Maharashtra Extends Monsoon Fishing Ban Till August 15
The extension aims to conserve fish stocks, provide adequate breeding time for marine species and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries: State Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane
Watch: CBSE Eases Three-Language policy for class 7, 8 and 9 | Above the Fold | 29.06.2026
In this episode, we begin with a detailed discussion on CBSEs proposed three-language policy; Europes worsening heatwave; key updates on Ram Temple developments, the Nasrapur minor rape and murder case, a Mumbai police arrest linked to poison capsules during a Muharram procession, protests over the Maharashtra TET paper leak, and the latest FIFA news updates.
Maharashtra makes Marathi mandatory in schools, minister Bhuse announces 1L fine for violations
Maharashtra to crack down on vehicles without HSRP from July 1
Vehicle owners who have booked an authorised appointment for HSRP installation on or before June 30 will be given temporary relief from the enforcement drive
The New India Assurance is recruiting 550 apprentices for a one-year training program with a monthly stipend of Rs 12,300. Applications are open until July 6 for graduates aged 21-30. The selection involves an online exam, document verification, and a regional language test. Maharashtra leads with 138 vacancies. This is an apprenticeship, not a job offer
Maharashtra Government Makes Marathi Language Compulsory From Classes 1 To 10 In All Schools
The minister reiterated that the state government remains committed to strengthening the Marathi language.
Himachal suspends Shrikhand Mahadev, Kinnaur Kailash yatras over landslide risk
Officials cited the risk of landslides, flash floods, unstable glaciers, melting snow, rockfalls and difficult rescue operations as reasons for the decision
Father of Nasrapur rape-murder victim calls Pune court's verdict 'satisfactory'
The father of the three-year-old girl raped and murdered in Pune's Nasrapur welcomed the special court's verdict sentencing Bhimrao Kamble to death, saying it met the family's expectations and reflected the community's demand for justice.
Siya took Rs 1 crore from Ketan for shopping, passed it on to alleged lover
Police claim the duo planned the murder weeks in advance, staged a failed attempt on June 14, used a pre-decided signal before pushing Agarwal off Lohagad Fort on June 18, and intended to delay their marriage for three years to avoid suspicion
NCP (SP) suspends farm loan waiver protest after invite for talks with CM
NCP (SP) suspended its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar protest for a farm loan waiver after Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan invited leaders for talks with the Chief Minister. MLA Rohit Pawar led the hour-long demonstration, which was called off following the assurance of a meeting on Tuesday. The party warned of intensified agitation if discussions fail to yield concrete results, emphasizing the need for a blanket waiver for farmers.
Uddhav Thackeray attacks Shinde, questions campaign against Fadnavis
Uddhav Thackeray accused the Shinde faction of using Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy after the Shiv Sena split and claimed a campaign was underway against Devendra Fadnavis within the BJP
Maharashtra's education system is under fire following an alleged leak of the TET 2026 question paper, sparking political uproar and legislative disruptions. Opposition parties are demanding a CBI probe and the School Education Minister's resignation, citing a pattern of repeated examination leaks. The government has formed an SIT to investigate, assuring stern action and transparent exam conduct, but critics argue the response lacks a clear strategy to prevent future incidents
Deadly European heatwave spreads east, over 1,300 excess deaths reported
Europe remains in the grip of its most intense heatwave on record, with soaring temperatures breaking all-time records across several countries and more than 1,300 excess deaths reported since June 21
Samruddhi Expressway accident: Five killed after car crashes into parked truck
The accident occurred near the Dhamangaon railway boundary at around 12.30 pm on Sunday, an official said. The victims were travelling to Akola to attend a function when their car rammed into a truck parked near the railway boundary
Court sentences 65-yr-old man to death in Pune rape-murder case
Pune: A special Pune court on Monday, June 29, sentenced a 65-year-old man to death for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village, a brutal crime that sparked widespread public outrage and protests across Maharashtra. Terming the case as rarest of the rare, Additional Judge (special judge) S R Salunkhe Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
A special fast-track court in Pune on Monday sentenced a man to death for the rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Nasrapur.
