Amla, Moringa drive rural empowerment, nutrition push: PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on Sunday, highlighted the growing economic and nutritional significance of Amla and Moringa, underscoring how traditional produce is creating new livelihoods while strengthening the fight against malnutrition. Amla, long valued in Indian households for pickles, murabba, juice and as a key ingredient in Chyawanprash during winters, is now opening fresh avenues for farmers and women entrepreneurs, he said. The deep-rooted connection between Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh and Amla has been further strengthened through the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Nearly 100 local units in the district are engaged in Amla processing, with self-help groups of women playing a central role, PM Modi told citizens through his popular programme. One such group, the 'Savitri Phule Self Help Group' in Devgarh Kamasi village, produces Amla candy, murabba and juice, he said, and further informed, expanded market access has significantly raised the income of its members. Similarly, the Vindhyavasini Self Help Group makes Amla pickle and digestive powder. These women received processing machinery, access to loans and opportunities to participate in local trade fairs, resulting in a marked rise in their earnings. The Prime Minister stressed that every region of India possesses unique fruits, traditional arts or special skills. The ODOP campaign aims to take these beyond local markets to other parts of the country and even global markets. This, he said, reinforces the Vocal for Local movement and supports the goal of a self-reliant India. He urged citizens to keep the spirit of Vocal for Local alive during the upcoming festive season. On the nutrition front, September has been marked by multiple efforts to combat malnutrition, PM Modi said. In Chhattisgarh, he informed, the 'Har Ghar Munga' campaign is encouraging families to include nutritious Moringa (locally called Munga) in their daily diet. Gujarat has organised 'Vangi Spardha', a competition featuring dishes made from millets and other local nutritious ingredients, drawing participation from over two lakh people, PM Modi shared the information. Maharashtra is witnessing growing local involvement in similar nutrition-focused drives, while Mizoram has launched a collective campaign for the care and maintenance of Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens), he said. These initiatives, the Prime Minister noted, complement the digital strengthening of Anganwadi centres, which now have nearly nine crore beneficiaries registered, enabling better care for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. He called for sustained efforts to make the country completely free from malnutrition by promoting affordable, locally grown superfoods such as Amla and Moringa.
Consumers brace for 3-day bank strike; certain banks open on Sunday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and several other public sector banks are open on Sunday (September 27), giving customers an opportunity to complete their banking work before a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30. The special Sunday opening applies to public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs), following a direction aimed at ensuring the availability of regular banking services ahead of the proposed strike. Customers who need to visit a branch for important banking work can therefore use the additional working day, subject to the operational arrangements and staffing at individual branches. The decision to open PSBs and RRBs on Sunday was taken following a meeting held on September 21 between officials from the Finance Ministry, public sector banks, regional rural banks, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and NABARD. The move assumes significance as September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. With the proposed bank strike scheduled immediately after the weekend, customers could otherwise have faced several consecutive days with limited access to physical branch services. The Sunday opening has consequently been planned to provide an additional opportunity to complete important banking transactions before the strike. Among the public sector banks operating today are State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank. The arrangement also covers 28 regional rural banks across the country. These include Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, Assam Gramin Bank, Bihar Gramin Bank, Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, Gujarat Gramin Bank, Haryana Gramin Bank, Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank, Jharkhand Gramin Bank, Karnataka Grameena Bank, Kerala Grameena Bank, Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank, Maharashtra Gramin Bank, Manipur Rural Bank, Meghalaya Rural Bank, Mizoram Rural Bank, Nagaland Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, Puducherry Grama Bank, Punjab Gramin Bank, Rajasthan Gramin Bank, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, Telangana Grameena Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, Uttarakhand Gramin Bank and West Bengal Gramin Bank. However, the Sunday opening arrangement does not automatically extend to private sector banks. The special Sunday banking arrangement comes ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and other bank unions from September 28 to September 30.
Mild tremor hits Palghar in Maharashtra; no casualties
District Disaster Management Cell chief Vivekanand Kadam said there was no injury or damage after a 3.6-magnitude tremor struck Talasari area
Congress attacks Maharashtra government for data-centre industry expansion push amid drought
Maharashtra earthquake: 3.6 magnitude tremor hits Palghar, no injuries or damage reported
On Saturday night, Palghar district in Maharashtra experienced a tremor of 3.6 magnitude on the Richter scale at approximately 10:33 pm, with the epicenter located in Talasari. Fortunately, local authorities reported no injuries or property damage as a result of the quake. Officials are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and reassurance of the public, urging residents to stay alert and follow established safety protocols.
