Professor Killed Over Land Deal, Accused Lost Money In Share Trading
A 62-year-old retired professor, Chandrashekar Bhaskar Dahikar, was allegedly killed by 21-year-old Ajay Shamrao Bramhankar in Gondia, Maharashtra. The motive stemmed from a failed land deal where Bramhankar, entrusted with Rs 4 lakh of the token amount, was unable to return it after losing a significant portion in intraday share trading. Dahikar was found dead on Tuesday, attacked with a brick, and Bramhankar confessed to the crime.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) After the Maharashtra Cabinet approved an advance financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for drought-affected farmers, BJP and Shiv Sena leaders on Wednesday said that the Mahayuti leadership was sensitive to the concerns of farmers and committed to supporting them during difficult times. Speaking to IANS, Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC said, The leaders and leadership of Mahayuti are sensitive towards farmers. Our leader, the honourable Eknath Shinde, is himself a farmer and understands their joys and sorrows as a companion. Especially on Diwali, our demand was that Rs 5,000 should be given to every farmer's family so that Diwali can be celebrated with happiness in their home. BJP MLA Ram Kadam said it was the government's responsibility to stand firmly with farmers during difficult times. It is the government's duty to stand firmly by the farmers during such a difficult time. The government has previously deposited Rs 5,000 into their accounts, and now another Rs 5,000 is being sent. However, this is not the final instalment of aid; the government will provide further, more substantial support, he said. The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved an advance payment of Rs 5,000 each to nearly 1.5 crore farmers whose crops suffered more than 33 per cent damage in 304 drought-hit talukas across the state. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat after the weekly Cabinet meeting, the assistance will be transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The advance assistance of Rs 5,000 each to 1.5 crore farmers is expected to involve a total expenditure of Rs 7,500 crore. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to ensure that the amount is credited to farmers' bank accounts within this week, sources said. He has also instructed officials to issue clear directions to banks to ensure that no deductions are made from the amount credited to farmers' accounts. The state government recently declared drought in 304 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas following deficient rainfall this year, affecting agricultural activities and crop yields. In another decision, the Cabinet approved the use of one per cent of the District Annual Plan (General) funds for the welfare, rehabilitation and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Piramal Pharma Limited Announces Results for Q2 and H1 FY27
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 28: Piramal Pharma Limited (NSE: PPLPHARMA | BSE: 543635), a leading global pharmaceutical, health and wellness company, today announced its standalone and consolidated results for the Second Quarter (Q2) and Half Year (H1) ended 30th September 2026.
India targets 5 million metric tonnes annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) India aims to develop 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, an official factsheet said on Wednesday. This transition can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the countrys long-term energy security. The National Green Hydrogen Mission marks an important step towards building a cleaner, more self-reliant and globally competitive energy economy. The Mission is expected to reduce cumulative fossil fuel imports by approximately Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030. Beyond energy security, the Mission seeks to create new opportunities for industrial growth, investment and employment. It is expected to mobilise over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments and generate more than 6 lakh jobs across manufacturing, infrastructure, research, and project development. The production and use of the targeted green hydrogen quantum could also help avert nearly 50 MMT of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the factsheet. Moreover, six States have notified dedicated green hydrogen policies, complementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal are the States with notified dedicated policies. Four more states are finalising their dedicated green hydrogen policies. Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala are working on the draft policies. Seven States have integrated hydrogen into their existing industrial and renewable energy policy frameworks. These include Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Moreover, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), directly or through the National Institute of Solar Energy, has signed MoUs, Letters of Intent or Joint Declarations of Intent. The partners are Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Uzbekistan. An MoU on renewable energy has been signed with the Netherlands. An IndiaUS Hydrogen Task Force has been formed under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership. Green hydrogen is a focus area of the IndiaUS New and Emerging Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP). The MNRE launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India in April 2025. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) accredits agencies for monitoring, verification and certification. A dedicated portal went live in June 2026 for transparent certification and compliance. Credible certification will help Indian producers compete with confidence globally. Through these efforts, the government aims to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, strengthen domestic manufacturing and position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use and exports. This will contribute to Indias broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Tribals Call Off Secretariat March After Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Promise
Shramjeevi Sanghatna leaders demanded free, high-quality, and skill-oriented education for all tribal students up to the age of 18, alongside the establishment of dedicated educational complexes in every taluka
Maharashtra Farmers Withdraw Mumbai March After CM Devendra Fadnavis Assures Drought Relief
Farmers suspended their vehicle-led march after the Maharashtra government assured drought assistance, pending payments and consideration of key demands.
