Former CM Prithviraj Chavan Critiques Government on Various Issues in Nashik
Nashik, September 1: Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has raised several questions regarding the governments actions. These include the Congresss organizational creation program, the potential visit of Rahul Gandhi to Nashik, the controversy surrounding Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to Uzbekistan, the Maratha reservation movement, and ... Read more Former CM Prithviraj Chavan Critiques Government on Various Issues in Nashik
Amit Thackeray Removes PM Modis Photo During College Visit in Pune
Pune, September 1: A controversy erupted at the Government Polytechnic College in Pune when Amit Thackeray, a leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), ordered the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modis photograph during his visit. Principal Rajendra Patil reported that Thackeray, accompanied by 20 to 25 supporters, noticed the photographs of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ... Read more Amit Thackeray Removes PM Modis Photo During College Visit in Pune
Over 6 crore voters deleted in SIR phase 3; Delhi sees highest cut at 32.7%
Over 6.1 crore voters have been deleted under the Special Intensive Revision so far. Delhi and Maharashtra reported significant cuts in their draft electoral rolls published recently. Delhi saw 47.56 lakh names struck off, marking a high deletion rate. Maharashtra recorded 2.07 crore deletions, the highest number in any state. These deletions were due to absence, shifting, deaths, and duplicate entries.
Ahmedabad: Railway technician saves passenger after he falls off moving train
The incident took place on Platform No. 1 when a middle-aged passenger attempted to board Train No. 11464 Jabalpur-Veraval Express, which was already moving
2 weeks after homemakers death in Borivli crash, FIR lodged against two
Over 2 Crore Voters Excluded From Maharashtra's Draft Electoral Roll
The draft roll currently has more than 7.71 crore voters, comprising 3.95 crore men, 3.75 crore women, and 3,087 third-gender voters, according to state election authorities.
Efforts Continue to Reach 67 Maharashtra Citizens Stranded in Nepal Floods
Mumbai, August 31: On August 26, severe flooding in the Nepal-Tibet region left several tourists and citizens from Maharashtra stranded. The states disaster management department is actively working to locate and contact 67 individuals affected by this disaster. As of August 30, 2026, a total of 405 citizens from Maharashtra have been impacted. Among them, ... Read more Efforts Continue to Reach 67 Maharashtra Citizens Stranded in Nepal Floods
Bombay HC converts plea on tribal students cause into PIL
28-tonne benzene tanker leaks in Mumbai's Chembur; 500m area cordoned off, traffic diverted
Drug-resistant infections kill more, cost more: ICMR study
RTI challenges sports ministrys axing of five tennis players from Asian Games squad
Expired chips, ready-to-eat items relabelled in Navi Mumbai packaging facility: FDA
Woman dies, 6 hurt as elderly man's car hits multiple vehicles in Mumbai's Malad
Bombay HC refuses relief on sales curb, rum maker agrees to change label
Anna Hazare admitted to ICU in Mumbai hospital with dehydration, kidney problem
Social activist Anna Hazare has been admitted to the ICU at Bombay Hospital in Mumbai after his health deteriorated on Monday afternoon. Hazare was brought to Mumbai from Maharashtra's Ralegan Siddhi, where he was undergoing treatment at a local hospital, after his condition suddenly worsened.
1 dead, 6 hurt as man (70) hits 4 vehicles with car at traffic signal in Malad
Maharashtra: Navy Adds New Underwater Operations Vessel
INS Nipun is a purpose-built platform designed primarily for deep-sea diving and underwater operations: Reports
Army Chief General reviews operational preparedness of Southern Command in Pune
During the visit, General Seth was briefed by Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, on the operational environment, the Command's preparedness, training initiatives and measures to improve combat effectiveness and mission readiness
A 47-year-old woman from Maharashtras Beed district has won the Amrut Daud marathon in Ambajogai after running barefoot when her slippers began slipping on the muddy track. Ramabai Ranveer, a domestic cook and sole breadwinner, defeated younger participants and won Rs 3,000. She plans to put the prize money towards the education of her two daughters.
