First NBA Store in India to Open in 2027 Through Expanded Merchandising Partnership With Suditi
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 22: The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Suditi Sports Apparel Ltd. (Suditi), a long-time leader in apparel exports, today announced a multiyear expansion of their longstanding merchandising collaboration in India that will see Suditi open the first NBA Store in the country, operate the league's official local online store at NBAStore.in, and launch the widest assortment of officially licensed NBA fanwear ever in the market.
Was Tiger Shroff the real target? | Pulse Maharashtra
A celebrity shootout in Mumbai has sent shockwaves through the financial capital and has spread fear in the Hindi film industry. This wasnt the first shootout in the city this year. And now, the industry is scared of the dark shadows of the past, when the underworld called the shots in Bollywood. And just like the past, this time too, the masterminds seem to be operating from foreign shores. But was Tiger Shroff the real target? Is this shootout related to incidents like the firing outside actor Salman Khans residence, the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the shooting outside filmmaker Rohit Shettys residence and the reported threats to actors Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan? In this weeks Pulse Maharashtra with Vinaya Deshpande, we take you through what we know so far and what the unanswered questions are. And how this attack leads to an old fear in the heart of an industry which is one of Indias greatest soft powers in the world Bollywood.
Stone-Pelting at Durga Immersion Procession Sparks Tension in Maharashtra's Washim
Police personnel deployed at the spot quickly brought the situation under control. Additional police force was deployed to maintain law and order
Passengers Halt Jodhpur-Hyderabad Train for 2 Hours in Maharashtra's Hingoli over Alleged Assault
The alleged incident occurred aboard the Bhagat Ki Kothi-Kacheguda Express (Train No. 17606) after it crossed Washim, located about 40 km from Hingoli, in the early hours of Thursday
Stone Pelting At Durga Immersion In Malegaon
A Durga idol immersion procession in Malegaon, Maharashtra, was targeted by stone pelters on Wednesday night after coloured powder allegedly fell on a house. The incident led to tension and a confrontation, though no injuries were reported. Police intervened, deployed additional forces, and completed the immersion rituals by Thursday morning, identifying suspects and appealing for peace.
Maharashtra State Transport staff issue notice for protest ahead of Diwali
The union will organise a procession in Mumbai on November 3, followed by a visit by a delegation to the Assembly in Nagpur on November 4. From November 5, members will stage sit-in protests outside MSRTC offices and departmental headquarters across the State
CM Yogi Adityanath extends birthday wishes to Amit Shah, lauds his leadership
I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your excellent health, long life, and a glorious life, the UP Chief Minister added.
Indian sailors safe after Kuwait-flagged oil tanker comes under attack near Oman
According to Times Kuwait, the incident sparked a fire aboard the vessel, which was later extinguished
Financial content creator Harish dies by suicide
Identified as V Harish, the victim ran the popular social media brand Finance With Harish, and had amassed over 1.3 million followers
US declares 'cyber warfare' on scam centres as seniors lose USD 7.7 bn
The Trump administration has begun using offensive cyber capabilities to disrupt foreign scam centres, White House officials said. The announcement came as Homeland Security reported that Americans over 60 lost USD 7.7 billion to cybercrime in 2025
Delhi-NCR air quality deteriorates to poor category, CAQM invokes GRAP Stage 1
The Air Quality lndex (AQI) of Delhi which was observed 179 (Moderate category)on October 20, has exhibited a sharp rise with AQI of 244 at 2 pm on October 21 (Poor category), said the CAQM in a statement
Unacceptable, stupid: Macron hits back at Trump's remarks on France protests
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused foreign leaders, including those across the Atlantic, of exploiting unrest in France for political gain. He criticised Donald Trumps claims about immigration and Islamists, and warned that AI-generated images and misleading narratives were fuelling misinformation
CBI takes over probe into anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotas murder
CBI has taken over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjabs Mansa. A special team comprising drug controllers, forensic experts and GST officials has reached the state and sought police documents to examine all aspects of the killing
PM Modi wishes Union Home Minister Amit Shah on his 62nd birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended birthday wishes to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on his 62nd birthday on October 22. Modi praised his contribution to internal security and efforts against Maoism and drugs, while Sarma backed the Centres anti-drug mission by 2029
Chinmay Sutar will now have to live up to expectations, but help will come in the form of father Rajesh
Tiger Shroff firing case: Shooters scoped Juhu, surveyed homes of Big B, Akshay and Aamir
Maharashtra: Washim tense after clashes during Durga immersion procession, police step up security
Clashes erupted between two groups in Maharashtra's Washim during a Durga idol immersion procession, but a timely intervention by police helped in controlling the situation and ensuring that things remain calm, officials said on Thursday. The...
