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Speaker Birla approves merger of SS(UBT) with Shinde-led Shiv Sena

PTI New Delhi Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday gave the approval of the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and separate seatings for the 20 rebel TMC law makers, who have joined a little know party, NCPI. Official sources said []

The Navhind Times 19 Jul 2026 12:32 am

Residents hold protest against Amazon data centre in Thane

Amazon's large data centre project in Thane faces significant local and political opposition. Residents protested, citing concerns about noise, environmental hazards, and resource shortages. Local leaders voiced worries about water scarcity and the project's impact on existing infrastructure. Political parties, including Shiv Sena, have also raised objections and sought project reviews. Maharashtra aims to develop the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a major data centre investment hub.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 11:27 pm

NCP SPs Jayant Patil: No talks on merger with NCP

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 11:24 pm

Sharad Pawar backs Sonam Wangchuk protest, says Centre 'acting as a spectator'

Sharad Pawar voiced support for Sonam Wangchuk and the ongoing student protests. He accused the central government of showing indifference to the demonstrators' concerns. The veteran leader urged the Union government to find a suitable resolution to the issues. Pawar stated that his party would continue to back Wangchuk's demands for Ladakh. He plans to raise the matter in Parliament for a priority discussion.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 11:08 pm

Body of man swept away in floodwaters in Maharashtra found after 12 days

Vasai-Virar Rain-Related Death Toll Rises to 11

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 10:52 pm

'Robust ecosystem needed to harness quantum computing and deep-tech revolution'

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis called for building a robust ecosystem to accelerate quantum computing and deep technologies, saying India must actively participate in the global technological revolution. He also announced plans to train 5,000 quantum computing professionals through MITRA

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:40 pm

Fatty pancreas now a disease linked to diabetes and cancer

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 10:36 pm

Punes infra gets mega boost as Fadnavis launches 3 elevated corridor projects

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched three major elevated road corridor projects in Pune, saying the city is on track to become one of Indias most advanced urban centres by 2030. The projects aim to reduce congestion, improve industrial connectivity and support long-term infrastructure growth

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:30 pm

Veteran Gandhian leader Dr Kumar Saptarshi passes away in Pune

Veteran Gandhian activist, socialist thinker and Yuvak Kranti Dal (Yukrand) founder Dr Kumar Saptarshi passed away in Pune on Saturday. Political leaders, social activists and members of the Gandhian movement mourned his death, calling it a significant loss to Maharashtra's progressive movement

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:21 pm

Congress Leader Criticizes Police Action Against Activist Sonam Wangchuk

Mumbai, July 18: Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal has expressed strong objections to the Delhi Polices decision to take social activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital from Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for several days, protesting against the NEET paper leak. Opposition leaders had urged him to end ... Read more Congress Leader Criticizes Police Action Against Activist Sonam Wangchuk

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 9:52 pm

Nirupam says Uddhav abandoned Hindutva, cant invoke Ram

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Saturday, July 18, targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over his Ram Raksha agitation, saying that the former Maharashtra chief minister had no right to invoke Lord Ram after abandoning the Hindutva ideology. Those who are doing the drama of reciting the Ram Raksha hymn are actually 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 .

The Siasat Daily 18 Jul 2026 9:40 pm

Congress Leader Criticizes Governments Response to Sonam Wangchuks Protest

Mumbai, July 18: Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in the national capital for several days, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital under the supervision of Delhi police and doctors. This incident has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly from senior Congress leader Hussain Dalwai from Maharashtra. He stated ... Read more Congress Leader Criticizes Governments Response to Sonam Wangchuks Protest

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 9:32 pm

Taloja SUV crash death toll rises to 2

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 9:06 pm

Speaker Birla approves merger of rebel SS(UBT) with Shinde-led Shiv Sena; rebel TMC MPs to sit separately