Nepal flash floods: 60 of 106 stranded Maharashtra tourists to reach Mumbai on September 1
Anna Hazare hospitalised with viral fever
Maharashtra SIR draft list is out, down by 2 crore voters
CCTV recording mandatory for faculty recruitment interviews in Maharashtra colleges
Maharashtra SIR: 2.06 cr voters missing from draft roll
More than 2.06 crore electors, representing 21.14 per cent of Maharashtra's previous voter base, have been excluded from the draft electoral roll following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) due to reasons like being untraceable, deceased, or having shifted residences.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accuses Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehoods at Pune event
The News Mill
Maharashtra SIR: Mumbai, Nashik show widest male-female voter gap; Ratnagiri bucks trend
Maha FDA busts racket tampering expiry dates of snacks
A food tampering racket in Navi Mumbai, involving the alteration of expiry dates on popular brands like Maggi and Lay's, has been busted by the Maharashtra FDA and Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch, leading to the seizure of products worth over Rs 75 lakh.
Over 2.06 crore Maharashtra voters excluded from draft electoral roll after SIR
The draft electoral roll currently contains more than 7.71 crore voters, representing 78.86 per cent of the Maharashtra's previous electorate of 9.78 crore
PM Modi meets Putin, says India supports all efforts towards peace in Ukraine
Sharing remarks from the meeting, PM Modi said it was always a delight to meet President Putin. During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted India's consistent position on the Ukraine conflict and reiterated its support for efforts towards peace
Maharashtra: Japanese Lexus Brings ES 350H Hybrid Sedan Starting At Rs 66.10 Lakh
Today marks a significant milestone for Lexus in India as we launch the all-new ES 350h: Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India.
Nirupa's Yeola Paithani & Silk Sarees opens Pune showroom
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 31: Nirupa's Yeola Paithani & Silk Sarees, a leading brand specialising in traditional Yeola Paithani and silk sarees, has opened its first showroom in Pune on Bhandarkar Road. Spread across approximately 6,500 to 7,000 sq ft, the new showroom was inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP and Chairperson of a Parliamentary Committee, Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni.
Bihar, Jharkhand sign Sone water-sharing agreement in presence of Home Minister Amit Shah
New Delhi, Aug 31: In the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, an MoU was signed between Bihar and Jharkhand on the sharing of Sone River water. Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, the Union Home Secretary, and senior officials from the Government of India and both states were present on this occasion. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that todays agreement between Bihar and Jharkhand has resolved a long-awaited water dispute in eastern India. He said that this agreement will provide irrigation water to lakhs of farmers in large rural areas of Bihar and Jharkhand, along with drinking water for the people. Amit Shah stated that the agreement reached today regarding the sharing of the Sone River's waters is an excellent example of the 'Team Bharat' vision and cooperative federalism championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that while all states possess their own distinct identities, if they move forward as 'Team Bharat' within the national context, there is no problem which cannot be resolved. Shri Shah added that this marks the fourth water agreement between states this year, which will enhance water availability for irrigation, rural development, and drinking purposes. Union Home Minister said that the agreement reached today to resolve the nearly 25-year-old water dispute between Bihar and Jharkhand exemplifies that any problem can be solved through dialogue conducted with the spirit of cooperative federalism. He said that issues concerning vast geographical areas, farmers, rural regions, and drinking water supplies in both states have been permanently resolved today. Amit Shah said that today's agreement would ensure the availability of adequate water for drinking and irrigation to a large population across the districts of Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna in Bihar. Moreover, water would become available for irrigation and drinking purposes in the Palamu, Garhwa, and other regions of Jharkhand. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for resolving the issue of Sone River water sharing. On the initiative of Home Minister Amit Shah, long-pending water disputes between various states that had been unresolved for several decades are being resolved through the Inter-State Council, so far this year, four historic agreements have been reached. On July 7, 2026, a historic agreement regarding the settlement of outstanding payments was signed among the 'Narmada Award' beneficiary states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in the presence of the Union Home Minister. This agreement marks a milestone in resolving long-standing disputes among these states concerning cost-sharing for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project, with the outstanding dues being resolved through a one-time settlement. On June 29, 2026, a significant agreement was signed between the governments of Rajasthan and Haryana regarding the construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project. Under this agreement, approximately 580 MCM of water will be conveyed from the Yamuna Canal to Rajasthan via three underground pipelines. The project aims to deliver Rajasthan's share of Yamuna water from the Western Yamuna Canal through these underground pipelines. This will enable Rajasthan to effectively utilize the water allocated to it under the 1994 agreement regarding the sharing of usable surface water in the Upper Yamuna Basin. The project will ensure a continuous supply of drinking water to the arid and low-rainfall regions of Rajasthan and foster socio-economic development, thereby benefiting millions of people. On June 16, 2026, a consensus was reached among the concerned states regarding the long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project during a crucial meeting held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. During the meeting, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Kishau Multipurpose Project. Regarding the project, the Central Government will provide 90% of the funding for the water component as central assistance, while the six states will bear the financial burden of the remaining 10%. An agreement was reached to allocate the water assigned to Himachal Pradesh to Delhi and Rajasthan in exchange for sharing the cost of the project's power component.
