Deepti Naval recalls Nana Patekar making her rehearse first Marathi dialogue a million times
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actor Deepti Naval recalled working with late veteran actor Nana Patekar in the Marathi film Suryodaya. The actress quipped that the veteran actor had made her rehearse her first Marathi dialogue a million times. Deepti shared a video clip from the film on her social media account and recalled shooting in a village near Nagpur. She said her first Marathi dialogue comprised three words, Gadva kuthhe thevayicha, which translates to Where are we going to keep the donkeys? Recalling the experience, the actor wrote, And Nana made me rehearse these three words a million times! She also described the film as a gem and urged her followers to watch it on YouTube. Suryodaya, a Marathi film released in 1991, featured Nana Patekar and Deepti Naval. The film revolved around a group of nomadic people in Maharashtra who dream of having permanent homes, and are misled into believing that the government will build concrete houses for them if they burn their temporary huts. Earlier, Deepti had also shared a still with Nana from filmmaker Goutam Ghoses film Yatra, captioning it, A moment between Nana and me.... from Gautam Ghoshs film Yatra. For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, following a cardiac arrest in Goa. Deepti had earlier paid tribute to the actor, remembering him as a true artiste and expressing that she would always miss the child in him. Remembering him fondly, she had written, Farewell Nana... You will always be remembered as a true artiste... Rest in peace my dear Nana... I will always miss the child in you!
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 []
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
Mungantiwar seeks paddy procurement before Diwali
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
FTII students protest in solidarity with SRFTI students, demand revocation of rustication
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
Twin tremors rock Nagpur rural, 15th quake since 2023, revive seismic concern
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
Education should go beyond earning money, contribute to society: Tamil Nadu governor Arlekar
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
Man faces FIR for alleged NCRA recruitment exam question paper leak
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
After five years behind bars, man acquitted of robbery-murder on Mumbai local train
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
Bombay HC to Maharashtra govt: Money for other things, not for Pocso victims rehab after MTP?
Shreyanka Patil back to her best, rocks Maharashtra with 5 wickets in Women's T20 Trophy
Shreyanka Patil back to her best, rocks Maharashtra with 5 wickets in Women's T20 Trophy
VJTI students protest over hostel conditions after students death, demand rectors resignation
'Talked to RBI, forcible recovery from farmers should be stopped': Maharashtra CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced efforts to halt forceful loan recoveries by microfinance companies affecting farmers. As drought conditions worsen, the state government will provide Rs 5,000 relief to farmers during Diwali. The government approved Rs 1.5 lakh crore for additional assistance while ensuring direct fund transfers to farmers. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that multiple benefits would be offered to farmers declared under drought.
Maharashtra CM urges RBI to halt forced loan recovery from farmers
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Mumbai local row: CR mulls opening staff-only special local to public after doors kept locked
Maharashtra minister orders strict checks on Rapido, Ola and Uber drivers
Maharashtra transport minister has instructed officials to register criminal cases wherever necessary and explore the possibility of introducing a revised law to strengthen oversight of the sector
Mumbai Traffic police crack down on 12k vehicles using 'dazzling headlights'
Maharashtra Unveils New PPP Policy to Accelerate Infrastructure Development by 2047
Maharashtras new PPP policy aims to streamline infrastructure projects and enhance governance efficiency, setting the stage for growth by 2047. Maharashtra Unveils New PPP Policy to Accelerate Infrastructure Development by 2047
Mumbai Metro Line 12A gets cabinet nod; Rs 13,856-crore project targets 3.5-year deadline
Maharashtra weather today: Ratnagiri hottest at 37.2 degrees Celsius
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several stations across the Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada recorded above-normal daytime temperatures, while parts of Vidarbha experienced cooler nights and some below-normal daytime readings
Mumbai airport faces temporary network disruption, switches to manual processing
Delhi Speaker calls for gender-neutral parliamentary rules
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta has called for gender-neutral parliamentary rules, constitutional safeguards and modernisation of legislative procedures, an official said on Tuesday. Speaking about the initiative to draft model rules for legislative bodies, Gupta said that uniform rules must not mean identical rules. Our endeavour should be to strengthen common democratic standards while preserving the constitutional autonomy and institutional distinctiveness of every Legislature, he said. He made the observations while presenting Delhis recommendations at the meeting of the Committee on Formulation of Model Rules for Uniformity in the Procedure and Conduct of Business in Legislative Bodies in India. Calling for comprehensive parliamentary reforms, he emphasised the need for gender-neutral legislative rules, arguing that masculine expressions retained under conventions derived from the General Clauses Act, 1897, must give way to language reflecting contemporary democratic realities. He observed that recognition of Nari Shakti must extend to the rules governing Indias democratic institutions. The meeting was chaired by Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Satish Mahana and attended by Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; and G.S. Patil, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, along with senior legislative officials and delegates. Welcoming the Presiding Officers, Gupta recalled the Committees preliminary meeting in Mysore on May 12 2026, following the decision at the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference in Patna to develop a common procedural framework. Appreciating the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat for preparing the draft report, he stressed that the exercise must identify ambiguities, draw upon effective parliamentary practices and deliver substantive institutional reforms. The meeting was conducted in a paperless manner, reflecting the growing adoption of digital practices in legislative institutions. According to an environmental impact assessment done by the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the digital circulation of 12 sets of documents, comprising 1,521 pages each, resulted in estimated savings of 18,252 sheets of paper, the equivalent of approximately 4.4 trees and 18,252 litres of water, along with an estimated reduction of 182.5 kg of CO-equivalent emissions. Emphasising constitutional safeguards, Gupta maintained that the Model Rules must recognise the distinct legal frameworks of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir, whose Legislatures function under constitutional provisions and specific statutes, including the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991. He sought appropriate provisions for bicameral Legislatures, including Legislative Councils, their Presiding Officers, Secretariat officials and reciprocal arrangements. He also recommended clarity on elections to presiding offices, the nomination of the Panel of Chairpersons, and the delegation of the Speakers functions. Cautioning that quorum requirements could be changed only through legislation, he opposed unnecessary duplication of constitutional and statutory provisions, including those governing Addresses by the President, Governor and Lieutenant Governor. On legislative functioning, Gupta supported three annual sessions Budget, Monsoon and Winter and a minimum of 30 sittings for all State Legislatures, as discussed at the 86th Conference of Presiding Officers, while protecting higher statutory requirements and the quality of deliberations. With the growing adoption of Digital Sansad, e-Vidhan and the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), he advocated formal recognition of electronic notices, summons, petitions and procedural communications. He also called for distinguishing the Roll of Members from the daily Attendance Register and retaining effective existing parliamentary arrangements. Welcoming the proposed recognition of Vande Mataram at the commencement of proceedings and Jana Gana Mana at the conclusion of a session, he noted that both practices were followed in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Seeking greater procedural flexibility, Gupta recommended avoiding duplication between Zero Hour and Special Mentions, limiting Adjournment Motions to one per sitting, and leaving debate duration to the Speakers or Houses discretion.
Indian Navy, Singapore Navy wrap up SIMBEX-2026 with multi-domain warfare drills
The 33rd edition featured anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface warfare exercises, cross-deck flying operations and professional exchanges involving warships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft
Who is checking Mumbais tanker water trade? A 6-year paper trail puts enforcement under scrutiny
Maharashtra govt approves Rs 5,000 each for 1.5cr drought-hit farmers before Diwali
Ticket checker manhandled by couple at CSMT in Mumbai, FIR registered
Maha govt announces new policy for custodial deaths and torture compensation
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a new policy for custodial deaths and torture compensation. Under a new policy issued by the Maharashtra Home Department, the state government has fixed financial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the legal heirs of individuals who die in police custody due to police assault or administrative negligence. Framed in accordance with directions from the Bombay High Court regarding a 2014 petition, the Government Resolution (GR) aims to establish a structured, timely relief mechanism for victims and their families. Besides compensation for loss of life, the scheme introduces structured relief for permanent disability stemming from physical or mental torture during custody, comprising Rs 4 lakh for permanent disability evaluated at 50 per cent or more and Rs 2 lakh for permanent disability rated below 50 per cent. All disability claims remain subject to strict medical certification and official verification. In cases of death caused by assault, torture or coercive methods used by police personnel, the cause must be established through evidence such as a magisterial inquiry, medical and forensic reports, independent investigation, witness statements or CCTV footage. A criminal conviction will not be necessary for granting compensation. For deaths resulting from administrative negligence, the policy cites failures such as denying timely medical examination or treatment, ignoring complaints of illness or injury, failing to follow medical advice and delaying emergency medical assistance. District Superintendents of Police or Police Commissioners concerned must scrutinise and submit compensation proposals within 30 days of the incident or medical certification of permanent disability. The state government will examine proposals received from the Director General of Police within a further 30 days. If police personnel are found guilty following an internal inquiry, criminal cases will be registered against them. The government will recover the compensation paid from the salary, pension or property of the officials found responsible for negligence. The policy excludes deaths attributable to natural causes, certain natural disasters without institutional negligence, refusal of medical treatment and accidents while escaping custody, among other specified circumstances.