Film City to get global-level upgrade in its 50th year: Minister Shelar
Shelar visits the Goregaon-based Chitranagari on the 49th foundation day of the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation.
IMD issues red alert in U'khand; heavy rain likely in Himachal, UP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a warning regarding torrential rain and thunder strikes in Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in Himachal Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. IMD has predicted rainfall in Delhi over the next three days. As rains lashed Uttarakhand on Saturday, the Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert' for the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Pauri. The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended in view of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, temperatures have dropped sharply due to snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi. Due to the impact of a depression formed over north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining northern Chhattisgarh, heavy to very heavy rainfall -- and in some places, extremely heavy or exceptionally heavy rainfall -- is expected in Uttarakhand and parts of northern Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. According to the information shared by the IMD on the social media platform 'X', the depression formed over south-eastern Uttar Pradesh has moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 12 km/h over the past six hours. Consequently, it was located approximately 40 km southeast of Lucknow, 80 km east-northeast of Kanpur, 110 km south-southwest of Bahraich, and 260 km southeast of Bareilly. There is a high probability that it will continue moving north-northwestwards across eastern Uttar Pradesh and gradually weaken into a 'well-marked low-pressure area' in the same region over the next six hours. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather pattern in Delhi-NCR underwent a change following rainfall on Saturday evening. People experienced a slight chill on Sunday morning. The IMD has forecasted rain in the national capital over the next three days. Meanwhile, an 'orange alert' for rain has been issued for Jharkhand for Sunday. Additionally, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. For Monday, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, while strong winds are expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Centre assures support to farmers battling drought, floods amid climate change
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the government is aiding farmers facing drought and floods. The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 74 percent of the state, prompting contingency plans. These plans recommend suitable crops for low rainfall areas and include established seed banks. Support will be coordinated with state governments to help farmers recover. Chouhan reassured farmers in flood-affected areas that assistance is on the way.
Govt to support farmers hit by drought, floods, says Shivraj Chouhan
The Centre will provide all possible support to farmers reeling from drought and floods in various states, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said, noting that the country is witnessing adverse effects of climate change. Contingency plans had been prepared and shared with states to guide farmers on suitable crops to grow in a shorter time during low rainfall, with seed banks and alternative arrangements in place, along with advisories issued to state governments, Chouhan told PTI Videos in Nagpur on Saturday. The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 74 per cent of the state. Chouhan said his ministry was in constant touch with the Maharashtra government over the drought situation. He said contingency plans for the affected districts were ready. We will provide every possible support to the farmers in coordination with the state government, he said. While some states in the country were dealing with floods, others have drought, the minister noted, addi
'The game against Japan was a good pinch for India': Sunil Gavaskar
The mens team were one good strike away from being beaten. That should keep them in fine fettle when they begin their Asian Games campaign. Theyll have to be watchful as the pitch will be uncertain and the outfields softness can be a concern
Man assaulted, robbed by two brothers in Maharashtra's Daund
Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 27 (IANS) A 29-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in the Daund area of Pune in Maharashtra, police said on Sunday. According to officials, Dinesh Bharat Dhanve was robbed, assaulted and threatened by the accused at Nehru Chowk area of the city. The latter was later joined by his brother, who verbally abused the victim. A case has been registered against both the brothers at the Daund Police Station under Sections 119(1), 118(1), 115(2), 324(4), 351(2), 352, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, officials said. The accused have been identified as Adarsh Anil Jadhav and Aman Anil Jadhav. According to the information received, the complainant was standing near the railway ground and talking on his phone. The accused allegedly approached him at that time and demanded money, asking, Why have you come to our area? When the complainant refused to move away, the accused damaged his mobile phone and slapped him, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Subsequently, accused Adarsh Jadhav attacked Dhanve, injuring his back, thigh, and head with an iron rod. Investigators said that during the assault, Rs 3,500 was forcibly taken from the victim's trouser pocket. Further, when the complainant called his relatives, the accused summoned his brother, Aman Anil Jadhav, to the scene; together, they verbally abused Dhanve and threatened to kill him. A case has been registered against both Adarsh and Anil. Further investigation into the case is underway. Meanwhile, in May, a case of medical fraud was reported from Daund, where a fake doctor illegally practising medicine was apprehended. Medicines, injections and cash amounting to Rs 6.54 lakh were seized from him, police said. According to the official information, the accused, identified as Omprakash Bansilal Swarnkar, had allegedly started an illegal clinic in the Akhadevasti area of Kasurdi village in Yavat without possessing any valid medical degree, registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council, or a license to sell medicines. The illegal operation was exposed after police personnel raided the clinic. During the raid, allopathic medicines of various companies, injections, syringes, bottles filled with suspicious unlabelled liquids, and cash were recovered from the place.