Mumbai court acquits woman in 2007 Rs 2 crore investment fraud; complainant never testified
A Mumbai court has acquitted a woman in a two-decade-old investment fraud case, citing insufficient evidence. The prosecution failed to prove her involvement in a scheme that promised high returns on textile imports. Key weaknesses included the absence of the original complainant's testimony and witnesses confirming financial dealings solely with the main accused, who remains absconding.
India's 1st Offshore Airport To Come Up In Maharashtra: Impact On Economy
The proposed airport is expected to come up near Kore Beach in Palghar district. It is designed to handle around 90 million passengers annually.
Marathi mandatory in Maharashtra schools; violators may face cancellation of recognition: Minister
Maharashtra has mandated Marathi language teaching and examinations for all schools, from Classes 1 to 10, across all mediums. Institutions failing to comply face escalating penalties, including a Rs 1 lakh fine and potential recognition cancellation. The School Education Minister emphasized strict enforcement, urging legislators to ensure compliance and warning officials of action for dereliction of duty. Discussions also touched upon textbook revisions and promoting the state song.
SC declines urgent hearing on PIL over Ram Temple donations
SC declines urgent hearing on PIL over Ram Temple donations. The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged financial irregularities in donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
NEET-UG 2026 paper leak: Judicial custody of 10 accused extended till July 11
The accused were produced before the Rouse Avenue Court through video conferencing after the expiry of their earlier period of judicial custody
Cloudburst-like spell pounds Mumbai's eastern suburbs; IMD issues orange alert
Mumbai experienced a dramatic overnight downpour, with eastern suburbs receiving over 200 mm of rain in a few hours, prompting an orange alert. While low-lying areas saw waterlogging, civic agencies quickly cleared most routes. This intense, localized rainfall was attributed to a rare weather system convergence. Despite the deluge, water stocks in the city's lakes remain critically low.
Kharge takes Rajya Sabha oath, reaffirms commitment to raise public issues
Reiterating the Opposition's role in Parliament, Kharge said it would continue to raise issues affecting citizens and ensure that public concerns receive due attention
TET paper leak: Opposition legislators protest, walk out of Maharashtra Assembly
Senior leaders alleged that those behind the TET and NEET leaks are linked to the BJP, and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the examination process
Chandrashekhar Bawankule Responds to Uddhav Thackerays Criticism of BJP
Nagpur, June 29: Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has responded to Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), following Thackerays remarks accusing the BJP of being a party that loots the Ram Temple, likening it to Babars actions. Bawankule advised Thackeray to focus on his own party rather than worrying about the BJP. He emphasized ... Read more Chandrashekhar Bawankule Responds to Uddhav Thackerays Criticism of BJP
Rohit Pawar launches 'Jail Bharo' agitation over farm loan waiver scheme
Addressing reporters before the protest began, the Karjat-Jamkhed MLA claimed the government had deployed a heavy police presence to discourage demonstrators and warned that a 'jail bharo' movement would be launched if the protest was suppressed
Nasrapur rape-murder case verdict: Pune court awards death penalty
The case has been widely cited as one of the fastest concluded trials in Maharashtras recent legal history, driven by swift police action, a detailed 1,200-page chargesheet, and day-to-day in-camera hearings before Special Judge SR Salunkhe
TET paper leak case: Maharashtra Education Minister must resign, says Youth Congress; holds protest
Led by Mumbai Youth Congress president Zeenat Shabreen, the protesters raised slogans demanding the Minister's resignation on moral grounds
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has initiated a farmers' protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, accusing the Maharashtra government of reneging on promises for discussions regarding its new farm loan waiver scheme. Pawar alleges government suppression tactics with heavy police deployment and threatens a 'jail bharo' movement if the agitation is stifled. He expressed disappointment after a promised meeting with the Chief Minister failed to materialize post-monsoon session commencement.
