'Steel And Velvet': What Smriti Mandhana Brings As India's New All-format Captain
What Smriti Mandhana: The first thing Biju George noticed about a teenaged Smriti Mandhana at the BCCI's first-ever Under-19 girls' camp, held in Guntur in 2013/14, was the cover drive. Tall and bespectacled, Smriti leaned into the ball so sweetly while playing the cover drive that George nicknamed her 'Lady Dada'. The second thing he noticed was her gutsy nature when she came to him to solve an issue. She came up to me and said, 'Listen, I find it difficult. I am like a compulsory hooker. So people get me out with that and I want to work on that,' George said to IANS. He and a colleague, Raghu, took her to the indoor nets at the old NCA and threw balls at her for hours till the issue was solved. That habit and maturity runs through almost every account of Smriti Mandhana, India's new all-format captain. Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as Indias skipper on October 6, though she will carry on as a player. She leaves after leading India to its first-ever ODI World Cup at home in 2025, a second Asian Games gold medal and twin Asia Cup triumphs. But under Harmanpreets captaincy, India was also a T20I side that has gone out in the group stage of the last two World Cups, though she was hamstrung by the absence of key all-rounders this year. Smriti, 30, has led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs as a stand-in captain and taken Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to WPL titles in 2024 and 2026, apart. This year she passed Mithali Raj as the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket, made a record 18th international hundred to surpass Meg Lanning, and moved past Suzie Bates to be at the top of the T20I run charts. In March, Mattel made her a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll, the first cricketer to be bestowed with that honour. Aarti Vaidya, the former India player and national selector, feels a measured and assured Smriti is very prepared to begin life as the sides captain. She has played a lot of WBBL and franchise matches in England too. So she has that international cricket experience of handling and being with different teams and that helps. Similar views are echoed by Malolan Rangarajan, RCB's women's head coach. It's very well deserving for someone who has worked so hard on her game and also contributed so much to Indian cricket. She has been Indias vice-captain for such a long time and so, it's a well-deserved elevation and adds another feather in Smriti's cap, he said to IANS. It also helped that when Smriti captained RCB, it had former international captains like Heather Knight and Sophie Devine. While picking her, it wasn't like we were waiting to see how good a captain she was. She had captained before she joined RCB also. So she was very well experienced back then itself. But having worked with her over a period of 4-5 years now, you get to know the person also. She is a leader of a team and not a leader of select individuals. She always thinks about what's best for the team, how can this team, and anything with it, go forward. I'm pretty sure regardless of her being the Indian captain or not, even as the vice-captain, she was always thinking about how well she can contribute and take Indian cricket forward, added Rangarajan. Asked about instances in WPL where Smriti the skipper shined, Rangarajan is wary of reducing it to a single moment. She's got an extraordinary pulse of the game. She knows what works, and what doesn't work. With her, it was always about knowing what's best for the team and what's best for a situation. So I can't point out a single situation in which Smriti was amazing. She's a very, very, very experienced player. She knows a lot of Indian and international girls. Even tactically, she's very, very adept - knows exactly what to do when and just overall, her experience has been amazing, he said. Tejal Hasabnis, who will play under Smriti in the ODI series against Zimbabwe in Vadodara, knows Smriti well from the Maharashtra days. Getting to debut internationally under Smritis captaincy during the 50-over clash against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2024 will always be a fun fact worth cherishing for the right-handed batter. Growing up, I have played a lot of cricket under her. She used to lead Maharashtra senior side as well. So, yes, it will be very familiar and I am just looking forward to it. I am so excited because this is kind of a new chapter starting for the Indian women's cricket team. So, I am very excited to see how she approaches it and what will come next. She also gives a glowing assessment of what playing under Smritis captaincy is like. Basically, Smriti is someone who is a very calm and thoughtful person off the field and is the same on the field. I feel she is someone who prepares and then she just comes there and executes her plan with a calm head. Even in domestic games, she was pretty clear on what she wanted from the team. She gave us role clarity - like what she expects from the players and when just out there, she supports us to execute our plans. Former India player Soniya Dabir was Smritis roommate when she first broke into Maharashtra's senior side as a shy teenager. Made the sides captain at 16, Smriti leaned on the senior players rather than trying to impress them. She used to listen to everyone for help in terms of formulating strategies. She could make it out whose advice was to be taken and used to think about the situations differently. That thought process was very clear from a young age. With the bat, we always believed that as long as she was there, we could