India likely to see below-normal rainfall, warmer weather in Sept: IMD
The weather department said that a rainfall deficit could have implications for agriculture, water resource management, hydropower generation and drinking water supplies in some areas
Maharashtra makes NCMC mandatory for women, senior citizens to avail concessions
The MSRTC appealed to eligible passengers to carry their NCMC while travelling on its buses. The registration and distribution process for the cards for senior citizens and women passengers is currently underway
Eco Hotels & Resorts launches 58-room hotel in Shirdi, Maharashtra
With the addition of this property, Eco Hotels has crossed 280 operational rooms and is set to further expand its portfolio with a 52-room property in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in October and a 16-room boutique hotel in Ayodhya within the next 45 days, taking its portfolio to approximately 350 rooms ahead of Diwali.
India Post Launches Recruitment for Gramin Dak Sevak Positions
India Post has kicked off a recruitment drive for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) positions, inviting applications from candidates across all states and Union Territories. The application process is entirely online, with no fees required. Eligible candidates must have completed their 10th standard and can apply until September 19, 2026. This recruitment aims to fill 23,757 vacancies, with the highest numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. The selection will be based on a merit list, eliminating the need for exams or interviews. For detailed application steps and state-wise vacancy information, read the full article.
Nepal floods: 93 workers remain untraced after searches in Rasuwagadhi tunnel
A rescue team found no one inside the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project tunnel in Rasuwa, while 93 workers remain untraced. Rescue teams are also searching 11 flood-hit hydropower projects where 897 workers remain out of contact
Five killed in massive explosion at firecracker factory in UP's Kaushambi
The blast took place in the Pipri police station area, near the Manori power house, causing extensive damage to the factory and nearby structures, officials said
NCP unveils grassroot strategy ahead of Zilla Parishad polls
NCP core committee, led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar, has finalised a grassroots strategy to strengthen the party ahead of 22 Zilla Parishad polls and the 2029 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections
Amit Thackeray, 20-25 MNS workers booked over removal of PM Modi photo at Pune college
Rescue teams battle shortage of helicopters and equipment amid rescue operation
Nepal flash floods: Rescue operations in flood-hit Nepal are facing severe shortages of helicopters, specialised equipment, body bags and ropes. The death toll from the August 26 flash floods has crossed 900, while more than 4,000 people remain missing
UAE: Indian Consulate warns of scams targeting nationals over visas, Emirates ID
The Indian Consulate in Dubai has warned nationals in the UAE against scams by unauthorised agents offering visa regularisation, Emergency Certificates, Emirates ID and employment, with victims allegedly being tricked into sharing biometric data
Maharashtra Pavitra Portal 2026: District-wise Selection Lists Released, Check Your Status Now
Maharashtra Pavitra Portal 2026 selection lists are now live. Check your district-wise results, TAIT score rankings, and document verification schedule to secure your teaching appointment today. Stay updated on joining dates.
