was pending. Earlier, the ECI announced operational measures including door-to-door document collection, exemption from mandatory physical attendance, relief in virtual hearings, family representation and creation of help desks for vulnerable groups. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will directly visit the homes of citizens flagged as Unmapped or with Logical Discrepancies to collect verification documents. Hearings, if unavoidable, will be conducted online, with any adult family member allowed to represent the voter, the CEOs office said. District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to set up help desks and outreach camps for homeless citizens, migrant labourers, pavement dwellers and night shelter occupants to ensure inclusive enrolment. The current SIR campaign, launched earlier this year, is the first comprehensive door-to-door electoral roll overhaul in Maharashtra since 2002. Rapid urbanisation, migration, unrecorded deaths and duplicate entries over two decades necessitated full-scale verification. During the initial phase, BLOs cross-checked voters against historical rolls from 20022004 to establish eligibility cut-offs. However, heavy monsoon rains in Konkan and Mumbai, civic disruptions, and large numbers of unmapped voters created operational bottlenecks, prompting calls from political parties and civil society groups for more time.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to visit Maharashtra to assess drought
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) With nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra grappling with severe drought conditions, the Union government has stepped in to assess the crisis first-hand. Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced that Central teams alongside senior officials will deploy to assess crop and water damage, with Chouhan himself leading high-level inspection visits across affected regions in Western and Southern India. The Central team will first arrive in Karnataka on October 3 before heading to Maharashtra to perform ground-level assessments. Recognising the gravity of declining soil moisture and shrinking reservoir levels, the Union Agriculture Ministry has issued a comprehensive action plan for the upcoming Rabi cropping season. State and district administrations have been directed to map available irrigation supplies and soil moisture before finalising Rabi sowing plans. High-water-consuming crops are strictly discouraged in water-stressed pockets to avoid mid-season crop failure, the Agriculture department sources said. The Centre has ordered a major push toward low-water-requiring crops -- specifically gram, lentil, and mustard. Farmers are encouraged to utilise fallow paddy fields post-harvest for these drought-resilient varieties to boost national self-reliance in edible oils and pulses. State governments must set strict targets for pulse production and put procurement mechanisms in place early. To shield farmers from distress sales, central agencies NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India) will step in for direct on-farm procurement if state systems lag. Agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been tasked with supplying climate-suitable seed varieties. State administrations must prepare advance plans for the distribution and lifting of seeds and fertilisers. To reduce input costs and maintain soil health, the Centre is extending its balanced fertilisation drive into the Rabi cycle. Over-application of synthetic fertilisers will be countered through targeted scientific guidance. The Agriculture Ministry is fast-tracking the rollout of Farmer IDs, AgStack infrastructure, and expanded Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage to streamline direct benefit deliveries and credit access. To maintain real-time oversight, states will track weekly progress across crop sowing, seed germination, pest risks, and market price fluctuations. The strategy comes as Union Minister Chouhan prepares to host all State Agriculture Ministers on September 29, the second day of the National Agriculture Conference, to finalise an integrated execution plan for the Rabi season.
MPSC postpones three major exams amid re-evaluation of State Services Mains 2025
Maha CM clears Rs 1,800 crore plan for ChakanHinjawadi
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday granted in-principle approval for an integrated infrastructure development plan to ease traffic congestion, improve road networks, and strengthen stormwater drainage systems in the Chakan and Hinjawadi industrial areas. Under the initiative, projects worth Rs 1,400 crore have been sanctioned for Chakan, alongside a dedicated Rs 426.54 crore framework for Hinjawadi. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said execution is scheduled to begin in December to ensure timely completion, with the primary goal of improving traffic flow and drainage capacity before the next monsoon season. CM Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Public Works Department (PWD), Zilla Parishad and allied agencies to pool resources and work in synergy. The administration will consolidate funding and logistics to overhaul roads, public utilities and drainage infrastructure. Encroachments along 78 km of natural streams have restricted water flow. The plan includes clearing streams, constructing roadside drains, increasing culvert discharge capacity and setting up water retention facilities. With 7080 per cent of encroachments already removed, the remaining will be cleared in phases. The target is to restore all natural drainage routes by June 2027, alongside building 38 km of roadside stormwater drains. After analysing Chakans 498 km road network, the team selected 75 km of high-priority roads for immediate upgrading. These stretches will feature pedestrian walkways, improved drainage and safety infrastructure. Work will use existing right-of-way space by removing encroachments, avoiding fresh land acquisition. The project will also provide for underground utility ducts. To reduce accident risks, upgraded roads will include footpaths, safe crossing zones and traffic management systems. Pedestrian facilities will also be incorporated into the upcoming National Highway flyover. To curb congestion, 500 additional buses will be introduced along key commuter routes. Six major intersections will undergo scientific redesign and be equipped with AI-driven traffic signals, CCTV cameras, radars, ANPR systems, and a centralised command centre. MIDC has designated five parking facilities to tackle unauthorised roadside parking by heavy goods vehicles. Private sector participation and local industrial support will fund beautification of medians, public toilets, and bus shelters. The Chakan industrial water supply network is targeted for completion by 2027, with management shifting to the Maharashtra Jeevan Authority (MJP). A new 100 MVA power substation will break ground in December. A centralised waste processing facility will handle garbage from 14 villages and two municipal councils under PMRDA oversight. An AI-powered Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and Command & Control Centre will oversee traffic regulation across Chakan, Talegaon and Hinjawadi. To support local traffic police, 100 personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) will be deployed in Chakan starting October 1. For Hinjawadi, Rs 426 crore has been approved to mitigate severe traffic congestion. Six acres of land have been allocated to address power supply issues, and 100 MSF personnel will be deployed for traffic control. Waste management services will be streamlined through the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) or Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
Housing society in Navi Mumbai ordered to pay compensation to two members for lapse in service
In Navi Mumbai, residents seek separate lane for small vehicles to curb traffic jams and mishaps
FIR against two medical store owners in Navi Mumbai for illegally selling capsule
In healthcare, the patient is the least informed consumer
Significant price differences in healthcare consumables have drawn attention, prompting calls for better consumer protection. Maharashtra's FDA has uncovered alarming disparities, highlighting information asymmetry faced by patients. The Supreme Court reaffirmed consumer accountability for medical services, emphasizing the need for transparency. Consumers are encouraged to ask questions and take advantage of available grievance mechanisms. Strengthening enforcement and data-sharing among regulators can improve the integrity of healthcare transactions.