Stringent MCOCA Invoked Against Delhi's Mukesh Bhola Gang
Delhi Police has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the alleged Mukesh Bhola gang, accused of various organised crimes including murder, kidnapping, and extortion in Jahangirpuri. Three members, including Mukesh alias Bhola, Vipin, and Suraj alias Dhela, have been arrested, with police actively identifying other syndicate members.
Maha to receive 5 TMC water from Ukai Dam under Narmada Water Award: CM Fadnavis
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) In a major boost to Maharashtra's water share, directions have been issued to provide 5 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water to the state from the Ukai Dam, in accordance with the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award. The decision was finalised during a high-level review committee meeting of the Narmada Control Authority, following strong representations made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C R Patil, issued immediate instructions to facilitate the release of water following the Chief Minister's demand. Under the original Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award, Maharashtra was sanctioned a total share of 10 TMC of water, comprising 5 TMC to be routed through the Narmada-Tapi diversion canal scheme and 5 TMC to be drawn directly from the Ukai Dam. CM Fadnavis highlighted that the decision to release water in accordance with regulations was previously agreed upon in a joint meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. CM presented Maharashtra's stance alongside an update on the state's obligations toward the Narmada project, said the government release. CM Fadnavis reiterated Maharashtra's right to its designated share of water from the Ukai Dam. As per the decision taken during the earlier meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra is entitled to receive its share of water from the Ukai Dam in accordance with the award regulations. We requested the Union Minister and the Gujarat Chief Minister to grant formal approval for the same, he said. Following the presentation, Union Minister C R Patil affirmed Maharashtra's right and issued necessary directives to ensure the immediate release of the state's share of water.
Farmer found dead in Maharashtra three days after alleged kidnapping
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Debt Drives Latur Farm Labourer To Suicide
A 28-year-old farm labourer in Latur, Maharashtra, allegedly died by suicide on Monday due to distress over unpaid loans from private finance companies. He left a note naming the companies and expressing inability to repay his mounting debt.
Vedanta Iron and Steel slips to Rs 324 crore loss in Q2
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) Vedanta Iron and Steel on Tuesday posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 324 crore in the quarter ended September 2026 (Q2 FY27), compared with a net profit of Rs 121 crore in the preceding June quarter (Q1 FY27). Revenue from operations declined 23.87 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 2,788 crore from Rs 3,662 crore in the previous quarter, according to its stock exchange filing. The company's operating performance weakened significantly during the period, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) falling 90.55 per cent to Rs 48 crore from Rs 508 crore in the June quarter. Consequently, EBITDA margin narrowed sharply to 1.7 per cent from 13.9 per cent in the preceding quarter. On a year-on-year basis, however, the company reduced its consolidated net loss by 32.08 per cent from Rs 477 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Revenue from operations slipped 2.45 per cent from Rs 2,858 crore a year earlier, while total expenses declined 9.51 per cent to Rs 3,129 crore from Rs 3,458 crore, as per its regulatory filing. During the quarter, the company recorded an exceptional gain of Rs 11 crore after the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation acquired 7,200 square metres of company-owned land in Nashik for the proposed Ring Road Project. The iron ore business witnessed a sharp slowdown, with revenue falling to Rs 638 crore in the September quarter from Rs 1,190 crore in the June quarter. Segment EBITDA dropped to Rs 10 crore from Rs 179 crore during the same period, as per its filing. The steel segment also reported weaker performance. Revenue declined to Rs 2,488 crore from Rs 2,839 crore in the preceding quarter, while segment EBITDA fell to Rs 73 crore from Rs 336 crore. Shares of the company ended the day's trading session at Rs 27.95, gaining 5 per cent or Rs 1.33. However, the stock remains under pressure over longer periods, declining 3.35 per cent in the past week, 14.73 per cent over the last month and 7.91 per cent over the past three months.
