Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected in Six Districts of Tamil Nadu
Chennai, June 27: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in six districts of Tamil Nadu. This weather pattern is influenced by an upper air trough extending from coastal Andhra Pradesh to central Maharashtra, affecting the weather in southern India. According to the weather department, the upper air trough, ... Read more Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected in Six Districts of Tamil Nadu
Siddharth Nigam Visits Bhimashankar Temple with Family
Mumbai, June 27: Television actor Siddharth Nigam visited the famous Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra, where he performed prayers and shared pictures with his family. He also posted several photos and clips from his trip on social media. In the shared images, the actor is seen standing with folded hands in front of the temple. One ... Read more Siddharth Nigam Visits Bhimashankar Temple with Family
Siddharth Nigam Visits Bhimashankar Temple with Family, Shares Spiritual Experience
Mumbai, June 27: Television actor Siddharth Nigam recently visited the famous Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra, where he participated in prayers and shared moments with his family. He posted several pictures and clips from his spiritual journey on social media. In the photos shared online, Siddharth is seen standing with folded hands in front of the ... Read more Siddharth Nigam Visits Bhimashankar Temple with Family, Shares Spiritual Experience
Kerala government to discuss proposed tax cut on low-alcohol drinks within UDF
Kerala Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar said the state government will take a final decision on the proposed tax cut for low-alcohol beverages only after discussions within the ruling UDF. The proposal, announced in the 2026 budget, has triggered political debate
Donald Trump thanks India after Hyderabad road renamed after him
US President Donald Trump thanked India after Hyderabad ceremonially named a road adjoining the US Consulate as Donald Trump Avenue during the Freedom 250 celebrations. The event highlighted growing India-US strategic and economic ties
Chandachors are conspiring to remove you: Kejriwal hits back at Yogi Adityanat
Kejriwal, who visited Ayodhya amid the donation row, was responding to remarks of Yogi Adityanath in which took veiled dig at Kejriwal over AAP government's rule in Delhi and said it was marked by corruption
US strikes Iran after Hormuz attack in Strait of Hormuz
The US launched airstrikes on Iranian missile, drone and radar sites after Tehran allegedly attacked a Singapore-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the strike violated the recent ceasefire, raising fresh concerns over the fragile US-Iran truce
Odisha Vigilance arrests livestock inspector taking bribe for subsidy release
Odisha Vigilance arrested a livestock inspector in Nabarangpur for allegedly accepting an Rs 80,000 bribe from a Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana beneficiary. Officials also recovered Rs 8.24 lakh in cash during searches at the accused's residence as the investigation continues
Rescuers race to find survivors after twin earthquakes devastate Caracas
Rescue teams worked through the night after powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes devastated Caracas and surrounding areas. Authorities confirmed 589 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries, while tens of thousands remain unaccounted for as international rescue efforts continue
NIA charge sheets 11 accused in alleged terror conspiracy
The National Investigation Agency has filed a charge sheet against 11 people before a special court in Guwahati over an alleged terror conspiracy involving an offshoot of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The case relates to the alleged spread of extremist ideology in West Bengal and northeastern states
King Charles wont move back to Buckingham Palace home
King Charles III will continue living at Clarence House even after the 369 million pounds refurbishment of Buckingham Palace is completed next year, ending the palace's role as the monarch's primary residence. Royal officials also disclosed the King's 2024-25 tax payment for the first time
Russia reports one of biggest Ukrainian attacks
Russia claimed its air defences intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones targeting 12 regions, Crimea, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea in one of the biggest overnight attacks since the war began. Authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency and suspended tourism and summer camps
Train stabbing is a dire warning
Before another tragedy occurs on Mumbais busy suburban network, the authorities must ensure security measures are implemented daily, while every passenger must travel with their eyes wide open
Address parking scams with unparalleled zeal
With a severe crunch and vehicles being bought at a fever pitch, it is car, car everywhere and not a place to park for Mumbaikars.
