NCP Spokesperson Nasim Siddiqui Criticizes BJP and RSS for Labeling Dissenters as Mental Naxals
Mumbai, August 18: NCP (SP) spokesperson Nasim Siddiqui responded to various political issues concerning Maharashtra and the nation on Monday. He noted ideological similarities among certain organizations, comparing the RSS to Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Taliban. Siddiqui accused these groups of promoting division and violence rather than unity. He also claimed that some individuals continue to ... Read more NCP Spokesperson Nasim Siddiqui Criticizes BJP and RSS for Labeling Dissenters as Mental Naxals
Prithviraj Chavan alleges over 56,000 duplicate voters in Maharashtra
The former Maharashtra CM noted that despite a higher vote share in the 2024 Assembly polls compared to 2019, he lost the election and claimed there were 56,118 duplicate voters in the area after analysing voter lists
Prithviraj Chavan alleges over 56,000 duplicate voters in Maharashtra
The former Maharashtra CM noted that despite a higher vote share in the 2024 Assembly polls compared to 2019, he lost the election and claimed there were 56,118 duplicate voters in the area after analysing voter lists
CM Naidu Warns of Severe El Nino Impact, Calls for Prudent Water Use
Naidu said Krishna basin supplies depended on reservoirs in Karnataka and Maharashtra being filled first, affecting Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar.
10 engineers offer fake college seats, con 35 of Rs 50L, arrested
BMC chief: Licensed hawkers can use footpaths but cant block pedestrians
Forced into theft, granny from Pune picks lucky Saturdays to snatch chains on locals
Four countries, multiple identities, secret radio broadcasts, wartime missions, and a submarine crossing, recreated for a new generation of vertical storytelling. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 17: Story TV, Indias leading microdrama platform from the Eloelo Group, premiered its latest series, The Bose Network, at midnight on August 15. The historical thriller is Indias first title []
HC Says Maharashtra FDA Going Overboard, Orders Rs 5 Lakh Compensation To Pune Shop
The case concerns Guru Nanak Dairy & Sweets in Pune, whose licence was suspended by the FDA on June 12 following a complaint of food poisoning: Reports
Bombay high court directs Maharashtra FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop
Ball set rolling for trial in absentia against six 26/11 Pakistani accused
First Such Trial In Terror Case Since Introduction Of BNSS Allowed Proceedings Sans Accused
Going overboard: HC directs FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweets shop
The Bombay High Court directed Maharashtra FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune sweets shop whose licence remained suspended despite a 98 per cent compliance report. The court said the regulators intention was laudable but it was going overboard
Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL, TDPL exams amid student protests
The Jharkhand government has cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam and all examinations conducted by TDPL amid student protests over alleged irregularities. CM Hemant Soren also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into JPSC examinations conducted from 2014 onwards
Water shortage at Mumbai University girls hostel: High court initiates suo motu PIL
Pune sweets shop wins 5 lakh after food licence stays suspended despite 98% compliance
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra FDA for its actions. The court ordered the FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a sweets shop. This compensation was for suspending the shop's license despite high compliance. The court permitted the shop to reopen its business operations. The FDA must pay the compensation within one month.
Guardian min row resolved after 1.5 yrs: BJPs Mahajan for Nashik, Senas Gogawale gets Raigad
No safety gear, worker falls into RMC plant machine in Panvel village, dies
CM gets legal powers to override any ministers decision in public interest
Scandinavian Airlines returns, to launch non-stop Copenhagen-Mumbai flights from October
Maharashtras cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar assumes charge as chairman of ND Studios
2 teens detained for raping, threatening 14-year-old girl in Palghar district
FIR against 14 people in Mumbai for submitting fake birth certificates during passport application
Fadnavis Puts Delhi Move Speculation To Rest
Speaking to the media in New Delhi after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis maintained that the people of Maharashtra and the central leadership had entrusted him with the states responsibility, which he would continue to fulfil.
