Maharashtra News
View News by News Source
Leopard cubs reunited with mother after two-day rescue operation in Sangli
After villagers in Shirala spotted two leopard cubs during sugarcane harvesting, the Sahyadri Rescue Warriors team, along with Maharashtra Forest Department officials, rushed to the site and placed the cubs in a crate to help facilitate their reunion with the mother leopard
FRK rice supply rules spark fresh tussle between Punjab millers and FCI
CHANDIGARH: The new instructions regarding the production and supply of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) rice by the Union Government has led to fresh tussle between rice shellers of Punjab and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). After the union government had stated this year, out of the 104 lakh tonnes of rice to be generated from the 156 lakh tonnes of procured paddy from Punjab, at least 25 lakh tonnes will be taken as upgraded rice, which has just 10 per cent broken grains. The remaining 80 lakh tonne will be accepted only as FRK-mixed rice for the central pool. With delays in the supply of FRK rice, milling operations have not started, although the units are stacked with procured paddy. The Punjab government has written to the Centre requesting it to accept 25 lakh tonnes of non-FRK CMR, but so far, no action has been initiated. A letter dated November 28, sent to Chairman of Food Corporation of India by Secretary-cum-Director, Food and Civil Supplies, Punjab, reads, `To ensure grain integrity, DFPD from this Kharif has introduced more elaborate testing protocols for pre-testing of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs), which is likely to result in comparatively slower pace of supply of FRK by manufacturers to rice millers. In view of slower than expected pace of FRK supply during KMS 2025-26, it is likely that slow supply of FRK may impact rice delivery of Fortified Rice (FR) to FCI during KMS 2025-26. During KMS 2024-25 also, the state was constrained to seek extension in delivery period of milling and delivery of rice during previous Kharif till September 15, 2025 well beyond the March 31, 2025 deadline. Accordingly, to avoid being constrained to seek extension in milling period of delivery of rice during KMS 2025-26, it is requested that Punjab be allocated a quota of Non-Fortified Rice of minimum of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes, on lines of a similar quota being allocated by FCI to Uttar Pradesh Region. It is assured that the state is fully geared up to deliver rice at the earliest with Closure Physical Verifications (PVs) of paddy stocks stored during KMS 2025-26 have almost been completed, it added. As per the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) norms, chalky grain above 5 per cent is considered unfit for human consumption that FCI as rejected the rice samples and recently suspended its two technical officers, a field assistant, and a quality manager as freshly milled 10 per cent of the upgraded rice supplied to the FCI has been found to be defective. Also the laboratory of the corporation has rejected the rice sample because the amount of chalky was more than 5 per cent thus panic spread in rice millers. The millers have warned that further delays in milling will lead to deterioration in the quality of rice with each passing day, leading to financial losses. Bharat Bhushan Binta president of Punjab Rice Industry Association said that a virtual meeting held last month between FCIs Executive Director (Quality), senior quality officials, and DFPDs Under Secretary made it blatantly clear that the improved rice supplied by Punjab under last years ilot project did not meet the prescribed standard. Thus they are facing serious challenges in selling this stock under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), he claimed. Binta said that they were told that the quality of improved rice procured last year from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra is considerably better than the stock received from Punjab. argued that despite these concerns, FCI can easily sell such rice across India under OMSS, as is being done with stocks from other states, he said. This decision has mounted more pressure on millers in the state. The orders give no deadline or timeline for the samples to be cleared, said Ranjit Singh Jossan, Vice President of the Association. He said, Punjab has been grappling with acute storage shortages for three consecutive years. If FCI lifts the estimated 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of improved rice from the state, the space crisis will ease significantly. But if FCI delays or refuses to accept this stock, Punjab may again face a severe storage crunch, potentially delaying delivery of the seasons total commitment of 105 LMT by more than a year. A high-level meeting between state authorities and rice millers associations will be held on Monday, where the issue will be discussed in detail. The Punjab government and the associations are expected to formally raise the matter with the central government to find a resolution. Fortified rice are enriched with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.