still go ahead and win the match. Smriti has spent her India career under two very different leaders: the measured Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet, whose fire a team still learning to believe in itself needed a lot. Luckily for her, she got to play under Mithali and Harman for a long time. So she is quite experienced for that job and on and off, when Harman was not available, she was also taking her place, says Aarti. George puts this captaincy change in a well-thought phrase. Harman was steel-steel. Now Smriti will be steel and velvet. Harman can be aloof at certain times. Smriti is never aloof. Smriti is always available and I know the girls will love working with Smriti. He calls it a new era for India, where the captaincy is more welcoming. In Georges view, Smriti is that one girl who will always listen and one of the few who would reach out and ask. Smriti and Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) are a few people who have never changed, he said. Aarti feels the change at the helm has arrived at the right time. I just thought time had come for her to take charge now. I guess she would handle it properly because she has that experience with her. George, though, will watch out for one adjustment. Challenges will be working with the same support staff because they were so much used to Harman's style of captaincy. A home Champions Trophy in February 2027, then the T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, and ODI World Cup title defence in 2029 a great showing in all of them will be on Smritis radar. Results will decide how her captaincy will be judged, especially with the social media era quick in asking questions and hurling criticisms. That level of scrutiny, long reserved for India's men's captains, is a measure of how far the women's game has come. Harmanpreet built a side that learned to fight, and then to win and constantly challenge big teams. Smritis task will be to take it up a notch and also crack the code of success in the shortest format while being the ever-dependable batter. She's been playing the sport at the highest level for a while now. She knows what it takes to play at that level. Not only play, but to also be a superstar at that level. So, it's come at a very good time for her and the Indian cricket team. Knowing Smriti, the only thing she'll be thinking about is how she can take this team to the next level. They've obviously won the World Cup in the 50 overs and knowing her, she'll be thoroughly and fully focused on how she can make this team even better, added Rangarajan. It also helps that Smriti is easily approachable and shows empathy towards newbies and youngsters to give them a sense of belonging. With Smriti, what you see is what you get. Regardless of her seniority or experience, she conducts herself in a very, very calm manner. She's very approachable, and I'm pretty sure if you speak to more girls, they'll echo the same sentiment of how good Smriti is around the group and how she is. RCB also has found a couple of players who came in as uncapped players and have now gone on to play for the country, and that's a testament to how Smriti has led the team, said Rangarajan. He also feels Smriti can easily compartmentalise her batting and captaincy duties. Again, Smriti is experienced enough to detach the two. When she captains, she captains and when she bats, she's mature and experienced enough to think like a batter and do what's required for the team. So, knowing her as a person, I don't think it's going to make too much of a difference, her being a captain or not. Soniya also agrees with it. I don't think that captaincy pressure will matter that much to her. She is used to it now. Like she said in an interview, a captain is more answerable. So now she has an idea of what she is going to face. She will take it as an opportunity. There are still lots of trophies to be won. Aarti adds, If you have that hunger to win, then obviously there are a lot of things which come your way and I guess she has that hunger and proved it during WPL also. She has handled the team there very well. Rangarajan returns to clarity of thought in Smriti, the leader. Smriti is such an experienced player. She knows every player - literally every player. Practically, shes very, very clear. She doesn't waste her time around and wants to do what's right for the team. Even in meetings, she's very clear with the messaging that needs to go out to the team. She's been absolutely good and I don't expect her to do anything different in the Indian team. Aarti adds, If you have that hunger to win, then obviously there are a lot of things which come your way and I guess she has that hunger and proved it during WPL also. She has handled the team there very well. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
MH SET Admit Card 2026 Out Today - Download Hall Ticket at setexam.unipune.ac.in
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will release the MH SET Admit Card 2026 on 15 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. Registered candidates can download their Maharashtra State Eligibility Test hall tickets using their login credentials. The MH SET examination for Assistant Professor eligibility is scheduled for 25 October 2026.
Bribe Scandal: Education Officer, Teacher Arrested In Beed
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Maharashtra's Beed district has arrested an education officer and a teacher for allegedly demanding a Rs 40,000 bribe. The bribe was sought from a school headmaster for a favourable inquiry report regarding alleged irregularities in online billing. The arrests followed a complaint and a trap laid by the ACB.