NCP appoints Baba Siddique's son as president of its Mumbai unit
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) In a major organisational reshuffle within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party legislator Zeeshan Siddique was appointed as the Mumbai Regional President. The formal appointment letter was handed over to Siddique on Tuesday by NCP National President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. The appointment letter emphasises continuing the progressive legacy of late leader Ajit Dada Pawar, upholding the tradition of public service, and strengthening the party's grassroots commitment to the common citizens. Zeeshan Siddique, who lost the 2024 Assembly elections from Bandra East constituency, is the son of the late veteran politician Baba Siddique. The NCP leadership expressed firm confidence that under Siddique's stewardship, energy, and dedication, the party organisation in Mumbai will become significantly stronger, more effective, and deeply people-centric. The appointment marks a crucial step for the NCP as it reorganises its leadership framework in India's financial capital to bolster its urban outreach and grassroots influence. Zeeshan's appointment comes when NCP had failed to increase its tally in the recently held BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The party is struggling to consolidate its presence in Mumbai. NCP has historically struggled to establish a dominant presence in Mumbais municipal and Assembly politics compared to its formidable strength in western Maharashtra (such as Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur) and the Sugar Belt. Historically and currently, the NCP functions primarily as a coalition player rather than a lead power within Mumbai. Out of Mumbais 36 Legislative Assembly seats and 227 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards, the NCP has historically held only a tiny fraction of seats (often 1-3 Assembly seats at peak). Areas with notable Muslim population demographics (such as parts of Kurla, Anushakti Nagar, or Shivaji Nagar/Mankhurd) have occasionally elected NCP candidates. Pockets housing migrants from Western Maharashtra and Marathwada living in Mumbai offer localised support due to loyalty to rural NCP leadership. Following the July 2023 split into NCP (Ajit Pawar) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), the already thin Mumbai grassroots apparatus has divided further. NCP (Ajit Pawar) operates as part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, relying on state cabinet resources and alliance seat-sharing. NCP insiders said that the party's core branding, network, and patronage systems are rooted in agrarian politics, sugar cooperatives, and rural local bodies (Zilla Parishads). Translating this structure into Mumbais cosmopolitan, middle-class, and urban slum dynamics has proven difficult, and Zeeshan Siddique faces a major challenge to spread the party's wings ahead of the next Lok Sabha and Assembly polls slated for 2029. Observers said that Mumbais urban electorate has traditionally favoured the Shiv Sena (both UBT and Shinde factions) for Marathi identity and local civic issues, or the BJP for urban governance and middle-class appeal. Because the NCP partnered with the Indian National Congress (INC) for decades in Maharashtra, seat-sharing agreements historically allocated the vast majority of Mumbai constituencies to Congress, severely limiting the NCP's opportunity to field candidates and build a city-wide organisation. Most prominent NCP's heavyweight leaders draw their base from rural constituencies. The party lacks high-profile, born-and-bred Mumbai leaders capable of driving a citywide narrative. Siddique will have to focus on building dedicated urban-centric agendas (housing redevelopment, slum rehabilitation, local transport), grooming local youth leadership directly from Mumbais colleges and trade unions rather than importing rural cadres and leveraging coalition partnerships effectively to claim non-traditional urban seats during BMC and Assembly elections. Meanwhile, NCP President Sunetra Pawar has appointed Umesh Patil as National Chief Spokesperson.