Punjab records maximum food stock damage in past five years in India
CHANDIGARH: Punjab, considered the food bowl of India, recorded food stock damage of 8,226.04 metric tonne (MT) of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the last five years. Punjab topped the list, followed by Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. These figures were placed on record in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister for state of consumer affairs, food and public distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in reply to an unstated question asked by Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai, Member of Parliament from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. As per the figures placed in the parliament showed that the cumulative loss over five years in Punjab stood at 8,226.04 MT of this the lowest was in 2020-21 at 25 MT, then 100 MT in 2021-22, then 264 in 2022-23, then 7,746 MT in 2023-24 and 91.04 in 2024-25. The second highest was in Tamil Nadu with 3,001.39 MT damaged in 2024-25, as only 7 MY in 2023-24 bringing its total to 3,008.39 MT. Then followed by Haryana at 2,511-MT loss in 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh the highest 2,254.32 MT in 2024-25, before that 2 MT in 2023-24, 47 MT in 2022-23, 78 MT in 2021-22 and 69 MT in 2020-21 taking its overall figure to 2,450.32 MT. Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded an accumulated 2,856.68 MT of damaged stock over five years, including highest 1,985.68 MT in 2024-25 and Odisha reported 1,157 MT, mostly from 1,145 MT in 2020-21. But Punjab recorded the sharpest single-year damage, several other states reported sizeable losses. Also year-wise and commodity-wise assessments of damaged wheat and rice along with valuation were given. The highest recorded value of damaged food grains in the period was for rice in 2024-25, amounting to Rs 13.06 crore, linked to 0.072 lakh tonnes of damaged stock against an off take of 259.55 lakh tonne, translating to a 0.028% loss. For 2023-24, rice damage stood at 0.012 lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 2.06 crore. Wheat losses were recorded as 0.01 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 0.004 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, and 0.0067 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with corresponding values of Rs 0.64 crore, Rs 0.46 crore, and Rs 0.814 crore. The reply also stated that no central pool foodgrains got damaged due to insufficient FCI godowns. The overall storage capacity of Punjab is 174 lakh MT, comprising 124 lakh MT under the Food Corporation of India and another 49 LMT with state agencies.
NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a high-voltage debate in Parliament as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi will lead the Oppositions discussion on electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Other speakers from Congress include general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Jawaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isha Khan Choudhury, Mallu Ravi, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and Jothimani. While a total of ten hours has been allotted for the entire discussion, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal is scheduled to reply to the debate on Wednesday. During the debate, Rahul Gandhi is expected to raise the issue of vote theft and the accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The issue has been one of the central themes of his recent political campaigning. Gandhi and the broader Opposition have repeatedly alleged that discrepancies in voter rolls, manipulation of electoral procedures, and selective enforcement by the ECI to undermine the elections. Over the past year, Gandhi has held several press conferences alleging discrepancies in voter rolls and electoral procedures in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka, and systematic attempts to suppress or distort the results. He has alleged large-scale deletions, duplicate entries in voter list revisions. During the debate, the Opposition is also expected to raise the contentious issue of alleged pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the voter list re-verification drive. The matter escalated into a major political flashpoint after reports emerged of several BLOs dying, some by suicide, others under various circumstances that are still being scrutinized. These incidents sparked widespread concern among field officials with several BLOs alleging excessive workload and unrealistic targets. Since the Winter Session began on December 1, the Opposition parties have come together to stage protests both inside and outside Parliament for two consecutive days demanding a debate on electoral reforms and the SIR), and protections for frontline electoral staff. After multiple rounds of discussions between the government and Opposition floor leaders, a consensus was finally reached to hold a debate this week covering the national song Vande Mataram , the broader framework of electoral reforms, and specific issues linked to the SIR. On Monday, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to hold a debate on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram . Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the discussion in the House, while Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is expected to open the debate from the Opposition benches. Other Speakers from Congress include party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Manipur MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy and Korba MP Jyotsana Mahant. PM Modi to initiate debate on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday The BJP has been allotted three hours for its interventions in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of ten hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion. The Rajya Sabha will take up the debate on Vande Mataram on Tuesday, where the Home Minister will lead the discussion. The debate on Vande Mataram is likely to see fireworks as the Congress and the ruling BJP have been locking horns over the latters allegations that important stanzas of the national song were dropped in 1937, which sowed the seeds of partition. While inaugurating the year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram to mark 150 years of the national song, PM Modi, in his speech, said that a divisive mindset is still a challenge for the country.
