Pune Police withdrew religious conversion law sections from two cases. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act had not yet come into force. Officials mistakenly assumed the law was operational when registering offences. Investigations will continue under other applicable legal statutes. The Act is scheduled to officially commence on August 26, 2026.
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday said strict action would be taken against violations of law at eateries operating near educational institutions and said that the intensified enforcement drive would have a major impact in the next 8-10 days.
US diplomats call on Farooq Abdullah
Srinagar, Aug 18:A day before the maiden visit of United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Jammu and Kashmir, a team of US diplomats from the US embassy in New Delhi called on National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah at his residence here on Tuesday. The visiting officials, who reached the Valley ahead of schedule as part of the advance preparations for the Ambassadors trip, included Ian Michael Dick, Gary Applegarth, Lisa Grace Alkins and Hemant Joshi. The meeting focused on the forthcoming engagement of Ambassador Gor with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, sources said. Ambassador Sergio Gor, who also holds the charge of Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, is scheduled to arrive in Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon. He is expected to hold separate meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his stay. The envoy will spend the night in Srinagar before travelling to Ladakh on Thursday. This will be Gors first visit to J&K since he assumed charge as the 27th US Ambassador to India in January this year. It also marks the first visit by a serving US Ambassador to J&K since the region was reorganised as a Union Territory in 2019. Officials confirmed that an advance team from the Ambassadors office had already reached Srinagar to finalise logistics and security arrangements. The visit comes against the backdrop of the deepening India-US strategic partnership and follows recent high-level interactions between Gor and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on issues including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. Kashmirs political leadership and civil society have taken note of the trip, with some voices calling for the envoy to engage with a wider cross-section of people during his brief stay. On Wednesday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor is set to meet CM Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, marking the first meeting between a serving US ambassador and a sitting J&K chief minister in more than 15 years. The last such meeting was in March 2011, when then US Ambassador Timothy Roemer met CM Omar when J&K was a state. As such, Gor's proposed meeting with CM Omar marks a return to direct engagement between the US envoy and J&K's elected government after the chief ministerial tenures that followed Omar's first term in office. The last US ambassador to visit J&K was Donald Blome in 2022, but he was then serving as ambassador to Pakistan and had visited PoK, prompting a strong protest from New Delhi. The last standalone visit to Kashmir by a US ambassador based in New Delhi was by Kenneth Juster in August 2018, shortly after the fall of the PDP-BJP government. Juster met then Governor Narinder Nath Vohra as well as Omar Abdullah, one of the former chief ministers present in Kashmir at the time. He also visited Ladakh a month earlier. Juster returned to Srinagar in January 2020 as part of a 15-member ambassadorial delegation organised by New Delhi following the August 2019 reorganisation of J&K. Gor's visit to Kashmir and Ladakh comes after engagements with political leadership in Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, giving the trip a broader diplomatic context. Any strategic significance of his Srinagar meeting with CM Omar, however, would depend on the statements issued by the two sides.
Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licenses of Eight Establishments Over Unsafe Food Practices
Mumbai, August 19: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant action against unsafe and illegal food products following a month-long special campaign across the state. During this operation, authorities conducted 11 raids and seized food items worth over 1.07 crore. The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of nearly 1 crore worth of ... Read more Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licenses of Eight Establishments Over Unsafe Food Practices
Maharashtra FDA to intensify action on eateries near schools with impact expected in 8-10 days
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India chess queen Divya is Nagpurs youngest to get Arjuna Award
230 overseas students get Maha open school results in Marathi language
BLOs face fresh door-to-door round to serve hearing notices
Pune area grew 330%, 1,300 vehicles added daily, 65 junctions clogged: Data shows city in trouble
When there are roads, accidents occur: NCPs Bhor MLA on 10-year-olds death
Pune crosses monsoon 2026 rain quota with 6 weeks still to go; Tamhini breaches 8,000mm-mark
Dads bike falls on battered Nande-Mhalunge Road, 10-year-old boy run over by truck
Over 25,000 ex-Maoists now our shareholders: Lloyds MD
After getting zero enrolments, Hindi Journalism axed at IIMC-Amravati
Lloyds Metals plans to launch TMT bars
Congress trying to create its own constitution: Amruta
Pune gets new Army clinic to help military personnel quit smoking
Anxious Parents, Frantic Calls & Tense Moments: Threat Emails Spark Panic Across Nagpur Schools
High Court Questions Roads Crumbling Within 6 Months
