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Mumbai: Traffic on Ghodbunder Road to persist till mid-December
Appoint Leaders of Opposition for Maharashtra Assembly: Uddhav
More than a year after the Assembly election, the LoP must be appointed and we have been demanding this the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation organises lecture at Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial
Navi Mumbai: Narcotics worth Rs 13.7 lakh seized, 2 peddlers held
Navi Mumbai: FIR registered against over four accused of illegal land transaction
Navi Mumbai: Raigad faces technical glitches in EVMs
Faced criticism from my own community for advocating creamy layer principle: Ex-CJI Gavai
MUMBAI : Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Saturday said he faced criticism from his own community for stating in a judgement that the creamy layer principle should be applied to reservation for the Scheduled Castes. In Dr B R Ambedkar's view, affirmative action was like providing a bicycle to someone who is lagging behind, he said, asking whether Ambedkar thought that such a person should never give up the bicycle. Ambedkar did not think so, he claimed. Gavai, who retired as CJI recently, was delivering a lecture on Role of Affirmative Action in Promoting Equal Opportunity at Mumbai University. Paying tributes to Ambedkar on his death anniversary, Gavai said the iconic leader was the architect of not only the Indian Constitution but also of the affirmative action enshrined in it. Babasaheb, in so far affirmative action is concerned, was of view that it is like providing a cycle to those who are lagging behind. Suppose somebody is at tenth km and somebody at zero, he (the latter) should be provided a cycle, so that he reaches faster till the tenth km. From there, he joins the person who is already there and walks along with him. Did he (Ambedkar) think that the person should not leave the cycle and carry forward and thereby ask the people who are at zero km to continue to be there? the former CJI asked. In my view, that was not the vision of social and economic justice as contemplated by Babasaheb Ambedkar.He wanted to bring social and economic justice in the real sense and not in formal sense, he added. The Indra Sawhney and Others Vs Union of India case enunciated the creamy layer principle, and in another case, he himself held that creamy layer should also be made applicable to the Scheduled Castes, said Gavai. The principle demands that those who are sufficiently advanced economically and socially should not get the benefit of affirmative action even though they are members of the backward community for which it is meant. He was widely criticized by the people of his own community for this judgement, Gavai said, adding that he was accused of taking benefit of reservation himself to become a Supreme Court judge and then advocating the exclusion of those who fell in the creamy layer. But these people did not even know that there is no reservation for the constitutional office of High Court or Supreme Court judge, Gavai said. Can applying the same yardstick to the son of a chief justice of India or chief secretary and the son of a labourer who has studied in a gram panchayat school satisfy the test of equality as enshrined in the Constitution, he asked. Gavai, however, emphasized that in the last 75 years o doubt affirmative action has played a positive role. I have traveled across the country, traveled across the world, I have seen many people belonging to the Scheduled Caste becoming chief secretary or director general of police or ambassadors and high commissioners, he said. Maharashtra is a land of social reformers, and the egion can truly be described as the birthplace of the idea of modern India, Gavai said. We are all aware about Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule's pioneering work in eradication of inequalities in the society, he said. When women were among most oppressed in society, it was the Phule couple who opened the door of education for them, he noted.