New Delhi, July 18: Ahead of the Monsoon session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and allowed separate seating for the 20 rebel TMC lawmakers, who have joined a little-known party, NCPI. Official sources said that with the merger of the six MPs, the strength of the Shiv Sena has gone up to 13. The TMC rebel groups of 20 MPs will seat separately, away from the parent party, the sources said. No final decision has been taken on the demand of the rebel TMC MPs to be recognised as part of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), and the matter is still under consideration, they said. The TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) had demanded the disqualification of the rebel MPs. The rebel TMC MPs are also likely to attend Sunday's all-party meeting. The Lok Sabha Speaker had earlier met a TMC delegation headed by its leader Abhishek Banerjee as well as the party's breakaway group. A similar exercise was also carried out with regard to the Shiv Sena (UBT). Consultations with legal and constitutional experts of Parliament were carried out and they provided their inputs to the Speaker to help him take the final decisions, sources said. The decisions came two days ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, which will begin on July 20 Past precedents, decisions taken by the former speakers of Lok Sabha and chairmen of Rajya Sabha in similar situations were also examined before taking the informed and legally sound decisions, the sources said, adding Constitutional and legal aspects were looked into. Besides the rebel groups of the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT), the DMK also sought a separate seating arrangement, away from the Congress, after the principal opposition party broke its decades-old alliance with the Tamil Nadu party and joined hands with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's party TVK. This demand is also likely to be accepted by the Speaker. Altogether, 29 MPs got elected to the Lok Sabha on TMC tickets in the 2024 general election. As many as 20 MPs broke away from the party and joined NCPI, a registered unrecognised political party headquartered in Howrah, West Bengal, and sought separate seating arrangement. The rebel group also expressed their allegiance to the Narendra Modi government and their desire to join the ruling NDA. One TMC MP passed away some time ago and the seat remains vacant. In case of Shiv Sena (UBT), a total of nine MPs got elected on party tickets, of which six have joined the rival Shiv Sena, headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Both the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) argued before the Speaker that their rebel MPs should be disqualified as the defections fall under the anti-defection law. The two parties argued that the anti-defection law may not be applicable only if two-thirds of the entire party walk away from its fold. TMC general secretary and its Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee demanded before Birla that the rebels should be disqualified. He also said the claims of the rebels that they 'merged' with the NCPI were not valid, and as per the law, two-thirds of the entire party must merge with another party, not just individual legislators. Banerjee had also submitted before the Speaker 20 separate petitions against the 20 rebels seeking their disqualification. Shiv Sena (UBT) had also met Birla and urged him to share the demands submitted to him by the six rebel MPs of the party who have now joined the Eknath Shinde-led party. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai had said that they conveyed to the Speaker that the Tenth Schedule is clear: Any group of a legislature party cannot merge into some other party on its own, even if they have a two-thirds majority. On July 14, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, leaders of the rebel TMC, met the Speaker and discussed with him seating arrangements for the party's 20 MPs in the Lower House. They also discussed the allotment of a party office in the new Parliament building, the sources said.

Greater Kashmir 18 Jul 2026 9:04 pm

Asatya and Hinsa are core tenets of Modi govt: Rahul on Wangchuks removal

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the shifting of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar during his hunger strike, alleging the Modi governments core tenets are 'Asatya and Hinsa'. Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his fast

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 8:23 pm

This hidden waterfall near Pune is a monsoon delight

As the monsoon paints the Sahyadri hills in brilliant shades of green, Kataldhar Waterfall near Pune transforms into one of Maharashtras most beautiful hidden escapes. Nestled in the lush Ulhas Valley near Lonavala, this seasonal waterfall is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers and photographers. For Hyderabadis looking to trade busy city life for misty 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 .

The Siasat Daily 18 Jul 2026 5:25 pm

Students from Beed claim mismatch in NEET UG 2026 retest scores

Beed: Some students from Beed district in Maharashtra have alleged discrepancies between their expected marks, calculated through the official answer key and the final scores declared on their scorecards following the declaration of results of the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. Distressed by the sudden variations, parents of the affected students are now preparing to approach the 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 .

The Siasat Daily 18 Jul 2026 5:18 pm

Bombay high court cancels bail of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre in Dombivli hospital assault case

The Bombay High Court has cancelled bail for Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his aides. They must surrender by Sunday evening following an alleged hospital assault. This incident involved attacks on doctors and nurses over patient treatment delays. The Indian Medical Association called for a statewide strike protesting the violence. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July twenty-second.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 5:18 pm

Dog turns aggressive, lunges at girls inside lift in Mumbai building; CCTV shows owner struggling to restrain pet

A pet dog reportedly became aggressive inside a Mumbai residential tower elevator. The animal lunged at three young girls, causing panic within the confined space. CCTV footage captured the harrowing incident, which has since gone viral on social media. No injuries were reported to authorities, and no formal complaint has been lodged. The incident has triggered concern among residents of the Sheth Irene tower.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 5:15 pm

Complaints on quality of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to be probed, resolved in 7 days: Bharane