MMRDA explores cover for Monorail guideway before reopening it for Mumbaikars
Shivchaturya Din: 1,310-km campaign marks Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs escape
Maharashtra observed Shivchaturya Din on August 17 to commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs historic escape from Agra in 1666. A 1,310-km Garud Zep campaign from Agra to Rajgad was also flagged off, while a grand memorial is planned in Agra
Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned
Sir Ratan Tata Trusts (SRTT) the second largest shareholder in Tata Sons with holding of 23.56% is under regulatory ban from Maharashtra Charity Commissioner
Maharashtra govt is trying to cut 58 lakh Kunbi records, alleges Jarange
Jarange urged members of the Maratha community to intensify their efforts for their demands and raise their voice against what he described as injustice. He also appealed to them not to come under pressure from any political party or individual
Hyderabadis, here are 6 thrilling waterfall rappelling spots
When Maharashtras hills turn lush green during the monsoon, waterfalls come alive across the Sahyadris. Adventure lovers can get closer to the rushing water through waterfall rappelling, an exciting monsoon activity. For Hyderabadis looking for a different weekend getaway, Maharashtra offers several waterfalls where you can experience this adventure sport. Waterfall rappelling involves descending a 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 .
Shah Rukh Khan and two Bollywood stars told to stop Vimal ads amid $5 billion pan masala controversy
Highlights Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration has issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over Vimal Elaichi advertisements The regulator says the campaigns may indirectly promote a pan masala product associated with the Vimal brand The actors have been asked to remove the advertisements from social media and explain their endorsements within 15 days Indias pan masala market was estimated at around 3.7 billion last year, based on the reported $5 billion valuation and the August 17, 2026 exchange rate of about $1.356 per 1 Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have been caught up in Maharashtras latest crackdown on surrogate advertising, after the states food safety regulator questioned their involvement in Vimal Elaichi campaigns. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the three actors to explain why action should not be taken against them, arguing that the advertisements for cardamom may help maintain consumer recognition of Vimals pan masala products. The notices do not allege that the actors were directly advertising a prohibited tobacco product. Instead, the dispute centres on whether the legal product being advertised is effectively being used to keep a restricted products brand visible. Why Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff are under scrutiny The controversy centres on Vimal Elaichi, a cardamom product promoted under the same Vimal branding that is strongly associated with pan masala. According to Maharashtra FDA, the advertisement appears to promote a brand mainly associated with pan masala, raising concerns that the campaign could amount to surrogate advertising. The practice involves using a legal product, such as cardamom, to maintain the visibility of a brand whose primary product cannot be openly advertised. The regulator has asked the actors to remove related promotional material from their social media accounts, stop cooperating with further broadcasts of the advertisements and provide information about their endorsement agreements. They have been given 15 days to respond. The actors and Vimals brand owner had not responded to Reuters requests for comment when the report was published. The 3.7 billion industry behind the controversy The dispute puts a spotlight on an industry that has become a major commercial force in India. Reuters reported that industry estimates value Indias pan masala market at around $5 billion, equivalent to roughly 3.7 billion at the August 17 exchange rate. Health experts have raised concerns about products containing tobacco or areca nut, with areca nut consumption associated with oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that can progress to oral cancer. The distinction between pan masala and products such as elaichi has nevertheless allowed brands to continue using familiar names and visual identities in advertising. That is precisely what Maharashtra authorities are now examining. The Vimal campaign featuring Khan, Devgn and Shroff has received enormous visibility online. One of the advertisements, set during a festive celebration in which the three stars throw saffron powder at one another, has reportedly accumulated more than 100 million views on YouTube. Why surrogate advertising remains controversial in India The use of legal products to promote brands associated with restricted goods has been debated in India for years. Liquor companies, for instance, have previously faced criticism for promoting their brands through products and merchandise carrying the same names and logos. In 2024, Reuters reported that the central government was considering tighter rules targeting such surrogate advertising, although those rules had not been finalised. Maharashtras latest action therefore goes beyond three celebrity endorsements. It raises a larger question about how far a legally permissible product can be advertised when its branding is closely tied to a prohibited or harmful product. For Khan, Devgn and Shroff, the immediate issue is now their response to the FDA notices. The proceedings are at the show-cause stage, meaning the regulator has sought explanations before deciding whether further action is warranted.
Pune gets Maharashtras first Model Sub-Registrar Office for faster property registration
Pune has become Maharashtra's first city to receive a Model Sub-Registrar Office. This initiative aims to modernize property registration and improve service delivery across the state. VFS Global and WE Excel Software will establish sixty such offices in phases. These centers will utilize digital infrastructure and offer enhanced applicant assistance. The program will expand to Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur in its initial phase.