Expired Food Relabelled, Resold: Maharashtra FDA Busts Racket In Thane District
Maharashtra FDA busted a racket recycling expired food worth over Rs 52 lakh in Bhiwandi, seizing large quantities of illegal stock.
CreditAccess Grameen Raises INR 425 Crore via Private Issue of NCDs
CreditAccess Grameen Limited (NSE: CREDITACC, BSE: 541770, ‘CA Grameen’ or the ‘Company’), India’s leading rural focused inclusive financing platform, has successfully raised INR 425 crore in June 2026 through private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs). The issuance comprised of two separate transactions – i) INR 325 crore privately placed NCDs arranged by Nuvama Fixed Income Advisory and ii) INR 100 crore NCDs bilaterally placed with Bajaj Finance Limited. The NCDs are senior, secured, rated, listed, and redeemable in nature. The INR 325 crore NCDs arranged by Nuvama Fixed Income Advisory were subscribed by Sundaram Finance Limited (INR 100 crore), Nuvama Wealth Finance Limited (INR 100 crore), Julius Bäer Capital (India) Private Limited (INR 75 crore), Royal Sundaram General Insurance Company Limited (INR 25 crore) and Vivriti Fixed Income Fund (INR 25 crore). The issue launched with a base size of INR 200 crore witnessed an additional INR 125 crore raised via exercise of green-shoe option, underpinned by strong investor confidence in CA Grameen’s business model and performance track record. The NCDs were issued with a tenure of 2 years and a fixed rate coupon of 9.25% per annum, payable quarterly. The INR 100 crore NCDs bilaterally placed with Bajaj Finance Limited, were issued with a tenure of 2 years and a floating rate coupon of 9.15% per annum, payable monthly. Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Nilesh Dalvi, Chief Financial Officer, CreditAccess Grameen , said, “At CA Grameen, building a diversified and cost-efficient funding franchise has always been a strategic priority. Every transaction whether a syndicated ECB across global markets or a domestic NCD issuance reflects our conviction that a resilient NBFC should be supported by multiple, independent sources of funds. This private placement demonstrates the confidence domestic institutional investors have in our credit profile and complements the strong support we continue to receive from international lenders. We will continue to build on this momentum as we progress towards our 2028 funding architecture.” About CreditAccess Grameen Limited CreditAccess Grameen Limited is India’s leading rural focused inclusive financing platform headquartered in Bengaluru. The Company provides a curated lifecycle credit suite to low-middle income households spanning group loans, individual business loans, secured business loans, affordable housing loans, and two-wheeler financing. The Company operates across 451 districts in 16 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal) and one union territory (Puducherry) through 2,236 branches. The Company’s Promoter is CreditAccess India B.V., a multinational company focused on inclusive financing, supported by leading global institutional investors.
Vidarbha weather update: Heat persists as scattered rain hits parts of state
Amravati reported a maximum temperature of 31.0 degrees Celsius, a sharp drop of 4.2 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, along with heavy rainfall of 24.6 mm. Relative humidity remained high at 96 per cent
Iran warns Bahrain of harsh response as West Asia tensions escalate
The warning comes after Iran claimed responsibility for targeting a US Navy base in Bahrain during attacks carried out on Friday and Saturday. Tehran alleged that the United States has been using military bases in the region to launch attacks on Iranian territory
Heavy overnight showers drench Mumbai suburbs; over 100 mm rain recorded in several areas
The BMCs automatic weather stations recorded the highest rainfall in the eastern suburbs, with Maharashtra Nagar School in Mankhurd receiving 123.4 mm of rain, followed by Paspoli Municipal School in Powai (122 mm)
Mumbai monsoon: Heavy overnight rain lashes suburbs; several areas record over 100 mm
Mumbai's suburbs were battered by intense overnight showers on Monday, with several areas receiving over 100 mm of rain in just four hours. This downpour caused significant waterlogging and traffic snarls in parts of Mulund and Andheri. Veena Nagar in Mulund topped the rainfall charts with 160.4 mm, while Versova also experienced heavy showers. The island city, however, saw moderate rainfall.