Mumbai: Fire breaks out at godown in Nagpada, no injuries reported
Right to Disconnect: Sule introduces bill for work-personal life balance
Titled The Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, the proposal gives employees the legal right to stop responding to work-related emails, calls or messages outside office hours
Police arrange buses for many to Chaityabhoomi
Savarkars statue in A&N to mark 116 yrs of his poem
Mumbai: Retired man duped of over 33 lakh in MBBS admission scam
Thane: Online Scammers Target Retired 64-Year-Old, Accuse Him of Terrorist Links, Siphon 1.25 cr
Govt caps airfares at Rs 7,500-Rs 18,000 across India amid IndiGo crisis
As per the ministry`s order, airlines have been prohibited from charging above the newly fixed maximum limits, which have been introduced in public interest, until flight operations return to normal. The cap ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000 depending on the length of the route
2.2mn tonne waste still left, Mulund dump clean-up gets 2nd extension
Maharashtra sets world record for fastest solar pump deployment
With more than 7.47 lakh solar pumps already installed and a target of 10.45 lakh, Maharashtra is now at the forefront of Indias agricultural renewable-energy transition
Maharashtra to build counselling system for students after SC order
Woman dies in Mumbai road accident after truck hits motorcycle
If Leader of Opposition can't be appointed in Maharashtra, then abolish Deputy CM post too: Uddhav
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in both Houses in Maharashtra. He added that if the appointment is not made citing rules, then the deputy chief minister's post should also be abolished as it is not a constitutional post. Uddhav raised the issue ahead of the Maharashtra assemblys winter session that is scheduled from Monday in Nagpur. The BJP-led Mahayuti government should immediately announce the Leader of the Opposition for both the Houses. Also, if you are going to cite the technical law, then the post of Deputy Chief Minister should be abolished immediately, because there is no provision for such a post anywhere in the Constitution, he said. To get the post of Leader of Opposition, an opposition party must have at least 10 per cent of the total strength of the assembly. In the Maharashtra assembly, there are a total of 288 members, so an opposition party must have 28 MLAs to get the post. However, there is no party in the opposition that fulfills the criteria. The Uddhav-led Shiv Sena has the highest number of MLAs with 20, followed by the Congress with 15 and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP SP with 10. On the other hand, the BJP has 132 MLAs, Shv Sena (Shinde) has 57, and DCM Ajit Pawar-led NCP has 41. If some portfolio has to be given, then give that to him (Eknath Shinde) but do not call him Deputy Chief Minister. This government should announce the post of Leader of the Opposition in both houses during the forthcoming winter session in Nagpur. This is our demand. If it is not fulfilled then we may approach the court as well, Uddhav told media persons on Saturday. We had demanded during the very first session that they should announce the Leader of the Opposition. Now a year has passed. For the first time in the history of the legislature, there is no Leader of the Opposition in both houses. This government is strong and it is supported by the central government. Despite this, why is this government afraid to appoint the Leader of the Opposition? he questioned.
Indigo ground staff face violence, chaos during mass flight delays and cancellations
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh, with intensified strict vigilance, has cracked down on the transportation of paddy from other states and seized over one lakh quintals so far in separate cases ever since the procurement began from November 15. The state has launched special campaigns in different districts, with alert and rigorous monitoring underway. There are continuous checks, check posts set up in districts and along state borders, besides keeping track of GPS-equipped vehicles used for foodgrain transport to prevent illegal paddy transportation. This year, several check posts have undertaken a digital verification oversight process and a resolute inter-state coordination. Meticulous measures are adopted in every procurement centre, having a more accountable and technology-driven system, to record entries on the actual paddy received on a given day. The state government has issued a directive to all district collectors to ensure transparency in the procurement process of paddy in all centres, while illegal transportation and fictitious purchase will not be tolerated. The paddy procurement is to continue till January 31, 2026. According to officials, the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (CG-MARKFED) has set up check-posts in border districts and constituted task forces headed by district collectors to check the movement of paddy from neighbouring states. The MARKFED has this year instituted Integrated Command and Control Centre to manage real-time surveillance of the procurement process and closely monitor every border area of the state. Over 16 separate check posts with installed cameras have been set-up in areas connecting Chhattisgarh to other states for round the clock observation at the Command Centre, a senior officer said. The detail of every vehicle entering Chhattisgarh state is recorded by deployed staff at every small or big check post, including those connecting the border areas. Chhattisgarh, often cited as the rice bowl in Central India, offers Rs 3,100 per quintal as minimum support price (MSP) to paddy growers, which is believed to be the highest in the country. There are sneaky attempts from neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Telangana to secure high returns of paddy from the government procurement centres in Chhattisgarh state. There were instances where officials had earlier confiscated paddy illegally transported and stored in the state.
IndiGo announces automatic refunds amid the ongoing flight disruptions
Amid widespread flight disruptions, IndiGo has announced automatic refunds and a full waiver on cancellation and rescheduling charges for travel between December 5 and 15
Center orders IndiGo to clear all pending refunds by Sunday
Amid IndiGos ongoing flight disruptions, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered the airline to complete all pending refunds by 8 pm on Sunday. With 405 domestic flights cancelled in five days, the government also directed IndiGo to trace lost baggage within 48 hours
South Africa: 11 killed, 14 injured after mass shooting in Pretoria
The number of people killed in a deadly shooting incident in Pretoria on Saturday has risen to 11, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed
Domestic airfares capped to prevent demand-supply price spike: Air India
The move was taken to prevent fare hikes that usually occur through revenue management systems when demand increases suddenly, an official statement said
CR announces 14 special trains for winter rush of passengers
The special trains have been planned in response to the high demand for travel and will run between major cities across India, including Madgaon, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi)
ED files chargesheet against Reliance Power, others in fake bank guarantee case
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Reliance Power Ltd and 10 others in a Rs 68 crore fake bank guarantee case linked to a SECI tender. The ED alleges Reliance officials used fraudulent endorsements and spoofed emails, while the group claims it is a victim of fraud. Several accused remain in custody
South African wildlife experts train officials on human-wildlife conflict
Two experts from South Africa Hein Schoeman, a wildlife capture specialist, and Dr Josephine Skaarup Petersson, a wildlife veterinarian led the interaction. They shared global practices on wildlife capture, conflict mitigation, population management and safe handling techniques
Court grants anticipatory bail to Jamtara producer in Rs 2.5-crore cheating case
Film producer Manish Trehan and his brother-in-law Satwant Singh secured anticipatory bail after being accused of defrauding an investor of 2.5 crore. The duo allegedly promised business expansion and a film project for Amazon Prime, but the money was reportedly invested elsewhere. The court deemed custodial interrogation unnecessary, granting bail.