Rahul Gandhi to lead Opposition debate on SIR in Lok Sabha
NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a high-voltage debate in Parliament as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi will lead the Oppositions discussion on electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Other speakers from Congress include general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Jawaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isha Khan Choudhury, Mallu Ravi, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and Jothimani. While a total of ten hours has been allotted for the entire discussion, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal is scheduled to reply to the debate on Wednesday. During the debate, Rahul Gandhi is expected to raise the issue of vote theft and the accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The issue has been one of the central themes of his recent political campaigning. Gandhi and the broader Opposition have repeatedly alleged that discrepancies in voter rolls, manipulation of electoral procedures, and selective enforcement by the ECI to undermine the elections. Over the past year, Gandhi has held several press conferences alleging discrepancies in voter rolls and electoral procedures in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka, and systematic attempts to suppress or distort the results. He has alleged large-scale deletions, duplicate entries in voter list revisions. During the debate, the Opposition is also expected to raise the contentious issue of alleged pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the voter list re-verification drive. The matter escalated into a major political flashpoint after reports emerged of several BLOs dying, some by suicide, others under various circumstances that are still being scrutinized. These incidents sparked widespread concern among field officials with several BLOs alleging excessive workload and unrealistic targets. Since the Winter Session began on December 1, the Opposition parties have come together to stage protests both inside and outside Parliament for two consecutive days demanding a debate on electoral reforms and the SIR), and protections for frontline electoral staff. After multiple rounds of discussions between the government and Opposition floor leaders, a consensus was finally reached to hold a debate this week covering the national song Vande Mataram , the broader framework of electoral reforms, and specific issues linked to the SIR. On Monday, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to hold a debate on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram . Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the discussion in the House, while Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is expected to open the debate from the Opposition benches. Other Speakers from Congress include party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Manipur MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy and Korba MP Jyotsana Mahant. PM Modi to initiate debate on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday The BJP has been allotted three hours for its interventions in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of ten hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion. The Rajya Sabha will take up the debate on Vande Mataram on Tuesday, where the Home Minister will lead the discussion. The debate on Vande Mataram is likely to see fireworks as the Congress and the ruling BJP have been locking horns over the latters allegations that important stanzas of the national song were dropped in 1937, which sowed the seeds of partition. While inaugurating the year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram to mark 150 years of the national song, PM Modi, in his speech, said that a divisive mindset is still a challenge for the country.
Bank of Maharashtra slashes retail loan rates by 25 bps
Bank of Maharashtra has lowered interest rates on retail loans by 25 basis points. Home loans now start at 7.10 percent and car loans at 7.45 percent. This move follows the RBI's repo rate cut. The bank aims to make loans more affordable for customers. This offers a significant benefit to borrowers.
Mohol: IndiGo passengers faced mental distress; action to follow inquiry report
IndiGo has cancelled more than 2,000 flights and delayed others, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at several airports around the country since Tuesday
Hazoor Multi Projects wins 277-crore NHAI projects in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
The work includes collection of user fee at fee plaza sections of highways in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
Congress top brass holds deliberations at 10, Janpath on Karnataka issue
Venugopal said the preparations for the December 14 rally against vote chori and the general political situation was also discussed.
Sidhu will return to active politics if he is declared CM face, says his wife
She, however, also pointed towards infighting within the Punjab Congress unit, claiming that already there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister`s position, and they won`t let Sidhu come forward
America First: White House signals crackdown on work permits
In line with this approach, the US government has rolled out enhanced screening requirements for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, introducing mandatory social media checks from December 15
Goa nightclub fire kills 23 after cylinder blast; CM blames safety violations
Sawant, who rushed to the spot, told reporters that of the 23, three succumbed to burn injuries and the others died due to suffocation. As per initial information, the nightclub had not abided by the fire safety norms, the chief minister said
Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Centre honourees in Oval Office ceremony
Trump also has criticized the centre`s programming and its physical appearance, and has vowed to overhaul both.
13-Year-Old Girl Dies By Suicide In Maharashtra, Family Alleges Harassment By Senior Student
A 13-year-old girl in Akola died by suicide after alleged harassment by a class 10th student. An FIR was filed and police are investigating the case of abetment to suicide.
Over 32K living co-infected with HIV and TB in 2024, admits Centre
NEW DELHI: Over 32,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were co-infected with tuberculosis (TB) in 2024. This dual burden continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, according to the latest government report. The report also said that a total of six states, including Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, recorded the highest number of people co-infected with HIV and TB in 2024-25. The dual burden of HIV and TB continues to be a major public health challenge in India, as co-infection substantially increases the risk of illness and death if not detected and treated promptly, said the India HIV Estimation 2025 report. Maharashtra (14%), Andhra Pradesh (10%), Karnataka (10%), Uttar Pradesh (10%), Tamil Nadu (7%) and Gujarat (7%) together accounted for 58% of the HIVTB co-infected PLHIV reported in FY 2024-25, forming the bulk of the 11 states that contributed 80% of the national caseload. Several smaller states/UTs such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands contributed less than 1% of total cases, said the report, which was released by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on December 1, observed as World AIDS Day. The report said that TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), remains one of the most significant opportunistic infections (OIs) among PLHIV in India. From 2021-22 to 2024-25, the proportion of PLHIV screened for TB remained consistently high at 95% or more, reflecting strong adherence to TB screening and effective implementation of testing services. However, TB diagnosis among PLHIV from 2021-22 to 2024-25 showed a gradual decline, from 7.2% in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to 5.8% in 2023-24, and further to 4.9% in 2024-25. This can be attributed to enhanced prevention efforts and treatment coverage leading to a decrease in transmission, said the report. Active TB may affect the lungs (pulmonary TB) or spread beyond the lungs to involve the lymph nodes, pleura, abdomen, central nervous system, bones, joints, or skin (extrapulmonary TB). Recognising the impact of the dual epidemic, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has implemented several strategic measures to address HIV-TB co-infection across the country effectively. A cornerstone of this effort is the integration of HIV and TB services, aimed at ensuring comprehensive, patient-centred care, the report added. Under this model, all PLHIV attending ART Centres are screened for TB symptoms. At the same time, all TB patients are tested for HIV to enable early diagnosis and timely care.