Ujjwal Nikam Appointed as Special Public Prosecutor in High-Profile Murder Case
Mumbai, June 27: In a significant development, Ujjwal Nikam, a senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP, has been appointed as the Special Public Prosecutor in the murder case that occurred at Lohagad Fort in Pune, Maharashtra. Nikam confirmed his appointment, stating that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requested him to represent this high-profile case in court, ... Read more Ujjwal Nikam Appointed as Special Public Prosecutor in High-Profile Murder Case
Maharashtra Celebrates Muharram with Peace and Reverence
Mumbai, June 26: Muharram (Ashura) was observed with reverence and tranquility across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, on Friday. People adhered to religious traditions in both urban and rural areas of the state. The day was marked as a government holiday in Maharashtra, leading to a significant halt in commercial activities statewide. Trading was suspended at the ... Read more Maharashtra Celebrates Muharram with Peace and Reverence
BMC engrs refuse promotion; probe sought
Retain autonomous character of Takht Hazur Sahib board: Harsimrat to Maharashtra CM
Despite near-total inspections, PCPNDT convictions remain elusive in Maharashtra
Maharashtra FDA Shuts JJ Mahanagar Blood Bank Over Safety Violations
Polluted creek water seeps into DPS Lake in Navi Mumbai, worsens wetland crisis
Heavy vehicles diverted on Belapur-Uran-Panvel road to reduce congestion
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation cuts water supply, sewage connection of dangerous Vashi building
Train attacker landed first blow, victim only acted in defence: Witness
Scores pay last respects to good kid stabbed to death for no fault of his
PCMC to increase Dehrang Dams capacity amid water crisis in Navi Mumbai
More than 5,000 saplings planted at Birsa Munda Udyan in Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporations textile facility one of its kind in India, says minister
17-year-old feared drowned off Aksa beach in Mumbai
Toddler refuses to go to anganwadi, mom kicks her in chest in Panvel
IIT-Bombays 1st international sub-campus set to open at NY varsity next year
CM Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray share Mumbai-Nagpur flight
Venezuela earthquakes: Death toll rises to 589 as over 50,000 remain missing
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has more than doubled to 589, while the United Nations says over 50,000 people remain missing and warns the number of fatalities could rise significantly
WATCH: Small aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest building
A small aircraft crashed into Beijing's 528-metre-tall CITIC Tower, the tallest building in the Chinese capital, triggering a major emergency response. Police and ambulances rushed to the scene as the skyscraper was evacuated and cordoned off
'Political rivals, not enemies': BJP downplays Fadnavis, Uddhav travelling on same flight
Speculation arose after Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray were seen on the same flight. Despite political differences, BJP MLC Pratap Lad downplayed the encounter, emphasizing cordial relations and noting Thackeray's attendance at his daughter's wedding. Lad also expressed surprise at Thackeray using a commercial flight, while denying BJP involvement in recent Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP defections.