Guinness record: Turkey community cooks 6,840 litres of baked beans in giant pot
The city of Kelkits Chamber of Commerce and Industry worked alongside the Gumushane Governorship, to create the largest pot of baked beans in the world
Patels cucumbers say Namastey London as gherkin brand eyes global growth
At a recent event at Londons iconic Gherkin building in the City of London, the company showcased the UKs leading gherkin brand Mrs Elswood in its wide varieties and flavours
Zelenskyy urges Trump to press Xi to help end Russia-Ukraine war
Zelenskyy told reporters he has not yet received feedback from the White House about Trumps talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping but expects to learn the outcome
ECI extends Delhi SIR claims deadline to October 30, Maharashtra to October 12
The controversy spans objections raised by Joshi and Sandhu on issues such as changes to Form 6 used for new voter enrolment, the functioning of the online system ECINET, the redistribution of work in the IT division, appeals in the West Bengal SIR, and the handling of cases involving voters in Goa, for instance
Delhi govt plans police posts at subways, under flyovers after gang rape
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Saturday directed officials to finalise the project in coordination with the Delhi Police and implement it as soon as possible
The tragedy of Nandi and Surabhi
Even the hump, once associated in India with Shivas sacred symbol, the linga, is prized there as a delicacy.
If were being honest, Dhurandhar bhai, it is because of you that we may have lost out.
Search Continues for Missing Tourist in Uttarkashi After Fall on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
A tourist from Maharashtra remains missing after falling into a gorge on the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek, with rescue efforts hampered by bad weather. Search Continues for Missing Tourist in Uttarkashi After Fall on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
ECI clarifies: SIR decisions unanimous, upheld by SC
New Delhi, Sep 26: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturdayaddressed the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls,asserting that all major decisions, including the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, for all States and Union Territories, were taken with the unanimous approval of the full Commission. The Commission also clarified that the letter to the Cabinet Secretary was ot related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division but related to the working of an officer on deputation to ECI. Addressing the controversy directly at the Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr S S Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi,stated that the work re-distribution orders issued by the concerned officer were not actually implemented after the orders of the two Commissioners, and the oversight over the IT division by the DEC was never actually withdrawn. This clarification appears to counter the narrative that there was a breakdown in the Commission's internal functioning or that the IT division's oversight had been compromised. The Commission said the order for SIR issued on June 24, 2025, for all States and UTs, starting with Bihar, followed by West Bengal and 30 other States and UTs, was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The same has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India vide its order dated May 27, 2026. The schedule for SIR for 12 States and UTs was issued on October 27, 2025, and for 19 States and UTs on May 14, 2026, again with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The final figure of the number of electors will be known only after final publication in the remaining 12 states of Phase-III, the CEC said. The Commission said SIR has already been completed in 20 States and Union Territories, including Bihar and West Bengal. Any person whose name has been left out during SIR or thereafter, and any person, including young and first-time voters, may apply to the concerned ERO for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls under the process of continuous updation. The ECI said the CEOs have been directed to facilitate the same. The CEOs, DEOs and EROs will immediately launch a special drive for enrolment of these electors. The Commission extended the period for filing claims and objections in Delhi till October 30, 2026, and in Maharashtra till October 12, 2026. The period for disposal of notices and claims and objections has been extended till November 30, 2026, in Delhi and till November 10, 2026, in Maharashtra. BLOs will visit the homes of persons issued notices for being unmapped and for logical discrepancies, for collection of documents and uploading them on ECINet. Such persons need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO offices. Only in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, will a hearing be held, preferably online, the CEC said. He said DEOs will create adequate help desks and hold special camps for people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people and homeless persons. A Committee headed by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from IIT/IIIT will review ECINET to double-check that it complies with the provisions of the Acts and Rules.