Brigitte Macron indulges in panda diplomacy with France-born Yuan Meng
During this visit, the panda, Yuan Meng, was living in a reserve in southwest China. She chose his name when he was born in a French zoo in 2017. It means accomplishment of a dream
Gaza ceasefire is just a pause, says Qatar Prime Minister
While the ceasefire halted the heavy fighting of the two-year war, Gaza health officials say that over 360 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce took effect in October
75 million Americans set to face an uphill battle while claiming benefits
In an operating plan shared with media houses by the SSA, it outlines a proposed target of 50 per cent fewer field office visitors in fiscal year 2026 compared to fiscal year 2025, or no more than 15 million field office visits by members of the public
Telangana HC upholds cancellation of ST certificates issued to Lambadi family from Maha
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has upheld the decision to cancel Scheduled Tribe (ST) caste certificates issued to a Lambadi family that migrated from Maharashtra to the then undivided Andhra Pradesh in 1956, stating that the cancellation was legally valid. The case originated from a complaint filed by the district president of the All India 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 .
Pudding is like Bandra, how can you not love it?
Put your hands together for the cheeriest gift of the season the inaugural edition of Pudding, an anthology uniquely mirroring the suburb we all love
Hugh Grant jokes Im half-Indian, says dad was born here
Grant also recalled his first visit to India in 1988 when he came to shoot for La Nuit Bengali (The Bengali Night) in Kolkata, then Calcutta
Theres something in the Mumbai air
Even as doctors speak out about rising air pollution levels in Maharashtras capital city and environmental activists cry hoarse about political and bureaucratic lethargy, Mumbais 2.2 crore residents report increasing ill-health and higher medical bills
As in many parts of the world, salt in India is used as a weapon against envy, malice, and invisible forces
But no one returned, to clean up, fuel up or anything not that day, or the next day, not for a week or a month or a year.
Real classy with old world humility!
Joe Roots ton in Australia in his 30thinnings was a master class on how to tackle excessive bounce. His calm, cool method showed how those who say that on pitches like these there will be a ball with your name on it, dont know what they are jabbering about
Mumbai weather: Sunny skies, pleasant temperatures; AQI remains moderate
Mumbai awakens to a sunny and pleasant day, with temperatures reaching 30.6C, making it ideal for outdoor plans. However, yesterday's moderate air quality (AQI 158) persists in traffic-heavy areas, advising masks. The week ahead promises consistently warm, dry weather, perfect for planning outdoor engagements, though caution regarding pollution remains crucial for residents.
Bombay HC junks order disqualifying Powai housing society committee for not calling special meet
The Bombay High Court has overturned the disqualification of a housing society's managing committee, which was imposed for failing to hold a special general body meeting during the Covid-19 pandemic. Justice Amit Borkar ruled that the restrictions in place at the time constituted a reasonable cause for the delay, rendering the disqualification order unsustainable.
When tech facilitates digital violence against women by those close to them
Mumbai: Thane tribunal awards Rs 40 lakh to kin of plumber killed in 2018 road accident
Navi Mumbai wetlands face threat as Flamingo City identity hangs in balance
Indigo cancels 146 city flights; normalcy restored, says govt
Maha vs Guj GI battle brews over king of fruits
Signs of truce as Shinde, Maharas BJP chief share stage
At a project unveiling in Dombivli, Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan stood alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, signaling a possible reconciliation amidst rising tensions between the BJP and Shiv Sena regarding political maneuvering and activist recruitment, especially with local elections approaching. Chavan noted the enhanced collaboration within the ruling coalition.