Minor Earthquake Strikes Hingoli, Maharashtra with Magnitude of 2.9
A minor earthquake measuring 2.9 struck Hingoli, Maharashtra, early Thursday morning, causing brief alarm but no reported damage. Minor Earthquake Strikes Hingoli, Maharashtra with Magnitude of 2.9
Eknath Shinde Criticizes Oppositions March on Supreme Court as Constitutional Disrespect
Maharashtras Deputy CM Eknath Shinde condemns oppositions march on the Supreme Court, calling it a direct affront to constitutional institutions. Eknath Shinde Criticizes Oppositions March on Supreme Court as Constitutional Disrespect
The FDA cited several deficiencies during inspections and re-inspections, including cockroach and insect infestations, food packets gnawed by rats, improper storage of raw and cooked food, use of spoiled food items and burnt or overused cooking oil, inadequate pest control and failure to maintain mandatory food safety record
Early crushing to shore up sugar supplies before Diwali
A quarter of Maharashtra's sugar mills will begin operations this week to alleviate sugar shortages before Diwali. Sugar prices have increased by approximately 4% recently due to dwindling supplies and farmer protests. Millers anticipate new sugar reaching markets after October 20, following crushing activities. Farmers are encouraging quicker harvesting of sugarcane due to crop conditions, leading to lower sugar content.
Insurers may face higher crop cover claims in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka
In Maharashtra, insurers' liability could be capped at Rs 1,540 crore before the state government takes over claims beyond that level. The state has declared drought-like conditions in 265 talukas, raising concerns over this year's losses.
Gondia paddy grain not fully developed, irrigation water falls short, crop loss around 50%: BJP MLA
MPSC puts on hold paper shredding tender after MLA Rohit Pawar raises alarm
Murder accused out on bail stabbed and shot dead outside Ulhasnagar railway station
Ex MP Puglia seeks three barrages to avert summer water crisis in Chandrapur
Probationary sub-inspector booked for harassing wife, threatening her with service pistol
Pune housing societies, residents adopt water-saving measures amid shortage
New access road emerged after slab was razed: NMC
BMC mulls flat-wise monthly processing charge on residential bulk waste generators in Mumbai
Fadnavis rules out Sena support to rebel candidate in Pune MLC poll fray amid speculations
Maharashtra Announces Rs 5,000 Advance Relief For Farmers Before Diwali
Mr Fadnavis chaired a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, during which the drought situation was discussed with ministers, including Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and senior officials.
Fadnavis urges voters to verify names in draft roll, Cong seeks scrapping of SIR
Gosikhurd Dam Fills To 100%, But Totladoh Storage Falls To 45%
Maharashtra cabinet expands policy for disposal of small government plots
IIM-Nagpur to train Maha MSMEs to tap global markets
Hyundai bets on expansion; hopes to return to No 2 position in PV sales by 2028-29
Hyundai Motor India plans to expand its Talegaon plant to increase production capacity for the domestic market. The company aims to enhance its market share to reclaim the No. 2 position by 2028-29. With an investment of 7,000 crore in Maharashtra, Hyundai is focusing on localization and creating new job opportunities. Furthermore, plans to launch 26 new models are expected to strengthen Hyundai's product portfolio.
Senior journalist killed in Wadi flyover crash
After 33 years, Maharashtra plans campus elections early next year
Pay farmers Rs1 lakh per hectare before Diwali, without conditions: Wadettiwar
Mass fish deaths in Indrayani river spark pollution concerns in Alandi
Gadkari stresses on high voter turnout for Grads election
Fadnavis announces Rs5,000 advance before Diwali for drought-hit farmers
Maharashtra cabinet approves pilgrimage site development in Buldhana district
Amravati Teachers Poll: BJP Expels Rebels, Shinde Sena Goes Soft
Gorewada sends 2 tigers to Pune zoo under CZA-approved exchange
Fingerprint Clue Helps Crack Rs40L Jewel Heist
13 of 40 new drought talukas are in Vidarbha, 7 in Gondia alone
Pune gets its third govt medical college at Bibvewadi ESIC Hospital
Dighori Sexual Torture Case: 550-Page Strong Chargesheet, 40 Witnesses & No Bail
Police Hope For Quick Conviction Under POCSO
Cong, CJP & Left rally in solidarity with Delhi protests
Undeclared Emergency in country, why arrest people for unfurling Tricolor, Dipke asks PM
NMC Considers Dial For Tree Helpline, Green Building Recognition To Boost Nagpurs Green Cover
Encroachments Return Within Hours, Markets Choke On Traffic
Do You Change Your Teakwood Furniture Frequently? State PWD Does At Lok Bhavan
Once-a-week water cut begins today; residents fear supply woes may extend into Saturday
Firecracker traders move Bombay HC seeking clarity on ban during festivities
3 Ugandan women detained in Hinjewadi for overstaying visas
Pune police arrest three from Haryana for chain snatchings during Ganeshotsav
PCB seeks 105 crore from defence ministry amid financial crunch
PMC clears only 81k sq ft encroachments in blue line in 5 years, activists claim action inadequate
Wadgaon Sheri residents urge PMC to audit three decades-old overhead water tanks in Chandannagar
Heavy traffic expected on Pune-Mumbai Expressway, old highway; police urge use of public transport
No more resignations or suspensions of staff under pressure, says SPPU VC
SPPU restricts protests on national, social issues, not directly linked to them