Whatever I do, it is for this city that I love, says Brinda Miller
Brinda Miller, recipient of the Bombay Times Art and Culture Visionary Award, sees the honour as a testament to her lifelong dedication to Mumbai. Inspired by her father, Nana Chudasama, a former Sheriff who championed city beautification, Miller has been a driving force behind the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival's growth.
Nadda to launch SSBSK child healthcare programme
Union Health Minister JP Nadda will launch the Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram, a national programme aimed at providing integrated healthcare for children up to 36 months
Three rescued after fire in Delhi residential building
Three people were rescued after a fire broke out in the electric meter panel of a residential building in Delhi's Keshav Puram. No casualties were reported
PM Modi attends Seychelles National Day, vows stronger India-Seychelles ties
The National Day celebrations were held on Sunday, with Prime Minister Modi attending the event as the Guest of Honour during his State visit to the archipelagic nation
Ram Mandir donations case: Police raid houses of eight accused
Police teams carried out searches at the homes of the accused, including Lav Kush Mishra, Avinash Shukla and Ramashankar Yadav, the sources said
Area around the Gateway needs decongesting
The buses are parked ahead of a line of cabs at the kerb adding to a very crowded situation
Three paramilitary troops killed in attack on Sindh Rangers facility in Karachi
Pakistans military said, as the country battles a surge in violence
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 1,450 as rescue operations continue
On behalf of Venezuelan authorities, Rodriguez offered his deepest condolences to the thousands of victims of the natural disaster
US wildfire tragedy: Three firefighters die as blaze engulfs crews in Colorado
The Knowles and Gore fires subsequently merged with other blazes to form the Snyder Fire, the Department of the Interior said
TMC factional feud deepens as Mamata camp files fresh police complaints
The complaints, filed by TMCs joint national secretary Dola Sen, came a day after the partys Kalighat wing had approached the Pragati Maidan and New Town police with similar allegations against the breakaway camp
Over 100 girls fall ill after drinking water at Jharkhand school in Garhwa
Following the incident, the authorities have suspended the warden, a teacher, and the cook
Seven arrested in Thrissur drug cases; 308 grams of MDMA seized
They seized a total of 308 grams of MDMA after recovering part of the synthetic drug from the private parts of one of the women
Arunachal flash flood toll rises to three as missing mans body recovered
Five persons went missing after a flash flood.
Police recreate Lohagad Fort murder scene with Siya Goyal, co-accused
Pune rural police took prime accused Siya Goyal and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary to Lohagad Fort to recreate the alleged murder of realtor Ketan Agrawal using a human-sized dummy
Ukraines drone assault ignites major oil refinery in Russia
The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries
Over 500 trees felled for iron ore road in Chhattisgarh without forest nod
State-owned Steel Authority of India Ltds (SAIL)s unit, Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), which has been allotted the Rowghat mine, confirmed trees had been cut, but denied any violation and maintained the road was built within an area for which statutory forest clearance had already been granted.
Lessons from a forgotten despot
Recent happenings in Venezuela should serve as a reminder of how lucky some countries are to not have narcissists in charge
Common pesticide may disrupt bumblebee reproduction, scientists find
Scientists at Georgia Tech found that sulfoxaflor can interfere with reproduction and alter gene activity in bumblebees
Scientists discover largest scorpion ever known that lived 415 million years ago
Now, researchers have confirmed that this formidable creature, Praearcturus gigas, was the largest scorpion species ever known, pushing back the timeline for giant arthropods by tens of millions of years.