Maharashtra Minister Refers To Mamata Banerjee As Terrorist
Alleging large-scale irregularities, Mr. Lodha claimed that over 10 centres had been set up in each district bordering Bangladesh in West Bengal to issue bogus birth certificates to illegal immigrants.
Mumbai: Civic body war blamed for Ghodbunder Roads poor state
Mumbai: Sterilizing leopards is a bad idea and will not work says wildlife expert
Mumbai: Thane court acquits woman of murder but convicts for destroying evidence
Two Goan youth killed incar-truck collision in Lonavala
PTI Pune Two youth from Bardez taluka of Goa were killed after their car collided with a mini truck at Lonavala hill station in Maharashtra in the early hours of Saturday, the police said. The victims were part of a group of 14 persons from Goa that had come to Lonavala in Pune district for [] The post Two Goan youth killed incar-truck collision in Lonavala appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Appoint Leaders of Opposition for Maharashtra Assembly: Uddhav
More than a year after the Assembly election, the LoP must be appointed and we have been demanding this the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation organises lecture at Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial
Navi Mumbai: Narcotics worth Rs 13.7 lakh seized, 2 peddlers held
Navi Mumbai: FIR registered against over four accused of illegal land transaction
Navi Mumbai: Raigad faces technical glitches in EVMs
IndiGo operates 1,500 flights on Saturday; 95 pc of network covered: Airline
An airline spokesperson said that the efforts were ongoing to fully stabilise operations. The airline thanked passengers, staff, and government agencies for their support and patience
Faced criticism from my own community for advocating creamy layer principle: Ex-CJI Gavai
MUMBAI : Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Saturday said he faced criticism from his own community for stating in a judgement that the creamy layer principle should be applied to reservation for the Scheduled Castes. In Dr B R Ambedkar's view, affirmative action was like providing a bicycle to someone who is lagging behind, he said, asking whether Ambedkar thought that such a person should never give up the bicycle. Ambedkar did not think so, he claimed. Gavai, who retired as CJI recently, was delivering a lecture on Role of Affirmative Action in Promoting Equal Opportunity at Mumbai University. Paying tributes to Ambedkar on his death anniversary, Gavai said the iconic leader was the architect of not only the Indian Constitution but also of the affirmative action enshrined in it. Babasaheb, in so far affirmative action is concerned, was of view that it is like providing a cycle to those who are lagging behind. Suppose somebody is at tenth km and somebody at zero, he (the latter) should be provided a cycle, so that he reaches faster till the tenth km. From there, he joins the person who is already there and walks along with him. Did he (Ambedkar) think that the person should not leave the cycle and carry forward and thereby ask the people who are at zero km to continue to be there? the former CJI asked. In my view, that was not the vision of social and economic justice as contemplated by Babasaheb Ambedkar.He wanted to bring social and economic justice in the real sense and not in formal sense, he added. The Indra Sawhney and Others Vs Union of India case enunciated the creamy layer principle, and in another case, he himself held that creamy layer should also be made applicable to the Scheduled Castes, said Gavai. The principle demands that those who are sufficiently advanced economically and socially should not get the benefit of affirmative action even though they are members of the backward community for which it is meant. He was widely criticized by the people of his own community for this judgement, Gavai said, adding that he was accused of taking benefit of reservation himself to become a Supreme Court judge and then advocating the exclusion of those who fell in the creamy layer. But these people did not even know that there is no reservation for the constitutional office of High Court or Supreme Court judge, Gavai said. Can applying the same yardstick to the son of a chief justice of India or chief secretary and the son of a labourer who has studied in a gram panchayat school satisfy the test of equality as enshrined in the Constitution, he asked. Gavai, however, emphasized that in the last 75 years o doubt affirmative action has played a positive role. I have traveled across the country, traveled across the world, I have seen many people belonging to the Scheduled Caste becoming chief secretary or director general of police or ambassadors and high commissioners, he said. Maharashtra is a land of social reformers, and the egion can truly be described as the birthplace of the idea of modern India, Gavai said. We are all aware about Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule's pioneering work in eradication of inequalities in the society, he said. When women were among most oppressed in society, it was the Phule couple who opened the door of education for them, he noted.