Mumbai gets its game face on for fun by the sea at Ballard Pier cruise terminal
NCP distances itself from MLA Maliks view on triple talaq
18-year-old arrested for rape of 7-year-old girl within 2 hours of police complaint in Bhiwandi
Political Rivals Travel Together Amidst Turmoil
Mumbai, June 26: In the midst of ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were spotted traveling together on the same flight from Mumbai to Nagpur on Friday. This unexpected encounter occurred during a period of significant political tension in the state. Witnesses reported that despite ... Read more Political Rivals Travel Together Amidst Turmoil
Two held for bid to extort 15 lakh from Thane school management
Man held with Rs 3.8cr heroin in Goregaon
Ketan Agarwal murder case: Fadnavis appoints Ujjwal Nikam to represent the state
Nikam had earlier served as the government prosecutor in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the 1993 Bombay serial bomb blasts cases. The announcement came after Agarwals father met Fadnavis and sought justice for his son
Raut says 4 kg silver brick donated by Sena (UBT) to Ram temple missing
NMIA gets two hoax bomb threat emails two days in a row
Retain Tata Garden as independent public space, say Breach Candy residents
Pune: 70 unauthorised hoardings cleared on Palkhi routes ahead of Ashadhi Yatra
The action follows directions issued in May by Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Abhijit Chaudhari and Additional Commissioner K. Manjulakshmi, who ordered a comprehensive survey of hoardings along the Palkhi route within PMRDA limits
IMD sounds yellow alert for weekend showers in Mumbai
Loan waiver scheme will do injustice to 70% of Maharashtra farmers, says Rohit Pawar
Mr. Pawar warned of a large-scale agitation from June 29 if the government fails to fulfil the assurance about the 'Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karja-Mukti Yojana'
Ketan Agarwal murder: Father refutes wig claims, says Siya knew about hair patch
The ongoing probe into Ketan Agarwal's alleged murder has revealed that it was Chetan Chaudhary who instigated Siya Goyal to eliminate him at Lohagad Fort, a police official said on Friday. He added that Goyal's brother was also questioned in connection with the case
Jharkhand: Truck-van collision kills eight
The accident occurred in the Barlaung Budhbazar area under the Rajrappa Police Station limits around midnight when the truck struck the van, a senior officer said
Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, a BSE-listed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced an ambitious expansion plan to establish 500 branches across 15 states over the next three years, while targeting an asset base of INR 2,500 crore as part of its long-term growth strategy. L to R: Deepak Francis (Business Head), R. Balakrishnan (Head – Treasury), Rajeev M. R. (CFO), Mahesh Thakkar (Chairman, FIDC), Manoj Ravi (CEO), and Bindu Menon (Zonal Head – Maharashtra) The company also inaugurated its new Corporate Office in Andheri, Mumbai, in the presence of Mr. Mahesh Thakkar, Chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), and Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO of Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, along with eminent industry leaders, key stakeholders and members of the company's leadership team. As part of its expansion roadmap, Supra Pacific will mark its presence in Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telangana, while expanding operations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. In the present phase, the company will open five new branches in Goa, further enhancing access to formal financial services in underserved regions. The company has recorded strong growth, with its assets increasing by 64.39% during FY 2025-26, from INR 290 Crore to INR 499 Crore. It now aims to achieve INR 750 Crore in assets during the current financial year, progressing towards its INR 2,500 Crore target within three years. Supra Pacific continues to diversify its lending portfolio across gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance and business loans. It also plans to introduce working capital loans ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore for traders and MSMEs, alongside a new mobile application to deliver faster and more seamless digital financial services. Commenting on the company's growth plans, Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited , said, " India's growth story presents a tremendous opportunity to bridge the credit gap, particularly across Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV cities, rural villages and the country's hinterlands. While financial inclusion has made significant progress, access to formal credit, especially Gold Loans and small business lending, remains limited in many regions. By strengthening our presence across the country, we aim to contribute meaningfully towards India's financial inclusion agenda and support the nation's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 ." As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company also plans to expand its workforce from 700 to over 2,000 employees over the next three years and launch a public issue of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) during FY 2026-27 to support its future growth plans. With a strong focus on technology-driven innovation, responsible lending and customer-centric services, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner driving inclusive growth across India. About Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited is a Mumbai-headquartered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) offering a comprehensive suite of financial solutions. Its core offerings include gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance, and business loans, complemented by personal loans, investment products, and insurance broking services. Led by Managing Director Joby George (MD) and recently appointed CEO Manoj Ravi, the company focuses on technology-driven growth and financial inclusion. In FY2026 the company reported revenue of ~INR 920.8 million (net profit INR 78.8m) and a loan portfolio of ~INR 335.6 crore. It has pursued recent fund-raising (INR 20cr NCD issuance) and leadership changes to bolster expansion. As an ISO-certified Great Place To Work, Supra Pacific emphasizes trustworthy, customer-centric service. Supra Pacific stresses “inclusive, reliable, growth-oriented” financial services and remains committed to empowering customers through transparency and swift service. www.suprapacific.com .