The incident occurred after an air cylinder near the tyre of a tractor used for blasting work exploded
Baramati among eight tehsils in Pune district in states list
Maharashtra Congress Launches Statewide Protest Against Election Commission
The Maharashtra Congress plans a statewide protest on September 28, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner amid allegations of bias. Maharashtra Congress Launches Statewide Protest Against Election Commission
Blast of music outside anti-noise activists home in Narayan Peth
Safe visarjan procession matters more than short one: Pune CP Amitesh Kumar
PMC collects over 900 tonnes of waste during Ganeshotsav, over 6.7L idols immersed
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Demands Apology from Rahul Gandhi Over Election Commission Allegations
Maharashtras Deputy CM Eknath Shinde calls for a public apology from Rahul Gandhi for spreading false allegations against constitutional bodies. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Demands Apology from Rahul Gandhi Over Election Commission Allegations
As Ganapati celebrations end, work to dismantle intricate & grand pandals begins
SPPU rolls back proposed meal rate hike after student protests
20-year-old returning after visarjan dies after tractor runs over him
Visarjan roar hits jet engine level at 115.4 dB
ARAI starts certification service for drone manufacturers
Cop shoots self with service pistol; police suspect suicide due to family issues
Public sector & regional rural banks to stay open today for retailers
17-week rain deficiency scripts Maha drought story
Earthquake Strikes Palghar, Maharashtra with Magnitude of 3.6
A 3.6 magnitude earthquake hit Palghar, Maharashtra, on September 26, causing brief panic but no reported damage. Earthquake Strikes Palghar, Maharashtra with Magnitude of 3.6
Chandrakant Handore, a Congress MP, faces criticism for offensive comments about Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid election disputes. Maharashtra Congress Leader Chandrakant Handore Faces Backlash Over Remarks Against Chief Election Commissioner
Bappas visarjan procession begins with 30-min delay, ends over 33 hours later
From idol immersions to funeral rites, Maharashtra faces the drought pinch
525 evacuated as floods hit63 villages in Bhamragarh
Ngp-Mum Duronto passengers injured in stone pelting near city
17-week rainfall deficiency scripts Maha drought story
Teen dies after biker hits cycle new Indora-Dighori Flyover
Traders rob onion-laden truck on Samruddhi Expressway, nabbed within an hour
DMIHER gets nod to become Adani Institute of Higher Education and Research
With Water Bodies Running Low, Should Nagpur Rethink Tall Ganesh Idols?
10,000 cotton farmers died by suicide due to price mechanism, says Gadkari
Court issues process against Yashovardhan Birla, 12 others in IPO funds diversion case
Nirmal Ujjwal Credit Coop Society Faces Liquidation Proceedings
Mihan among 3 sites for drone manufacturing clusters under new state policy
Three youths drown in farm pond near Ramtek
70-year-old retiree duped of Rs20 lakh
Cotton output may fall 50% in drought-hit Yavatmal, soyabean impacted in Amravati
Deluged & Dry: Twin Face Of Gadchiroli In 24 Hours
Bappa Bids Adieu, Devotion Hits Crescendo
CJP to launch nationwide agitation from Mumbai on Oct 2 as its deadline for CECs resignation ends
Gadkari urges Vidarbha farmers to do soil testing to boost yields
Revenue min Bawankule assures accurate panchnamas in all 265 drought-hit talukas
24-year-old drowns in Kalamb creek in Nalasopara
Thackerays to hold protest in Mumbai against EC on Oct 4
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, are organising a mass protest march in Mumbai on October 4 against the Election Commission. They accuse the EC of acting as a ranch of the ruling party and allege gross deception of voters, calling for broader political and public participation.
20-year-old woman raped on pretext of film role, FIR against four in Maharashtra
Merely 11% of IIT-B faculty from reserved categories: RTI
Abetment of suicide: When words and actions become a criminal offence
Deceased youths parents to resume fast, ask IIT Bombay students to protest too
Maha SIR: EC revises poll roll schedule, final list on Nov 16
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of Maharashtra's electoral roll, pushing the final publication date to November 16, 2026. The period for filing claims and objections has also been extended.
Tissue paper Ganesh idol dissolves under sprinklers in 30 minutes in Mumbai
Drought Declared in 265 Talukas Across Maharashtra
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed district collectors to immediately begin crop surveys and conduct panchnamas in the affected areas.