Mumbai: Fire breaks out at godown in Nagpada, no injuries reported
Police arrange buses for many to Chaityabhoomi
Savarkars statue in A&N to mark 116 yrs of his poem
Mumbai: Retired man duped of over 33 lakh in MBBS admission scam
Thane: Online Scammers Target Retired 64-Year-Old, Accuse Him of Terrorist Links, Siphon 1.25 cr
30 Mumbai schools unite to teach students real-world sustainability skills
Govt caps airfares at Rs 7,500-Rs 18,000 across India amid IndiGo crisis
As per the ministry`s order, airlines have been prohibited from charging above the newly fixed maximum limits, which have been introduced in public interest, until flight operations return to normal. The cap ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000 depending on the length of the route
2.2mn tonne waste still left, Mulund dump clean-up gets 2nd extension
Maharashtra to build counselling system for students after SC order
Woman dies in Mumbai road accident after truck hits motorcycle
If Leader of Opposition can't be appointed in Maharashtra, then abolish Deputy CM post too: Uddhav
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in both Houses in Maharashtra. He added that if the appointment is not made citing rules, then the deputy chief minister's post should also be abolished as it is not a constitutional post. Uddhav raised the issue ahead of the Maharashtra assemblys winter session that is scheduled from Monday in Nagpur. The BJP-led Mahayuti government should immediately announce the Leader of the Opposition for both the Houses. Also, if you are going to cite the technical law, then the post of Deputy Chief Minister should be abolished immediately, because there is no provision for such a post anywhere in the Constitution, he said. To get the post of Leader of Opposition, an opposition party must have at least 10 per cent of the total strength of the assembly. In the Maharashtra assembly, there are a total of 288 members, so an opposition party must have 28 MLAs to get the post. However, there is no party in the opposition that fulfills the criteria. The Uddhav-led Shiv Sena has the highest number of MLAs with 20, followed by the Congress with 15 and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP SP with 10. On the other hand, the BJP has 132 MLAs, Shv Sena (Shinde) has 57, and DCM Ajit Pawar-led NCP has 41. If some portfolio has to be given, then give that to him (Eknath Shinde) but do not call him Deputy Chief Minister. This government should announce the post of Leader of the Opposition in both houses during the forthcoming winter session in Nagpur. This is our demand. If it is not fulfilled then we may approach the court as well, Uddhav told media persons on Saturday. We had demanded during the very first session that they should announce the Leader of the Opposition. Now a year has passed. For the first time in the history of the legislature, there is no Leader of the Opposition in both houses. This government is strong and it is supported by the central government. Despite this, why is this government afraid to appoint the Leader of the Opposition? he questioned.
Indigo ground staff face violence, chaos during mass flight delays and cancellations
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh, with intensified strict vigilance, has cracked down on the transportation of paddy from other states and seized over one lakh quintals so far in separate cases ever since the procurement began from November 15. The state has launched special campaigns in different districts, with alert and rigorous monitoring underway. There are continuous checks, check posts set up in districts and along state borders, besides keeping track of GPS-equipped vehicles used for foodgrain transport to prevent illegal paddy transportation. This year, several check posts have undertaken a digital verification oversight process and a resolute inter-state coordination. Meticulous measures are adopted in every procurement centre, having a more accountable and technology-driven system, to record entries on the actual paddy received on a given day. The state government has issued a directive to all district collectors to ensure transparency in the procurement process of paddy in all centres, while illegal transportation and fictitious purchase will not be tolerated. The paddy procurement is to continue till January 31, 2026. According to officials, the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (CG-MARKFED) has set up check-posts in border districts and constituted task forces headed by district collectors to check the movement of paddy from neighbouring states. The MARKFED has this year instituted Integrated Command and Control Centre to manage real-time surveillance of the procurement process and closely monitor every border area of the state. Over 16 separate check posts with installed cameras have been set-up in areas connecting Chhattisgarh to other states for round the clock observation at the Command Centre, a senior officer said. The detail of every vehicle entering Chhattisgarh state is recorded by deployed staff at every small or big check post, including those connecting the border areas. Chhattisgarh, often cited as the rice bowl in Central India, offers Rs 3,100 per quintal as minimum support price (MSP) to paddy growers, which is believed to be the highest in the country. There are sneaky attempts from neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Telangana to secure high returns of paddy from the government procurement centres in Chhattisgarh state. There were instances where officials had earlier confiscated paddy illegally transported and stored in the state.