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 28: G Square Group, India
Yuva Sangam Phase VII concludes at NIT Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 27: The seven-day Yuva Sangam Phase VII programme at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar concluded on Tuesday with the departure of the visiting delegation from IIT Bombay, Maharashtra, marking the culmination of a cultural exchange initiative under the Government of Indias Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme. Registrar NIT Srinagar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Yuva Sangam Nodal Officer; Dr. Pramod Kumar Yadav; and Dr. Janani L. were present to see off the delegation and extend their wishes for a safe journey. During the seven-day programme, the participants explored Jammu and Kashmirs cultural heritage, spiritual landmarks, natural landscapes and local traditions while interacting with communities and experiencing the regions social and developmental landscape. On the sixth day, the delegation visited the Shankaracharya Temple and Nishat Garden in Srinagar, gaining an insight into the regions spiritual heritage, historical landmarks and Mughal-era architecture. The day also featured a cultural evening at NIT Srinagar, where students from Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra showcased their traditions through dance, music and poetry. The programme began with the traditional lighting of the Izban and was attended by Prof. Atikur Rehman, Registrar; Prof. Mohammad Bazaz, Dean of Student Welfare; and Dr. Ashok Kumar, Yuva Sangam Nodal Officer. Performances by the institutes Sargam Club and participants from Maharashtra highlighted the cultural diversity of the two regions. The event also provided an opportunity for students to interact, exchange experiences and develop a better understanding of each others traditions. The cultural evening concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation, followed by a gala dinner attended by delegates, faculty members and organisers. The exchange programme aimed to promote mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and people-to-people connections between Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir. Through visits to local destinations, community interactions and cultural activities, participants experienced the region beyond its geographical boundaries. The departure of the delegation marked the conclusion of the programme, with participants carrying memories of their experiences in Kashmir and the friendships formed during the exchange. Yuva Sangam is part of the Government of Indias Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen connections among people from different States and Union Territories through cultural exchange, educational exposure and shared experiences. The successful conclusion of Phase VII at NIT Srinagar reaffirmed the programmes focus on celebrating Indias diversity and fostering stronger bonds among young people from different parts of the country.
Deepti Naval fondly recounted her time working alongside the late Nana Patekar in the Marathi film Suryodaya. She recalled diligently practicing three Marathi words to master a pivotal dialogue, showcasing the intense dedication both actors had to their roles. The film poignantly reflects the journey of Maharashtras nomadic communities in their quest for stability, underscoring Patekars profound influence on the cinematic landscape of India.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu reviews relief operations with 32,000 Andhra officials
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed Cyclone Arnab relief operations in a teleconference with around 32,000 officials. With no casualties reported so far, he directed teams to clear fallen trees within two hours, restore power, assess crop damage
US to allow Flavio Bolsonaro entry amid money-laundering investigation in Brazil
Bolsonaro, 45, is the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and has been serving as a senator since 2019.
Lula calls Flavio Bolsonaros reported departure from Brazil shameful
Federal lawmaker Mauricio Marcon of the Liberal Party said Tuesday that Flavio Bolsonaro had left Brazil and was heading to the United States
Qatar says Tehran visit aimed at easing Iran-US tensions through mediation
Under the plan, Tehran proposed ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, provided that the United States accepted its conditions.
South Korea: Fire in Seouls Gangnam shantytown displaces 107 people
The fire agency deployed 232 personnel and 70 vehicles to fight the blaze, which began at about 3.50 pm
Maharashtra: A 'data hub' of rising power cuts | Part 2
Behind Maharashtras push for data centres lies increasing power outages and apathy towards its people
Maharashtra: A 'data hub' of rising power cuts | Part 1
Behind Maharashtras push for data centres lies increasing power outages and apathy towards its people
Korea tensions rise as North Korean artillery barrels point south near DMZ
Relations deteriorated since a September mine blast injured three South Korean soldiers, prompting Seoul to demand an apology and Pyongyang to claim the incident was fabricated.
Local ceasefire in Oleshky as Kyiv faces missile and drone attacks
The local pause in fighting started at 3 am to allow an aid mission into the Russia-occupied city of Oleshky.