Iran claims drone strikes on US forces at UAE airbase
Iranian Army claims it launched dozens of attack drones targeting helicopter and troop positions of the US military at Al Minhad airbase in the UAE, as tensions escalate following US strikes on Larak Island and Iran's retaliation across the region
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
'Honour for India': BJP counters Owaisi over Modi's Uzbekistan award
Reacting to Modi being awarded the Order of 'Oliy Darajali Dustlik', Uzbekistan's highest state award, Owaisi said he congratulated the BJP and pointed out that Uzbekistan was the country from which Babur came to India
Mumbaicha Raja 2026 first look on September 12; check date, venue and route
The 22-foot Ganpati idol will be presented against an elaborate backdrop inspired by the Pandharpur Wari, featuring elements reflecting Maharashtras saints, devotional music, Warkari traditions, and spiritual heritage
Surgeon Vice Admiral Manish Honwad takes charge as AFMC Pune Director
Surgeon Vice Admiral Manish Honwad, VSM, has assumed charge as Director and Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. An AFMC alumnus, Honwad brings over 37 years of experience in military healthcare, education and administration
Jarange asks supporters to move to Mumbai ahead of Sept 12 deadline
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has urged community members to quietly head to Mumbai by September 12 and prepare for a major agitation if the government fails to meet their demands, while continuing his indefinite hunger strike in Jalna
47-Year-Old Mother Runs Marathon Barefoot In Saree To Pay Daughter's Fees
A 47-year-old mother from Beed, Maharashtra, won a marathon after running barefoot in a sari. She plans to use the Rs 3,000 prize money for her daughter's education.
Badshah debuts in Marathi hip hop, unleashes celebratory anthem Chimna
Hitmaker Badshah has officially expanded his sonic empire with the release of his first-ever Marathi hip-hop record, Chimna. The track delivers a high-octane celebration of culture and community, engineered to bridge cross-generational demographics by seamlessly reimagining traditional Marathi folk textures into a fresh, contemporary global soundscape. The rapper-entrepreneur grounded the rollout in raw, regional realism. The accompanying music video was filmed entirely on location in the heart of Maharashtra- Kolhapur, capturing the vivid pulse of local everyday lifefrom bustling wedding processions to street-level daily wage earners and the gritty spectacle of mud wrestlers training in a traditional akhada. Elevating the video's star power, Marathi actress Neha Khan makes a high-energy feature appearance. To guarantee absolute cultural authenticity for his grand regional debut, Badshah assembled a powerhouse cross-genre coalition. The track enlists Bollywood playback mainstay Divya Kumar alongside renowned Marathi folk icon Nagesh Morwekar. Backed by a dynamic musical ensemble and steered by hit-making producer Hiten, the collaborative effort masterfully fuses raw, indigenous folk elements with Badshahs signature, stadium-ready commercial energy. Musically, the song cleverly intertwines traditional folk poetry with explosive hip-hop bars. The track opens with the classic rural hookline, Ek chimna chiv chivla / majha sajan jaga zhala ho / surya ugavla (A sparrow chirped, my beloved woke up, the sun has risen). Badshah then seamlessly blends it into explosive hip-hop bars packed with localized flavour, dropping verses like dance kar rahi dekho maushi maushi /nacho jab tak subah chidiya bole. Proudly claiming his new regional identity and making his stamp on the space official, Badshah brings the track to a climax by signing off with a direct nod to his local fans: Tumcha mulga Badshah (Your boy Badshah). Badshah states, India's regional music is a goldmine and I want to celebrate every corner of it. 'Chimna' is my love letter to Maharashtras rich creative canvas. I am incredibly grateful for how this project turned out, and this ones dedicated to all my day one Maharashtrian fans! Moving seamlessly from the terrain of Himachal and Haryana straight into the heartbeat of Western India now, Badshahs latest rollout doubles down on a unifying, cross-market thesis: different roots, one culture. Crafted as the ultimate celebratory anthem, Chimna is an infectious release built around the spirit of community and celebration. The accompanying larger-than-life music video elevates the track further, serving as a colourful pop visual spectacle that presents a vibrant Maharashtrian authentic way of life in a sleek contemporary fashion. Chimna is now available on all major streaming platforms. Also Read: Badshah celebrates Hustle Season 5s record Rs 1 crore winner prize: Its a reflection of how far the culture has come
WATCH | SCO Summit: PM Modi-Iran's Pezeshkian discuss West Asia conflict
PM Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders reviewing India-Iran bilateral ties and cooperation. The meeting also comes amid ongoing developments and tensions in West Asia
Maratha Quota: Manoj Jarange Patil goes on hunger strike, Fadnavis says Govt willing to hold talks
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has launched a fresh indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtras Jalna district, issuing a September 12 deadline to grant Kunbi OBC certificates based on 58 lakh historical records. Failing this, he warned of marching the protest straight to Mumbai.