Congress Leader Hussain Dalwai Criticizes BJP Over Paper Leak and Ram Temple Controversy
Mumbai, June 29: Congress leader Hussain Dalwai has sharply criticized the Maharashtra government regarding the recent TET paper leak. He pointed out that this follows the earlier NEET paper leak, highlighting a troubling trend in the state. Such incidents were rare in Maharashtra before, he remarked. In a conversation, Dalwai expressed concerns about the rampant ... Read more Congress Leader Hussain Dalwai Criticizes BJP Over Paper Leak and Ram Temple Controversy
Shiv Sena Faces Fresh Setback in Ulhasnagar as Corporator Loses Membership
Yellow alert for MMR till July 2; heavier spell likely
Maharashtra: Central Railways non-fare revenue jumps 17%, touches Rs 20 crore
Disqualify rebel MPs if rule of law prevails: Uddhav to Speaker
A month later, 4 arrested for killing dog in Madh Island complex
SIR is about building a cleaner electoral roll, asserts state CEO
75% pre-SIR mapping completed, physical revision from June 30
Ageing underground cable in crowded south Mumbai area catches fire
25ft blue whale calf beached at Bandra, dies despite rescue attempts
11 baby crocodiles rescued from water tank in Bhandup, Maharashtra
Fire breaks out at timber warehouse in Bhiwandi; no casualties
Man gets life term for burning wife to death; court relies on womans dying declarations
SHRC takes up VN Desai Hospitals fake doc case
Kashmir Sankalp Yatra: The longest expedition in-exile on Kashmir & Kashmiri Hindus
FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS When around two decades of exile of the Hindu minorities of Kashmir were coming to a near close in 2007, Panun Kashmir, in its annual general meeting at Jammu in January 2007, decided to raise the issue of Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindus in an unusual but effective manner throughout the country. It was, in the context of the Kashmiri Pandit struggle, surely an unconventional way of pushing the agenda on a public platform actively and consistently. Accordingly, it was decided to organise a two-month expedition to bring to light the coveted issue at the national level. The security situation in the entire Jammu and Kashmir state was, as usual, nearly out of gear, and the Kashmiri Pandit community continued to face apathy and neglect at the hands of both the governments, the central government and the state government, after experiencing the worst scenario of living as refugees in their own country due to their genocide and ethnic cleansing. Terrorism was active, and people were getting killed almost every day. There was a Congress-PDP government in the state under the chief ministership of Gulam Nabi Azad, and the Central government was governed by the Congress-UPA under the leadership of Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of India. It was expected that the expedition would be led by this author in the capacity of his being the President, Panun Kashmir. However, I was working in the State Bank of India, and it would have been almost impossible to snatch months together to plan, execute and lead the expedition that was named as 'Kashmir Sankalp Yatra' (KSY). In the month of March 2007, I was inspired to go for voluntary retirement from my service in SBI and devote full time to the community service, paving the way for joining the proposed KSY. It was surely an unprecedented act that could have brought disaster to the entire family in the future course of time. There was definitely some spiritual inspiration that drove me to take such a tough step in my life. My family didn't take any serious objection to it and backed me fully, thereby becoming a part of the whole thinking process. I hence applied for the same and was relieved by the bank on 30 June, 2007. With this, I ended my 25-year career with the SBI, which could have ordinarily lasted for ten years more. I was now having 24x7x365 days' availability for socio-political activity in the name of Kashmir & Kashmiri Hindus under the banner of Panun Kashmir. Immediate future plans included: to raise enough finances for the Yatra, inspiring activists to join the KSY as per their time availability, counseling with key KP organizations in Jammu and other places and also with the RSS and other nationalist organisations, making friends with the local and national media, publishing the desired literature in at least two languages -English and Hindi and making foolproof travel plans spanning near two months covering 9 states and 2 union territories. It took nearly four months to make all preparations regarding the KSY. It was finally decided to begin the Yatra on 11 November 2007 from the Kashmir valley. An elaborate press conference was organised in the first