Two public health officials suspended over neglect of key schemes
Mumbai under heatwave warning for third consecutive day
Kenya reports second Ebola case, says no evidence of wider community spread
Kenya has confirmed its second Ebola case, involving a 39-year-old family member of the first victim. Health authorities say there is no evidence of wider community transmission, while contact tracing and quarantine measures continue
Youth lands in ICU after iron rod from Mumbai Metro Line 12 falls on head
Deeply disturbed by police excesses on protesters: Bombay Bar Association
Centre sets up panel to study problems of sugarcane farmers
Representatives of sugarcane farmers from Karnataka and Maharashtra had met Union Ministers demanding that the government must increase remunerative returns to sugarcane farmers
Maharashtra Declares 304 Talukas Drought-Affected, Announces Relief Measures
Maharashtra government has declared 304 talukas drought-affected, introducing relief measures for farmers facing severe agricultural distress. Maharashtra Declares 304 Talukas Drought-Affected, Announces Relief Measures
Junnar, Ambegaon among 305 Maharashtra talukas declared drought-hit
Driverless cars should be the last priority for India, says Maharashtra CM
FDA suspends licenses of 3 blood banks over distribution of wrist watches at blood donation camp
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday took strong action against three blood banks in Mumbai regarding an incident where Titan watches were gifted to donors at a blood donation camp. The FDA...
Rediscovered in 2025, rare Borna snakehead fish faces fresh poaching crisis
Native exclusively to the Chel River basin in northern West Bengal, the species was first described in 1845 before virtually disappearing from scientific records for more than 80 years
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) In a major move to provide relief to the agrarian community facing severe agrarian distress, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday declared 304 talukas across the state as drought-affected. The decision comes in the wake of significant rainfall deficits during the Kharif season, prompting the state administration to step in with immediate mitigation measures and financial aid. State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil announced that district collectors have been directed to initiate comprehensive and immediate panchanamas (crop damage assessments) across the affected regions to ensure timely compensation reaches impacted farmers. Earlier, on September 26, the state government had designated 265 talukas under Trigger-1 norms as drought-hit. However, following a thorough review of continuous precipitation shortages and ground-level agricultural parameters, an additional 39 talukas qualifying under Trigger-1 and Trigger-2 criteria have been newly incorporated. This brings the total tally of drought-affected administrative blocks in the state to 304. To alleviate the financial burden on farmers, farm labourers, and rural households living in the declared zones, the state government has rolled out 12 major concessions and welfare measures. The state government has announced complete waiver of land revenue for farmers in the affected talukas, rescheduling and extension of repayment deadlines for agricultural loans, a temporary halt on all coercive loan recovery actions by financial institutions, substantial relief on current power bills for agricultural pumps, complete exemption of examination fees for school and college students belonging to distressed families, directives ensuring that power connections to agricultural pumps in drought-hit regions are not disconnected, easing of norms under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to swiftly generate manual work opportunities and deployment of water tankers to villages and remote hamlets experiencing acute drinking water shortages. The state government has guaranteed sufficient distribution of essential food grains to farmers and farm labourers and special provisions for cattle feed and fodder management to protect livestock. The state administration has emphasised that district authorities must execute these relief operations on a war footing to ensure that no affected farmer or rural resident is left stranded amid the unfolding crisis. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday announced drought relief package, Rs 5,000 advance aid to farmers ahead of Diwali. In a move to mitigate severe agricultural distress across Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday chaired a high-level Cabinet meeting, announcing a series of crucial relief measures, including an advance financial aid of Rs 5,000 to affected farmers before Diwali. The high-stakes meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and key members of the state Council of Ministers to assess the escalating drought situation across multiple regions. CM Fadnavis told reporters that each affected farmer will receive Rs 5,000 directly into their bank accounts as advance aid prior to Diwali. The state government has finalised list of 3.5 lakh farmers for loan waiver scheme with processing underway. Groundwater levels in Marathwada have plummeted by more than 3 metres. Adequate water tankers will be deployed, equipped with GPS tracking to prevent mismanagement. More than 16,000 illegal water connections have already been disconnected. Unconditional waiver on educational fees; strict instructions issued to banks and microfinance institutions against forcefully collecting loan repayments or electricity bills, CM Fadnavis said.