Maharashtra govt approves recruitment of 5,012 assistant professors
The Maharashtra government on Monday approved the recruitment of 5,012 assistant professors in non-government aided senior colleges, introducing mandatory CCTV recording of the entire interview process to ensure transparency. As per a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Higher and Technical Education Department, the posts had been approved based on student-strength and workload calculations as of October 2025 across state public universities. The GR provides further instructions from time to time to ensure transparency in the recruitment process. Colleges must obtain university approval for recruitment advertisements and publish them in a national newspaper and a state-level newspaper, it said, adding that applications can be accepted both online and offline. Candidates will be shortlisted as per the criteria prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), while social and parallel reservation policies would have to be followed. The GR also stated that colleges will hav
Why Invest with Tata AIA? Consistent Outperformance, Independently Validated
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 31: For long-term investors, one question matters most: can your investment manager consistently create value, cycle after cycle? Tata AIA Life Insurance's record offers a clear answer. As of 31 July 2026, the Multi Cap Fund, Top 200 Fund and India Consumption Fund have each outperformed the S & P BSE 200 over both one-year and five-year periods. That performance now carries independent validation too: as of June 2026, over 96% of Tata AIA's rated assets under management hold a 4- or 5-star Morningstar rating, placing the overwhelming majority of its funds among the highest-rated in their category.
Food safety push: Zomato delists dishes containing analogue dairy products
Zomato has directed restaurant partners to shift towards the use of natural dairy products in their dishes. Where restaurants are unable to make the transition immediately, they have been instructed to remove food items containing analogue dairy products from their menus
PM Modi to meet Putin, Iran's Pezeshkian at SCO Summit in Bishkek today
Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday, August 30, to participate in the 26th SCO Leadership Summit, which brings together 10 member states, 15 partner countries, and two observer countries to advance dialogue and cooperation on regional and global issues
Maharashtra road accident: Cop dies after motorcycle collides with truck
According to police, Jadhav was travelling towards Basamva village from Aundha on his motorcycle after completing his security duty. When he reached the area near Hiwara village, his motorcycle collided with a truck that was approaching from the opposite direction
Cong slams BJP over FIR against Rahul, calls it pot calling the kettle black
Congress accused the BJP of avoiding action against those allegedly involved in the ritual while pursuing a case against Gandhi for raising questions about it
Nepal floods: China provides USD 2.2 million aid as death toll climbs to 903
According to the Nepal government, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang also conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the floods
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 31: BioFrigid, comprising Dhruv Bora, Shlok Goel and Yugandhara Gaikwad from Chatrabhuj Narsee School, has won the inaugural India chapter of Global Scholar Quest (GSQ), a student innovation program by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). At the Grand Finale in Mumbai, the team presented BioFrigid Box, an innovation addressing Agriculture & Food Systems, and received a prize of Rs. 1,00,000 for developing a grid-independent, energy-efficient cold storage solution capable of maintaining 10-15C for up to 96 hours. The students won access to a USD 50,000 RIT scholarship pool along with a seed money of INR 1,00,000 to bring their solution to life.