week of November 2007 at Jammu in which the dates for the Yatra were officially announced. A nine-member team was finalised to go to the valley. The advance party comprised Upinder Kaul, Vinod Mattoo, Shiban Krishen Raina, Nanaji Dembi, Ashwani Bhat and Bittoo ji. This team reached Srinagar on 10 November 2007 and started making all arrangements needed for the Yatra. On the same day, a 'press conference on road' was organised in the Old Secretariat complex, Jammu, where a demonstration was also held on certain pressing issues pertaining to the displaced community. In the early morning of 11 November, 2007, a three-member team led by this author left Jammu for Srinagar by air. The other members included Prof. H.L.Jalali and S.N.Dulloo. Adequate arrangements were made by the government to provide the necessary security cover to the KSY team in the trouble-torn valley; thanks to Kuldeep Khuda, the then DGP of the J&K state, for doing so. As we came out of the airport at Srinagar, we kissed the land of Kashmir and were joined by the security personnel and the advance party of the KSY outside the airport. It was for the first time in exile that a group of the displaced activists was visiting Kashmir on such a mission. From the airport, we straightaway drove to historic Sheetalnath-Sathu and paid our obeisances to the presiding deity - Sheetalnath Bhairav there. We also paid our tributes to the martyrs of the 1967 agitation at their 'samadhi' in the complex. At the end, we took an oath to keep the flame of our struggle alive till we achieve our Homeland in Kashmir. Upinder Kaul collected some sacred earth from the temple-steps to take it along with to Jammu. We later sent a part of it to the Shri Ramjanambhumi Nyas at Ayodhya when the foundation of the grand Shri Ram temple was laid there after the court verdict to enable its mingling with the sacred earth of the thousands of Tirthas of the country. The local Muslim neighbourhood at Sheetalnath gathered in the complex on noticing our arrival, but kept watching our activities keenly. The whole Sheetalnath complex, including the temple, was in shambles. The Hindu High School board was changed to 'H. High School. But there was a silver lining also to be observed, and it was the concrete wall all around the complex. The administration had taken that step some time ago and deserved kudos for that. From Sheetalnath, we went to Hanuman Mandir, Amirakadal and then to the ancient Pandrethan temple in the Badami Bagh cantonment area. Ultimately, we reached the Zeethyar temple in the Dal lake area under heavy security escort and stayed there for the night. It was a sight to be seen; the whole complex was so developed that it fascinated all of us. It was a grand achievement under the circumstances. We also had the sacred darshan of the presiding deity there and stayed in the complex for the night. It was surely a very hard and fearful night in the deep woods of the Zabarwan hills. That night before going to bed, we had an aarti in the temple of goddess Jeshtha Mata. The next day, in the morning, as per schedule, we organised things for the press conference to be held at Hotel Welcome near Nehru Park. The hotel complex was surrounded by the security forces. At exactly 11 am, the press conference started and lasted for an hour. After having an informal chat with the media after the press conference, the three-member team again went to the Srinagar airport and boarded the aircraft bound for Jammu. The advance party of six members stayed for the night at Zeethyar and returned to Jammu via Nagrota camp on 13 November, 2007. On the next day, ASKPC held a reception for the whole team of KSY at Geeta Bhawan, Jammu, under the leadership of its General Secretary, H.L.Chatta. With this came to an end the first phase of the KSY. On 15 November 2007, a press conference was held at Jammu in which the details of the first phase were shared with the media. Simultaneously, the schedule and other details about the next three phases were also placed before them. On 16 November, the second phase of the yatra began with the visit of the entire team of Panun Kashmir to all camps of the displaced persons at Muthi, Purkhoo, Mishriwala and Nagrota. The team in the next two days paid visits to Bavey Wali Mata, Raghunath Mandir and Pashupatinath Mandir in Jammu. The second phase of the yatra from Jammu to Ahmedabad was initially joined by one hundred activists comprising men, women and the youth. The first stop was at Amritsar, where we visited Darbar Sahib and were specially felicitated by the Head Granthi there. Thereafter, the yatra also visited Jallianwallan Bagh and Durgiyana Mandir, followed by a press conference the next day. The Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Amritsar, made