Kolkata: Police parade 3 accused shirtless in assault case
On Sunday evening, a 17-year-old boy was caught kissing his girlfriend by her family
Israel records highest voter turnout since 1973 amid high-stakes election
Voters remain deeply divided over the trauma of Israels deadliest day and the ensuing wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran
Digital news publishers challenge DPDP Act, warn of impact on journalism
Breaches can attract penalties of up to Rs 250 crore.
Reaching out to a refreshing Ranchi!
Is Jharkhands capital one of Indias most underrated cities, with everything going for it, just awaiting results?
BMCs student-focused, anti-fireworks drive is commendable
In this drive, students pledge to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner.
Cyclone Arnab makes landfall along Andhra coast with winds up to 135 kmph
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab began its landfall process along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts early Wednesday, with sustained winds of 125-135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph. The IMD has issued a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall, with Odisha, Telangana and Jharkhand also on alert
Six homeowners filed case against society's managing committee for misappropriating Rs 3.08 crore; society selectively increased these six homebuyers maintenance amount; Maharashtra co-op appellate court gives relief to these six homeowners
J&K dominate 70th National School Games Taekwondo at Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Oct 27: The 70th National School Games Taekwondo Championship concluded on Tuesday at Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Ganderbal. Director General YSS J&K, Anuradha Gupta attended the ceremony as the chief guest and distributed medals and trophies among the winners. Joint Director Kashmir YSS, Additional Secretary YSS, Deputy Director Planning, SGFI Official, convenors, committee members and other participating players were present on the occasion. J&K emerged as the overall champion, securing 770 points, followed by Maharashtra with 670 points and Haryana with 500 points. Tamil Nadu secured 310 points, while Uttar Pradesh also remained among the leading teams with 310 points. In the boys' category, J&K secured first position, followed by Maharashtra in second place and KVS in third place. In the girls' category Haryana clinched first position, Maharashtra secured second place, while CISCE finished third. JK delivered an impressive performance, winning 13 medals, comprising 4 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals & secured the overall championship title. The Taekwondo event was held from October 22 to October 26, 2026, following the Wushu event conducted from October 15 to October 19, as part of the 70th National School Games hosted by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). The Directorate ensured comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of both national-level sporting events under the supervision of Director General YSS J&K, Anuradha Gupta. The championship concluded on a positive note, celebrating the sporting talent, discipline and competitive spirit of young athletes from across the country.
Finance co MD lured into sex trap, gang films, threatens him for Rs 6L
Maharashtra FDA seizes food items worth Rs 25.53 lakh amid statewide inspections
Inspections at 14 establishments uncover expired packaged food, suspected substandard products and alleged food safety violations; one sweet shops licence suspended
Cops invoke MCOCA against all accused in Tiger Shroff firing case
The Mumbai Police have invoked provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, against all accused in the case registered in connection with the firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbais Juhu area. MCOCA provisions were invoked in DCB CID Crime Register No. 143/26, which was registered on October 19 under []
Today in History, October 28: Famous Personalities, Politicians, Cricketers, Birth Anniversaries
October 28 holds historical significance across Indian politics, corporate leadership, entertainment, literature and sports. The date marks the birth anniversaries of several well-known personalities, including Indra Nooyi, the Indian-American business executive born in 1955; Ashok Chavan, former Maharashtra Chief Minister born
Maharashtra To Give Rs 5,000 Aid to 1.5 Crore Farmers Before Diwali
Officials said four to five more talukas could be added to the list of drought-affected areas following ground-truthing exercises in Maval, Hatkanangle and Dindori.
MLC polls: BJP wins big in UP, Bihar; JD-S upsets Cong
Counting of votes has commenced for Legislative Council seats across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka, with significant political implications ahead of upcoming electoral battles. The elections saw varied turnouts and intense contests between ruling alliances and opposition parties.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 27: Aleph, a global leader accelerating digital advertising and fintech solutions across more than 130 high-growth markets, today announced the appointment of Medhavi Singh as its new Country Head for India. The appointment signals Aleph's commitment to India's digital economy, a market it sees as pivotal to the pace of digital growth right across APAC.