Trump says Irans navy, air force and leaders are gone, vows no nuclear weapons
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday Night in America, Donald Trump defended US actions against Iran and claimed that Washington's military and economic measures had significantly weakened the country
Delhi GB Road human trafficking case: Three arrested, two women rescued
According to the police, the two women were rescued from Kotha No. 58, GB Road, in two separate cases. The victims were lured on the pretext of employment and subsequently forced into prostitution
SC declines PIL seeking mandatory display of ethanol percentage at petrol pumps
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said it would not entertain the plea under Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows individuals to directly approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights
Nepal floods: Indian team searches Chilime, Langtang tunnels for trapped workers
The Indian team is working alongside the Nepali Army in the flood-hit areas of Rasuwa and Nuwakot, where communication with hundreds of people associated with hydropower projects has been disrupted
The 'troika' of Mumbai: 3 dons, 3 spheres, 1 city's underbelly
In space-starved Mumbai, padel finds room to play
What triggered Nepal floods? Massive Himalayan ice-rock avalanche, study finds
The report, commissioned by the Nepal Environment Society (NES), was released on Sunday. The findings come as the death toll from the disaster rose to 903, with authorities continuing to recover bodies from affected areas
PM Narendra Modi praises Uzbek students' growing interest in India, culture
During the interaction, students recited verses and poems written by Modi, an experience he described as emotional. He appreciated the students for conveying the emotions and meaning of his Hindi poems despite the language not being their mother tongue
Maharashtra 3-Year LLB Second List 2026 Out - Check List Online @ cetcell.mahacet.org
Maharashtra 3-year LLB CAP Round 2 (second list) 2026 has been released on 29 August 2026. Check important dates, how to view your allotment, reporting steps, required documents, and what to do next if you have or haven't received a seat.
Maharashtra B.Sc Agriculture Round 3 seat allotment result 2026 will be released on August 31, 2026 at agri2026.mahacet.org. Check the login process, reporting dates (September 1-3, 2026), required documents, and important instructions here.
Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 CAP Round 1 allotment result is out. Check allotted college/ course at medical2026.mahacet.org, download the allotment letter, and complete physical joining at your college between August 31 and September 4, 2026. Get eligibility, documents, fee, and next-step FAQs here.
Delhi bus rape case: 16-year-old student allegedly assaulted on moving bus
The incident reportedly took place on the night of August 4 in the Kashmere Gate area. Police have arrested the bus driver, Kuldeep, and conductor, Sandeep, in connection with the case
Heavy rain likely in several states as low pressure persists: IMD
The weather system is expected to bring widespread light to moderate rainfall across several states over the coming days, with isolated areas likely to experience heavy, very heavy and, in some places, extremely heavy rainfall
Nepal floods: Floodwaters inundate low-lying areas of Bihars West Champaran
Residents of Chakdahwa and nearby villages reported severe difficulties travelling through the flooded areas, with people having to wade through water for nearly three kilometres
Nepal flash floods: Death toll reaches 903, many remain missing or uncontactable
The floods and landslides, reportedly triggered by an ice-rock avalanche along the Tibet border, have caused widespread destruction, with thousands of people reported missing or uncontactable
Jama Masjid area: MCD clears encroachments from public spaces, parks
Following the court's directions, MCD teams began the ground-level exercise in the area on Monday. Officials said the drive involves clearing public spaces that have been occupied through unauthorised structures or encroachments
Yamuna Expressway accident: Truck crosses divider, four car occupants killed
The accident took place on Sunday night, August 30, in the jurisdiction of the Jewar police station. According to officials, the truck was travelling from Noida towards Agra when its driver apparently lost control of the vehicle
Cipla Gets Relief After Bombay HC Questions Maharashtra FDA
Bombay HC flags due-process concerns as FDA agrees to reconsider Ciplas Pune licence cancellation.
