Maharashtra Government employees strike called off after meeting with CM Fadnavis
The strike had affected operations at District Collectorates, Treasury Offices, the GST Department, RTOs, Irrigation and Agriculture offices, and aided colleges and schools
Woman who confronted Maharashtra Minister wanted to trigger a stampede, claims complainant
The Hindu has accessed the four-page complaint written by a young woman to the Mumbai Police
Maharashtra Government Implements New Measures for Nomadic Communities Welfare
Mumbai, April 25: The Maharashtra government has taken significant steps to enhance the overall development of nomadic and liberated communities in the state. Atul Sawant, the Minister for Other Backward Classes and Social Welfare, announced the formation of tri-level committees aimed at effectively addressing the issues faced by these communities and preventing atrocities against them. ... Read more Maharashtra Government Implements New Measures for Nomadic Communities Welfare
Man arrested for sexual harassment
Supriya Pawar Takes Charge as NCP President Following Sudden Loss of Ajit Pawar
Mumbai, April 25: A significant shift in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership has occurred following the sudden and tragic passing of Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. Supriya Pawar has been sworn in as the states first female Deputy Chief Minister and appointed as the NCP President, centralizing all executive powers within the party. ... Read more Supriya Pawar Takes Charge as NCP President Following Sudden Loss of Ajit Pawar
Opposition and citizens support woman, slam revenge politics
Three stab 27-year-old man over cricket row in Vikhroli
The medical fraternity's job is to provide medical relief and healthcare to those in need, but unfortunately some have turned it into a business industry, he added.
Bombay high court rejects bail in Baba Siddique murder case
Maharashtra To Amend Rules To Make Marathi Mandatory For Auto, Cab Drivers
Rajesh Narvekar, Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra, has submitted the proposal to the secretary of the transport department, and the process of issuing a draft notification is underway
3.6cr money doubling fraud busted in Mumbai, 66 investors duped
Mumbai court junks Thailand job scam accused discharge plea
3 knife-wielding robbers strike bizman in Navi Mumbai, flee with 41L gold jewellery
Demand grows for maritime museum at historic Ghadiyal Ghar in Mumbai
India will become Vishwaguru and guide the world: RSS chief
Nagpur, Apr 24:Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said India will certainly become a 'Vishwaguru' and guide the world, and nobody should harbour any doubts about the country's future. He also said that earlier people doubted if Ram temple will ever be built, but it came into being. In the same way, India becoming a 'vishwaguru' (teacher to the world) is certain to happen. Bhagwat was speaking after laying the foundation stone of 'Bharat Durga Shakti Sthal' temple coming up on the premises of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Jamtha area on the outskirts of Nagpur city in the evening. The vision of India becoming a vishwaguru would be realised through consistent efforts and collective discipline, he said, expressing confidence that such a transformation could be witnessed in the present generation. Doubts about India's future should be abandoned, the RSS chief said. Don't doubt India's future. Live with courage and self-reliance and practise these values in daily life. India will be strong and will guide the world. People doubted if Ram temple will be built, but it happened. Similarly India becoming a vishwaguru is certain, he said. There should be no confusion whether it will happen or not. What is destined will happen, he said, citing the Ram temple movement as an example of perseverance leading to eventual success. If we act according to our resolve step by step, India will become strong, virtuous and a global guide, he said. Bhagwat said that to truly understand India, people must first understand Bharat deeply and then begin to practise it in their everyday lives. To worship Bharat Mata, we must become Bharat ourselves, he said, adding that the country must be understood from its own civilisational values rather than through a colonial or Western lens developed over 150 years. The RSS chief