Fresh developments emerge in the Ketan Agrawal murder case as his father dismisses reports linking a wig to the motive, while police allege Siya Goyal's boyfriend orchestrated the killing. Maharashtra has ordered an SIT probe.
Two rare copper plates unlock Elephanta's maritime past
Venezuela earthquake: India rushes humanitarian aid under 'Operation Amistad'
The team, flown aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft, will provide emergency medical care, trauma treatment and life-saving surgeries as part of India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts
The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the recruitment of 89 district judges in Maharashtra. Eight advocates, who failed the preliminary exam, argued that the process used un-notified rules. The court ruled the process was valid, citing Supreme Court judgments and the advertisement's clear disclosure of amended rules. The main written exam will proceed as planned.
Amit Shah in Gujarat: HM to launch 'PM Family Care Tracker', Bharat Taxi'
Unlike conventional app-based aggregators, Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission model under which drivers retain earnings from fares while also sharing in the platform's profits
'She should be thrown from Lohagad Fort if found guilty,' says accused's mother
Speaking to the media, Pooja Goyal, Siya's mother, said whoever is found responsible for Ketan's death should receive the strictest punishment, even if it is her daughter
'No stone will be left unturned': CM Fadnavis on Ketan Agrawal murder case
Meeting Agrawal's family in Pune, the Chief Minister assured them of the harshest punishment for the guilty, approved their demand for a fast-track court and directed that senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam be appointed as the special public prosecutor
Indian Railways renews Alstom's Rs 1,070 crore maintenance contract for WAG-12B
Alstom's joint venture with Indian Railways has secured a Rs 1,070 crore (107 million euro) contract to maintain 250 WAG-12B electric freight locomotives at the Nagpur depot for five years, supporting reliable operations and India's freight modernisation programme
Health Ministry proposes 12-month minimum shelf life for imported drugs
The step would ensure that patients receive medicines with adequate usable shelf life and improve utilisation of pharmaceutical inventories across the supply chain
Maharashtra FDA Shuts Down Two Blood Banks Over Serious Violations
Mumbai, June 26: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered the immediate closure of the Sir JJ Municipal Blood Bank in Mumbai and the Maya Blood Center in Badlapur due to serious irregularities in blood collection and distribution. This action follows a joint inspection conducted by state FDA officials and the Central Drugs ... Read more Maharashtra FDA Shuts Down Two Blood Banks Over Serious Violations
The South Buys Newer, the North Holds Longer: India Is Three Used Car Markets in One
Cars24 and Team BHP's Gears of Growth 2025 report finds that preference for car age has significant regional differences. Southern markets are skewed towards 2019 and newer vehicles, western markets churn steadily across 2017 to 2021 model years, and North and Central India hold on to cars the longest. National statistics flatten India's used car market into one number. The Cars24 and Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, drawn from over 33 million users, pulls it apart and finds three distinct markets running on three different clocks. The variable that separates them is not the models people buy, but how old the car is when it changes hands. Southern markets show a higher concentration of vehicles from 2019 and later. Western India trades across a balanced spread of 2017 to 2021 model years. North and Central India carry a greater share of 2017 to 2019 and pre-2017 vehicles. The report's conclusion is direct: regional economics and buyer preferences shape inventory age profiles more than most buyers realise. Three regions, three ownership clocks The regional split in the Gears of Growth 2025 report reads as follows: Source: Cars24 x Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 Report In the South, the report points to faster upgrade cycles and higher car adoption, which keeps inventory young. For a buyer in Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad, the practical effect is a shelf weighted toward 2019 and newer cars. A three to four year old vehicle is mainstream stock here, not a premium find. The same report finds Tamil Nadu's share of national demand rising from 6.1 percent to 6.5 percent and Karnataka's from 10 percent to 10.4 percent in 2025, a steady climb consistent with markets where cars circulate quickly. Western India behaves like the market's metronome. Maharashtra, the country's single largest used car market at 15.1 percent of national demand, and Gujarat, which posted the largest state-level gain of 2025 at 8.7 to 10.2 percent, both trade across an even spread of 2017 to 2021 model years. In Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad a buyer finds roughly equal odds of a five-year-old or a two-year-old car. The report calls this stable ownership churn: cars enter and exit ownership at a consistent rhythm rather than in waves. North and Central India run the longest clock. The region's higher share of 2017 to 2019 and pre-2017 vehicles points to owners who keep cars well past the national norm, and to what the report describes as value-driven resale behaviour. A buyer in Delhi NCR or across Uttar Pradesh, which alone holds 11.7 percent of national demand, will see more six to eight year old cars on the shelf than a southern buyer does. A car in this market is held, maintained, and sold late in its life, often to a buyer who intends to do exactly the same. Why the clocks run at different speeds The report attributes the divergence to regional economics and buyer preferences rather than any single cause. Southern states lead the country in adopting newer automotive technology: Karnataka and Maharashtra together account for 68 percent of all used EV purchases nationally. Markets comfortable buying the newest category of vehicle are, predictably, also the markets where recent model years dominate. Longer holding in the North reads as strategy, not lag. An owner who runs a car for eight or nine years extracts the maximum use from a depreciating asset before selling it into a deep pool of value-focused buyers. The report's non-metro data reinforces this: demand there concentrates in low-maintenance, affordable models such as the Swift Dzire, Wagon R and Alto, exactly the cars built to be owned long and sold late. What this means for used car buyers and sellers in Chennai will encounter a younger inventory mix, weighted to 2019 and newer, than someone shopping in Lucknow, where six to eight-year-old cars are common, even on the same platform on the same day. For sellers, the same car meets different demands depending on where it is sold. A 2020 vehicle is mid-life stock in a southern market that skews to 2019 and newer, and comparatively fresh inventory in a northern market dominated by older cars. Timing a sale against the regional clock, not the national average, is the more informed move. All figures in this article are sourced from the Cars24 Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, based on Cars24 internal transaction data comprising over 33 million users as of December 2025.
'Something beyond imagination': Maharashtra CM Fadnavis expresses shock over Ketan Agrawal's murder
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed shock over the allleged murder of businessman Ketan Agrawal and said that society must consider what kind of environment needs to be created so that such cruel thoughts do not develop in children.
Mumbai rediscovers the joy of analogue photography
Young photographers are embracing film, trading digital speed for the deliberate art of analogue. Organized photowalks in Mumbai encourage patience and mindful shooting, with participants using vintage cameras to capture everyday scenes.
Strait of Hormuz vessel traffic recovers to 57 per cent of pre-war levels
The rebound follows the launch of a new safe shipping corridor along the Omani coast by Oman and the IMO, with signs of navigation patterns gradually returning to normal
Maharashtra cabinet clears draft bill to recognise women farmers, widen welfare access
Maharashtra's cabinet has greenlit a groundbreaking bill to legally recognize women farmers, even those without land. This initiative aims to empower countless women in agriculture and allied sectors by providing them with a 'women farmer certificate.' This document will unlock access to crucial government welfare schemes, subsidies, institutional credit, and agricultural support, ensuring their vital contributions are officially acknowledged and rewarded.
Nagpur Metro's Kanhan Town extension gets cabinet nod
Nagpur Metro's Phase-II North Corridor is set for a significant expansion, with the Maharashtra cabinet's sub-committee approving a 1.4 km elevated extension from Kanhan River to Kanhan town. This Rs 310.35 crore project will feature a new station, boosting connectivity for approximately 35,000 residents and an estimated 5,000-6,000 daily commuters. The extension promises improved access to surrounding areas and is projected to serve an additional 20,000 passengers daily.
Kolkata warehouse collapse death toll rises to 15 after injured worker dies
In the list of 15 deceased persons as provided by the city police, 13 persons have been identified; the bodies of two other males have been declared as unknown
Uttar Pradesh: Reward-carrying accused killed in Shamli police encounter
A wanted criminal carrying a Rs 50,000 reward was killed in a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, while his accomplice managed to flee
Nagpur Metro's Kanhan Town extension gets Maharashtra cabinet approval
The project involves the construction of a 1.4-km elevated metro corridor at an estimated cost of Rs 310.35 crore. The extension will be implemented by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro)
UCC to be implemented in Bengal by following all procedures: Suvendu
Kolkata, June 26: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said his government would implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state by following due legal procedures, similar to the process adopted by Gujarat and Assam. Speaking on the sidelines of a government programme to celebrate the 189th birth anniversary of literary icon Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay at College Street in north Kolkata, Adhikari said the state would adhere to the prescribed process for implementing the UCC. There is a procedure for UCC implementation, and we will adhere to that. This will be similar to Gujarat and Assam, he said, referring to the two states that have initiated legislative and administrative steps towards adopting a Uniform Civil Code, governing issues such as marriage, divorce and inheritance. The BJP government in West Bengal is likely to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the assembly on Monday during its ongoing budget session, much ahead of the party-stated six-month deadline, a source in the Suvendu Adhikari-led cabinet said. The matter was discussed and finalised in a Business Advisory Committee meeting held in the assembly on Thursday evening, he added. The development could mark one of the most consequential legal and social policy shifts in Bengal in recent times, with the BJP holding the UCC as representing both a major governance promise and a politically significant reform. Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, the BJP had pledged in its manifesto that the UCC would be implemented within six months of coming to power in the state. The promise was prominently highlighted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah while unveiling the party's election manifesto, or Sankalp Patra, in April. Several states, including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, have already implemented the UCC proposals. Bengal will now also implement it in line with other BJP-ruled states as we had promised ahead of the elections, a minister in the Adhikari cabinet said. During the programme, Adhikari paid floral tributes to Chattopadhyay, the composer of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. The chief minister announced that the state government would build a national-level 'Vande Mataram' museum as part of the celebrations marking 150 years of the song.
HDFC Bank ex-VP murder: Court rejects juvenile claim; accused to face adult trial
In a pivotal decision, a Mumbai court has declared that Sarfaraz Shaikh, charged with the homicide of HDFC Bank's vice-president Siddharth Sanghvi in 2018, will be subjected to adult trial proceedings. Shaikh's request to be recognized as a minor was rejected by the court, which cited proof including a counterfeit school transfer certificate and an ossification test indicating his age as 25 to 28 at the time of the offense.
PM Modi greets nation on Muharram, recalls Imam Hussain's sacrifice
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Muharram greetings, saying the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain continues to inspire people to uphold truth, justice, and courage
She grazed buffaloes after school; the cab driver's daughter cracked UPSC to become an IAS officer
Vanmathi, raised in rural Tamil Nadu, overcame poverty, household responsibilities and social pressure to pursue education instead of early marriage. Inspired by a woman District Collector, she prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while working in banking, facing multiple setbacks before securing All India Rank 152 in 2015. She joined the IAS and has served across Maharashtra, focusing on tribal welfare, health, water conservation and digital governance initiatives as District Collector of Wardha. Her journey reflects perseverance and purpose.
Nine Climate-Tech Start-ups to Deploy Urban sustainability Solutions Across 10 Indian cities
The initiative is led by Social Alpha and the University of Toronto India Foundation through the Innovations in Sustainable Urban Transition Program. The selected start-ups to address urban sustainability challenges in construction, waste management, water, sanitation and renewable energy. To receive grants of up to INR 35 lakh to support the deployment Technology deployments will be undertaken in partnership with 11 private and six public organisations, including industry partners, educational institutions, healthcare providers and urban local bodies. Nine climate-tech start-ups are set to deploy solutions addressing critical urban sustainability challenges across 10 Indian cities, including Chennai, Kozhikode, Bengaluru, Khammam, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Bhavnagar and New Delhi. Under the Innovations in Sustainable Urban Transition Program, led by Social Alpha and the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF), these start-ups will deploy solutions that support low-carbon transitions across these cities. The selected start-ups will receive grants of up to INR 35 lakh to support the deployment of their innovations and help de-risk their adoption in urban environments. The selected start-ups will deploy innovations across sectors critical to urban sustainability, including low-carbon construction materials, renewable energy, waste management, water efficiency and sanitation. The nine startups include: Carbon Strong , whose proprietary fly ash-based binder replaces 35-40% of cement in concrete, cutting embodied carbon and costs with no process change for producers. Satiq Concrete Manufacturer , which develops low-temperature, waste-derived binders and engineered composites that deliver lightweight, high-strength, thermally efficient concrete with significantly lower emissions. Go Do Good Studio , which creates home-compostable food packaging using proprietary plant-based coatings and inks that eliminate plastic from urban food delivery and catering. Vivifica Sustainable Solutions , whose patented WENERATOR integrates process optimisation, IoT-based monitoring and multi-stage digestion to convert mixed organic waste into clean biogas at source, designed for institutional kitchens and canteens. Apeiro Energy , which develops vertical small wind turbines optimised for low wind speeds, paired with smart controllers, monitoring systems, energy management systems and an AI micrositing tool for wind-solar hybrid microgrids. Trinano Technologies , whose patented nano coating for solar panels increases energy output by 4%+, extends panel life by 2-3 years, and cuts cleaning requirements by 50%, addressing inefficiencies that reduce energy production. Smart Terra , whose AI-driven SaaS creates a digital twin of water networks to detect leaky pipes and faulty meters and predict operational inefficiencies in water networks with under 100-metre precision, and is agnostic to hardware, sensor or database technologies. Vayujal Technologies , whose atmospheric water generators can produce 43 to 3,000 litres of drinking water per day from air for homes, offices, institutions, industries and communities, in an energy-efficient manner, with zero water wastage and adherence to BIS 10500. Xpredict Labs , whose HiDrEC is a decentralised, packaged wastewater treatment system that runs on electrochemical principles with no external chemicals, requiring lower land footprints while producing reusable CPCB-compliant water. The technologies will be deployed through 17 partnerships spanning 11 private and six public organisations across 10 Indian cities, with expected outcomes spanning emissions reduction, waste diversion, production of energy from clean sources, energy efficiency, reduction in non revenue water losses, reduced dependence on groundwater, and increased access to clean drinking water. The pilot partners include ready-mix concrete manufacturers (RMCs) such as Veera Concrete and PCS Industries, schools under the Government of Maharashtra and Government of Tamil Nadu, research institutions such as the Central Road Research Institute, hospitals including Kilpauk Medical College Hospital and Meitra Hospital, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Contendre Solar and Boson Whitewater, industries such as Ashapura Saltworks and Yashpoly, real estate companies such as DRA Homes, and urban local bodies and utilities including the Khammam Municipal Corporation and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. On the Program, Ganesh Neelam, Co-founder, Social Alpha , said, " By 2036, India's towns and cities are expected to be home to 600 million people. As urban populations grow, pressure on the systems that support everyday life will intensify. Cities will need to rethink how they design and construct infrastructure, manage resources, deliver essential services and build resilience to climate risks. Addressing these challenges requires solutions that are practical, reliable and deployable at scale. Our aim is to support a growing pipeline of innovators addressing urban sustainability challenges and support the deployment of these solutions across Indian cities ." Gauravi Lobo, Director, U of T India Foundatio n, said, " What this program has surfaced is that the constraint isn't the technology. It's the distance between a working solution and a public system ready to absorb it. The nine start-ups in this cohort are being tested against that distance, with pilots designed around what urban local bodies and civic institutions actually need to make adoption decisions. For UTIF, that is where the research question lives - and what we carry back to the University of Toronto is not just the outcome, but the institutional logic of how Indian cities are learning to integrate innovation at scale ." The Innovations in Sustainable Urban Transition Program was first launched in 2024. Its first cohort of eleven start-ups deployed innovations in 11 cities addressing air quality, sanitation, waste management, clean mobility and low-carbon construction materials. The Program demonstrated that deep-tech innovations can be contextualised, de-risked and deployed through structured public and private partnerships, generating measurable outcomes in emissions avoidance (105.99 tonnes of CO2e), waste diversion (407.15 tonnes), water savings (16,896 kilolitres) and improved air quality (between 20% - 94% reduction in PM 2.5 and 10 across four locations). urban@socialalpha.org . About Social Alpha Social Alpha is an operating philanthropy dedicated to taking breakthrough science from lab to the last mile. Social Alpha's full-stack, multistage innovation and venture development platform is designed to develop, de-risk and deploy frontier innovations to advance affordable healthcare, resilient livelihoods and climate action, prioritising the most critical challenges for people and planet. Founded in 2016, Social Alpha has supported over 450 innovations focused on socio-economic and environmental impact. For more information, please visit www.socialalpha.org . About University of Toronto India Foundation The University of Toronto India Foundation, based in Mumbai, serves as a dynamic bridge connecting the University of Toronto with India's academic institutions, innovators, non-profits, social enterprises and governments. Bringing together research, innovation and impact, UTIF works to address sustainability challenges faced by Indian cities through co-created solutions. www.uoftindiafoundation.com .
Donald Trump says Iran could become major buyer of US farm products
At a White House dinner honouring American farmers, Trump said the administration was preparing to expand agricultural exports to Iran and asked Congress to approve fresh financial assistance for producers affected by previous regulations
Maharashtra cabinet sub-committee clears Rs 1,722-crore Sea Link-Savarkar bridge connector
Maharashtra's infrastructure sub-committee has greenlit a Rs 1,722.40 crore project to build a 3.55-km road connecting the Versova-Bandra Sea Link to Savarkar Sea Bridge. This crucial link aims to slash travel times significantly, reducing the Worli-to-Fort journey to just 5-10 minutes and Fort-to-Versova to 15-20 minutes. The project also includes provisions for hutment and fisherman compensation, and environmental mitigation.
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 235 as rescue efforts continue
Venezuela is racing against time to rescue hundreds believed trapped beneath collapsed buildings after twin powerful earthquakes left more than 200 people dead and many injured, while authorities warned the toll could rise further as rescuers struggled to reach the worst-hit areas
India tells UNSC those targeting schools and children must be held accountable
India's intervention came during a Security Council debate focused on strengthening global efforts to protect education in areas affected by armed conflict
UP Moving Towards $1 Trillion Dream, But Are Women Missing From Growth Story?
Tamil Nadu has a female worker population ration of 41.5 per cent, Maharashtra 39.1 per cent against only 33.6 per cent in UP.
Government may ask airlines to cut surcharges as fuel prices ease
The Centre is closely monitoring trends in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and has initiated discussions with airlines to assess whether the current easing in fuel costs is likely to continue over the long term
Gujarat Police seize drugs worth Rs 13,600 crore in five years
The figures were released ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, with senior state officials highlighting the results of anti-narcotics operations carried out across Gujarat during the period
Army officer, 40 personnel booked for assaulting cops
The FIR registered at Atholi police station stated that the incident occurred on Wednesday when the Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Amrit Kotach, was away for a meeting
Arvind Kejriwal seeks FIR in Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case
Kejriwal questioned the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the alleged theft of donations at the temple, calling it an eyewash as no FIR has been registered in the matter so far
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana seek permanent solution to water dispute
The Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and agreed to work towards a lasting solution to inter-state water disputes
J&K Police book Army personnel over alleged attack on Kishtwar police station
The FIR registered at Atholi police station stated that the incident occurred on Wednesday when the Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Amrit Kotach, was away for a meeting
Kolkata warehouse collapse toll rises to 11 as rescue operations continue
The death toll in the Taratala warehouse collapse in south Kolkata has risen to 11, while rescue teams continue searching the debris with the help of Army equipment
India resumes tourist visas for Bangladeshis after nearly two years
The 76-year-old on Thursday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin, marking the start of his diplomatic assignment