Maharashtra's agriculture minister announced revamped taluka committees for faster complaint resolution. These committees will now investigate seed, fertiliser, and pesticide quality issues within seven days. Field inspections and sample testing will ensure impartial inquiries into farmer complaints. Representatives of companies and retailers must attend inspections and provide purchase receipts. Strict action will follow against manufacturers and dealers supplying substandard agricultural inputs.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 5:03 pm

Sharad Pawars Next Move? The Inside Story of Maharashtras Political Drama | Pulse Maharashtra

The political drama in Maharashtra refuses to die down! From secret late-night meetings between CM Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leaders to Eknath Shindes sudden Delhi visit, the states political alignments are shifting fast. In this episode of Pulse Maharashtra, Vinaya Deshpande Pandit breaks down the inside story: Is Sharad Pawars party mulling over options to support the NDA on the crucial Delimitation Bill? What are the 3 options in front of the NCP-SP? And how did Eknath Shindes Operation Tiger decimate Uddhav Thackerays legislative power? Watch the full analysis to understand the unpredictable number game that could change the Parliaments landscape.

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 4:41 pm

Sanchita Ugale death: AICWA President seeks SIT probe, meets Maharashtra HM

A month after Sanchita Ugale's demise, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has now sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of actress

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 3:13 pm

Sonam Wangchuk dehydrated after 20-Days hunger strike, says Safdarjung Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk arrived at our hospital around 7.40 am. He is somewhat weak due to prolonged fasting and is experiencing mild dehydration; otherwise, all his vital parameters are stable. He is being continuously examined and monitored, and his treatment is underway, Dr Bamba said

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 2:29 pm

Worker dies after fire breaks out at storage unit in Pune residential building

The blaze erupted around 9 pm at Firdous Apartment in Vetal Nagar, prompting a swift response from the Pune Fire Brigade. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control before it could spread to the upper floors of the six-storey building

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 1:53 pm

Police Action Against Sonam Wangchuk Viewed as Authoritarian by Sanjay Raut

Nagpur, July 18: Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha member from Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the central government on Saturday, labeling the police action against Sonam Wangchuk as authoritarian. He alleged that this action was a deliberate attempt to divert public and media attention from the Ram Raksha movement led by Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra. ... Read more Police Action Against Sonam Wangchuk Viewed as Authoritarian by Sanjay Raut

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 1:42 pm

Maharashtra: 4,300 youth to be trained for Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027

The project has been designed to strengthen service delivery during the Kumbh Mela by equipping youth with practical skills required across the tourism, hospitality, healthcare and infrastructure sectors

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 1:34 pm

Gujarat tops NITI Aayogs first Investment Friendliness Index 2026 among major States

Gujarat scored 56.6 points, ahead of Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3), in an assessment of 17 major States

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 1:29 pm

Army opens fire after suspicious movement along LoC in J-K's Rajouri

The firing occurred in the Tarkundi forward area around 10 pm and continued for nearly 90 minutes. No casualties or injuries have been reported

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 1:27 pm

Skyroot launches India's 1st private orbital rocket Vikram-1

The landmark mission lifted off from the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone for Indias growing private space sector

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 1:21 pm

Opposition slams Centre over Sonam Wangchuk's removal

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) agitation over alleged examination irregularities and the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 1:16 pm

SIR schedule revised for Maharashtra, extended by 10 days

As per the revised schedule, the draft voter list will be published on August 17, and the final list will be published on October 19

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 12:19 pm

Mid-Day Opinion: Consumers must not tolerate unsafe food

If one sees that an outlet is stocking expired products quite often, speak to the owner/proprietor

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 11:20 am

Mid-Day Opinion: Maharashtra govts power play

Providing relief to farmers unable to pay their electricity bills will ultimately improve financial health of the state power distribution company, which is soon to go public, boosting investor confidence

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 11:19 am

IRGC Navy warns US of 'zero hour', claims CENTCOM under watch

US Central Command has previously said its forces continue operations aimed at protecting regional security and maritime navigation, while Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned against US military presence in the Gulf region

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 11:16 am

Maharashtra: Lonavala attractions reopen as Pune lifts monsoon restrictions

Restrictions were imposed from July 6 to August 31 to prevent traffic congestion and accidents during peak monsoon season

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 11:15 am

US launches seventh night of strikes on Iran amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

Iran effectively closed the strait to shipping traffic after the US and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 11:13 am