Ganeshotsav 2026: Maharashtras 480 mandals to vie for Rs 1.5 crore in prizes
Maharashtras 480 public Ganeshotsav mandals will compete for Rs 1.5 crore in prizes in 2026, as the state government steps up efforts to boost public participation, promote eco-friendly celebrations and seek UNESCO recognition for the festival
His demands include a GR of Satara, Kolhapur, Aundh and Bombay gazettes, revocation of cases against Maratha protesters, and wrapping up the process to grant government appointments for candidates selected under SEBC and EWS quotas before August 29
FMCG distributors seek FSSAI food-safety norms for dark stores after Maharashtra crackdown
The proposed rules seek to bring rapidly expanding delivery networks under consistent safeguards, covering storage conditions, hygiene, traceability and regulatory compliance
Trump says preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapon remains US' top goal
US President Donald Trump has reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the United States' number one goal amid the ongoing conflict with Tehran, despite officials also highlighting energy security and oil price stability
What Happened When Tukaram Mundhe's Son Booked A Restaurant
What happens when a restaurant sees the name Mundhe on a booking? Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe recalls a recent incident when his son booked a restaurant for his birthday with friends. Mundhe says the restaurant staff, after noticing the name, apparently started asking whether he was coming. When a friend contacted him to check if he had made the booking, Mundhe realised it was actually his son who had made the reservation. Reflecting on the incident, Mundhe says his public profile and the attention surrounding his food-safety work have made dining out awkward for both him and restaurant establishments.
From Munde's Congress switch plan to Shinde talks, Prithviraj Chavan makes big political revelations
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has made a series of big claims on several political developments, including an alleged attempt by late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gopinath Munde to join...
Is Fadnavis shifting to national politics? He says...
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed speculation about a potential move to national politics, asserting his commitment to serving the state. He clarified that his visit to Delhi was to discuss Maharashtra's development projects with the central government, not for a change in his political role.
Lakhisarai, Birbhum incidents: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh aid for kin
At least seven people were killed, and a dozen were injured in a stampede. The incident triggered chaos at the temple premises as a large number of devotees had gathered to offer prayers and perform rituals on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan
Cardamom or pan masala? Why Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff face FDA action over Vimal ads
Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration has warned Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over advertisements for Vimal cardamoms, saying the brand is largely associated with prohibited pan masala. The actors have been asked to explain their endorsements within 15 days and remove the advertisements from social media.
Mumbai Fire: Massive Fire Breaks Out at Income Tax Building in Kandivali, 11 Rescued
A fire broke out in the basement of the building of the Income Tax office located on Maharashtra Karve Road, Mumbai. The Mumbai Fire Brigade received the information about the fire accident at around 2.01 pm on Monday, and the firefighters
NIBM residents turn neglected garbage dump into a community green space
School holiday news: Monsoon rains are expected to continue across several parts of India. Students and parents are watching for possible school closures on Tuesday, August 18. Heavy to extremely heavy showers are forecast for some regions by the IMD. Local authorities will decide on school holidays based on weather and safety conditions. Decisions will depend on local weather and orders from concerned authorities.
West Bengal: Eight killed in Tarapith hotel fire, one detained
Hotel officials had claimed that the fire was caused by a short circuit. It started near the hotel's reception after an electrical component of the power supply system caught fire, they said. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be established
Maharashtra B.Sc Agriculture Seat Allotment 2026 Out - Check Round 1 Result at agri2026.mahacet.org
Maharashtra B.Sc Agriculture CAP Round 1 Seat Allotment Result 2026 is out on agri2026.mahacet.org. Check release date, direct result link, expected cutoffs, seat acceptance steps (Freeze/Float/Slide), required documents, and reporting dates (Aug 17-19).
Maharashtra SIR: Over 2 crore voter forms uncollected; NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raises objections
More than two crore voter forms remain uncollected in Maharashtra during the ongoing revision process. Electors were either absent, deceased, or had shifted their residences, according to official data. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raised objections regarding the exclusion of these voter names. He claimed that around 34 lakh voters were marked deceased and 76 lakh households could not be contacted.
Vimal Ad Row: SRK, Ajay & Tiger Get 15 Days; Sunny Says Zameer Stops Him From Such Ads
Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have received Maharashtra FDA show-cause notices over their Vimal Elaichi endorsement and have been given 15 days to explain. The regulator alleges the campaign could amount to surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala. Amid the controversy, Sunny Deol has revealed why he rejects pan masala endorsement offers, saying his zameer does not allow him to promote products he doesnt believe in. Heres the full story.