Hospital help desks must not be allowed to go unstaffed
The manpower crunch had to be remedied by now.
Maharashtra registers 1.12 lakh vehicles during Navratri, Pune tops the list
They attributed the drop in the numbers to poor rainfall, drought and uncertainty in global financial conditions
Mumbai clears 77 of 231 garbage hotspots, targets 128 by year-end
BMC is actively addressing garbage-vulnerable points in Mumbai by cleaning and transforming these spaces into public areas. Several locations have been cleaned, with new seating areas created for community use and interaction. The efforts involve cooperation from residents to ensure proper waste disposal practices are followed. Continuous monitoring and presence of staff have been established to maintain cleanliness in these improved areas.
Mumbai FDA suspends licences of four food outlets over unhygienic conditions
Wider action across Maharashtra leads to seizure of food stock worth Rs 3.11 crore
Maharashtra pharmacy admissions 2026: Fourth allotment offers seats to 3,667 students
Ads on water: Billboards set to float off Juhu, Worli seafront; greens raise concerns
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The objective is to raise awareness about the role of women farmers. Generally, our higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir organize seminars, rallies, and other activities to mark important national and international days. However, to the best of my knowledge, no such celebrations have taken place so far in connection with this initiative. Chancellor of the universities Mr Manoj Sinha, has described campuses as hubs of ideas where every lecture becomes a doorway. Faculty members and students need to spend time in the countryside to experience the challenges and rewards of harvesting in Kashmir. Chairman Mao Zedong famously spoke of his education at the university of green forests. This article is a modest attempt to understand some of the issues concerning women farmers and their evolving identity. Definitional issues Women farmers are individuals engaged in agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, livestock management, horticulture, fisheries, food processing, and other farm-related operations. Their work extends from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing. The state of Maharashtra has taken a commendable step by introducing legislation that recognizes women farmers through an activity-based definition independent of land ownership. The Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, passed by Maharashtra in July 2026, grants women independent recognition as farmers irrespective of whether they own agricultural land. This legislation represents a significant shift from recognizing the owner of agricultural land to recognizing the person who actually cultivates it. Maharashtra has shown the way for other states in the Indian Union to follow. Earlier, the National Policy for Farmers, based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers, had also broadened the definition of a farmer. The commission was chaired by the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. The perception that only men can be farmers must therefore be abandoned. In 2025, agriculture employed approximately 110 million women and 127 million men, indicating that the gender gap in agricultural employment had narrowed considerably. There is an urgent need to remove loopholes in policymaking and institutional practices so that women are recognized as farmers in their own right. This would enable them to benefit from various welfare schemes offered by the Union and state governments in keeping with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. Founding mothers of the Indian republic In recent years, several noteworthy works on the Indian Constitution have questioned the use of the term Founding Fathers, a phrase rooted in the American tradition of recognizing a group of eminent men. These writings seek to bring greater visibility to the women who played noticeable roles in framing the Indian Constitution. A new book, Founding Mothers of the Indian Republic: Gender Politics of the Framing of the Constitution, by Achyut Chetan, sheds light on the contributions of Indian women who participated in the constitution-making process. It is heartening to note that Amrit Kaur, a member of the Constituent Assembly, emphasized the concept of constructive citizenship. Her approach sought to move beyond identifying and regulating women primarily as members of particular religious communities and instead recognize them as citizens of the new nation, enjoying equal legal status with men. Similarly, Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman in the Constituent Assembly, envisioned an educational role for the state in transforming a caste-ridden society into an independent and egalitarian Indian republic. Constitutional provisions Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. In the context of gender equality, this principle supports womens claims to equal treatment, dignity, and protection against discrimination. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including sex, while Articles 15(3) and 15(4) empower the state to make special provisions for women and children and for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes and other constitutionally specified groups. Article 19(1)(g) guarantees citizens the right to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business, subject to reasonable restrictions permitted by the Constitution. Article 42 directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief, thereby laying an important foundation for a just and equitable social order. Various state governments and Union Territories have introduced measures intended to strengthen womens participation in national development. The constitutional framework provides important guarantees and protections for women across different sections of society. Women farmers in Indian states The newly enacted Maharashtra legislation broadens the definition of a woman farmer to include women residents engaged in agriculture for at least one agricultural season in a year, irrespective of the nature of their landholding. The proposed Women Farmer Certificate explicitly recognizes categories such as landless cultivators, landless livestock rearers, agricultural labourers, plantation workers, and pastoralists. In principle, this creates a pathway through which women who do not own land can gain access to government welfare schemes and agricultural credit. In Kerala, women farmers play an important role in the agricultural economy and environmental sustainability through grassroots collectives. The Kudumbashree collective farming initiative organizes neighbourhood groups into Joint Liability Groups to cultivate fallow land. Meghalaya offers another interesting example. Approximately 48 per cent of women reportedly own land, a proportion higher than the national average. In some communities, the inheritance of family property by the youngest daughter reflects the states distinctive matrilineal traditions. These examples demonstrate that institutional recognition, collective organization, and property rights can strengthen womens participation in agriculture. The J&K Experience In May 2018, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, announced a zero-stamp-duty policy for properties registered in the names of female family members. The initiative reflected the progressive spirit of the 1944 Naya Kashmir programme. However, the measure was short-lived and was revoked in 2019. It is worth noting that asset ownership in Jammu and Kashmir remains largely dominated by men. In terms of land ownership, only 23 per cent of women in the region reportedly hold property in their names, compared with 73 per cent of men. Despite these constraints, women farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly demonstrating their capabilities and emerging as a distinct and important category of agricultural entrepreneurs. Zainab Wani, a Kashmir-based freelance journalist, has brought several success stories to public attention under the theme Farm Heroines of Kashmir. She writes about how Kashmiri women such as Shaziya, Gulshana, and Tahira are transforming the Valleys agricultural landscape through determination, innovation, and a willingness to create employment opportunities where few previously existed. Shaziya, who holds LLB and LLM degrees and comes from a village in the Shopian area, oversees a dynamic agro-enterprise that functions more like an integrated ecosystem than a conventional farm. Her model emphasizes sustainability and avoids the use of fertilizers. Her work has been recognized by a zonal body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Similarly, Gulshana, from Pulwama, has established a dairy farm and demonstrated how dedication and hard work can provide a model for others to emulate. She reportedly supplies more than 150,000 litres of milk annually. She has benefited from the National Livestock Mission, which, among other objectives, seeks to improve feed and breed quality across India. In Kulgam, Tahira, a young woman without land of her own, has demonstrated that even a small shed-sized space can become an important source of income through mushroom cultivation, potentially providing employment throughout the year. These encouraging stories demonstrate the potential of women farmers to transform local economies. The Jammu and Kashmir government must build on this momentum by taking further measures to support and empower them. The Way Forward The Jammu and Kashmir government should consider enacting a Women Farmers Empowerment Act along the lines of Maharashtras initiative. Globally, women continue to face substantial legal and institutional barriers to land ownership and inheritance. In India, women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce and self-employed agricultural workers, yet their ownership of agricultural land has historically remained disproportionately low. Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Limited, has argued that economies grow faster when women are empowered. The Jammu and Kashmir government could draw inspiration from Gujarats experience with women-operated Amul milk parlours in villages, adapting the model to local conditions and opportunities. Block Development Officers, working in partnership with Gram Sabhas and other local institutions, could invite women recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as Women Heroes in Agrifood to share their experiences. Such interactions could inspire local women farmers and help disseminate effective agricultural practices. More than a hundred women around the world have received recognition through initiatives celebrating their pioneering contributions to agrifood systems. Women farmers should also receive childcare support to reduce their unpaid care burden and enable them to devote more time and energy to agricultural work. Through initiatives such as the Namo Drone Didi programme, women can be trained in drone operations, precision agriculture, and smart irrigation. Such skills could help improve productivity, reduce costs, and create new employment opportunities in rural areas. Jammu and Kashmir also faces an administrative challenge: its government machinery has relatively limited staffing in some critical service-delivery roles, while several institutions lack the technical expertise needed to implement complex development programmes effectively. The government must therefore rethink the role of the developmental state, ensuring that effective public services and ease of doing business extend to the village level. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
Jharkhand show character to deny Maharashtra outright win
Raj Babbar criticises Maharashtra government after Tiger Shroff firing incident
The News Mill
Dispute in Pune housing society over water use to wash vehicle turns violent; 7 injured
Talegaon Dabhade police detain three minors for assaulting 16-year-old with billhook
Pune health authorities start night blood tests to catch filariasis cases
99-year-old Pune man survives fall that couldve paralysed him, thanks to daily walks
Motorcycle-borne man snatches gold chain worth Rs3 lakh in Pune
Pharmacist held for assaulting medical practitioner in Pimple Nilakh
Citizens must also take initiative against drugs: Pune police commissioner
Gawade faces test of BJP strength as Asgaonkar, Sawant and Sanap seek to sway voters
Three D Y Patil scientists feature in Stanfords global top 2% rankings
FUEL to hold second Convocation on Oct 24 in Pune
WPU launches doctoral programmes, focuses on research into local challenges
Talegaon plant CEO detained for CO2 leak deaths
Maharashtra to draw up action plan to trace 9 lakh students absent from exams
SPPU restricts through traffic on campus, restricts access to main building
Two arrested, minor detained for Rs 2L hit on shipping firm owner
Will water supply be smooth on Friday? Fears mount ahead of dry Thursday
Court Grants 72-Hour Transit Remand Of Shraddha Dube To Lucknow Police
Nirmalya, waste pile up along Futala Lake after idol visarjan
Nagpurs air quality worsens, AQI at 114
Diwali postal deliveries hit as cable damage slows down servers
PWD estimates 490 precast blocks for 3cr lego-style road
Tadoba deploys sensors to save water for wildlife
Mental hospital inmate defeats cancer, reunites with father on Dussehra
Farms to come under wild attack if forests go dry: Min
Tiger kills 70-year-old woman in Gadchiroli village
Fire tears through house in Santoshi Nagar locality
13,100 Illiterates To Take Ullas Literacy Test In Nagpur District On Oct 25
Speeding bike leaves 4-yr-old boy seriously injured
13-year-old volleyball player dies by suicide amid family dispute
Lakhs Gather For Dhammachakra Pravartan Din
Nagpur Metro Carries 1.85 Lakh Passengers On Dussehra, Dhamma Chakra Day
Ridership Was 23% Higher Than Last Year; Indora Square Station Saw Major Crowd-Management Effort
On Dussehra, archer Kumkum worships 5-year-old bow that won her Asian golds
Wanjarri-Kohale fight in Nagpur, rebels hit Mahayuti in Amravati
Banned tobacco, suspect snacks seized in Mumbai; FDA crackdown nets 3.11 crore across Maharashtra
The FDA said the banned-product seizures in Mumbai and Jalna, including vehicles and other items, were valued at 93.42 lakh
Banned tobacco, suspect snacks seized in Mumbai; FDA crackdown nets 3.11 crore across Maharashtra
The FDA said the banned-product seizures in Mumbai and Jalna, including vehicles and other items, were valued at 93.42 lakh
Tiger Shroff attack: Injured vloggers father reaches city after difficult journey
Lawrence Bishnoi gang recruits rural youths with promise of money, life abroad: Police
Sanjay Raut Urges Maharashtra CM to Halt Thane Data Center Project Over Environmental Concerns
Sanjay Raut calls for an immediate stop to the Thane data center project, citing environmental and local infrastructure concerns. Sanjay Raut Urges Maharashtra CM to Halt Thane Data Center Project Over Environmental Concerns
Puja visarjan processions in Mumbai breached noise limits: NGO