Indigo flight cancellation: Congress MP alleges BJP for creating aviation crisis
Opposition launched a sharp attack on the Centre, alleging the Indigo flight cancellation and nationwide air travel chaos stem from the BJPs push to create a duopoly in the aviation sector
IndiGo announces automatic refunds amid the ongoing flight disruptions
Amid widespread flight disruptions, IndiGo has announced automatic refunds and a full waiver on cancellation and rescheduling charges for travel between December 5 and 15
Center orders IndiGo to clear all pending refunds by Sunday
Amid IndiGos ongoing flight disruptions, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered the airline to complete all pending refunds by 8 pm on Sunday. With 405 domestic flights cancelled in five days, the government also directed IndiGo to trace lost baggage within 48 hours
Domestic airfares capped to prevent demand-supply price spike: Air India
The move was taken to prevent fare hikes that usually occur through revenue management systems when demand increases suddenly, an official statement said
CR announces 14 special trains for winter rush of passengers
The special trains have been planned in response to the high demand for travel and will run between major cities across India, including Madgaon, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi)
ED files chargesheet against Reliance Power, others in fake bank guarantee case
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Reliance Power Ltd and 10 others in a Rs 68 crore fake bank guarantee case linked to a SECI tender. The ED alleges Reliance officials used fraudulent endorsements and spoofed emails, while the group claims it is a victim of fraud. Several accused remain in custody
South African wildlife experts train officials on human-wildlife conflict
Two experts from South Africa Hein Schoeman, a wildlife capture specialist, and Dr Josephine Skaarup Petersson, a wildlife veterinarian led the interaction. They shared global practices on wildlife capture, conflict mitigation, population management and safe handling techniques
Court grants anticipatory bail to Jamtara producer in Rs 2.5-crore cheating case
Film producer Manish Trehan and his brother-in-law Satwant Singh secured anticipatory bail after being accused of defrauding an investor of 2.5 crore. The duo allegedly promised business expansion and a film project for Amazon Prime, but the money was reportedly invested elsewhere. The court deemed custodial interrogation unnecessary, granting bail.
Filmmaker Kiran Rao's international travel to Tokyo was significantly delayed by IndiGo, leaving her stranded at Mumbai Airport for over eleven hours. The airline issued a public apology for widespread operational challenges causing numerous flight cancellations nationwide. The DGCA has formed a committee to investigate the disruptions.
Thane senior citizen loses Rs 1.06 crore in investment fraud
Thane: A 78-year-old man from Maharashtras Thane city has allegedly been duped of Rs 1.06 crore in an online investment fraud after being lured with promises of lucrative returns, police said on Saturday. The police have registered a case against one person in this connection, they said. The accused first added the senior citizen to 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 .
Thousands gather at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai to pay tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who paid tributes to Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park
IndiGo cancellations: Foreigner loses cool, climbs atop counter at Mumbai airport; watch
Widespread IndiGo flight cancellations on Saturday left thousands of passengers stranded across India, leading to scenes of frustration and protests at airports. Despite the aviation regulator pausing recent flight duty time limitations, disruptions continued, impacting crucial travel plans for many, including a team selected for the Smart India Hackathon.
Delhi wakes up to toxic smog as AQI hits 333, very poor category
The area around Anand Vihar was blanketed in a dense layer of toxic smog, with an AQI of 366 in the `very poor` category. According to CPCB data, Sonia Vihar recorded an AQI of 352, Wazirpur measured 359, while Ghazipur Mandi recorded 366
Mumbai electoral data: Malad sees sharpest rise in voters, SoBo steepest decline
Mumbai's electoral data reveals a significant voter surge in suburban P North wards, while island city wards see a decline. Officials attribute this shift to redevelopment, rising rentals, and affordable housing pushing residents outwards. Political accusations of infiltrators have emerged over the P North increase.
Maharashtra teachers hold Statewide strike over TET norms, Govt. resolution on student-teacher ratio
Strike by 1.8 lakh teachers across Maharashtra shuts most schools as 35 unions demand rollback of GR on student-teacher ratio, TAT norms, and relief from non-academic duties
Three killed, eight critically injured as bus collides with parked truck in Maharashtra's Gondia
GONDIA: Three passengers were killed when a private bus coming from Chhattisgarh collided with a stationary truck near a village in Gondia district of Maharashtra, police said on Friday. Eight passengers of the Chhattisgarh-registered bus were critically injured in the accident which took place on National Highway-53 near Dhobisarad village under Deori tehsil shortly after midnight on Thursday, they said. The bus, belonging to a private travel agency, was going from Kawardha in Chhattisgarh to Chandrapur in Maharashtra. As the bus was passing through Deori at 12.20 am, the driver was unable to notice a truck parked on the roadside due to darkness and rammed into it, according to police. The impact of the collision was such that the front portion of the bus was completely damaged. There were 45 passengers in the bus and three of them perished in the crash. Two of them were identified as Sunita Hemlal Baghele (45), a resident of Khairagarh in Chhattisgarh, and Manoj Bablu Patle (40), a native Kawardha, while police did not provide details about the third deceased. The critically injured passengers were referred to Nagpur for advanced treatment, said police. On getting information about the crash, a police team led by Inspector Pravin Dange reached the spot and helped the injured come out of the bus with assistance from local residents. Ambulances from nearby Primary Health Centres and Rural Hospitals were summoned and used to ferry the injured passengers to hospitals. According to Assistant Police Inspector Mukesh Rathod, the truck got stranded on the roadside after running out of fuel. Bus driver Chandrashekhar Chaudhari failed to notice the truck and this led to the ghastly accident. The bus driver also got injured and both his legs were fractured in the crash, Rathod added.