Hyderabad: FIR against teacher over alleged Islamic homework for Hindu student

Following a complaint made by the students aunt, the FIR was filed under Section 299 of BNS and Section 75 of Juvenile Justice Act, a police official said

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 11:02 am

CENTCOM dismisses Iranian claims of tanker mine blasts in Strait of Hormuz

The denial followed assertions by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday (local time) that two oil tankers had exploded after striking mines within the critical maritime corridor

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:59 am

Gujarat ATS arrests five alleged JeM members in terror probe

The arrested persons were identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala, Mohammad Palanpuri, Shafia Rais Mukhti, and Mohammad Hasan Kardia

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:47 am

Onion growers welcome agri market near Vadhvan port, urge govt to develop Nashik as export hub

Maharashtra's onion growers welcome a new agricultural market near Vadhvan port. They propose developing Nashik as a national onion export hub for global trade. This initiative aims to boost farmer incomes and India's position in the onion market. The growers seek direct farmer benefits and improved export infrastructure. A stable export policy and processing incentives are also requested.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 10:46 am

Researchers develop near-invisible Phantom Twist drone

That is far too fast for the human eye to process. This motion blur turns the drone into a faint, semi-transparent smudge that blends into surroundings rather than achieving total invisibility

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:45 am

New monkey species discovered in Congo forest after 75 years

The species has distinctive orange-cream facial markings, weighs around 7 kg, and diverged from its closest relative four to five million years ago only the fifth new African monkey species identified in 75 years

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:42 am

Study finds microplastics in 84 per cent of heart attack patients

Polyethylene was the most common plastic type, with highest concentrations found directly in coronary blood, accompanied by elevated inflammatory markers

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:39 am

China landslide buries homes in Chongqing, rescue underway

The landslide occurred at 9.08 am in Chongqings Pengshui County. Massive amounts of rocks and soil washed downslope, burying more than 10 residential buildings

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:36 am

Delhi HC seeks police reply on Sharjeel Imam's bail plea

A bench issued notice on Imams appeal challenging the trial courts July 4 decision to dismiss his second bail application. The police has two weeks to file a reply. The matter will now be heard on August 27

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:33 am

Abhijeet Dipke sits on indefinite fast; supporters reaffirm July 20 march

The development comes amid a row over the removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike, triggering protests from supporters who alleged that he was taken away against his will

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 10:03 am

Watch: Chaotic scenes as supporters allege police forcibly hospitalised Wangchuk

A heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel was seen at the protest site as the protesters were asked to vacate the area

Mid Day 18 Jul 2026 9:35 am

Re-NEET Result 2026: Shravani Kudale Tops Maharashtra, Becomes India's Highest-Ranking Girl

Baramati's Shravani Kudale scored 710 marks in NEET 2026, becoming Maharashtra topper and highest ranked girl. Deputy CM Shravani Kudale congratulated her.

NDTV 18 Jul 2026 9:23 am

IMA plans protest against assault on doctors in Dombivli on July 20

The IMA has urged government to take strict action against all those involved in the assault, without any political interference and to amend the Maharashtra Medicare Act to prevent violence against healthcare workers.

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 9:13 am

On its 25th anniv, Khazana Ghazal festival to honour Asha Bhosle

Khazana's landmark 25th ghazal festival is scheduled for next week. This unique event blends poetry and melodies for a noble cause. Performances will feature renowned artists like Anup Jalota and Hariharan. A special tribute will honor Asha Bhosle and past musical contributors. The festival promises a beautiful celebration of ghazals and compassionate giving.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 8:48 am

Maharashtra University of Health Sciences goofup: PG students handed exam paper meant for Monday test

First-year postgraduate homeopathy students received the wrong examination paper. The students were mistakenly handed Monday's question paper instead of Friday's. This error caused a delay in the commencement of the examination for all students. The university controller confirmed the mistake and assured a replacement paper was sent. The incident highlights the need for improved verification processes for examination materials.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 8:31 am

Maharashtra Imposes Restrictions in Pune from July 21 to August 3

Pune, July 18: In an effort to maintain law and order, the police administration in Pune, Maharashtra, has announced a 14-day prohibitory order under Sections 37(1), 37(2), and 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. This order will be effective from 12:01 AM on July 21 until 12:00 AM on August 3 across the Pune ... Read more Maharashtra Imposes Restrictions in Pune from July 21 to August 3