all arrangements for the stay and meals of the yatris. Hereafter, the KSY moved on towards Delhi via H.P., Chandigarh, Chandigah and Haryana in a Sumo jeep with a select group. Programmes and press conferences were held at all the main places where the yatra stopped for a halt throughout. It included Chandigarh and Ambala. A number of programmes were held in Delhi, Faridabad and Ghaziabad (UP). All India Kashmiri Samaj and Kashmiri Sahayak Sabha, Faridabad, under the leadership of M.K.Kaw and J.N. Kaul, respectively, organised special reception programmes for the KSY at their offices. A press conference was held in the Press Club of India. Here in Delhi, Utpal Kaul, a senior activist of the community and Panun Kashmir, joined the yatra team up to Jodhpur. The next destinations included Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, where impressive gatherings and media conferences were organised. Thereafter, the yatra reached Ahmedabad and stayed there for four days. The programmes there included visits to Aksher-Dham, Sabarmati Ashram, Kashmiri Pandit Milchar association and a press conference. Here, the second phase was concluded, and the third phase began, for which we reached Nagpur (Maharashtra) by train. The other members of the team changed here, and a new team reached Nagpur directly from Jammu. The team was welcomed in Nagpur, Nanded Sahib and Pune, where big programmes and press conferences were organised. Thousands of people attended those programmes. The Yatris were specially felicitated in the Nanded Sahib Gurudwara; the Rotary Club also invited the yatra team, especially over a programme followed by dinner. In Nagpur, the team went to the RSS headquarters and paid tributes at the Smriti Mandir. In all the programmes throughout, the issue of Kashmir and the Kashmiri Hindus was discussed and debated at length, giving out the full perspective of Islamic terrorism and its effects on the Kashmiri Pandit minorities. The causes of displacement and the neglect thereafter were also put in detail in the RSS-organised programme in the RSS office at Pune. From Pune, the yatra reached Pathankot (Punjab), where it was joined by hundreds of yatries who came from Jammu and organised a grand programme on the banks of the river Ravi. Amarnath Vaishnavi, the President of ASKPC, joined the yatra here and was the Chief guest in the programme. From the banks of the river Ravi, the yatra reached the Lakhanpur bridge. It was here that the third phase of the yatra got concluded, and the fourth and the last phase began, which was to be completed on foot up to Jammu. Vimla Chrungoo, Secretary-DOPK, volunteered to accompany this author for 'pad-yatra' from Lakhanpur to Jammu, which consumed seven days with night halts at Kathua, Hiranagar, Chichi-Mata Samba, Vijaypur, Greater Kailash and Vaishnavi Dham, Railway Station, Jammu. On 28 December 2007 (Margdarshan Day), the Kashmir Sankalp Yatra reached the banks of the Ranbir Canal at Rajinder Park, Jammu, where a grand reception was held by the leaders and the activists of various organisations led by veteran H.N.Jattu. For the next three days, the yatra team had a round of all the displaced camps and the Har-ki-Pauri on the banks of the river Tawi near Bahu fort. On 31st December 2007, the Yatra concluding programme was held on the foundation day of Panun Kashmir at TRC-Hall, Jammu, which was attended by the major organisations of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community and the Sikh community. With this came to an end the 'Kashmir Sankalp Yatra' of 2007, which was the longest expedition of the displaced activists during their exile on the issue of Kashmir and the Kashmir Hindus. The details of the KSY during the years ahead will need another day to come to light....! (The author is a senior BJP and KP leader, Human Rights Defender and a columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )
Mumbai breathes easy with 8 good air days in June, Thane trails in MMRs AQI tally
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis approves detailed study for Palghar offshore airport project
From Boisar to BKC in 30 minutes via Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train: CM Fadnavis
26-foot whale calf washes ashore in Mumbai's Bandra, dies despite rescue efforts
A 26-foot baby humpback blue whale tragically died on Mumbai's Bandra coast despite a significant rescue attempt. Forest department officials, civic authorities, and veterinarians worked tirelessly after the calf was discovered stranded on Saturday morning. Sadly, their efforts were unsuccessful in saving the young marine mammal. The whale's remains will be disposed of according to wildlife protection protocols.