300 MBBS seats in 4 private colleges in Maharashtra out of admission process
Mumbai port invites global bids for Rs 923cr marina at Victoria Dock
BJP minister Nitesh Rane slams Sanjay Raut for prediction on PM, warns of Aaditya Thackerays arrest
Kalyan hit-and-run: Man thrown into roadside archway after car rams him; driver on the run
In relief for Avinash Bhosale, Bombay HC says 25cr received by his firm ABIL not proceeds of crime
Bombay HC orders release of assets in case involving Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd
19-year-old BTech student dies by suicide at Mumbais ICT
Tiger Shroff firing case: 2 more held, total arrests reach 10; weapons yet to be recovered
Doctor issued death certificate over video call in Sanjay Gandhi National Park firing case in Mumbai
ICT Mumbai student dies by suicide; 2nd-year classes moved online for 1 week
President Murmu Invited To Flag-Off Nashik Kumbh Mela
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led delegation invites President Droupadi Murmu to the October 31 flag-hoisting ceremony marking the NashikTrimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.
WATCH: CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka released from custody
A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM), Ritu Raj, ordered their release after the two activists furnished personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each, which will remain in force until the conclusion of the inquiry into the Jantar Mantar trespassing case
Slain UBT functionary Pradeep Purnekars son accuses Shiv Sena functionary of training murder accused
2 charred to death, 4 hurt in Sakinaka scrap godown fire in Mumbai
Maharashtra Government Urges Villages to Prepare Water Crisis Plans by October 25
Maharashtras water minister directs villages to submit plans to tackle potential water shortages by October 25 amid drought concerns. Maharashtra Government Urges Villages to Prepare Water Crisis Plans by October 25
BJP Minister Claims MPSC Protesters Paid 3,000 a Day to Fuel Unrest
Maharashtra minister Jaykumar Gore stoked a political controversy claiming that young protesters and participants in demonstrations across the country are being paid Rs 3,000 per day to fuel unrest.
India Chem 2026 global industry meet to kick off in Mumbai from tomorrow
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) The Centres Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is organising the three-day 14th edition of India Chem 2026 from Thursday at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, in Mumbai, according to an official statement. The flagship biennial event will bring together policymakers, global industry leaders, investors, technology providers, researchers, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade and investment in Indias chemicals and petrochemicals sector. India Chem 2026 is expected to witness participation from more than 100 countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, countries across the European Union, Latin America, Vietnam, South Korea and ASEAN nations. Japan will participate as a partner country in the 14th India Chem 2026. It is significant for strengthening India-Japan economic cooperation. More than 200 Indian and international exhibitors, over 8,000 business visitors from India and abroad, and more than 50 leading CEOs from India and overseas will attend the Global CEOs Forum. Buyers delegations from South America, the United States, the European Union, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, West Europe, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia are also expected. The theme of the 14th edition of the event is Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub. India Chem 2026 will feature an international exhibition and conference, positioning the event as a major platform for showcasing Indias industrial capabilities, technological advancements and potential as a global manufacturing and sourcing destination. Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers JP Nadda will inaugurate the event. Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, as well as senior officers from Central and state governments, will also attend the event. India is the sixth-largest producer of chemicals in the world and the fourth-largest in Asia. The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2040, with significant growth being witnessed. The sectors growth potential is supported by rising demand, export opportunities, a demographic dividend, relatively low per capita consumption and enabling government initiatives. Indias emergence as a preferred global destination is being supported by governance reforms, world-class infrastructure, robust trade and investment policies, a strong regulatory framework and the availability of skilled labour at competitive costs. The chemicals and petrochemicals sector is expected to play an important role in strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding global value-chain participation and supporting Indias long-term economic aspirations, the statement added.