urged citizens to shed layers of Western thinking and reconnect with Indian traditions in thought and conduct. This transformation would begin with small but meaningful changes in daily life such as language, clothing, food habits and cultural practices, he said. India must be known, accepted and lived in daily life, he said, stressing that only through such a process of self-realisation can the vision of a strong and confident India be achieved. The idea of worshipping Bharat Mata is not limited to rituals, but requires individuals to transform themselves into Bharat in their own lives, he said. He said that the idea of a 'Bharat Mata' temple in Nagpur was conceived by late Moropant Pingle. The idea emerged when the idols of Bharat Mata were carried across different routes in India during the unity journey, according to him. At that time, the idea of a Bharat Mata temple in Nagpur came to Moropant Pingle. It was not my imagination, he said, adding that one of the four idols from the journey eventually came to Nagpur, but other national movements kept people engaged for decades, delaying the project. He said the present hospital now includes the Bharat Mata temple, which symbolically represents strength, knowledge and wisdom. Inspired by 'Vande Mataram', I felt that Bharat Mata should be in the form of Durga, the ten-armed goddess of strength. Without strength, truth alone cannot prevail in the world, he said. While India may be rooted in truth, the rest of the world often follows the principle that whoever has power is right, he said. Religious leaders including Shree Gurusharanji Maharaj, Swami GovinddevGiriMaharaj, Swami AvdheshanandGiriMaharaj, Swami Mitranandaji Maharaj, SadhviRitambhara and Dhirendra Shastri, were present on the occasion along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Fadnavis thanked the RSS chief for his vision of the 'Bharat Durga Shakti Sthal', saying it is a statue of power which will awaken a new consciousness in the country and inspire everyone. Gadkari said that the bhoomipujan of the temple was a moment of fortune for everyone. The inspiration behind this initiative is nation building. It will give the entire country motivation for nation building, he said. Swami Avdheshanand Giri praised Bhagwat for his gentle nature and and extraordinary leadership. Bharat is just not a land, but is a goddess, hence it should be worshipped, he said. It is God's will that India is moving towards the vision of 'Akhand Bharat' and that India will reclaim its lost boundaries and restore its lost glory after some time, he said, adding that the country will lead the world in the coming centuries. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri praised the RSS volunteers for their contribution in social work. He urged Indian citizens to have four children and dedicate one of them to the RSS. Swami GovinddevGiriMaharaj said that Nagpur is a centre of inspiration for him and everyone. He stressed the need to establish Ram Rajya and expressed concerns over love jihad, saying it was also visible in the corporate world now. Sadhvi Ritambhara expressed happiness over the temple and called for unity in society.
Mumbai: Man gets 20 years rigorous imprisonment for rape of cognitively impaired minor girl
Fire breaks out at godowns in Mumbais Mankhurd area, one sustains burn injuries
Bombay high court dismisses 2 former domestic helps tenancy rights claim
Women Lie On Maharashtra Hospital Floor Post Surgery, State Minister Reacts
Five women were reportedly forced to lie on the floor during their recovery period, sparking concerns over hygiene and patient dignity.
HC directs officer to consider revoking US-based docs passport in contempt case
Bombay high court directs BMC to regularise appointments of 3 legal officers
Mumbai wedding attendee falls into septic tank in under-construction SRA building nearby, dies
Civic body eyes Delhi-style anti-dumping digi platform
Try boating in Yamuna: CM Mamata takes swipe at PM Modi as he boats in Hooghly
Addressing an election rally in Howrah, Banerjee alleged that the Yamunas condition reflected poor governance under the BJP, claiming the Prime Minister would not be able to undertake a similar ride in the national capital
Compensation for passengers hurt in train mishap
43-year-old woman kills ex-boyfriends wife in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; held