Maharashtra Man Missing After Falling Into Gorge During Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
According to officials, search and rescue operations are underway for the second consecutive day while heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions continue to persist.
Maharashtra: Lalbaugcha Raja Immersion Marks End Of 21-Hour Procession
Had prayed for happiness, prosperity and good health for everyone: Anant Ambani
Thane netas donate to Maharashtra drought relief funds
Mumbai Metropolitan Region could get 30 lakh new homes in 20 years, says deputy CM
Maha Dy CM demands apology from Rahul Gandhi, slams INDIA Bloc
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, demanding an unconditional public apology from Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the INDIA alliance for spreading what he termed false and baseless allegations against constitutional institutions. Shinde asserted that the alliances politics relied on fake narratives to mislead citizens and malign national leadership. Referring to recent claims of internal rifts within the Election Commission of India (ECI), he said the Oppositions attempt to celebrate false news had backfired, as the unanimous joint statement issued by all three Election Commissioners had completely deflated the propaganda. Using these false claims, Rahul Gandhi and his allies attempted to defame and target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Spreading calculated misinformation to weaken faith in democratic processes has become the habit of the Opposition, Shinde said. He added that Rahul Gandhi must apologise to the nation for indulging in smear campaigns. Shinde alleged that the INDI alliance consistently targeted democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and courts, whenever election results did not favour them. He accused opposition leaders of stoking mistrust, spreading rumours and attempting to confuse voters. He asserted that 140 crore citizens stood firmly behind PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, rendering false allegations ineffective. The aware public of the country clearly recognises these political games and will give a fitting reply at the appropriate time, Shinde said, warning that attempts to undermine constitutional sanctity would lead to further political isolation of the Opposition. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and present BJP MP Ashok Chavan also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his statements on the poll panel. In his post on X, Chavan wrote: One frustrated opposition leader, with a plethora of lies. Rahul Gandhi: SIR was a unilateral decision. MeanwhileECI Press Note: unanimous approval of the Commission. Plot twist: the receipts came from the institution itself.
10,281 Ganpatis immersed as Thane noise nears 100 dB
Eknath Shinde Rushes to Aid Collapsed Traffic Cop in Thane Convoy
Raigad police registers 4 FIRs over child sexual abuse on social media
Navi Mumbai Thieves Burgle Jewellery Store via Wall Tunnel, Flee with Silver
'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row
The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.
Watch: Protestors at IIT B seek systemic reforms
In the latest episode of Pulse Maharashtra, we look at the growing protests at IIT Bombay, the demands of Sahil Wakodes parents and student groups, and the questions being raised over caste discrimination and systemic reforms on campus.
Deccan Odyssey begins 202627 season with new look, heritage-themed coaches
The Deccan Odyssey has begun its 202627 season with a new exterior vinyl wrap, Maharashtra heritage-themed coach names and QR codes offering information on the states history, culture, food traditions and tourist attractions
WhatsApp University and reel culture influencing decisions: Maha FDA
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday urged students to question information they see on social media, warning that reels, forwarded messages, and algorithms could shape their thinking if they stopped verifying what they consume online. Speaking during a nearly two-and-a-half-hour interaction with students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said India needed a mindset shift, starting with individuals questioning themselves and the information presented to them. We have become too shallow. We are not living deeply, we are not thinking, we are not questioning, he said. Mundhe said questioning did not mean simply challenging others but first examining ones own actions. You have to start questioning yourself first. Who am I? Am I responsible or irresponsible? And if I cannot, who else can? he said. He then turned to what he described as the growing influence of social media and WhatsApp University. One of the major challenges we have is social media influence or WhatsApp University, Mundhe said. He said users often accepted reels and forwarded messages without checking whether the information was authentic, factual, or part of a particular narrative. We take decisions on that basis, but we never try to understand whatever has come to you: is it really correct, is it authentic, is it real, or is it fake, or is it a narrative? he said. Mundhe explained that social media algorithms learn from users behaviour, including what they watch, skip, or engage with, and then show them more similar material. In one week, you will start getting what you like. Because it captures your mind, it captures your imagination, he said. According to him, repeated exposure can create an environment where people increasingly encounter information that reinforces their existing preferences. What it means is that you have stopped thinking. You are being taught by somebody else, he said. Mundhe described this as a form of new colonialism in which algorithms and reels could shape behaviour and opinions, and asked the students: Do you want to be ruled by a reel, or do you want to create a reel? He urged students to become creators rather than passive consumers of online content. The moment you start, stop for a, give it a pause, give it a moment and ask, collaborate with some other evidence, look into it, and then you will realise, oh, this is where it is going wrong, stop it, discard it, he said. Mundhe linked the issue to his broader message about ethical decision-making. He said individuals should assess information and decisions rather than simply following the direction others were moving in. Are you making a decision, or are your decisions being taken by somebody else, is the question, he said. He said this thought process needs a reboot and that it should begin in the mind. I believe that reboot has to begin in your mind, not just in reels, Mundhe said, adding that such an approach would help bring originality, legality and ethical thinking into everyday decisions.