Indian Navy to commission indigenous multi-purpose vessel Samarthak on Oct 16
Built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd under the Government of India's Make in India initiative, Samarthak is the first of four multi-purpose vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy. The commissioning marks another milestone in India's efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing
Maharashtra cyber police help rescue Delhi woman from digital arrest fraud after Rs 27 lakh loss
Tata Power builds 2.8GW data centre pipeline across India; plans Rs 15,000 crore Mumbai grid upgrade
Kakodkar to head state-appointed panel for study on effects of data centres
Min stays FDA action against JJ & Nair hosps over gifts given to blood donors at pvt camp
Maharashtra drought: Tankers to be last resort, says minister Bawankule
Maharashtra has directed officials to restore defunct water supply schemes within 15 days and make tankers the last resort amid drought conditions. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also announced plans for fodder banks and special SOPs for water and fodder management
After Jantar Mantar detentions, Abhijeet Dipke calls for Tiranga march
As you all know, Saurabh and Aashu have been jailed simply for hoisting the Tricolour. So, I appeal to all patriots, to everyone who loves the Tricolour, to gather at Central Park, Connaught Place, on October 16 at 5 pm with the flag. We will hoist it there and demonstrate that waving the Tricolour is not a crime, Dipke said
Review Walkeshwar Road width cut plan: Malabar Hill MLA request to BMC chief ahead of PIL hearing
Five-day Durga Puja to get off to colourful start on Friday
Nurse helps rescue residents trapped in Nalasopara building fire
Bombay high court upholds property tax demand on charitable trust that runs educational institutions
Digital arrest scam: Maharashtra Cyber helps rescue woman who lost Rs 27 lakh
Maharashtra Cyber helped rescue an elderly woman in Delhi from an ongoing digital arrest scam after tracing a suspicious Rs 14 lakh bank transfer while investigating a separate cyber fraud worth about Rs 3 crore in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Maharashtra formulates special SOPs for fodder and water supply
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who leads the Cabinet sub committee on drought relief, on Wednesday directed the state administration that water tankers should be used only as a last resort to address the drought situation across the state. He directed the District Collectors to restore non-functional tap water supply schemes within 15 days and immediately frame a Special Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing fodder and water resources. After chairing the Cabinet sub committee meeting, Minister Bawankule announced plans for a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to resolve pending water scheme dues. Under this initiative, interest and penalty charges on pending dues totaling around Rs 3,000 crore will be waived, allowing local bodies to clear the principal amount in installments. Minister Bawankule said that District Collectors were explicitly instructed to restore smooth electricity supplies and complete 75 fully constructed schemes as well as 25 per cent of incomplete schemes delayed due to fund shortages, making them operational within 15 days. Funds from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions will be utilised to clear ongoing electricity bills, he added. To combat potential feed scarcity for livestock, District Collectors, in coordination with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments, will set up a dedicated Fodder Bank alongside structured SOPs. Excess fodder from surplus districts will be transferred to neighboring drought-hit regions. Fodder seeds worth Rs 62 crore will be distributed to farmers with sustainable water sources to boost local production. Government agencies will procure fodder from farmers at guaranteed prices, Minister Bawankule said. According to the Minister, the third phase of drought mitigation is actively underway across 305 talukas. Crop loss assessment (panchanamas) is currently 70 per cent complete. Full data collection is expected by October 31, following which a comprehensive picture of the state's drought status will be published next week. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from major companies and District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) funds will be mobilised for drought relief. Road construction projects must incorporate water body creation (storage tanks and water sources). Unused revenue department land will be allotted to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for fodder cultivation, the Minister said.