Thane senior citizen loses Rs 1.06 crore in investment fraud
Thane: A 78-year-old man from Maharashtras Thane city has allegedly been duped of Rs 1.06 crore in an online investment fraud after being lured with promises of lucrative returns, police said on Saturday. The police have registered a case against one person in this connection, they said. The accused first added the senior citizen to 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 .
Thousands gather at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai to pay tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who paid tributes to Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park
Indian Railways adds extra coaches and special trains amid IndiGo cancelltions
Amid IndiGo cancelling 405 domestic flights over the past five days due to pilot shortages, Indian Railways has deployed 116 extra coaches across 37 trains and introduced four special train services to ease passenger congestion nationwide.
IndiGo cancellations: Foreigner loses cool, climbs atop counter at Mumbai airport; watch
Widespread IndiGo flight cancellations on Saturday left thousands of passengers stranded across India, leading to scenes of frustration and protests at airports. Despite the aviation regulator pausing recent flight duty time limitations, disruptions continued, impacting crucial travel plans for many, including a team selected for the Smart India Hackathon.
Delhi wakes up to toxic smog as AQI hits 333, very poor category
The area around Anand Vihar was blanketed in a dense layer of toxic smog, with an AQI of 366 in the `very poor` category. According to CPCB data, Sonia Vihar recorded an AQI of 352, Wazirpur measured 359, while Ghazipur Mandi recorded 366
Mumbai electoral data: Malad sees sharpest rise in voters, SoBo steepest decline
Mumbai's electoral data reveals a significant voter surge in suburban P North wards, while island city wards see a decline. Officials attribute this shift to redevelopment, rising rentals, and affordable housing pushing residents outwards. Political accusations of infiltrators have emerged over the P North increase.
Maharashtra teachers hold Statewide strike over TET norms, Govt. resolution on student-teacher ratio
Strike by 1.8 lakh teachers across Maharashtra shuts most schools as 35 unions demand rollback of GR on student-teacher ratio, TAT norms, and relief from non-academic duties
Three killed, eight critically injured as bus collides with parked truck in Maharashtra's Gondia
GONDIA: Three passengers were killed when a private bus coming from Chhattisgarh collided with a stationary truck near a village in Gondia district of Maharashtra, police said on Friday. Eight passengers of the Chhattisgarh-registered bus were critically injured in the accident which took place on National Highway-53 near Dhobisarad village under Deori tehsil shortly after midnight on Thursday, they said. The bus, belonging to a private travel agency, was going from Kawardha in Chhattisgarh to Chandrapur in Maharashtra. As the bus was passing through Deori at 12.20 am, the driver was unable to notice a truck parked on the roadside due to darkness and rammed into it, according to police. The impact of the collision was such that the front portion of the bus was completely damaged. There were 45 passengers in the bus and three of them perished in the crash. Two of them were identified as Sunita Hemlal Baghele (45), a resident of Khairagarh in Chhattisgarh, and Manoj Bablu Patle (40), a native Kawardha, while police did not provide details about the third deceased. The critically injured passengers were referred to Nagpur for advanced treatment, said police. On getting information about the crash, a police team led by Inspector Pravin Dange reached the spot and helped the injured come out of the bus with assistance from local residents. Ambulances from nearby Primary Health Centres and Rural Hospitals were summoned and used to ferry the injured passengers to hospitals. According to Assistant Police Inspector Mukesh Rathod, the truck got stranded on the roadside after running out of fuel. Bus driver Chandrashekhar Chaudhari failed to notice the truck and this led to the ghastly accident. The bus driver also got injured and both his legs were fractured in the crash, Rathod added.