HC seeks Rs 11 Lakh deposit before hearing Gorewada tender plea
Gadchiroli Ashramshala Loses Govt Affiliation After Snakebite Deaths
Article 25, right to practise religion is subject to law, order and public interest, rules HC
Sniffer dog evidence not enough to prove murder, observes Baramati court, acquits man
Dengue, chikungunya cases rise in city amid rains
Kirloskar Vasundhara Film Festival returns with in-person edition
NMC To Freeze Bank Accounts, Seize TVs & Fridge Of Property Tax Defaulters
Chakan infra crisis stems from lapses in planning and coordination, says district collector Dudi
Three booked for assaulting doctor in Undri
Chikhaldara Hostel Inmate Dies, Six Others Take Ill After Diarrhoea Outbreak
Abujmarh Blitz: 3 Maoist Arms Factories Smashed
Corporators sound alarm over Punes environmental decline, tell PMC to act on ESR findings
Maharashtras sugarcane dilemma: cutters seek a way out as mills turn to machines
Maharashtra makes snakebite a notifiable disease
Nag River Sewage Flow to Gosikhurd Puts Water Safety Under HC Lens
Why are you wearing shorts? Eight slap tourists at Sinhagad Fort, cops file case
Charred Body Found After Fire In Abandoned Building
Ashramshala Horror: Watchman Held For Sexual Abuse Of Students
Rly Employee Kills Woman Friend In Hotel Room, Attempts Suicide
Maharashtra Law on Forced Conversions Faces Backlash from Maulana Mushtaq Malik
Hyderabad, August 19: Maulana Mushtaq Malik, president of the Tehreek Muslim Shabban, has raised concerns over the proposed law regarding forced conversions in Maharashtra. He questions the provisions of the law, fearing potential misuse. Malik asserts that conversion is a personal matter, stemming from an individuals thoughts, beliefs, and faith. He emphasizes that there should ... Read more Maharashtra Law on Forced Conversions Faces Backlash from Maulana Mushtaq Malik
Fadnavis Backs Mundhe, Says FDAs Food Safety Crackdown Will Continue
The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Maharashtra FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh in compensation to a Pune-based sweets retailer after the regulator kept the business suspended despite a report showing 98 per cent hygiene compliance.
Mumbais open spaces policy in limbo for 10 years, multiple sites under threat
BMC properties being privatised under guise of public-private partnerships: Oppn
BMC OKs plan to turn Mumbais only full football turf into expo centre
1,500 inside Aaykar Bhavan as fire raged, swift action averted stampede
BMC to launch fellowship programme, hire 50 young professionals
Bombay HC orders removal of encroachments from pond area in Mumbai
Maharashtra govt halts MMC registrations for homoeopaths till court gives final verdict
Fraud costs automobile dealer Rs2.2 crore
73-year-old pharma consultant loses Rs2.3cr in share trading fraud
Aggregator cab drivers protest at Mumbai airport, oppose Marathi rule and seek fare regulation
Bengaluru to Pune in 80 minutes, airport to Baner cab ride takes one-&-a-half hours
Maharashtra makes snakebite notifiable disease after 655 deaths in 3 years
The move is aimed at creating a more accurate picture of the state's snakebite burden and ensuring timely treatment, particularly in rural and remote area
Thane property tax hike may impact rentals, resale market
Maharashtra puts CCMP registration for homeopathic doctors on hold pending HC verdict
Lata Mangeshkar song played instead of official Vande Mataram, Eknath Shinde flags faux pas
Mumbai, August 18: The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra announced on Tuesday that after the completion of the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, approximately 2.07 crore voters may be excluded from the upcoming draft electoral roll. This figure represents about 21.15 percent of the states total voters. ... Read more Maharashtras Special Intensive Revision Completes First Phase, Over 2 Crore Voters at Risk of Exclusion
Ticketless passenger attacks Western Railway TC at Andheri, held
Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain, 5 others arrested in Jal Board tender case
According to the ACB, the accused have been arrested in connection with an FIR registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC
FIR on BLO for skipping SIR duty
2 cr Maha voters wont be in draft SIR voter list but have a month to apply
Tarun Tejpal conviction: Goa govt moves SC seeking enhancement of sentence
On August 6, Tarun Tejpal was convicted of rape and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years by the Bombay High Court, overturning the verdict of the trial court which had acquitted the former editor of Tehelka five years ago
When there are roads, accidents happen: Pune MLAs remark after 11-year-olds death triggers row
Murder FIR filed against Mumbai woman after daughter-in-law dies of head injuries
Mumbai Police Arrest Suspected Drug Trafficker, Seize 10 Kg Charas
VFS Global opens Maharashtras first Model Property Registration Office in Pune
The Pune office is the first of 60 such centres the consortium plans to roll out across Maharashtra under a five-year contract awarded by the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps in early 2026
Maharashtra: Panvel To Get Sea Lion Aquarium
The Maharashtra government is planning to set up a Silla Aquarium Sea Lion Education centre at Panvel near Mumbai: Reports
India set sights on top 10 positions for 2036 and 2048 Olympics via Khelo India Revamped Scheme
India aims for top ten Olympic finish in 2036 and top five in 2048. The Khelo India Revamped Scheme has a budget of Rs 36,441 crores. This plan focuses on talent identification and sports infrastructure development. Athletes will receive increased support and training opportunities across the nation. Maharashtra will strengthen its sporting ecosystem to nurture emerging talent.