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 8:03 am

Preferring seclusion over inclusion

Despite improvement in security scenario in Kashmir, politicians continue to stay away from the common people and seem least interested in reaching out to the voters who elected them. The moot question they need to answer is, why do they prefer seclusion over inclusion? The growing perception seems that mainstream politics in Kashmir has drifted away from addressing everyday concerns of the common man and has got caught in a quagmire of issues that have little direct bearing on the lives of denizens in the Valley. Its a well-established fact that times have changed and there is no room left for emotional speeches and lip service. People want results. A common man wants to know what have the MLAs, whom he voted for in 2024, done for him. They want their elected representatives to speak up and be accountable to them. However, a large section of the people continues to feel alienatednot merely from governments, but from politics itself. Primary Responsibility The primary responsibility of any elected representative is simple: to improve the lives of the people who elected them. Employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, investment, tourism, agriculture, business opportunities and transparent governance should dominate the political discourse. Unfortunately, many believe these issues often receive less attention than they deserve. Its strange that politicians in Kashmir leave no opportunity to give their opinion on any international issue that has nothing to do with the lives of the common people living in the Valley. Politicians frequently issue statements on conflicts in distant regions, geopolitical developments or global ideological debates. They need to realize that voters reasonably expect their elected representatives to devote the bulk of their time and political capital to solving the problems faced by the people whom they represent. Stark Contrast There is a stark contrast between the leaders of other regions in the country and the politicians hailing from Kashmir. Regional leaders largely focus on their respective states. Political leaders in West Bengal primarily concentrate on Bengals economy, education, healthcare and industries. Leaders in Maharashtra debate Maharashtras infrastructure and investment. Tamil Nadus politics revolves around issues affecting Tamil Nadu. For them governance remains rooted in local priorities. However, in Kashmir local politicians believe that if they dont issue statements on international developments, they might miss the bus. It seems they are unaware about the fact that their pep talk on the international issues has no takers. They need to understand that problems in the world cannot be solved by the people of Kashmir and Kashmiris have got nothing to do with these issues. Commentators on global affairs Mainstream leaders who stand elected to represent Kashmir often sound more like commentators on global affairs than advocates for local governance. Europe, Gaza, the United States and the Middle East dominate their rhetoric, while unemployment, development and the aspirations of Kashmirs youth dont get the same sustained attention. They are worried about the world despite being elected from Kashmir. Not many opposition leaders have posed any questions to the National Conference Government after it took over the reins in 2024. It appears that none of the Kashmir based leaders want to annoy the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues by asking direct and tough questions. Anyway, its their call. They need to remember people are watching and voters cannot be misled every time. Unemployment as challenge Local leaders seem to have forgotten that the unemployment crisis remains one of Kashmirs biggest challenges. Thousands of educated young men and women complete their degrees every year with hopes of securing meaningful employment. Instead, many spend years preparing for competitive examinations, waiting for recruitment notifications or seeking opportunities outside Jammu and Kashmir. This prolonged uncertainty has left the youth exasperated, many of whom feel that political promises made during elections rarely translate into tangible outcomes. Governance is not about creating hope during election campaigns alone; it is about delivering results after assuming office. Public trust is built through execution rather than rhetoric. Eye-opener events The political developments in Bangladesh and Nepal should serve as an eye-opener for Kashmirs mainstream leadership. In both countries, widespread public frustration with the political establishment eventually erupted into mass protests, driven by perceptions of poor governance, unfulfilled promises, economic hardship and a widening disconnect between rulers and the people. These events demonstrated that public patience has limits. No political leadership can remain insulated from popular sentiment if it consistently fails to address the aspirations of its citizens. The lesson for Kashmir is clear: legitimacy is earned through performance, accountability and public trustnot through political rhetoric or past electoral victories. Responsible politics requires honesty Responsible politics requires honesty. Citizens appreciate leaders who explain constraints while offering realistic solutions more than those who repeatedly make promises that cannot be implemented. They lose faith on the leaders who just hide behind the excuses. Kashmiri leaders must recognise that todays youth are more informed than ever before. Through digital media, they compare opportunities available across India and the world. They expect performance, transparency and accountability. Emotional narratives that may have dominated previous generations are no longer sufficient for a generation seeking careers, innovation and financial stability. Politicians must focus on implementation rather than delivering sermons. Relationship between citizens and their representatives should be based on trust. Trust grows when leaders spend more time listening than lecturing, more time solving than speaking and more time delivering than promising. People of Kashmir deserve an era in which governance takes precedence over grandstanding, development over distraction and public welfare over political theatre. Sheikh Khalid Jehangir is a policy analyst, Director of the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), former Vice Chairman of JKPCC, and the BJPs 2019 Lok Sabha candidate from Srinagar.