SIA conducts raids in Srinagar and Ganderbal in probe into white collar terror
The J&K Polices State Investigation Agency conducted early morning raids in Srinagar and Ganderbal as part of its probe into the white collar terror module involving radicalised professionals. Meanwhile, a Delhi court extended the NIA custody of Soyab, accused of harbouring Red Fort bomber Umar-un Nabi, by 10 more days
Experts warn of ecological threat as SC narrows definition of Aravali hills
The Supreme Courts acceptance of a new definition that counts only hills above 100 metres as part of the Aravalis has raised alarm among environmentalists. Experts fear that the move could strip protection from most of the ancient range, exposing regions, including Delhi-NCR, to harsher weather, drought and biodiversity loss
Lok Sabha passes bill to levy cess on pan masala units
The Lok Sabha has passed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, introducing a cess on pan masala manufacturing units to fund national security and public health initiatives. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the cess will also be shared with states to strengthen healthcare systems
PM Modi bets big as Russia trade target set to soar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exuded confidence that the USD 100 billion bilateral trade target between India and Russia will be achieved ahead of 2030. The PM recalled that last year, President Putin and he set a target of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030
US Supreme Court to rule on Trumps bid to end birthright citizenship
The US Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of President Donald Trumps executive order to end birthright citizenship, reviving a debate settled since 1898. The court will now directly assess the policys legality, with legal experts warning it challenges long-standing interpretations of the Fourteenth Amendment
Indian Army makes first-ever ascent of Arunachals highest peak Mount Kangto
An Indian Army mountaineering team from Eastern Command has achieved a historic milestone by successfully summiting Mount Kangto, Arunachal Pradeshs highest and previously unconquered 7,042-m peak
Ex-Pentagon official: US should label Pakistan a terrorism sponsor
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said the US has no strategic logic for embracing Pakistan and argued Islamabad should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism. He criticised Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munirs White House visit and urged Washington to apologise to India over tariffs and recent policy missteps
Seashells turned to eco-friendly concrete
Researchers at the University of East London have discovered that discarded seashells, when processed into fine powder, can replace up to one-third of the cement used in concrete. The breakthrough offers a scalable way to cut carbon emissions, with the study showing a 36 per cent reduction in the materials footprint
US conducts 22nd strike on suspected drug-trafficking boat in eastern Pacific
The US Southern Command confirmed its 22nd strike on a small boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people and raising the campaigns death toll to at least 87. The strike coincided with Admiral Frank Bradleys classified Capitol Hill briefings amid an investigation into allegations of unlawful follow-on attacks
Actor Sonu Sood has appealed to passengers to remain calm and refrain from targeting IndiGo ground staff amidst widespread flight delays and cancellations. He acknowledged the frustration but urged empathy for employees who are equally helpless. The DGCA has formed a committee to investigate the operational disruptions that left thousands stranded.
Air ambulance delay defers Zia advanced care in London
The departure of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia for advanced treatment in London has been postponed to Sunday after a Qatar-provided air ambulance failed to reach Dhaka due to technical issues
Ukraine, US negotiators continue with peace talks
Ukrainian officials will resume talks with the US team after nearly five hours of discussions with Moscow produced no compromise on Ukraines peace proposals. President Zelenskyy said Kyivs priority is to gain clarity on Russias latest position
Ex-Pentagon official: Putins India visit a result of Trumps incompetence
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said most Americans view Vladimir Putins India visit as a consequence of Donald Trumps gross incompetence. He criticised the US for hypocrisy over Indias purchase of Russian oil and backed New Delhis need to prioritise its energy and economic interests as it rises globally
Maharashtra poised to lead Indias natural farming revolution
If the State translates intent into execution, it will not only mainstream natural farming but set a national benchmark for an agriculture that is ecologically regenerative, economically rewarding and socially inclusive
Amit Shah reviews pond interlinking progress in Ahmedabad & Gandhinagar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the ongoing pond interlinking works in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, where 1,349 ponds across 162 villages are being connected to boost water management. He urged officials to clear obstacles