FDA suspends licence of Bandra's Otters Club
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of six hotels, restaurants, and other food establishments in Mumbai due to food safety and hygiene violations, including improper storage and the use of analogue paneer. This action is part of an ongoing inspection drive.
Lata song played at Shinde event instead of Vande Mataram
A Hindi song with a 'Vande Mataram' refrain, not the official national song, was played at a government event in Thane attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who subsequently directed organisers to adhere strictly to the approved version.
Trump claims Hormuz as new US territory; Iran sets terms for reopening
US President Donald Trump has claimed the Strait of Hormuz as new US territory in a Truth Social post, while Iran says it will not reopen the strategic waterway until Washington meets its demands, including lifting sanctions and unfreezing assets
Pune police impose 14-day prohibitory order; restrict gatherings till August 31
Pune police have imposed prohibitory orders for fourteen days starting Tuesday. These restrictions ban public assemblies and effigy burning ahead of upcoming festivals. Congress leader Pawan Khera claims the order aims to disrupt Rahul Gandhi's scheduled programme. The prohibitory order will remain in effect until August thirty-first. Violators will face action under the Maharashtra Police Act.
Maharashtra FDA to pursue legal options after Bombay HC orders Rs 5 lakh payment to Pune sweets shop
The News Mill
Maharashtra govt sanctions Rs 50 crore to speed up Rajmata Jijau memorial work
A sum of Rs 50 crore had been announced in 2024 for the memorial and Jijau Srushti project at Sindkhed Raja. Work on Jijau Srushti near Sindkhed Raja was subsequently started using the funds. So far, Rs 27 crore has been spent on the project, which is currently under progress
The News Mill
Raids create fear, food safety law prioritises reform: Ex-Maharashtra FDA chief
Raids create fear food safety law prioritises reform ExMaharashtra FDA chief
Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.
Watch: Same voters name appears 15 times in the same constituency. How? Prithviraj Chavan explains.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan claims he found 27,609 duplicate voter entries in his Karad South constituency and 56,118 duplicate entries across five neighbouring constituencies.
Shocking Double Murder in Sangli: Couple Killed Over Trash Dispute
Pune, August 18: A shocking double murder has sent ripples through Sangli district, Maharashtra. The incident originated from a dispute over trash being thrown at a doorstep in Kupwara. The wife had already succumbed to her injuries, and now her seriously injured husband has also died during treatment, causing widespread unrest in the area. Police ... Read more Shocking Double Murder in Sangli: Couple Killed Over Trash Dispute
Slight increase in water discharge from Maharashtra reservoirs
1,500 Sakhis, 300 Villages: How Maharashtra
From invisible labour to leadership: Manisha Ghules Sakhi Model is rewriting rural work.
Lawmaker Calls for Action Against Misleading Surrogate Ads for Tobacco Products
Mumbai, August 18: BJP legislator Vikram Baburao Pachpute has raised concerns over the celebrity endorsements in advertisements for pan masala, flavored supari, and tobacco products. He pointed out that despite the ban on flavored tobacco and gutkha in Maharashtra, advertisements for various brands continue to surface. Pachpute has written to the Food Safety and Standards ... Read more Lawmaker Calls for Action Against Misleading Surrogate Ads for Tobacco Products
Small-city aspirations power education loan demand
Education loan applications are increasingly coming from smaller Indian cities. Tier II and III cities now represent over eighty-six percent of loan requests. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra show the highest volume of these applications. Job training and MBA programs are the most financed courses by students. This trend indicates growing ambition and a focus on career outcomes in smaller towns.
