NCP MP Sunil Tatkare seeks central aid for drought-hit Maharashtra
The News Mill
US: Rifle jams during alleged attack plot at Hindu temple, 19-year-old arrested
A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, has been charged in Illinois over an alleged plan to attack a Hindu temple. Authorities said his rifle reportedly jammed, while a co-workers tip led to his arrest and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and body armour
JP Nadda hits back at Kharge over remarks on Amit Shah and electoral rolls
The reality of the public mandate cannot be altered by mere allegations, he said.
'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
Married woman killed by lover of 15 years, body burned with room heater in Maharashtra
A married woman was killed by his lover in Maharashtra 's Jalgaon over marriage demand. The accused tried to misled the police making it to appear as she died from an electric shock, however the postmortem report led to his arrest. Both at their 35s, the accused identified as Javed Shaikh and the victim as Kavita.
Centre defends internet restrictions during CJP protest
The Centre has defended suspending mobile internet services within a 4-km radius of Raisina Hill during the October 10 CJP protest, citing public order concerns. It denied wilful disobedience of Supreme Court directions and sought withdrawal of the contempt notice against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan
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.
US singer Mary Millben urges young Indians to peacefully protest against CJP
The 41-year-old singer said this is not the time to be silent and asked all the young patriots in India to stand up and peacefully protest the disruptive forces.
Trump issues fresh warning to Iran over nuclear ambitions
Wait till you see what we do to Iran. He claimed Irans nuclear ambitions had been buried under thousands of tonnes of rock.
New Yalu River Bridge linking China and North Korea set for inauguration
The four-lane, 3-kilometre (1.8-mile) bridge will connect the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong to the North Korean city of Sinuiju.
OpenAI engineer arrested over alleged secret recording device at company office
ChatGPT maker discovered an audio recording device hidden inside a company conference room, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in San Francisco.
Do you love noodles? Savour these unique preparations in Mumbai
Mumbai has moved beyond its Hakka order. From Korean glass noodles to smoky Japanese udon, we found some delicious options you can slurp on
Unconscious girl forced out of govt ambulance as parents fails to pay for diesel
A doctor at Dindrud Primary Health Centre in Maharashtras Beed district was removed from his post after a viral video showed a labourer carrying his unconscious 11-year-old daughter on his shoulders. The family alleged staff demanded money for ambulance fuel
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.
South Africa shooting: Four killed, three injured as gunman targets mourners
The shooting is being investigated by a political killings task team, the South African Police Service said in a statement. Some victims were members of the youth league of the African National Congress party.
Jantar Mantar protest: CJP leaders sent to Tihar jail for five days
Their associate Ajinkya Shinde was bound down to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months and released on a personal bond and a surety of Rs 5000, they said.
Societies should ensure that trees are maintained
Our report cited how the civic body stressed the importance of regular tree maintenance and adequate watering.
South Mumbai was, and probably still is, a go-to destination for book lovers. Pavement booksellers can still be spotted, but some favourite bookshops no longer exist
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
Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 17 Mumbai eateries over hygiene violations
Three Dominos outlets among establishments facing action over hygiene lapses; state-wide raids seize unsafe food worth Rs 50.19 lakh
Maharashtra FDA seizes drugs worth Rs 20.23 crore, files 35 FIRs in six months
Maharashtra FDA steps up inspections, files 33 FIRs and arrests 14 people between June and September 2026
CBI arrests MIL executive director, 2 others in defence project bribery case; Rs 2.2 crore seized
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
Maharashtra Cyber Department Rescues Elderly Women from Digital Arrest Scam
Maharashtra Cyber Department saves two elderly women from a digital scam, recovering millions and preventing further losses. Maharashtra Cyber Department Rescues Elderly Women from Digital Arrest Scam
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
Pune housing societies, residents adopt water-saving measures amid shortage
From flavours of Kolkata to cultural shows, Durga Puja brings Bengali traditions to Pune city
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%
IIM-Nagpur to train Maha MSMEs to tap global markets
Twin blazes & fallen tree keep fire brigade on toes
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
Maharashtra cabinet approves pilgrimage site development in Buldhana district
Chandrapurs all 15 talukas now declared drought-hit
Ballarpur, Brahmapuri And Jiwti Added To List
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
Undeclared Emergency in country, why arrest people for unfurling Tricolor, Dipke asks PM
Oct heat leaves residents feeling drained & uneasy as hot days & warm nights persist
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
PCB seeks 105 crore from defence ministry amid financial crunch
Hyundai plans 4,000 crore investment in Maharashtra, aims to double Pune plant capacity by 2030
Hyundai Motor India will invest an additional 4,000 crore in Maharashtra by 2030, gradually expanding its Pune plants annual capacity from 1.7 lakh to 3.2 lakh vehicles.
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
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
Maharashtra to pilot AI-based job platform in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The initiative, called the Blue Dot AI Economy, aims to match candidates skills with the workforce requirements of industries, particularly MSMEs, to streamline recruitment and improve employment opportunities
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
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...
Maharashtra drought: Congress seeks Rs 1 lakh per hectare aid for farmers
The Congress held a protest march in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, demanding Rs 1 lakh per hectare in aid for drought-hit farmers, a complete farm loan waiver and additional relief. Party leaders also criticised the Maharashtra government's Rs 5,000 Diwali assistance
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
FDA suspends licence of 3 Dominos outlets & 14 other eateries
Min stays FDA action against JJ & Nair hosps over gifts given to blood donors at pvt camp