Experts warn of ecological threat as SC narrows definition of Aravali hills
The Supreme Courts acceptance of a new definition that counts only hills above 100 metres as part of the Aravalis has raised alarm among environmentalists. Experts fear that the move could strip protection from most of the ancient range, exposing regions, including Delhi-NCR, to harsher weather, drought and biodiversity loss
Lok Sabha passes bill to levy cess on pan masala units
The Lok Sabha has passed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, introducing a cess on pan masala manufacturing units to fund national security and public health initiatives. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the cess will also be shared with states to strengthen healthcare systems
Ashwini Vaishnaw: India accelerates automatic train protection system rollout
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Rajya Sabha that India is rapidly implementing the automatic train protection systemtechnology the world adopted decades ago but was delayed by previous governments. He said the nationwide rollout, including in Odisha, is progressing fast and delivering strong safety results
PM Modi bets big as Russia trade target set to soar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exuded confidence that the USD 100 billion bilateral trade target between India and Russia will be achieved ahead of 2030. The PM recalled that last year, President Putin and he set a target of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030
US Supreme Court to rule on Trumps bid to end birthright citizenship
The US Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of President Donald Trumps executive order to end birthright citizenship, reviving a debate settled since 1898. The court will now directly assess the policys legality, with legal experts warning it challenges long-standing interpretations of the Fourteenth Amendment
Indian Army makes first-ever ascent of Arunachals highest peak Mount Kangto
An Indian Army mountaineering team from Eastern Command has achieved a historic milestone by successfully summiting Mount Kangto, Arunachal Pradeshs highest and previously unconquered 7,042-m peak
Ex-Pentagon official: US should label Pakistan a terrorism sponsor
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said the US has no strategic logic for embracing Pakistan and argued Islamabad should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism. He criticised Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munirs White House visit and urged Washington to apologise to India over tariffs and recent policy missteps
Seashells turned to eco-friendly concrete
Researchers at the University of East London have discovered that discarded seashells, when processed into fine powder, can replace up to one-third of the cement used in concrete. The breakthrough offers a scalable way to cut carbon emissions, with the study showing a 36 per cent reduction in the materials footprint
Actor Sonu Sood has appealed to passengers to remain calm and refrain from targeting IndiGo ground staff amidst widespread flight delays and cancellations. He acknowledged the frustration but urged empathy for employees who are equally helpless. The DGCA has formed a committee to investigate the operational disruptions that left thousands stranded.
Air ambulance delay defers Zia advanced care in London
The departure of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia for advanced treatment in London has been postponed to Sunday after a Qatar-provided air ambulance failed to reach Dhaka due to technical issues
Ukraine, US negotiators continue with peace talks
Ukrainian officials will resume talks with the US team after nearly five hours of discussions with Moscow produced no compromise on Ukraines peace proposals. President Zelenskyy said Kyivs priority is to gain clarity on Russias latest position
Ex-Pentagon official: Putins India visit a result of Trumps incompetence
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said most Americans view Vladimir Putins India visit as a consequence of Donald Trumps gross incompetence. He criticised the US for hypocrisy over Indias purchase of Russian oil and backed New Delhis need to prioritise its energy and economic interests as it rises globally
Maharashtra poised to lead Indias natural farming revolution
If the State translates intent into execution, it will not only mainstream natural farming but set a national benchmark for an agriculture that is ecologically regenerative, economically rewarding and socially inclusive
Amit Shah reviews pond interlinking progress in Ahmedabad & Gandhinagar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the ongoing pond interlinking works in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, where 1,349 ponds across 162 villages are being connected to boost water management. He urged officials to clear obstacles
Maharashtra installs over 45,000 solar agricultural pumps in a month, claims world record
Maharashtra has so far installed 7.47 lakh solar pumps in the State and targets to set up a total of 10.45 lakh pumps
An unlikely friendship that stood test of time
Revisiting the special bond between Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and his Parsi businessman friend Naval Bhathena on Mahaparinirvan Diwas
Maharashtra's Ruling Alliance Presents Report On 1 Year Of Governance
The Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra completed one successful year of stable, transparent, and result-oriented governance.