From Bali To Dubai, How Womens Asia Cup Debutants Indonesia Built A Team From Scratch
Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini: Twelve years ago, Indonesia had no Women's T20I status, no turf ground, and, the federation admits, barely a cricket structure outside expatriate clubs. On Monday, at Dubai International Stadium, the Indonesia senior women's team will walk out for their first-ever Women's Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. They will also take on defending champions Sri Lanka and hosts UAE. For Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world with over 17,000 islands, it's a milestone twelve years in the making, one that almost nobody outside the country saw coming. Leading them out will be Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini, a wicketkeeper-batter who discovered the sport at high school in 2013. Badminton, not cricket, was the sport she grew up with. Her parents dabbled in it too, and badminton remains Indonesia's standout Olympic sport, with eight golds, six silvers and eight bronzes. Because of that, I loved the sport. But badminton has so many players, and it was difficult to be involved in the national team. So, I thought cricket was good for me, and now it's my career, Nanda told IANS. After an early development tour to Jaipur in 2015, after a national womens championship was set up in 2014 to provide a more formal competitive competition, Nanda made her Indonesia T20I debut in 2019. Now she captains a side making its maiden appearance in Asian cricket's flagship senior event. It's really an exciting and incredible feeling and a big honour for me to lead Indonesia on such a big stage. I feel very proud to be part of this journey. It's taken a long time for me to get into this position. Moreover, I am feeling very nervous because this is the first time we are in the Asia Cup, she added. Head coach Nitish Salekar, previously with Thailand's women's set-up, described a similar sense of pride. I feel really proud, to be honest. The way we played in the qualifiers and to come so far till now, I feel really happy, and I'm excited to play the Asia Cup with this bunch of players, he said to IANS. Indonesia is neither a Test-playing nation nor part of the Commonwealth bandwagon. It has no rock-solid domestic first-class structure, but what it has built over the last twelve years, as per current Persatuan Cricket Indonesia chairman Abhiram Singh Yadav, is building and executing a vision to develop women's cricket at the same pace as the men's game in the country. We have about 200,000 cricketers in Indonesia, and about 100,000 women are playing cricket. So, this Asia Cup, we hope it becomes an amazing moment to inspire the other girls throughout the archipelago of Indonesia. Also, we hope to make some unique surprises in the competition, he said to IANS. Salekar, who played cricket in India for 16 years and represented Maharashtra, feels the talent pool has grown considerably since he arrived in Indonesia. When you compare to Thailand, there are some similarities - the passion with which they play cricket. But when I came, the depth of women cricketers was more in Indonesia. We probably had 30-35 girls playing in the national camp at one point. So, there's definitely more participation over here. Thailand was a much more experienced side, and now when I see this group, I hope they play for a long time. The longer this team plays, the more successful they'll get. It also helps that a few members of the senior squad came through the country's debut at the inaugural U19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023, after cricket was included in Indonesias National Sports Games in 2016. We started cricket from zero, began by introducing it to schools, and we now have cricket on 21 different islands. But the fruit from the seeds sown in the last 12 years is seen now - the women's team are ranked 21 in the world and are now set to play in this Asia Cup. The lucky part is that the women are performing at a much, much higher stage, says Yadav, who became the associations chairman in 2023, after being a part of various youth movements to businesses, including the Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and being a special staff member in the Indonesian Parliament. The federation used Kasti, a traditional bat-and-ball game, to explain cricket in schools, and wrote its cricket coaching curriculum in Bahasa Indonesia from the outset. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also has its own push to make its documents and commentary in Bahasa Indonesia too, apart from commentary of its major events in the language spoken by 90 percent of its residents. The ICC's Cricket Criiio initiative, a global programme to celebrate playing cricket in a fun way, has helped too. Under this, the sport has been introduced via plastic bats and balls in elementary schools, points out Yadav, who himself moved to Indonesia as a four-year-old, with his family roots in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. The quest to play cricket has come at a personal cost for Indonesias players. Nanda gave up teaching physical education to commit to cricket full-time. Most of the players are full-time cricketers. But it was difficult for me to maintain the time for cricket and teaching. So, I quit the teaching job. Also, some of the girls are still studying at the university. But now, because we practice six times a week. The squad draws players from as far as Papua, East Nusa Tenggara and Jakarta, beyond the Bali base most call home - a distance from family, friends and normal life that Nanda calls part of the sacrifice of representing the country at this level. Indonesia's fortunes turned when they joined the Asian Cricket Council in 2024 through its AGM in Bali, with membership approved by then chairman Jay Shah, now head of the ICC. Having missed that year's Women's Asia Cup, Indonesia were determined to make the cut this