The accused, Shaila Sonar, allegedly barged into her former boyfriends house and stabbed his wife in the head and neck with a knife. The victim, identified as Sadhna Sonpethkar (42), died on the spot. Sonar was apprehended at the scene, the official said
Residents in parts of Thane suffer 11 hour electricity cut due to damaged power line
2 cops, 5 from Khar company booked for extortion, cyber offences in Mumbai
Four arrested for attempting to sell elephant tusks worth 3.5 crore in Chembur
State-level second prize for Navi Mumbais Threads of Change textile recycling facility project
GRP Files NC in Western Railway Train Manager Assault Case
Swati Maliwal quits AAP, says Arvind Kejriwal strayed from founding ideals
Maliwal said the party had moved away from the principles of transparency and clean politics that defined its early years. She expressed disappointment over what she described as a shift in priorities under Kejriwals leadership
Bombay high court quashes look out circular against husband in cruelty case
Delivery boy killed in hit-and-run on Western Express Highway in Mumbai
AAP split: Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal join BJP
Announcing the decision at a joint press conference, Chadha said that two-thirds of AAPs Rajya Sabha members had opted to merge with the BJP under constitutional provisions
BMC mandates tracking of construction waste real-time
US-Israel-Iran war highlights: Global oil fears rise as Hormuz tensions escalate
The development comes amid an ongoing US-Israel-Iran war that has disrupted global energy supplies and raised geopolitical risks across the Middle East
Maharashtra Congress chief seeks MVA unity ahead of council polls
Sapkal said that given the current political arithmetic in Maharashtra, cooperation among alliance partners is essential to maximise electoral outcomes
Aditya Thackeray Urges Maharashtra CM to Release Funds for Repairing Dilapidated Buildings
Mumbai, April 24: Aditya Thackeray has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting immediate release of funds for the repair of dilapidated buildings in Mumbai. He highlighted the urgent need for special funding to address the repair of over 13,500 buildings in the city. In his letter, Thackeray noted that thousands of residents are still ... Read more Aditya Thackeray Urges Maharashtra CM to Release Funds for Repairing Dilapidated Buildings
Gaddars: CM Bhagwant Mann slams defecting AAP MPs, targets BJP
Calling AAP`s Rajya Sabha MP gaddars, Mann alleged betrayal of Punjabs people and claimed BJP was attempting to destabilise the states political mandate
Strengthening its commitment to advancing cancer care and innovation, Fortis Cancer Institute at Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, today featured in Season 2 of the acclaimed docuseries ‘ Molecules of Hope ’, on JioHotstar. The feature reflects the strong internal traction of its clinical practices - driven by consistent outcomes, multidisciplinary collaboration, and protocol-led care, while highlighting how the OncoSciences team’s patient-first approach and integrated efforts are now set to take its achievements onto a global platform through this episode. (R-L) Fortis Hospital Mulund’s Dr Moule, Dr Beri, Dr Saklani, Dr Akhade, Dr Dhabar, Dr S. Narayani, Dr Sharma and Ms Mavani at the screening of Molecules of Hope S2 at the hospital The docuseries brings together compelling narratives at the intersection of science, innovation, and patient care, spotlighting medical institutions and caregivers driving meaningful transformation in healthcare. As part of a four-episode Season 2 lineup, Fortis Cancer Institute’s feature highlights its integrated OncoSciences ecosystem, clinical excellence, and patient-centric pathways that are redefining cancer care delivery in India, poising for greater global visibility through this recognition. The feature captures the journeys of two cancer warriors; one treated for Breast Cancer (stage 4) and the other for Blood Cancer (Leukemia). It highlights how the patients, together with the dedicated team at the Fortis Cancer Institute, Fortis Hospital Mulund, navigated their treatment journeys with resilience and emerged cancer-free, returning to their families with renewed health & hope. The episode also features their clinical team, including Dr Avanish Saklani, Director – Surgical Oncology; Dr Boman Dhabar , Director – Medical Oncology; Dr Subhaprakash Sanyal , Director – Haemato-Oncology & BMT; Dr Arun Behl, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology; Dr Rupal Chheda, Consultant – Radiation Oncology; and Dr. Amol Akhade , Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology. Dr. Pankaj Maheshwari, Senior Consultant – Urology, Dr Saurabh Patil, Senior Consultant – Urology, Dr Raj Kapadia, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Dr Vivekanand Sharma, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Dr Rathan Shetty, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Dr. Deepanjali Adulkar, Consultant - Radiation Oncology, Dr. Pushkar Ingle, Consultant - Radiation Oncology have also made significant contributions towards the treatment of patients with cancer, and play a crucial role at the Fortis Cancer Institute. Speaking about the feature, Dr. Vishal Beri , Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai said, “Being featured on Molecules of Hope is a significant milestone for us. It showcases how innovation, clinical expertise, and compassionate care come together to transform cancer outcomes. At Fortis Mulund, we are committed to not just treating cancer but changing the way it is perceived by encouraging early detection, reducing stigma, and making advanced care more accessible - because today, hope really has a new story to tell.” April , this feature comes at a critical time to drive conversations around early detection and timely intervention. Fortis Hospital Mulund’s Fortis Cancer Institute aims to leverage this platform to further engage the community, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in building a more informed and proactive approach to cancer care. Dr. S Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra, said “The future of cancer care in India will be defined by how effectively we integrate innovation with accessibility. Platforms like ‘ Molecules of Hope’ help bring this narrative to the forefront. At Fortis, we see ourselves contributing to this next phase by building comprehensive oncology models that prioritise early detection, precision-led treatment, and continuity of care. Our endeavour is to not only deliver clinical outcomes, but to help shape a more progressive and patient-centric cancer care ecosystem in the country. From Mumbai, we are proud to contribute to a larger narrative on how cancer care in India is evolving and how institutions like ours can help shape wider conversations around the future of OncoSciences.” As part of this initiative, Fortis will roll out a series of engagement-led activities including community awareness programs, community screening initiatives (which have already reached 1lac households), collaborations with general practitioners, and knowledge-sharing platforms to extend the impact of this feature beyond the screen. About IHH Healthcare (“IHH”) www.ihhhealthcare.com
When Melonis `jhumkas` become the real headline amid global political storm
A selfie by Giorgia Meloni went viral in India not for politics, but for her striking looks because sometimes, even in the middle of global tensions, all it takes is a pair of jhumkas to steal the spotlight
Maharashtra: Five dead, four injured in truck-car collision in Bhandara
Five people, including a couple and a mother-daughter duo, were killed, while four other occupants sustained injuries in the crash, the official said
Sanjay Nirupam Criticizes Marathi Language Requirement for Auto Drivers in Maharashtra
Mumbai, April 24: The mandatory implementation of the Marathi language for auto and cab drivers in Maharashtra has sparked a new debate in the states political landscape. Sanjay Nirupam, a spokesperson for the Shiv Sena party, stated that while they support the promotion of the Marathi language, it is crucial that any such policy does ... Read more Sanjay Nirupam Criticizes Marathi Language Requirement for Auto Drivers in Maharashtra
Sanjay Singh calls 7 AAP MPs traitors of Punjab over merger with BJP
Sanjay Singh alleged that the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, had launched what he described as Operation Lotus to weaken the AAP-led government in Punjab
5 Killed, 4 Injured After Truck Collides With Car In Maharashtra's Bhandara
Five people, including a couple and a mother-daughter duo, were killed, while four other occupants sustained injuries in the crash.
Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite ceasefire extension claim by Trump
Israel Defense Forces said it carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah sites, even as Donald Trump claimed a three-week ceasefire extension between the two sides. The strikes were reportedly in response to rocket fire, highlighting ongoing tensions despite diplomatic efforts
India-Japan pact to unlock construction data for urban AI solutions
The partnership aims to integrate openBIM-based building data with Indias IUDX smart city platform, helping unlock siloed infrastructure data for applications like digital twins and smarter city planning, in collaboration with government stakeholders from India and Japan
Raghav Chadha, 6 other Rajya Sabha MPs quit AAP, announce merger with BJP
Addressing a joint press conference, Chadha said that seven out of the 10 AAP members in the Rajya Sabha have decided to leave the party
Indian banks ready for AI risks, says Nirmala Sitharaman flags Mythos concerns
Nirmala Sitharaman said Indian banks are prepared to handle emerging tech risks but flagged concerns over the Mythos AI developed by Anthropic
Nashik court sends self-styled godman Kharat to three-day police custody
Ashok Kharat, who was arrested on March 18, is accused of sexually exploiting several women and committing large-scale financial fraud by claiming to possess divine powers and knowledge of black magic
Amit Shah projects massive victory for BJP in Bengal, says will win 110 seats
The Union Home Minister has projected a decisive victory for BJP in the ongoing assembly elections in West Bengal, claiming that internal assessments indicate the party could win over 110 of the 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase
Mumbai Police Arrests Suspect in Sexual Scandal Following Nashik Revelations
Mumbai, April 24: A new case has emerged in Mumbai following allegations of religious conversion and sexual exploitation in Nashik, Maharashtra. Reports indicate that a young man targeted Hindu female colleagues at his workplace. After these allegations surfaced, the Mumbai police apprehended the suspect. One victim claimed that the accused engaged in lewd conversations with ... Read more Mumbai Police Arrests Suspect in Sexual Scandal Following Nashik Revelations
Maharashtra govt to take over Rs 32,679 crore MSEDCL debt, clears agri demerger and IPO plan
Maharashtra's power utility MSEDCL is undergoing a major financial overhaul. The state will absorb over 32,000 crore in debt, separating agriculture operations into a new firm. This move aims to strengthen MSEDCL's finances, paving the way for a potential stock listing of its non-agriculture business and ensuring reliable power for all consumers.
Shah counters Mamatas outsider jibe, says next CM will be Bengali BJP leader
Amit Shah criticised Mamata Banerjee over her outsider remark, asserting that the next chief minister of West Bengal will be a BJP worker will be born and brought up in Bengal
Indian Embassy issues advisory to citizens, says Do not travel to Iran`
The Indian Embassy in Iran issued a fresh advisory asking citizens not to travel to the country amid regional tensions and flight uncertainties, while urging those already there to leave through designated routes in coordination with the mission
Kharge denies calling PM Modi a terrorist, says have already replied to EC
Mallikarjun Kharge clarified that he did not call the PM a terrorist but accused the government of terrorising political opponents through investigative agencies, while the party also objected to the 24-hour response deadline
FIR filed over damage to Kedarnath Yatra facilities, police probe underway
Uttarakhand Police has registered an FIR against unidentified individuals for allegedly damaging public amenities, including toilets and other facilities, set up for pilgrims along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Authorities confirmed that an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible and ensure strict legal action
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India & United States, Dallas, TX, Mobile, AL Business Wire India
Gauhati High Court denies relief to Pawan Khera in defamation case
The Gauhati High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR lodged in Assam over his alleged defamatory remarks against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
NoBroker Interiors Experience Centres: Redefining Home Design for Indian Homeowners
Hyderabad, Telangana, Pune, Maharashtra, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Business Wire India
Watch: If Marathi is mandatory in Maharashtra, everyone should follow it: Sanjay Raut
'Why not push back-up BCom paper if MU suspected leak?'
Butterflies are drawing Mumbaikars to slow Sundays
Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden offers Mumbaikars a tranquil escape, fostering a reconnection with nature. Guided by a seventh-generation custodian, visitors learn about ecology firsthand, spotting diverse butterfly species. This immersive experience provides a rare sense of calm and a break from urban disconnect.
Maharashtra: Black leopard sightings increase across Sahyadri ranges
Rare black leopard sightings are increasing in Maharashtras Western Ghats, especially in Sahyadri forests, indicating a healthy ecosystem. Experts say melanism helps these elusive cats adapt to dense habitats, while tiger numbers in the reserve have also risen to nine
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has urged state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik to reconsider making Marathi knowledge compulsory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Nirupam expressed concerns that the mandatory language test, set to be implemented from May 8, could negatively impact the livelihoods of thousands of drivers, many of whom are from outside Maharashtra.