BJP announces new team under Nitin Nabin; Smriti Irani, Biplab Deb get key roles
Former Amethi MP Smriti Irani, former Tripura CM Biplab Deb, Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde, Gajendra Patel, Satish Poonia, Harish Dwivedi and Sanjay Bhatia have been entrusted with key responsibilities as general secretaries
Jharkhand students' protest: Rahul Gandhi urges Soren to meet students
In a letter to Soren dated August 14, Rahul Gandhi said the students' protest had remained peaceful and described their demands as legitimate
Chief Minister of Maharashtra meets the Prime Minister
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed various issues related to the state. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, @Dev_Fadnavis met Prime Minister @narendramodi, the Prime Ministers Office said on X. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he made a detailed presentation to Modi on various development projects in []
2 dead after gas leak at chemical factory in Maharashtra's Mahad
dead after gas leak at chemical factory in Maharashtras Mahad
Fire breaks out in basement of Mumbais Aayakar Bhavan
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 17: Stallion India Fluorochemicals Limited (SIFL), a leading forward integrated player in refrigeration and industrial gas operates as a critical link in the industrial gas supply chain, focusing on processing, blending, and distributing specialized gases across multiple sectors, has announced its unaudited financial results for the Q1 FY26-27.
Kalyanpuri murder: Sanitation workers demand Rs 1 crore compensation, MCD job
Several workers gathered at the hospital, where the body of Anil was kept, and demanded immediate arrest of the accused, compensation for his family and action against a private company that had engaged him
Parle Agro Warehouse Licence Suspended After FDA Finds Expired Frooti, Appy Fizz In Chembur
Maharashtra FDA seized expired Frooti, Appy Fizz and Candy Juice worth 99,970 during an overnight Chembur warehouse inspection.
'Girls were possessed': 600 students leave 'haunted' hostel
Nearly 600 tribal students abandoned a government-run hostel in Amravati, Maharashtra, after some girls exhibited strange behaviour, leading to claims of spirit possession. Officials suspect mental stress or selective hysteria, while local beliefs attribute the incidents to angry spirits from a cut 'mahua' tree or an encroached temple. Counselling efforts are underway to bring students back.
Fadnavis meets PM, discusses Maharashtra projects and seeks Centre's support
Fadnavis said he briefed Modi on the progress of several projects and sought the Centre's support for initiatives being implemented jointly by the two governments
Palghar steel plant blast injures 2, warning alarm helps avert major tragedy
Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on compensation under SHANTI Act
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued a limited notice to the Centre while also seeking clarification on a possible conflict of interest in the appointment of members to the nuclear regulatory body under the Act
NCH clarifies rules on Maharashtra bridge course for homoeopaths
NCH clarifies rules on Maharashtra bridge course for homoeopaths
Rs 164 crore Pune road project gets moving with 60-metre flyover, bridge and 430-metre underpass
Una accident: Biker killed after speeding bus hits multiple vehicles in Una
The accident occurred on Sunday evening at Bharwain within the Chintpurni police station limits, when the speeding bus bearing a Rajasthan registration number lost control and collided with several vehicles
Bollywood stars told to drop surrogate ad in Maharashtra's food safety drive
In a warning to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, made public over the weekend, the state said the actors were promoting Vimal's cardamoms but the brand is associated largely with pan masala
Agriculture-only Discoms: What Telangana, Maharashtra, Haryana are changing
Telangana and Maharashtra are separating agricultural consumers and their associated finances from existing distribution companies. Haryana has proposed a similar model
Video: Tukaram Mundhe Shares 4 Things Every Diner Should Check Before Ordering Food
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner highlighted four practical factors consumers should consider before their next restaurant visit or food order.
Officials Point To Stress After 600 Students Leave Haunted Maharashtra Hostel
In the investigation, symptoms such as persistent crying, fear, sadness, memory loss, and physical pain were observed in six female students.
Who is Tukaram Mundhe? The IAS officer taking on Maharashtra's food sector
In his latest move, Mundhe's FDA issued notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over advertisements for a pan masala brand, whose products are banned in Maharashtra
Why has Maharashtra FDA issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff? | Explainer
The FDA has issued notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, claiming that their brand endorsement of Vimal Elaichi misleads consumers or indirectly promotes the brand identity of a prohibited product, which is Vimal Pan Masala
Bombay HC clerk typing test glitches: Aspirants seek re-exam
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Job aspirants protesting in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar against glitches in the Bombay High Court clerk recruitment typing test have called off their agitation after giving the administration a week to rectify the issues and announce a reexamination. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convenor Abhijeet Dipke, who joined the protest on Sunday, August 16, termed 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 .