Greater Kashmir 18 Jul 2026 5:12 am

Election Commission Announces Revised Schedule for Special Intensive Revision in Maharashtra

Mumbai, July 18: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list across Maharashtra. This decision comes in response to heavy rainfall in certain regions of the state and a formal request for an extension from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra. ... Read more Election Commission Announces Revised Schedule for Special Intensive Revision in Maharashtra

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 2:53 am

Raut Claims CM Change Likely In Maharashtra

Raut was in Nagpur to oversee preparations for the Shiv Sena UBTs Ram Raksha Andolan to be held on July 18 against the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Jul 2026 1:46 am

Goa among top five states on Investment Friendliness Index

Secures highest rank in STEM enrolment Panaji : Goa is among the top five states on NITI Aayogs Investment Friendliness Index, as per a report released on Friday. The state is ranked fourth in being investor friendly with an index rating of 53.1 points, vis--vis Gujarat which is at the top (56.6 points,) Maharashtra (53.7 []

The Navhind Times 18 Jul 2026 1:18 am

Gujarat tops NITI's investment friendliness index; Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu follow

Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead NITI Aayog's investment friendliness index. The index assesses states on eight key parameters for investor attraction. Fifteen states were classified as frontrunners, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. India needs to increase investment to boost economic growth and demand. Strengthening state-level ecosystems is essential for national competitiveness and growth.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 12:22 am

Anil Patil Dismisses Speculations of NCP Joining NDA Amidst Political Rumors in Maharashtra

Jalgaon, July 18: Amidst swirling rumors regarding the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar potentially joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), NCP legislator Anil Patil has firmly denied these claims. He emphasized that the recent meeting between Jayant Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should not be ... Read more Anil Patil Dismisses Speculations of NCP Joining NDA Amidst Political Rumors in Maharashtra

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 12:13 am

Sugar prices hit record highs amid supply concerns in India

Record high sugar prices in India have emerged due to pressing supply issues, though industry leaders assure that domestic stocks are adequate for consumer needs. This rise in prices has mainly transpired over the last month, influenced by low inventories in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Optimistically, the upcoming season is expected to see a notable boost in production.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 12:06 am

4-storey building tilts in Nalasopara, residents evacuated

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 11:59 pm

Tribals Demand Separate Bhil Pradesh at Grand Conference in Rajasthan

Jaipur, July 17: Thousands of tribals from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli gathered at the renowned Manger Dham in Banswara for a grand conference on Friday. Under the banner of the Bhil Pradesh Liberation Front, participants unanimously called for the establishment of a new state, Bhil ... Read more Tribals Demand Separate Bhil Pradesh at Grand Conference in Rajasthan

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 11:42 pm

Fake website used to cheat members of holiday resort chain

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 11:19 pm

Western Railway seeks Kandivali defence land for MMR's biggest long-distance rail terminal

The Western Railway is set to introduce a new long-distance terminal in Kandivali, targeting the alleviation of congestion at Mumbai's current stations. With the capacity to host fifty-four more trains each day, this terminal anticipates serving around one lakh passengers daily. A critical step is securing land transfer from the Defence Ministry to pave the way for this significant development.

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 11:11 pm

No NDA Entry Without Merger: Sources On BJP's Plan For Sharad Pawar's NCP

This development comes amid rumblings of political reunions in Maharashtra, fuelled by recent meetings between leaders from both NCP camps and key figures in the ruling dispensation.

NDTV 17 Jul 2026 11:06 pm

Adhik Jyeshtha, Super El Nio combo may delay Maharashtra monsoon, analysis flags higher rain deficit risk

Maharashtra's monsoon may face delays this year due to the Adhik Jyeshtha month coinciding with the Super El Nio phenomenon. Historical patterns indicate a 58% likelihood of below-normal rainfall during such occurrences. This prolonged dry phase intensifies drought conditions and slows the onset of seasonal winds. Experts highlight that the monsoon's strength and distribution is affected by various factors, requiring a detailed climate analysis for accurate rainfall predictions.

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 11:02 pm

Hospitality industry seeks 3am bar extension for FIFA final

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 10:54 pm

FIR against 11 Mumbai teachers for skipping BLO duty

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 10:43 pm