Row over Trump`s ` hellhole` repost: India calls remarks uninformed
India strongly reacted to Donald Trumps repost containing the term hellhole in reference to immigration, with the Ministry of External Affairs calling the remarks uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste, and saying they do not reflect the reality of India-US relations
Complaint filed against Mumbai woman who confronted BJP min over traffic jam
Mumbai: A complaint has been filed against a woman who berated Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan for a traffic jam caused by a BJP rally in Mumbai over the womens reservation bill, police said on Friday. The complaint was submitted to the Worli police station on Wednesday by Zen Sadavarte, daughter of advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, they 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 .
United Nations General Assembly chief to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi
Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, is set to visit New Delhi next week as part of her official diplomatic engagements. During her visit, she will hold multiple bilateral meetings with senior government officials to discuss key global and regional issues
Trump say he won`t be rushed to end war as Iran negotiations drag on
US President Donald Trump said he wont rush a deal with Iran and warned of further military action if talks fail. He ruled out using nuclear weapons, claimed Irans leadership is in turmoil, and highlighted rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global oil trade
West Asia War: Donald Trump says he will not use nuclear weapons against Iran
Trump said he is under no pressure to end the West Asia conflict, claiming that the United States has already struck a majority of its targets and that Iran is facing urgent pressure due to its oil situation
Kabhi India Aa Ke Dekho: Iran's Cultural Detox Jibe At Trump Over Hell-Hole Remark
Taking to X, Iran's Consulate General in Mumbai shared a video documenting Maharashtra's rich cultural and geographical heritage and said Trump needs a cultural detox.
Mumbai Police have arrested a private company employee, Ashraf, for allegedly sexually harassing and stalking a female colleague. The accused is accused of sending obscene messages, soliciting sexual relations, and using derogatory language. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act.
Inspector Raj concerns resurface in Maharashtra as agri-input industry backs dealers shutdown call
Industry stakeholders say the revised enforcement measures have resulted in coercive actions and heightened scrutiny, creating an atmosphere of fear among legitimate businesses and disrupting routine operations
West Asia War:Don`t rush me! Trump refuses to set deadline for Iran
He also criticised the previous Iran nuclear deal, asserting that it paved the way for Tehran to develop nuclear weapons, while claiming that Iran is currently under severe economic and military pressure and is seeking negotiations with the United States
Over 2,500 told to evacuate as flames approach Otsuchi town in Iwate
Wildfires in Japans Iwate region have spread toward Otsuchi town, prompting evacuation advisories for more than 2,500 people. The blaze has burned over 400 hectares so far, with hundreds of firefighters and aircraft deployed to contain it
Maharashtra approves CBG Policy 2026 to boost waste-to-energy and clean fuel push
The policy earmarks 500 crore for FY 202627 to support project developers through Public-Private Partnership and the Hybrid Annuity Model
1 killed, 10 injured as group of people fall into pit at under-construction site in Mumbai
Tragedy struck Bhandup late Thursday night as a group attending a nearby event plunged into an under-construction pit, claiming one life and injuring ten others. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene near Metro Mall. Victims, aged 19 to 43, were hospitalized, with one fatality confirmed. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Central Bank of Iran dismisses crypto claims, says funds credited
Irans central bank has confirmed that transit fee revenues from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been received in cash, rejecting reports of cryptocurrency payments
Property dispute, old enmity trigger separate attacks in Charsadda district
At least five people were killed and seven injured in separate firing incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reportedly linked to property disputes and longstanding rivalries. Police have launched investigations
New bat coronavirus detected in East Africa
Scientists have identified a new coronavirus in bats in East Africa that can bind to a human receptor, though no human infections have been detected so far. Experts say the finding highlights the need for continued monitoring of zoonotic risks
Humanoid robot takes on admin role at UK construction site
UK-based Tilbury Douglas has introduced a humanoid robot named Douglas to manage administrative and data tasks on-site, freeing human workers to focus on construction work and improving efficiency
Lebanon, Israel to resume rare direct talks in US
Officials from Lebanon and Israel are set to hold a second round of rare direct talks in Washington, aimed at extending a ceasefire with Hezbollah and paving the way for future negotiations