Maharashtra Cyber arrests 23-year-old in Rs 4.97 lakh online share market fraud
According to Maharashtra Cyber, the complainant was lured into investing in the share market through an Instagram advertisement, a WhatsApp group and a trading application
64 trains cancelled, 31 NDRF teams deployed: India braces for Cyclone Arnab
Cyclone Arnab is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting the cancellation of 64 trains and deployment of 31 NDRF teams across five states and Yanam. Visakhapatnam has set up 57 rehabilitation centres as authorities intensify preparations ahead of the expected landfall
Cases will be filed against rogue finance companies harassing drought-hit farmers: Maha Minister
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) The Maharashtra Cabinet Sub Committee chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday decided that cases will be filed against rogue finance companies harassing the drought-hit farmers from 304 talukas for the recovery of loans. Microfinance and private finance companies harassing farmers during the drought period and driving them to suicide were issued a clear warning at the meeting. Following the incident in Nanded, the Chief Minister has ordered direct police complaints (cases) to be registered against officials and recovery agents of companies that mentally harass farmers, said Chandrashekhar Bawankule. He further stated that with the severity of drought increasing in the state, the government has taken crucial steps for farmers and livestock. To alleviate the fodder shortage across 304 drought-affected talukas, full authority for fodder procurement and cultivation has been granted to a 5-member committee chaired by the District Collectors. Along with this, a key decision has been taken to directly provide funds from the District Planning Committee (DPC) to immediately restart rural piped water supply schemes that were shut down solely due to unpaid dues or lack of electricity connections. To prevent the livestock fodder issue from turning grave, a 5-member committee headed by the District Collector has been formed. The Collector will have full authority regarding fodder procurement, local cultivation, or bringing supplies from other districts. As per the government's new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), dry fodder will be made available at Rs 12 per kg and green fodder at Rs 8 per kg. Fodder cultivation will take place using DPC funds on available lands belonging to the Forest, Revenue, and Water Resources departments. Additionally, abundant fodder from Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri will be diverted to drought-affected districts, said Minister Bawankule. According to the minister, water supply schemes that have halted despite the availability of water, solely due to unpaid electricity bills or missing power connections, will be operationalised immediately using DPC funds. This will curb wasteful expenditure on water tankers and directly supply drinking water to villagers. Income tax-paying farmers, government officials/employees, and public representatives have been excluded from the Rs 5,000 subsidy being credited to farmers' bank accounts ahead of Diwali. These strict criteria will be applied on the lines of loan waiver rules, he said. The government will provide financial assistance to desilt lakes and dams and spread the silt across farmland. A subsidy of Rs 31 per cubic meter for desilting and Rs 35 per cubic meter for transporting it to fields will be provided. Furthermore, royalties will be fully waived if soil, murrum, or gravel from lakes are used for road construction work, said Minister Bawankule. Minister Bawankule clarified that demands to declare drought have been received from Haveli, Maval, and Mulshi in Pune district, Hatkanangale in Kolhapur district, and parts of the Konkan region. A final decision regarding the inclusion of these new talukas in the drought-affected list will be taken in next Tuesday's meeting after receiving ground reports from the respective District Collectors.
Maha Cabinet clears Rs 13,856-cr Metro Line 12-A; CM Fadnavis sets 3.5-year deadline
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) The Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the 18.40 km Mumbai Metro Line 12-A, connecting ManpadaKatai Naka to Taloja via Kalyan Phata. The committee directed authorities to ensure the project is completed within three and a half years. The project cost is estimated at Rs 13,856.37 crore. The 18.40 km fully elevated corridor connecting ManpadaKatai Naka to Taloja (via Kalyan Phata) will have 12 elevated stations. It includes a 6.93 km 4-lane integrated flyover and an 8.69 km 6-lane integrated flyover. The expected daily ridership will be 4,74,000 commuters. The project is likely to cut road commute times by 40% to 50%. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is the implementing agency, and the government has also declared it the Special Planning Authority (SPA) for the project. Metro Line 12-A is designed as a crucial connectivity corridor linking industrial and logistics hubs across Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai. The project will have multimodal integrations. There will be interchanges with Metro Line 12 and the MumbaiAhmedabad Bullet Train feeder routes at Katai Naka. It will be connected to Metro Line 14 between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata and also to Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 at Amandoot station. Feeder bus services are planned at all 12 stations to ensure smooth last-mile connectivity. Selected government lands within the project influence zone will be transferred to MMRDA to support development and funding. According to MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, the shift from private road transport to rapid transit will reduce congestion on national highways and cut carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissions. Beyond traffic relief, the project aims to accelerate economic and industrial development across the ThaneNavi Mumbai region. CM Fadnavis also instructed officials to accelerate all ongoing metro construction projects state-wide to meet target deadlines.