State notifies 5L compensation policy for police custody deaths
Unmarried Daughter Can Seek Maintenance: Court
SPARSH centre launched at Kamptee, to benefit defence, family pensioners
Orange alert for Gadchiroli, IMD predicts thunderstorm
20 Car Wash Centres Found Using NMC Water, Penalty Orders Awaited
174 establishments inspected across 10 zones; 78 rely on borewells and 71 on wells
MLC polls: Neck-and-neck battle between Mahayuti and MVA over five seats
GMC Nagpur Third Most Preferred For MD Medicine In Maharashtra
Four-year-old boy injured in tiger attack in Brahmapuri taluka
Bombay HC quashes FIR against Pune student over Operation Sindoor repost
Pune RTO launches WhatsApp number for passengers against fleecing by private bus operators
Row over Khalid's book: ABVP protests outside IISER Pune, students criticise institute's withdrawal
Limit wheat acreage to available irrigation, agri dept tells farmers ahead of rabi sowing
Fabrication worker dies after falling from 20ft height in Bhosari
PWD plans three flyovers, one grade separator for Rs 227 crore to alleviate Hinjewadi traffic woes
NMCs NDS squad seizes 136 kg plastic, imposes Rs90,000 fine
Collectors get power to tackle fodder crunch as drought crisis deepens
Final notices sent to three more bars as Besa bulldozer revs
No other option: Townships forced to depend on polluted Mula water in Hinjewadi
MLC polls: Thriller in Nagpur grads, BJP cruises in Amt
Congress incumbent has edge in Nagpur, Shinde Sena candidate leads by 3,474 votes in Amravati
Pune police to register FIR against woman constable for drunk driving on wrong side of road
Pipeline breaches trigger massive wastage; citizens slam PMC over leaks as stricter supply cuts loom
Man tries to steal cash from ATM unit
Two workers killed as bike crashes into parked truck
Maha orders 100 water-absorbing pits in drought-hit talukas
PMC starts repairing roads under PCB, offers relief to cash-strapped board
Maoist Arms Cache Unearthed In Gadchiroli Forest
Head constable crushed by truck on duty, given guard of honour, senior cops carry body on shoulders
Man arrested for drugging, robbing ST bus passenger
Maharashtra farmers to get support for resilient agriculture
No additional water cuts for now: Mayor tells PMC to pause decision till canal committee meeting
Pune makes room for round-the-clock gyms
SNDT to give academic recognition to chess for undergraduates
Tribals protest demolition drive on Kharghar hill after man found dead
Prabhag 38 Bridge Caught In Red Tape, Infra Wobbles
Std VI vocational education to give 75% weightage to practical work
Protesters in Mumbai get show-cause notices to sign peace bonds
Nagpur Grads poll: HC seeks reply to plea for fresh election
Nylon manja worth 14 lakh seized, one held
Tribals-farmers march near Mumbai called off after talks with Maharashtra govt
Maharashtra to review clean air fund use, plans reallocation across cities
BJP allies, including Shiv Sena and NCP, are raising strong objections to the Torrent Power project in Karjat. They point to the potential environmental destruction caused by the removal of century-old trees. MP Omraje Nimbalkar from Shiv Sena urged for tree planting initiatives to precede any cutting, while NCP's Suraj Chavan warned about the severe implications for climate change.
Maharashtra reviews clean air fund use, plans reallocation across cities
Maharashtra orders no deletion of reserved playgrounds without replacement
MCOCA invoked against accused in Tiger Shroff firing case
Book microfinance brass if farmers face recovery harassment: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
All superintendents of police have been instructed to immediately file a case if anyone (microfinance companies) is found harassing any farmer for repayment of dues. We have told them that if they find that microfinance companies are threatening or using force against farmers, they should take action and file a case against their top officials. The state government has taken a decision in this regard, said the chief minister.
Bombay HC to Maharashtra govt: Money for other things, not for Pocso victims rehab after MTP?