Every exam centre must pass the cleanliness test
Such venues must tick certain boxes. Sufficient lighting is a must, and fans are necessary. The structure cannot be dilapidated
For years, Maharashtra had been held up as a model in governance, but the recent chaos during local polls and displays of defiance by Mahayuti constituents has seen it rapidly devolve into Jungle Raj
Due to Cyclonic Storm Ditwah and a teachers' strike in Maharashtra, many schools in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra are closed today, December 6, 2025. Parents and students should confirm with local school authorities for updates on closures.
IndiGo cancels 258 city flights; what was our fault, asks flyer
Maha civic polls result after Dec 20 voting: SC upholds HC order
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the immediate declaration of Maharashtra civic election results, dismissing any further delays due to pending High Court cases. The apex court ruled that results for all municipal bodies will be announced after the final round of voting on December 20, irrespective of ongoing legal challenges.
Thane: 107 Grey Francolin birds found dead in Dombivli; samples to NIV Pune
Maharashtrawants toadopt AI-driven model and adult open schools to prevent school dropouts
Maharashtra Education departmentsaid it wants to collaborate with Educate Girls to adopt its AI-driven model and introduce open schools for adults in the State.
Arrest reason must state personal role, not collective conduct: HC
3 yrs on, tender for exotic animals exhibit re-floated
6,385 startups closed till October: Ministry
As of October 31, 2025, 6,385 recognized startups have been dissolved. Maharashtra leads with 1,200 closures, followed by Karnataka and Delhi. The government has not seen an increase in startup closures. Factors like business model viability and market demand influence these closures. Significant funds have been committed and disbursed to Alternative Investment Funds and incubators.
Court frames charges against ex-MLA and others in Rs 313cr money laundering case
Mumbai: Activist questions govt inaction on Sanjay Gandhi National Park encroachments
Maharashtra: Rs 36.5 lakh awarded to kin of 20-year-old worker killed in road mishap
Maharashtra labourer kills 50-year-old paramour over daily quarrels, arrested within 24 hours
Pre-arrest bail for film producer
Mumbai: Maharashtra woman and three others held for killing husband who denied divorce
68-year-old woman killed, found strangled in Mumbai house
Thane court sentences mobile snatcher at MumbaiNashik highway to 9 months of rigorous imprisonment
Man sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping HIV positive daughter in Mumbai
Uddhav may join Congs Delhi stir
Mumbai: Fire breaks out at embroidery unit in Lower Parel, no one injured
Maharashtra To Form Indias 1st Dedicated Solar Company for Farmers
State plans solar energy for all farmers by next year, with a 16,000 MW generation target
Mumbai traffic police announce road restrictions for Mahaparinirvan Din
IndiGo cancellations: Anticipate normal situation between Dec 10-15, says CEO
Addressing the passengers in a video message amid the unprecedented situation where the airline had to cancel over a thousand flights in the last three days, the CEO apologised to the customers
Pune: Maharashtra to Provide Free HPV Jabs to All Girls Starting from January
Mumbai: Bangladeshi national detained in Jogeshwari for illegal stay
CM Fadnavis not only runs BJP but also controls other parties in state, claims Maharashtra minister
Maharashtra BJP minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has stirred a controversy by claiming that other parties in Maharashtra are also controlled by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. While inaugurating an exhibition at the World Trade Centre, Lodha praised Fadnavis, noting that he had started his political career in his youth with the BJPs student wing ABVP and then became the youngest mayor of Nagpur. Fadnavis has been with the party during tough times. Even in 2014, the BJP was in power but not in a great position in the state. But today, the scenario is different. Fadnavis, as chief minister and head of the party, not only runs the BJP, but also controls other political outfits in Maharashtra, Lodha claimed. On the occasion of the BJP-led Mahayuti government completing one year in power on Friday, a special portrait exhibition was held on the transformation of the city and state. Through these displayed photographs, we can see the different personalities of CM Devendra Fadnavis. I have been seeing him for the last 25 years in the state legislative assembly. Everyone knows him as a political personality; he treats each party member as his family member and is always there for us. He may or may not reply to your phone call or messages, but when it comes to helping in a crisis, Fadnavis is the first person to rush, Lodha said. Reacting to Lodha's remarks, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad said his party is controlled only by Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. He said Shinde is their leader and makes all decisions for the party, not Fadnavis. A political observer said that there is competition among the BJP leaders in states like Delhi, not to leave any opportunity to shower praise and demonstrate their affection and closeness to Fadnavis. This is nothing but sycophancy. And this sycophancy culture is growing in the BJP. Earlier, there was an exception in the BJP, but there is a rise of cult personalities in the BJP as well, he added.
WR changes halts, plans new staircase to ease crowding at Mumbais Prabhadevi stn
Assam black tea, Kashmiri saffron, Bhagavad Gita among PM Modi's gifts to Putin
NEW DELHI: Flavourful Assam black tea, Kashmiri saffron, a handcrafted silver horse, an ornate tea set and a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita are among the gifts Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to Russian President Vladimir Putin. A copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita presents Lord Krishna's guidance to Arjuna on duty, the eternal soul and spiritual liberation during the battle of the Mahabharata. Its timeless wisdom inspires ethical living, mind control and inner peace, with translations making it accessible to modern readers worldwide, officials said. Grown in the fertile Brahmaputra plains, Assam black tea is prized for its robust malty flavour, bright liquor and traditional processing using the 'Assamica' variety. Recognised with a GI tag in 2007, it represents a rich heritage shaped by land, climate and craft. Beyond its cultural legacy, it is also valued for potential health benefits, making each cup both comforting and wholesome. The ornate Murshidabad silver tea set, crafted with intricate engravings, reflects the rich artistry of West Bengal and the deep cultural importance of tea in both India and Russia. Gifted with affection, the set celebrates the enduring India-Russia friendship and the timeless ritual of tea, the officials said. The handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, adorned with intricate detailing, showcases the finesse of India's metal craft traditions. Symbolising dignity and valour celebrated in both Indian and Russian cultures, it reflects shared heritage and mutual respect, the officials said. The poised and forward-moving stance of the handcrafted horse serves as a metaphor for the enduring and ever-advancing India-Russia partnership. The handcrafted marble chess set from Agra blends fine craftsmanship with functional elegance, highlighting the region's stone inlay heritage under the 'One District One Product' (ODOP) initiative. Kashmiri saffron, locally known as Kong or Zaffran, cultivated in the highlands of Kashmir, is prized for its rich colour, aroma and flavour, and holds deep cultural and culinary significance.
Railways steps in to help stranded passengers after IndiGo flight cancellations
To accommodate the sudden surge in demand, Western Railway has arranged extra AC chair car coaches on key long-distance trains, ensuring passengers have alternative travel options without long delays, and Central Railway has arranged seven special trains
DGCA eases some pilot duty rules amid IndiGo flight disruptions
In a bid to contain the escalating crisis, DGCA issued a fresh notification granting partial relief on flight crew duty norms, specifically relaxing a rule that prevented airlines from combining leave with weekly rest periods
Fadnavis hails 1% quota for orphans as historic; says policy marks real social transformation
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday termed the state government's policy to provide 1 per cent reservation for orphans in education and jobs as historic, describing it as a major step towards social justice and equality of opportunity. Marking the first anniversary of assuming office, Fadnavis interacted with beneficiaries of the policy, which he had introduced during his earlier term as chief minister in 2018, and said it was rooted in Dr B R Ambedkar's principle of equal opportunity. Fadnavis said the policy to provide a reservation for orphan youth was the most emotionally fulfilling decision of his life, adding that 862 beneficiaries had now become self-reliant and were contributing to society. A year after taking oath as chief minister, it is a beautiful beginning to the anniversary to have this programme. Many decisions are taken in the government, many works are completed, but some truly touch the heart. The reservation for orphaned children is one such decision, he said. Equality should not remain restricted to only social reservation, the chief minister said. Orphans, persons with disabilities and other deprived sections also deserve opportunities. This reservation has brought real change in many lives, he added. Calling upon the youth to set examples for others, he said, What we achieve is possible because of the systems the society has created schools, institutions, government and industry. Giving back to society is one's duty. Those who have come forward through struggle must become role models. Fadnavis urged them not to stop after gaining stability. Success achieved through struggle should inspire continuous service to society. Even after settling in life, the feeling of giving back must remain, he said, adding, Your work becomes your identity; it is work that grants immortality. The Maharashtra government had in 2018 introduced 1 per cent quota for orphans in government jobs and education during Fadnavis's previous term as chief minister. It recently revised the eligibility criterion by making it applicable to vacant posts instead of available posts. The chief minister said unspoken emotions often communicate the most, and added that true satisfaction lies in bringing about social transformation through action. Fadnavis cited the examples of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr Ambedkar, and said that an individual's work outlives him and creates a legacy. He urged beneficiaries, who have achieved success through struggle, to contribute to society. Giving back to the society that supported us is the real responsibility, he said, appealing for continued empathy, sensitivity and sustained efforts for the welfare of orphans.