ED attaches assets worth Rs 129 crore in TTD ghee adulteration fraud
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 14 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached immovable and movable assets worth Rs 129.85 crore belonging to Bhole Baba Organic Dairymilk, Sri Vyshnavi Dairy Specialities and other entities as part of an ongoing money laundering probe into the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ghee adulteration fraud. The Enforcement Directorate, Hyderabad Zonal Office, attached the assets of Bhole Baba Organic Dairymilk Pvt Ltd, Sri Vyshnavi Dairy Specialities Pvt Ltd, their promoters Vipin Jain and Pomil Jain, and their family members; Sukriti Foods Pvt Ltd, its promoter Kailash Chand Mangla and his family members; and other related entities/individuals, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The Central agency said in a statement on Wednesday that it initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered at Tirupati East Police Station alleging criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption in the fraudulent supply of adulterated ghee to TTD. The agency filed a chargesheet and a supplementary chargesheet before the Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases, Nellore, disclosing a massive criminal conspiracy to supply adulterated ghee to TTD for preparation of the sacred Lord Venkateswara Laddu Prasadam, thereby cheating TTD, endangering public health and generating huge unlawful gains. Investigation under PMLA has revealed that adulterated ghee worth Rs 234.5 crore was supplied to TTD by Bhole Baba, directly and through front dairies which bid for TTD tenders in their own names for a commission, while the ghee was actually manufactured at the factories of Bhole Baba and Sukriti Foods by blending refined palm oil, palm kernel oil and palmolein with chemicals such as monoglycerides, acetic acid ester, lactic acid and betacarotene, invoiced as edible oils. To clean the books, the palm oil so consumed was shown as sold to bogus buyers, while fictitious purchases of milk and ghee and fictitious sales of byproducts such as skimmed milk were recorded to project a genuine dairy operation, said the statement. Payments made through banking channels against the fictitious purchases were returned in cash through hawala channels, and this cash was used to fund the bogus palm-oil buyers, to pay commissions to the front dairies and to pay other persons connected with the fraud, it added. Earlier, ED had conducted searches on June 3, 2026, at 16 premises in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh linked to the principal conspirators, front dairies, chemical suppliers and accommodation-entry providers, resulting in seizure/freezing of cash and bank balances of Rs 2.7 crore. ED has also arrested Vipin Jain and Kailash Chand Mangla, promoters and directors of Bhole Baba Organic Dairymilk Pvt Ltd and Sukriti Foods Pvt Ltd respectively, who orchestrated the manufacturing of adulterated ghee and its fraudulent supply to TTD. Total attachments in this case, including seizure and freezing under Section 17 of PMLA, amount to Rs 132.55 crore so far. Further investigation is in progress, said the agency.
ISCR and Chakra ink agreement to strengthen clinical research capacity in Maharashtra
Chakra is an initiative of the Maharashtra governments Medical Education and Drugs Department (MEDD), established in April 2025 as a Section 8 company and launched by the Chief Minister in June 2025
Maharashtra to make Scout-Guide training mandatory in all schools
Currently, around 17.33 lakh students from 30,000 schools receive Scout-Guide training. The state plans to extend the initiative to all schools as part of the School Education Departments Nation First approach
Maharashtra Scrambles To Secure Water, Fodder
Maharashtra has directed officials to revive stalled water schemes, prioritize local water sources and establish fodder banks as drought conditions affect 305 talukas.
West Asia conflict: India stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, says MEA
India has condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia as 'unacceptable' and expressed solidarity with Riyadh. The MEA said flight disruptions have affected Indian travellers, while eight Indians injured in an October 10 attack remain hospitalised
Maharashtra heatwave: Yavatmal records state's highest temp at 38.4 degrees C
Vidarbha remained among the hottest regions in Maharashtra, with Yavatmal topping the states maximum temperature readings at 38.4 degrees Celsius. Amravati recorded 36.6 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees above normal, while Akola reached 35.7 degrees Celsius
Nalasopara blaze: Two women die of suffocation
Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of 17 eateries in Mumbai due to food safety violations. Inspections revealed issues such as pest infestation and failure to display FSSAI licences prominently. Among the suspended outlets were three Domino's Pizza locations operated by Jubilant Foodworks Ltd. The FDA also conducted training for Navratri mandal members on preparing safe food offerings for devotees.
State waives exam fees for drought-hit students, warns colleges of strict action
Maharashtra has directed universities and colleges to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas and refund fees already collected. Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil warned of strict action against institutions that fail to comply