Maharashtra: 57.9 lakh ECGs, 34,000 heart attacks detected under STEMI project
The project follows a hub-and-spoke model connecting rural and district-level healthcare facilities with hospitals equipped to provide advanced cardiac treatment
Maharashtra: Accused arrested for sexual assault of 12-year old girl in Pune
Pune Police have arrested the accused in the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl, police said on Monday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Chilumula Rajnikant said that the case came to light on September 22, when a doctor alerted police. We received a call from a doctor on September 22. A woman had visited the doctor accompanied by her 12-year-old daughter. Upon examination, the doctor suspected a case of sexual assault. The police were immediately informed; we brought the mother and daughter to the station to gather details, he told ANI. After recording thier statements, police registered a case under Section 74 of the BNS and the POCSO Act. We arrested the accused the following morning and produced him before the court, he said. According to police, the court inquired whether an incident of sexual assault had occurred and directed that a medical examination be conducted. We immediately sent the victim for a medical checkup. Three days later, we received the medica...
Teachers shape future, throwing ink inexcusable: Mumbai court; 12 get six months RI
Maharashtra Public Service Commission postpones Mains exam scheduled for October 3 amid review demands, as reported by news agency PTI.
68-year-old Mumbai woman loses Rs 3cr in digital arrest fraud
MPSC exam row: State Services Main 2026 postponed, 2025 answer sheets to be re-evaluated
Maharashtra Public Service Commission postpones State Services Main Exam 2026 amid review demands
Maharashtra Public Service Commission has postponed the State Services Main Examination scheduled for October 3, 2026. This decision follows demands from aspirants and political groups regarding reforms in the examination process. Protests had erupted previously due to a paper leak in the MPSC Drug Inspector exam, leading to calls for the chairman's resignation. Political figures, including Cockroach Janta Party convenor Abhijeet Dipke, have highlighted the need for accountability.
Only 3.9 lakh apply to be on voter list despite 1.5 crore exclusions in SIR
MSRTCs E-Lalpari by 2037; goal of 100% electric fleet
Woman tea stall vendor robbed of gold, cash at knife point by 4 men in Panvel, 1 held
Two tigers found dead in MP; electrocution suspected in Ratapani
Two tigers were found dead in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. A decomposed carcass was recovered near Dahod Dam in Ratapani Tiger Reserve, where suspected electrocution is being investigated, while an 11-month-old female tiger in Kanha may have died after a territorial fight
Maha CM Fadnavis directs panel to draft roadmap for state financial reforms within six months
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Highlighting the need to move beyond traditional revenue collection methods, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday called for innovative measures to mobilise resources and streamline the state's financial and administrative systems. Presiding over a high-level meeting of the newly constituted Maharashtra Sustainable Public Finance Committee led by former Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar, the Chief Minister directed the panel to conduct a comprehensive review of fund raising, accounting, and efficient resource allocation, and to prepare an actionable roadmap within six months. Chief Minister Fadnavis pointed to a key economic mismatch in state agency funds. While around Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore belonging to various government bodies is currently invested at modest interest rates of around four per cent, the state government is forced to borrow money from the open market at much higher interest rates of eight to nine per cent, the Chief Minister said. This discrepancy must be resolved to ensure more effective utilisation of available funds. We must develop innovative financial instruments that protect the security and financial autonomy of state agencies while maximising the use of their capital, CM Fadnavis added. The Chief Minister stressed that project delays impair the economic multiplier effect of public investment. A complete review of state spending will be conducted to enhance expenditure efficiency, he said. Emphasising that the panel is not a mere formality, the Chief Minister confirmed that the state government will seriously implement its recommendations to overhaul current fiscal and administrative operations. Chief Minister Fadnavis' move to form a panel for recommending financial reforms is crucial as the state government is aggressively pursuing its ambitious target of becoming a trillion dollar economy by 2029-30 and five trillion dollar economy by 2047 while focusing on increasing its revenue from state's own tax and non-tax. Total revenue receipts for 2026-27 are estimated to be Rs 6,16,099 crore, an increase of two per cent over the revised estimate of 2025-26. Of this, Rs 4,51,626 crore (73 per cent) will be raised by the state through its own resources, and Rs 1,64,473 crore (27 per cent) will come from the Centre. Resources from the Centre will be in the form of state's share in Central taxes (16 per cent of revenue receipts) and grants (11 per cent of revenue receipts). Maharashtra's total own tax revenue is estimated to be Rs 4,15,498 crore in 2026-27, an increase of one per cent over the revised estimate of 2025-26. Own tax revenue as a percentage of GSDP is estimated at 7.7 per cent in 2026-27, lower than the revised estimates for 2025-26 (8 per cent). As per the actual figures for 2024-25, own tax revenue as a percentage of GSDP was 7.5 per cent.
Officials to face action for breach of privilege: Maharashtra govt issues revised guidelines