Maharashtra: I Have No Wings To Be Clipped: Fadnavis Hits Back At Uddhav
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah had engineered the defection of the six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs as part of this strategy: Mr. Thackeray
Maharashtra TET paper leak: Three arrested as State vows strict action amid political heat
Three people have been arrested in the alleged Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test paper leak case after an FIR was registered against them. The arrests come a day after the State government postponed the TET examination over allegations of a paper leak.
Woman advocate arrested for running flesh trade racket from Kalyan hotel
IMD predicts thunderstorms, rainfall across Maharashtra over the next few days
The weather office has forecast partly to generally cloudy skies with thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall in Mumbai over the next few days. Thane and Palghar are also expected to witness thunderstorms, heavy showers, and gusty winds
DGCA orders probe after trainee pilot injured by aircraft propeller in Kanpur
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation after a trainee pilot was injured by the running propeller of a training aircraft at Kanpur's Chakeri Airport during a night instructional flying session
Maharashtra : Man-Eater Tigress T 27 Captured In Gondia District
The tigress had killed a man and a woman between March 19 and April 24, and injured two others.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Uddhav Thackeray's Operation Devendra remarks, stating he has the backing of the state's people and senior BJP leaders, making him unassailable. He also downplayed the political stir caused by their coincidental travel on the same flight, calling the speculation a mad market. Fadnavis emphasized his focus on development over political maneuvering.
Maharashtra weather update: IMD issues orange alert for Vidarbha
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Nagpur, the southwest monsoon remains active and normal over Vidarbha, bringing fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall across the region. The IMD said favourable conditions continue for the monsoon to advance further into parts of the North Arabian Sea
'Not Siya, Chetan pushed Ketan Agarwal': Cops recreate Lohagad Fort murder scene
Police on Sunday recreated the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort near Pune with accused Siya Goyal as investigators reconstructed the sequence of events. According to police, Goyal allegedly disclosed details of the conspiracy during the reenactment
How one school is quietly reshaping the stage for inclusive theatre
Young performers with special needs are set to debut Tagore's 'The Land of Cards' at NMACC, marking a significant step for inclusive theatre in Mumbai. The Gateway Studio's production highlights the power of arts in building confidence and communication for students with disabilities. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive performing arts scene, advocating for accessibility and opportunities for all.
Mumbai local murder aftermath: Railway police to intensify manual check of bags
Following a recent fatal stabbing on a local train, Mumbai's Government Railway Police (GRP) will ramp up bag checks for weapons. While scanners are being installed at major stations, manual inspections of smaller bags will intensify at suburban halts. The GRP also plans a campaign urging commuters to avoid carrying work tools, which have previously been used as weapons in altercations.
Meet IPS Archit Chandak, IITian Who Rejected Rs 35 Lakh Job Offer To Crack UPSC In First Attempt
Currently serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Maharashtra's Akola district, Chandak's journey from IIT Delhi to the Indian Police Service has inspired many online.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claims farmers' leaders are under house arrest to prevent them from joining the Jantar Mantar protest. The party is demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET-UG and Maharashtra TET paper leaks. Dipke criticized the government's handling of competitive exams, alleging a pattern of failures. Educationist Sonam Wangchuk will join the protest and begin an indefinite fast.