time. With a camp in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh in November 2025 and a partnership with Western Australia, leading to Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, known as Tori, being an associate rookie for Perth Scorchers in the 2024 WBBL, Indonesia responded with five successive wins over Singapore, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman and Hong Kong at this years ACC Women's Premier Cup in Malaysia in June. A 113-run victory over Oman confirmed their first-ever Womens Asia Cup berth. I was obviously happy and excited for the girls. This will be my second Asia Cup, so I know the stage. I was quietly confident about the team qualifying due to knowing how we are playing our cricket. But it was actually a good feeling when they qualified. The one thing I have told them is to enjoy this stage, and make the most out of it... It's a great opportunity to showcase your talent on a big stage, said Salekar. The country has never had a turf pitch - all 21 provinces currently use AstroTurf. The federation has just completed contracting two international-standard turf grounds, which Yadav hopes will be ready by November or December this year. Actually, it will be a massive game-changer, especially considering the fact that this team has come so far practising on synthetic wickets till now - it's not easy. So, this team getting access to turf grounds will make them much better in terms of skills. Batters will be able to bat on different wicket conditions every day... The overall cricket will dramatically change when you shift from astro to turf, added Salekar. Drawing from his coaching time with Thailand in the Womens T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai, Salekar thinks the stadium with a proper outfield will allow batters to play shots properly, something which matters for a player like Nanda, whose game is built on timing rather than power. No need to hit hard, just get timing with the bat effortlessly, she said, describing what she admires in MS Dhoni, South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and India's Smriti Mandhana - the last of whom Salekar compared her to independently. Nanda is a good timer of the ball herself and she also kind of plays in the same mould like Smriti, where she relies more on timing than strength, he said. Off the field, the Indonesian dressing room has a very diverse look. Bali, home to most of the squad, has many Hindus, while parts of Sulawesi are dominated by Christians. The current squad includes players who wear the hijab and players who do not, alongside Christian, Catholic, Buddhist and Hindu players. Our difference in religion does not really matter because we share the same goals - to represent Indonesia... Everyone has different beliefs, and we respect each other's beliefs, support each other, and I will always make sure everyone feels included in the team, said Nanda. Yadav described a dressing room where faith is openly shared rather than set aside. When it comes to cricket, our team is very diverse... we are blessed that Indonesian anthropology is very plural. The environment is very supportive, and the uniqueness is that, apart from whatever religion, they support each other. In fact, before every match, all the players stand and pray together by taking turns, despite whatever their religion is. Another beautiful thing about our Indonesian team is they are 100 percent local. For our men's team, yes, we do have expat players. But for our women's team, we have 100 percent local players. Nobody in the camp is treating Monday as a ceiling. Yadav believes Indonesia can overtake long-time regional rival Thailand within one to two years, with the federation scheduled to host the Women's East Asia World Cup qualifier on the new Bali ground next May. Our target is definitely reaching the top 12 in the next five years, and hopefully, afterwards, we can be in the top 10. Our philosophy is always very simple: we are ready to learn, and we are ready to win. The government has been supporting us very well, including the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry - that's why cricket is part of the national games. The result is not only about qualifying for the Asia Cup, but how their skills and mentality are developing. While Salekar's estimate is three to five years before Indonesia is competitive at senior World Cups, Nanda's framing is tied to what the next generation might take from watching the team play in Dubai. Apart from more finances coming in, more game time is in store via the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, where Indonesia have been medallists. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to wear the Indonesian jersey on such a big stage. I hope we can show the world that we also can compete against big teams. I also want to inspire the young girls in Indonesia to get more involved in cricket. She was careful not to look too far ahead, especially with cricket now back in the Olympics. It's very nice to see cricket back in the Olympics. Obviously, one has to take it step by step... We'll start with the Asia Cup, and hopefully, sometime in the future, we'll play in the Olympics as well. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to wear the Indonesian jersey on such a big stage. I hope we can show the world that we also can compete against big teams. I also want to inspire the young girls in Indonesia to get more involved in cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories No one knows what will happen when Indonesia take the field in their first-ever Womens Asia Cup game on Monday night. They have no blueprint to experience this feeling for a mammoth moment like this. But thirteen years after Nanda first started hitting a ball around in a country with nowhere to play the sport, just being out there and playing in Dubai will be a victory in itself. Article Source: IANS
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