Bihar: Seven girls were swept away while bathing in Ganga ghat; two dead
Seven girls from the same family were swept away by strong currents while bathing in the Ganga at Ranisarai Ganga Ghat in Patnas Bakhtiyarpur on Monday. Three were rescued, two bodies recovered and SDRF teams continued searching for the remaining two girls
Around 7,750 auto-rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra have failed the Marathi proficiency exam. According to data provided by the Maharashtra government, more than 25,000 autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra are yet to obtain certification under the state government's Marathi language training program. The government set the deadline for auto-taxi drivers in Maharashtra to learn Marathi as August 15, 2026. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said there will be no extension of the August 15 deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi.
UGC-NET re-exam: Rahul Gandhi slams NTA over faulty papers in 3 subjects
The NTA announced on Sunday that it would re-conduct the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) for English, Sociology and Commerce after multiple errors were found in the question papers
BEST staff to meet today over asset sale
Chakan roads, traffic woes: Maharashtra govt forms panel for time-bound action
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday acknowledged that Chakan was facing serious infrastructure problems and promised steps to provide relief to industries operating in the area
Seven killed in stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai
The incident led to chaos at the temple, while locals and fellow devotees immediately began efforts to rescue those caught in the crowd.
The Maharashtra government has sanctioned 75 acres of land at Shenda Park, Kolhapur, for the development of the Bombay High Courts Kolhapur Circuit Bench and has approved the creation of 495 permanent posts for its establishment. The announcement was made on August 17, 2026, during the first foundation day celebrations of the Kolhapur Bench, marking [] The post Kolhapur Bombay High Court Bench to get 75 acres, 495 permanent posts; Permanent status expected soon appeared first on India Legal .
FDAs Action Welcomed: No One is Above the Law, Says Praveen Khandelwal
New Delhi, August 17: BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has responded to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) issuance of notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff regarding their promotion of Vimal Elaichi. Khandelwal described the FDAs action as lawful and commendable. He emphasized that the message must be clear: in ... Read more FDAs Action Welcomed: No One is Above the Law, Says Praveen Khandelwal
MEA Secretary highlights priorities of India's chairship at BRICS conference
MEA Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan highlighted Indias priorities as BRICS chair in 2026 at the India-Egypt BRICS Partnership Conference in Cairo. She stressed closer India-Egypt cooperation and a stronger BRICS voice for the Global South
Fire breaks out at Avirahi hotel in Mumbais Kandivali West; 11 rescued
Maharashtra's Highway Work Delay, Alcohol Problem Due To Trump: BJP Leader
Sujay Vikhe Patil, the former MP from Ahmednagar, made a long arc of an argument to link Trump's ad policies to shortage of material needed for the infrastructure project
Iran president says US peace MoU was reached with dignity and power
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran reached its peace MoU with the United States with dignity and power, rejecting claims of surrender. The agreement was aimed at ending the regional war, but the future of negotiations remains uncertain amid renewed tensions
US senator Ruben Gallego says Trump administration had no clear Iran war plan
US Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego has accused the Trump administration of entering the Iran war without a clear mission or exit strategy. The Iraq War veteran also raised concerns over exhaustion, morale and mental health among troops aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln
Fire up your appetite by indulging in these barbecue at these spots in Mumbai
Mumbais pitmasters are playing with slow-cooked meats, wood-fire techniques, and spice rubs. If you love a good backyard barbecue, check out these spots right now
Maharashtra HSC 2027: MSBSHSE opens application process, students can register till October 31
Maharashtra govt forms panel to tackle Chakan industrial belt's infra woes
Facing the ire of companies over potholed roads and traffic snarls in Pune's Chakan industrial belt, the Maharashtra government has admitted serious infrastructure gaps and set up a highlevel panel to resolve them. With the Opposition targeting the government over the issue, the ruling dispensation has moved swiftly to contain the situation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted on Friday that there were serious infrastructure issues in the industrial area and promised relief. The government subsequently formed a high-level panel to resolve the problems troubling the companies. Industries Minister Uday Samant visited the area on Sunday and met senior officials and representatives of industrial associations. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde joined the discussions via video-conferencing. The state government drew flak after the owners of at least 20 companies recently said they had decided to shift their factories to Khandala in Pune district due to severe traffic congestion a