Environment and Climate Change Department Director, State Climate Action Cell Recruitment 2026
Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra has invited offline applications for the post of Director, State Climate Action Cell. Applications can be submitted till 16 November 2026.
Environment and Climate Change Department Director Recruitment 2026
Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra has invited offline applications for the post of Director, Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan Directorate. Applications can be submitted till 16 November 2026.
Gujarat, three other states approve agreement to resolve long-pending Narmada issues
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Gujarat and three other states have approved a memorandum of agreement (MoU) aimed at resolving long-pending issues related to the Narmada project, marking a step towards greater coordination among the states sharing the rivers waters. The agreement was approved at the 15th meeting of the Review Committee of the Narmada Control Authority (RCNCA), held in New Delhi on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the meeting, while the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan joined virtually. The memorandum had been reached at the committees previous meeting in July this year. Its approval is expected to provide a basis for further discussions on outstanding issues concerning the Narmada project, with the Centre and the four participating states adopting a collaborative approach to finding solutions. The meeting also discussed the need to address other pending matters through dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. The approach reflects an effort to build consensus among the states and the Union government on issues that have remained unresolved for years. The Narmada is a major source of water for Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, supporting agriculture, public welfare and regional development. Coordination among the states is central to ensuring the effective utilisation of the rivers water resources and addressing competing requirements. The approval of the agreement is an important step in strengthening inter-state coordination, although further discussions will be required to resolve other outstanding issues related to the project. The meeting was held in the context of the Centres emphasis on cooperative federalism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah also cited in the state governments statement as guiding inter-state cooperation. Gujarat Chief Secretary M K Das joined the meeting through video conferencing. Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr Vikrant Pandey, and other senior officials also participated alongside Patel.
Maha govt approves amendments to PPP Policy 2026 to accelerate infrastructure development
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) In a significant move to boost infrastructure growth and streamline project execution, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the key structural and procedural amendments to its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy 2026. The updated framework follows cabinet approval and aims to bring greater clarity, administrative simplification, and efficiency to infrastructure projects across the state. The PPP framework is anchored on point 100 of the Viksit Maharashtra @ 2047 vision document. A Viability Gap Funding (VGF) allocation of Rs. 200 crore has been provisioned for the financial year 202627. Following requests from the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) for enhanced clarity and simplification, a total of 11 specific policy amendments have been advanced. The proposed modifications address various operational stages of project development and governance. The policy introduces clear definitions for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and establishes updated guidelines regarding developers and project authority ownership/risks in instances where the policy is not applicable. To reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, one tier of scrutiny by the Network Planning Group committee concerning in-principle project approvals has been omitted. Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer of MITRA will now be invited to meetings of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee during PPP project approval phases. Projects involving Government assistance, land, or premiums up to Rs 25 crore will require formal approval from the Empowered Committee. Projects valued at Rs 25 crore and above will require approval from the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee (CCI) based on recommendations from the Empowered Committee. The policy refines provisions governing Project Development Funds (PDF), departmental project evaluations, development through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), project sanctions, and the engagement of Transaction Advisors (TA) and Law Firms. A major addition to the framework is the introduction of a new policy concept under Clause 13 (Asset Monetisation). This initiative is designed to unlock revenue by enhancing the economic value of public assetssuch as land and buildingsthat are not commercially viable for standard PPP development, provided they remain consistent with the goals of the Viksit Maharashtra @ 2047 vision. Under the updated PPP guidelines, projects follow a systematic progression from inception to completion. Preliminary feasibility studies, public interest evaluations, and Value for Money assessments will be conducted by the concerned department, with optional Project Development Fund (PDF) support. Formulation of techno-economic feasibility reports, draft RFPs (Request for Proposal) and concession agreements will be made alongside transaction advisors and law firms. Securing mandatory initial approvals (EC/CCI) prior to market launch will be followed by transparent competitive bidding evaluated on a single financial parameter. Final award approvals, execution of concession agreements with selected developers or SPVs, and rigorous implementation monitoring will be done by the Empowered Committee, with grievance mechanisms established for issues exceeding Rs 5 crore.
Maharashtra Epstein Files - Official Teaser
Watch the Official Teaser from Marathi movie 'Maharashtra Epstein Files' starring Deepali Sayed, Uday Tikekar, Akshay Tanksale and Subodh Bhave. 'Maharashtra Epstein Files' movie is directed by Swaroop Sawant. To know more about 'Maharashtra Epstein Files' teaser watch the video. Check out the latest Marathi teasers, new movie teasers, trending Marathi movie teaser, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