ECI extends SIR deadline in Maha, final roll on Nov 16 (Lead)
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) In a major relief for voters across Maharashtra, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday extended the deadline for filing claims and objections under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to October 12, 2026. The decision followed a formal request from Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. Chockalingam. Under the updated timetable, the ECI will continue disposing of claims, objections, and notices until November 10, 2026, with the final electoral roll scheduled for publication on November 16, 2026. The ECI announced operational measures including door-to-door document collection, exemption from mandatory physical attendance, relief in virtual hearings, family representation and dedicated help desks for vulnerable groups, according to a statement issued by the State CEOs office late Saturday. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit the homes of citizens flagged as Unmapped or with Logical Discrepancies to collect verification documents. Voters will no longer need to attend hearings in person at Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant EROs offices. In unavoidable cases, hearings will be conducted online, and any adult family member may represent the voter. District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to set up help desks and outreach camps for homeless citizens, migrant labourers, pavement dwellers and night shelter occupants to ensure inclusive enrolment. The current SIR campaign, launched earlier this year, is the first comprehensive door-to-door electoral roll overhaul in Maharashtra since 2002. Rapid urbanisation, migration, unrecorded deaths and duplicate entries over two decades necessitated full-scale verification. BLOs initially cross-checked voters against historical rolls from 20022004 to establish eligibility cut-offs. However, heavy monsoon rains in Konkan and Mumbai, civic disruptions and large numbers of unmapped voters created operational bottlenecks, prompting calls from political parties and civil society groups for more time. The extension and home-visit protocols aim to prevent accidental omission of genuine voters, reduce red tape and ensure an accurate, verified voter list ahead of upcoming local body and state elections, sources at the State CEOs office said.
Watch: Investigators hit a digital deadlock in IIT- B student suicide probe
In the latest episode of Pulse Maharashtra, we decode the questions surrounding the suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, including the forensic hurdles in the investigation, allegations of caste discrimination, and the reforms being sought by his family, students and the NCSC.
Maha: Congress protests demanding Gyanesh Kumars dismissal
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday escalated its confrontation with the Election Commission of India (ECI), announcing a statewide agitation on September 28. The party is demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of acting in a partisan manner to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and undermining democratic institutions. The announcement comes amid mounting political friction following allegations by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding widespread Vote Chori (vote theft). Congress claimed these allegations were substantiated by reports of internal dissent within the poll panel, where fellow Election Commissioners reportedly flagged procedural irregularities. At the centre of the partys offensive is the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The MPCC alleged that over 3 crore eligible voters have been erased from Maharashtras electoral rolls under the SIR process. Nationwide, the party alleged 13 crore voters have been deprived of their rights. Congress highlighted that while Maharashtras voter base expanded by 47 lakh electors before the 2024 Assembly elections, the Commission has not verified the current status of these newly added voters. Similar purges of legitimate voters were allegedly carried out in other non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal and Bihar. Deleting the names of legitimate, eligible voters from the electoral rolls is an outright assault on the Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars authoritarian conduct is a direct attack on Indian democracy, MPCC president Harshwardhan Sapkal said in an official statement. The agitation follows media reports revealing that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded dissent on at least 14 occasions over the past 10 months regarding decisions made during the SIR rollout.
Ball-girl turned partner Rutuja eyes Asiad encore, this time with Bhambri
Maharashtra Tourist Missing After Falling into Gorge on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
A 65-year-old tourist from Maharashtra is missing after falling into a gorge on the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek in Uttarkashi, as rescue efforts continue. Maharashtra Tourist Missing After Falling into Gorge on Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek
