Political Controversy Erupts Over Trademark Claims by Former Womens Commission Head
Former Maharashtra Womens Commission head Rupali Chakankars trademark claims spark political backlash from NCP and Congress leaders. Political Controversy Erupts Over Trademark Claims by Former Womens Commission Head
Yara India launches seaweed-based biostimulant YaraAmplix Optimaris
Yara India launches YaraAmplix Optimaris, a seaweed-based biostimulant to improve crop resilience, fruit development and nutrient-use efficiency, starting in Maharashtra.
GIZ, PepsiCo and Bayer launch climate-resilient Maize farming project in India
GIZ, PepsiCo India and Bayer launch HARVEST, a three-year regenerative agriculture project targeting 35,000 maize farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 15 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday participated in the grand state-level celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Chhota Udepur, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He virtually inaugurated and laid the e-foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 2,283.97 crore for citizens across 14 tribal districts of Gujarat. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of tribal heroes to India's freedom struggle. He recalled that the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, launched by the Prime Minister in 2007, has become a milestone in the holistic development of tribal communities. Chief Minister Patel noted that earlier tribal regions demanded only paved roads up to their villages, but today these areas are being connected through high-speed corridors. He also said that nearly 50 crore people across the country have risen out of poverty, reflecting the impact of schemes designed with the welfare of the last person in society at their centre. The Chief Minister announced further socio-economic initiatives worth Rs 231 crore along with individual beneficiary assistance. He highlighted the transformation in education and healthcare, saying that 12 science colleges, two universities, 12 medical colleges and 57 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are now operational in the tribal belt. More than 22,500 smart classrooms have been set up and over 18,800 Forest Rights Certificates distributed. On the occasion, innovative livelihood initiatives such as Shabari Booth and Johar Cafe were launched to support tribal women and local artisans. Chief Minister Patel announced that Chhota Udepur would be developed as a Sports and Food Processing Hub to create new employment opportunities for the youth and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also launched the Prakruti Krushi Aadharit Vadi Sahay Yojana in 14 tribal districts. Gujarat Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel said that November 15 has been etched in golden letters in history under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was celebrated at 86 locations across the state and reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the development of more than 1.11 crore tribal people living from Umargam to Ambaji. He said the schemes of both the Centre and the state are inspired by the ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The projects announced cover works by the Tribal Development, Water Supply, Irrigation, Roads and Buildings, Education, Health, Animal Husbandry, Forest and Environment, and Panchayat departments. Approval of forest rights certificates for 18,828 beneficiaries and development works worth Rs 1,017 crore were also highlighted. Those present watched the live telecast of the national-level celebration in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, and the address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event was attended by Lok Sabha MP Jashu Rathwa, Rajya Sabha MP Mukesh Rathwa, MLAs Rajendrasinh Rathwa, Jayanti Rathwa and Abhesinh Tadvi, former MPs Naran Rathwa and Gita Rathwa, along with senior officials and a large number of tribal community members.
Aaditya Backs Rahul Gandhis Phone Tapping Allegations
Referring to the Pegasus controversy, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also recalled previous allegations of surveillance in Maharashtra: Reports
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) India legend Sachin Tendulkar advised young cricketers to strike the right balance between technology and natural instincts in cricket as he suggested that technology should complement a cricketers preparation but should not hamper them in their instinctive decision-making on the field. Tendulkar was present at the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 4 Player Auction on Sunday in Mumbai and is also a member of the ISPL Core Committee. Speaking on the sidelines of the auction, the Master Blaster gave important suggestions to the young cricketers. Technology should be an enabler, not a distraction. Use it while practising, but when you step onto the field to compete, trust your natural instincts and allow your subconscious mind to take over, Tendulkar said on the sidelines of the auction. In cricket, a batter has very little time to process information when a bowler is running in. You can have your game plans in place, but once you are out in the middle, it is important to keep a clear mind and back yourself to react instinctively. Technology can help you to a certain extent, but ultimately, you have to trust yourself. That is when you perform at your best, Tendulkar added. Apart from him, Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, Suraj Samat, and Head Selectors Jatin Paranjape and Pravin Amre, alongside Tiigers of Kolkata franchise co-owners Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, were also present at the event. The 2011 World Cup winner also highlighted the importance of grassroots cricket, which gives chances to players to make their name further. He also spoke about ISPLs role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent from across the country. Talent is like flowing water. You may be able to stop it temporarily, but you cannot block it forever. Irrespective of whether a player comes from the biggest city or the smallest town, talent will always find its way. With ISPL, we are making every effort to ensure that the selection process is transparent and fair, where performances are rewarded, he said. Citing the example of Vivek Shelar, who earned a place in the Maharashtra squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, following his impressive performances in ISPL Season 3, Tendulkar said, This is fantastic news for ISPL and a sign that we are moving in the right direction. I believe this is just the beginning, and we will continue to produce more players who make us proud. The Master Blaster shared another message for the young cricketers and urged them not to allow growing expectations and responsibilities to take away the enjoyment of playing. The most important lesson is to keep things simple and never forget why you first picked up a cricket bat or ball. As you progress, ambitions, expectations and responsibilities grow, and somewhere along the way, the pressure can take away the joy of playing the game. I realised this during an injury break when I was playing practice matches at smaller venues in England. It struck me that, amidst all the training, discipline and responsibilities, I had almost forgotten to enjoy the game. My advice to all the players here would be to keep things simple, express yourselves on the field and never let the child in you who fell in love with cricket get lost along the way, he added.
HM Amit Shah accuses Rahul Gandhi of defaming India at international summit
Digital Desk | Pune, Nov 15 (IANS) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday condemned the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for making anti-India statements at an international conference, accusing him of trying to malign the country's image out of frustration over repeated electoral defeats. Union Minister Shah was speaking at the hoomi pujan ceremony of the NHEC Multi-State Cooperative Society and the launch of Bharat Taxi in Pune. Referring to the 'Bharat Summit 2026' held in Hyderabad, the Union Home Minister said the Congress had invited Left-wing propagandists from across the world and that Rahul Gandhi had used the platform, despite its name, to express anti-India views and tarnish India's reputation before the global community. Rahul Gandhi is venting his frustration over continuous electoral defeats by making 'anti-India' statements at international conferences, he added. He asserted that winning elections requires working at the grassroots in villages rather than undertaking foreign tours and defaming the nation's development journey abroad. The Home Minister drew a sharp contrast between the previous UPA government and the present NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He recalled that the people had given the Congress ten years in power, during which scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore took place. In contrast, Union Minister Shah said, not even the slightest allegation of corruption had been levelled against PM Modi in the past 12 years. He listed several achievements of the Narendra Modi government, including progress in agriculture and industry, India's landing near the Moon's South Pole, the growth of the start-up ecosystem, revival of the Railways, expansion of airports from 76 to 150, creation of the world's largest Metro network, the National Education Policy and the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation. Home Minister Shah warned Congress workers that if they continued to follow Rahul Gandhi in his efforts to defame India's development story on global platforms, the party would remain out of power for another 30 years. He asked whether any political party, in power or in Opposition, could use an international summit to malign India and its Prime Minister, saying this was the question the entire country was asking. He urged Rahul Gandhi to come down to the villages and connect with people at the grassroots, but remarked that the Congress leader was likely to embark on another foreign tour instead. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, and other senior leaders were present on the occasion. Home Minister Shah appealed to the people to give a befitting reply to such attempts in the upcoming elections.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 vacancies, including Company Secretary and Joint Company Secretary posts. Applications by email will be accepted till 20 November 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit mahadiscom.in.
Spruha Shocks Top Seed at Maharashtra Open Badminton; Mahimkar Eyes Double Victory
Spruha Joshi upsets top seed Yuvika Bajaj in the Maharashtra Open Badminton, while Harshit Mahimkar targets two titles. Spruha Shocks Top Seed at Maharashtra Open Badminton; Mahimkar Eyes Double Victory
Revanth urges Modi to expedite clearances for Telangana irrigation projects
Seeks Centres intervention to secure Maharashtras approval for Tummidihatti project; requests 5,000 crore under SASCI; invites PM to Khelo India Youth Games
Telangana CM Reddy meets PM Modi, seeks support for irrigation projects
Reddy urges Modi to persuade Maharashtra government to agree to construction of Tummidihetti project on Pranhita River at a water level of 152 metres
Maharashtra Open State Badminton: Spruha stuns top seed; Mahimkar in line for double
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Unseeded Spruha Joshi of Mumbai Suburban scored an upset victory over top seed Yuvika Bajaj to advance into the Girls U-19 final of the Bombay gymkhana Maharashtra Open State Badminton Tournament 2026. Meanwhile, Harshit Mahimkar (Greater Mumbai) kept himself in line for double glory, reaching the men's final with an upset win over top seed Vinay Patil, before making the Under-19 Boys final. After losing 9-15 in the opener, Spruha showed greatcharacter, saving crucial points in the extended second game to prevail 20-18 before running away with the decider to win 15-9. Spruha will face Anvisha Ghorpade of Greater Mumbai in the final, who got the better of Pune's Sharvari Warwantkar 15-11, 15-10. Top seed Harshit Mahimkar beat Ishan Wankhede [4] 15-13, 15-10 to make the boys under-19 final and later caused a big upset in the men's singles beating top seed Vinay Patil 11-15, 16-14, 15-3 after saving the match in the second game. In Boys Doubles U17, top seeds Aditya Padwal and Aryan Nair (Thane) [1survived a scare against Chandranshu Gundle and Mayank Rajput, winning 15-13, 8-15, 17-15 in the closest match of the day. Results (Semi-Final): Girls U-17 Singles - Imaan Motorwala [3] beat Swarali Thorve [6] - 15-8, 13-15, 15-6; Anvisha Ghorpade [2] beat Rudra Gawde [5] - 15-4, 15-12. Boys U-17 - Akshat Raisurana beat Anmol Sharma [6] - 15-7, 15-11; Dhruv Pawar beat Aarussh Saple [5] - 9-15, 15-11, 15-12 Girls U-19 - Spruha Joshi beat Yuvika Bajaj [1] - 9-15, 20-18, 15-9; Anvisha Ghorpade beat Sharvari Warwantkar - 15-11, 15-10 Boys U-19 - Harshit Mahimkar [1] beat Ishan Wankhede [4] - 15-13, 15-10; Ruturaj Chipat [6] beat Om Warbhe [3] - 15-13, 15-8 Girls U-17 Doubles - Dhanvi Nair + Sanvi Mali [2] beat Anvi More + Iva Goel - 8-15, 15-11, 15-11; Imaan Motorwala + Rudra Gawde beat Anvisha Ghorpade + Mahi Churi - 15-17, 15-11, 15-8 Boys U-17 Doubles - Aditya Padwal + Aryan Nair [1] beat Chandranshu Gundle + Mayank Rajput - 15-13, 8-15, 17-15; Akshat Raisurana + Vikrant Negi beat Aarav Chettiar + Shivam Chaure [4] - 15-11, 15-8 Girls U-19 Doubles - Khushi Pahwa + Yuvika Bajaj [2] beat Devanshi Shinde + Vedika Kulkarni - 15-13, 15-6; Pranjal Dedhia + Saisha Naik [1] beat Imaan Motorwala + Rudra Gawde - 15-11, 9-15, 15-4 Boys U-19 Doubles - Nidhish More + Yash Dhembare [1] beat Akshat Raisurana + Harshit Mahimkar - 15-10, 15-9; Deon Gonsalves + Ruturaj Chipat beat Aryan Pednekar + Ethan Dsouza - 15-13, 15-11 Women's Singles - Shreya Rathod beat Pranali Wadar - 15-12, 13-15, 15-13; Vanshika Tulsani beat Harshita Patil [2] - 11-15, 15-12, 15-6 Men's Singles - Ved Bhoir [4] beat Nishnat Galande [2] - 15-3, 15-11; Harshit Mahimkar [3] beat Vinay Patil [1] - 11-15, 16-14, 15-3 Men's Doubles - Nidhish More + Vinay Patil [4] beat Krishna Bhattad + Ritvik Sheth [2] - 15-5, 15-9; Viplav Kuvale + Viraj Kuvale [1] beat Avinash S + Pratik Tiwari - 15-9, 15-10 Mixed Doubles - Soham Phatak + Siya Singh [1] beat Shivaan Mishra + Khushi Pahwa - 15-8, 15-10; Krishna Majethia + Aparna Bane beat Ruturaj Chipat + Prisha Shah - 15-12, 7-15, 15-10.
Nimrat Kaur seeks blessings at Hazur Sahib, offers seva at langar
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Actress Nimrat Kaur, who was last seen in The Family Man season 3, recently paid a visit to Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra. On Sunday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures from her visit to the holy place. In the pictures, she can be seen seeking blessings, doing seva at the langar, and enjoying kada prasad. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, Satnaam wahe guru Hazur Sahib ji te haazri. A historical, religious milestone in Sikh culture. So grateful and blessed to have made it here finally. Especially today on the final day of Guru Gobind Singh jis Joti Jot Diwas, the commemoration of his departure from his mortal form. Its here that the holy book, our Guru Granth Sahib ji was commanded to be our eternal Guru and guiding light. Immortalised by Guru Sahibs words. The actress also shared that he donned a hand woven phulkari dupatta gifted by her father to her mother. Wahe guru ji ka khalsa, wahe guruji ki fateh. P.S. Honoured to be draped in this hand woven phulkari dupatta gifted by Papa to Mama nearly 50 years ago from world famous Barkha Ram Gote Wale Anardana Chowk, Patiala, she added. Hazur Sahib, officially known as Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, is one of the five most sacred seats of religious authority in Sikhism, located on the banks of the Godavari River in Nanded, Maharashtra. Its historical significance stems from its association with the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh , who spent his final days here and passed away on October 7, 1708. Before his death, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the lineage of human Gurus. The present shrine was commissioned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and constructed between 1832 and 1837 at the site of the Guru's cremation. Its magnificent architecture features white marble, intricate ornamentation and a gilded dome. The inner sanctum, known as Angitha Sahib, marks the cremation site. Hazur Sahib remains a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs worldwide.
PM Modi Unveils 13 Eklavya Model Schools in Odisha; Foundation Stones Laid for 3 Kandhamal Campuses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 13 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Odisha from Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, today, while also laying the foundation stones for three additional campuses in Kandhamal district. The newly inaugurated schools span seven tribal-dominated districts. They include Bisoi, Jashipur, and Saraskana in Mayurbhanj; Kosagumuda, Raighar, and Umerkote in Nabarangpur; and Ramnaguda, [] The post PM Modi Unveils 13 Eklavya Model Schools in Odisha; Foundation Stones Laid for 3 Kandhamal Campuses appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Travel looks up for type 1 diabetes club
Owaisi's remarks on Akhilesh Yadav's Ram Temple visit trigger row, SP hits back
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 15 (IANS) AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has triggered a political controversy after criticising Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his proposed visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, recalling that Muslims had offered prayers for centuries at the Babri Masjid, which stood at the site before it was demolished in 1992. Addressing a public meeting in Meerut, Owaisi said: Akhilesh is going to the place where we prayed for 400 years. The remarks drew a sharp response from the Samajwadi Party, which accused Owaisi of limiting his political activities to states where elections are approaching, describing him as a political tourist who avoids questioning the ruling party. SP spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand, speaking to IANS, said Owaisi should direct questions towards those in power instead of repeatedly targeting the Opposition. Owaisi never raises any questions for the BJP... He travels to places where elections are taking place, much like a tourist. He never directs any questions towards those in power. He should at least ask one question to the UP government, to those in power. Till when will he continue to question the Opposition? Chand said. Speaking to IANS, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also criticised Owaisi, alleging that his political positioning has consistently worked to the BJP's advantage. He said this was not a new pattern and cited the Maharashtra Assembly elections to support his argument. Owaisi's disease is not new; this infection has been going on for a long time. While Owaisi's party won four seats in Maharashtra elections, its presence contributed to the defeat of other candidates in 22 to 23 additional constituencies. The BJP and Owaisi are like twin brothers separated at the Kumbh Mela. Now that they have reunited, they are showering love on each other, Tiwari said. BJP leader and Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, meanwhile, said the political developments would not affect the BJP's prospects in Uttar Pradesh. Owaisi is a bargainer. He is probably trying to strike a deal with the Samajwadi Party, but perhaps the negotiations are not working out. That is a matter between them. I can only say that even if everyone comes together, it will make no difference. The Yogi government will be formed again this time; there is no doubt about it. The Yogi government has transformed Uttar Pradesh into a 'New Uttar Pradesh', Yadav said. BJP leader Ram Kadam, speaking to IANS, said the exchange of allegations reflected the political struggle of both parties to remain relevant ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Both the parties are fighting for their existence... Regarding the kind of allegations being levelled by Owaisi against Akhilesh Yadav, both are independent parties; let them level allegations against one another. We will not comment on those allegations, because both parties are plagued by restlessness for power, Kadam told IANS. In the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections, they cannot stand before, cannot fight against, and cannot win against Modi Ji's leadership, nor can they level any allegations against the Uttar Pradesh government. Therefore, keeping themselves in the headlines by misleading people must be their motive, he added.
Empty Vande Bharat train covers 463 km journey with faulty brakes
An empty Vande Bharat rake travelled 463 km from Hatia in Jharkhand to Uttar Pradesh despite ineffective coach brakes. South Eastern Railway has ordered a probe after staff allegedly ignored repeated warnings from loco pilots about the braking failure
Tribals suffered most due to Maoist violence, even denied right to vote: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressing a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme at Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, marking the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda
Consumer commissions in Maharashtra directed to make online hearings mandatory
Acting president of the state commission, Mukesh V Sharma, has issued directions to ensure uniformity in procedures. The order clarifies that video conferencing will be an additional facility alongside physical hearings and will not replace in-person proceedings
Pune family's car collides with lorry in Belagavi; 3 killed, 3 injured
According to the police, the accident occurred when the family was travelling from Pune, Maharashtra, to the Savadatti Yellamma temple. Their car collided with an oncoming lorry travelling from Yaragatti towards Gokak. The impact was so severe that the car was reduced to a mangled heap of metal
One glitch, a city thrown off track: Why Mumbai remains so dependent on local trains
Family Feud Turns Fatal: Woman, Brothers Held For Murder
A woman and her two brothers have been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, for allegedly killing her husband following a domestic dispute. The victim, Sameer Shaikh, was reportedly assaulted and strangled by his wife's brothers after an argument on Saturday. Police are investigating the incident.
PM Modi Launches Rs 3,000-Crore Tribal Development Projects in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore in Maharashtras Gadchiroli district. Held on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the event marked the grand culmination of the nationwide Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, observed from [] The post PM Modi Launches Rs 3,000-Crore Tribal Development Projects in Maharashtras Gadchiroli appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
New Delhi, Nov 15: The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, is organising the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics & Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026) on November 16-17, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 15 Janpath, New Delhi, centered around the theme Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying Indias Digital Future. The conference assumes noteworthy significance in the present digital era, wherein the increasing dependence on digital technologies, the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats and the evolving nature of cybercrime have made cyber security and digital investigation critical areas of national importance. The journey of NCCDFI began in 2024 with its inaugural edition in Kohima, Nagaland, held from 2526 July 2024 at the Capital Convention Centre, Organised by NIELIT Kohima in collaboration with the Nagaland Police and the Department of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Nagaland. Building on the foundation laid in Kohima, the second edition of NCCDFI was held in 2025 at Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam. Drawing on the success of its preceding editions, the conference expanded its reach from a regional initiative into a broader national platform. The third edition aims to further strengthen this platform through wider participation, technology demonstrations, knowledge exchange and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders. NCCDFI 2026 will provide a knowledge-sharing platform for stakeholders from government, law enforcement, defence, judiciary, technology providers, industry, academia and the cybersecurity ecosystem to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and evolving challenges in digital investigations and cyber resilience. The conference will focus on strengthening coordination among agencies, enhancing capacity in cybersecurity and digital forensics, facilitating policy dialogue and exploring the application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Security and Cyber Intelligence. NCCDFI 2026 is supported by a strong group of industry partners, bringing together leading organisations in digital forensics, cybersecurity and investigative technologies. The knowledge partners includes Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), CERT-In, Delhi Police, CyberPeace, Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, Maharashtra Cyber, Manipur Police, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Hyderabad, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The industry partners includes STELLAR, Power Forensics & Digital Intelligence, Magnet Forensics, MSAB, Cyint Technologies, 3rd Eye Techno Solutions, Advanced Digital Forensic Solutions, Inc., Oxygen Forensics and VERTEXON LABS. Their participation will contribute industry expertise, technology demonstrations and practical insights, strengthening the conferences focus on advancing capabilities in cybersecurity, digital forensics and digital investigations. The conference will focus on 10 key tracks covering the evolving cybersecurity landscape: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, AI Security, Critical Infrastructure, Threat Intelligence, Blockchain & Crypto, Drone & IoT Forensics, Digital Evidence, Cyber Law, and Cloud Security. These tracks will bring together experts and practitioners to explore emerging threats, technological advancements, investigative techniques, regulatory developments and strategies for building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem. The two-day conference will feature an inaugural session, technical and business sessions, panel discussions, an industry exhibition and Cyber Kushti 2026 Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon. The technical sessions will cover key areas including national cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, incident response, AI-enabled cyber threats, automated digital investigations, cyber threat intelligence, financial cybercrime, advanced device and multimedia forensics, law-enforcement readiness, international cooperation, digital evidence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, frontier technologies, capacity building and the national cyber ecosystem. The exhibition during the conference will showcase technologies and solutions in digital forensics, cybersecurity, drone technology, surveillance systems and AI-driven security, with opportunities for technical interactions and business-to-business engagements. A key highlight of NCCDFI 2026, Cyber Kushti 2026- Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon, will be organised alongside the technical sessions. The three-level competition is structured around the themes of Review, Attack and Defend, reflecting critical aspects of modern cybersecurity operations. The hackathon has received an overwhelming response, with 1,031 teams comprising 3,093 participants registering for the competition. Of these, 923 teams (2,769 participants) have been shortlisted for Level 1, while 50 teams have qualified for Level 2 and 10 teams for Level 3. NCCDFI 2026 will also feature the signing of MoUs between NIELIT and industry partners, aimed at strengthening institutional partnership, knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, research and development, and capacity building in the fields of cyber security, digital forensics & intelligence, etc. These collaborations are envisaged to establish a framework for long-term cooperation and facilitate industry-academia engagement and promote future collaborative initiatives in these critical domains. Through NCCDFI 2026, NIELIT along with its supporting organisations and institutional partners, seeks to contribute towards strengthening professional competencies, fostering institutional collaboration and supporting the development of a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem in the country.
Controversy Erupts Over Chhath Songs at Railway Stations in Mumbai
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathans remarks on Chhath songs spark backlash from Shiv Sena, highlighting political tensions in Maharashtra. Controversy Erupts Over Chhath Songs at Railway Stations in Mumbai
On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Manipur CM calls for forgiveness, mutual respect to achieve lasting peace
Digital Desk | Imphal, Nov 15 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday emphasised that lasting peace in the state could be achieved only through collective efforts by different communities, guided by a spirit of forgiveness, mutual understanding and respect. The Chief Minister appealed to all communities to work collectively towards restoring peace and harmony in the state and building a better future. Addressing the function organised on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, CM Khemchand Singh stated that every community must continue to nurture mutual understanding, respect one anothers identities and work collectively towards a future in which every community feels respected, valued and included. Emphasising that peace, harmony and mutual trust are essential foundations for development, the Chief Minister observed that aspirations for progress and prosperity could not be fully realised without peace. He urged everyone to rise above differences and contribute to the collective development of Manipur. The Department of Tribal Affairs & Hills organised the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, along with the inaugural ceremony of the state-level Tribal Cultural Festival at City Convention Centre in Imphal. As part of the nationwide celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme held in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The programme in Manipur began with the Chief Minister leading a two-minute silence as a mark of respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives during the recent crisis in the State. Addressing the gathering, CM Singh highlighted the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, envisioned by the Prime Minister, stating that the development of the country must be inclusive, with every community enjoying equal rights and opportunities in education and development. He emphasised that tribal communities must never be looked down upon and that their identities, cultures and contributions must be recognised and respected on an equal footing. Referring to the Prime Ministers tribute to Rani Gaidinliu during the national celebration, the Chief Minister said that she was not only the pride of Manipur but also the pride of the entire nation. He underscored the need to recognise and honour the sacrifices and contributions of tribal freedom fighters, whose role in Indias freedom struggle deserves wider recognition. The Chief Minister further informed that the government of India had taken up the initiative to establish a museum in memory of Rani Gaidinliu near her birthplace. He stated that the project was being undertaken through an agency under the Union Ministry of Culture. Expressing pride in the legacy of the freedom fighter, he urged everyone to take pride in her contributions and preserve her memory for future generations. During the programme, CM Singh distributed prizes to the winners of the Tribal Lens Photo Competition and the Tribal Frames Manipur 2026 Film Award in recognition of their contributions to documenting and showcasing tribal life, culture and heritage. The Chief Minister sounded the ceremonial festival Gong, formally declaring the state-level Tribal Cultural Festival open. The festival will feature cultural performances and showcase the rich traditions, heritage, art and identity of tribal communities of Manipur. The Chief Minister also visited the exhibition stalls set up as part of the celebration and inspected the displays showcasing the rich tribal art, culture, traditions and heritage of Manipur. The state-level Tribal Cultural Festival, scheduled from November 15 to 18, will feature cultural performances and showcase the rich traditions, heritage, art and identity of tribal communities of Manipur.
Tribals suffered most due to Naxal violence, even denied right to vote: PM
Tribal communities suffered the most due to Naxal violence and were even denied the right to vote in the Maoist-affected areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, accusing previous governments of leaving them to fend for themselves. Virtually addressing a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme at Gadchiroli in Maharashtra marking the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Modi said the previous governments remained silent when Maoists forcibly took away children and abducted young tribal women. Naxals denied the tribal communities voting rights but the previous governments remained mute spectators, Modi said. However, the situation has since changed with the elimination of Maoist violence, and tribal mothers and sisters are now blessing the government as they feel secure, Modi said. Children whose childhood was affected by violence are now getting opportunities for education and employment, he added. Modi also said that nearly 50 crore people have c
'How will we survive?': For Saidongar villagers, every felled tree hits home
Air purifier sales surge as Delhi-NCR AQI deteriorates; demand spreads beyond traditional markets
The segment, earlier considered to be a niche and largely confined to top metropolitan cities, is now witnessing demand from other parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
Beed Police Act On Child Marriage Of 15-Year-Old
Police in Beed, Maharashtra, have registered a case against a man for marrying a 15-year-old girl on November 10. The incident came to light after a tip-off, and the man is accused of violating the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
3 Dead, 3 Injured As Pune Familys Car Collides With Lorry in Belagavi
According to police, the tragic accident occurred when a car travelling from Pune, Maharashtra, en route to the revered Savadatti Yellamma temple collided violently with an oncoming lorry travelling from Yaragatti toward Gokak
Kumar Sanu reveals how he perfects the phonetics of every language of India while singing
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu, who has lent his voice to Suniyo Zara, has shared how he perfects the singing in every language across India. The veteran singer spoke with IANS at his house in the Andheri West area of Mumbai during the promotions of the song. When he was told that the listeners feel that he belongs to whatever language he sings in courtesy his perfect enunciation, he said, This is also God's gift. I can't say that I don't know any language except Bengali, Hindi, and a little bit of English. That's all I know. Whether it is Nepali, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, or Marathi, I don't know any language very well. He told IANS, If I know a little about a language, that's a different thing. I have been living in Maharashtra for so many years, so I like Marathi very much. There are a lot of singers and talents in Marathi. So, I agree with this. But I haven't worked out on this. He further mentioned, When a music director or a lyricist dictates to me, I pay attention to how they are pronouncing it. I mark his pronunciation in my shorthand. In any of my papers, there is a lot of shorthand. I have created all this. So, I mark how to pronounce it. When Im being dictated to, I used to use my shorthand. When I was singing, I used to look at the lyrics and the shorthand. So, the way he pronounced it, I try to give it 100%. So, people think he is Nepali, or he is Tamilian. You can tell from my words. I haven't worked out on the language. But I developed one thing that through the shorthand, I tried to go as close as possible to the language. I tried that. And I succeeded in that to a large extent. People accepted it, he added.
Kerala: Two Nigerian nationals and Nagaland woman arrested in MDMA seizure case
Two Nigerian nationals and a woman from Nagaland were arrested in Tiruppur over an alleged link to a 34.990-gram MDMA seizure in Kerala's Kaipamangalam. Police traced the trio following the interrogation of two men arrested in the case on November 12
Copa Airlines plane collides with UPS cargo plane at Miami airport, two injured
Two people sustained minor injuries after a Copa Airlines passenger jet collided with a UPS cargo plane at Miami airport. The incident came amid widespread US flight disruptions, with thousands of cancellations and delays following an FAA communications system failure
Tribal heroes ignored in history books, Modi brought them into focus: Fadnavis
Fadnavis thanked Modi for initiating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021 to honour tribal freedom fighters and recognise their contribution to India's history
Punjab records 5,835 stubble burning cases; Patiala tops districts
The report, covering data up to Saturday, stated that field-level inspections were conducted at 5,539 locations across the state, confirming crop residue burning at 2,442 sites
MHT CET 2027: Registration Begins Soon, Check Exam Dates And Syllabus
MHT CET 2027 registration is expected to start soon on cetcell.mahacet.org for engineering, pharmacy, and other undergraduate courses in Maharashtra.
Air India restores non-stop New York flights from Delhi, Mumbai
According to the airline, journeys that had taken around 22 hours because of en-route refuelling stops can now be completed in approximately 17 hours
Air purifier sales surge in Delhi-NCR as air quality deteriorates
With Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas of North India reeling from worsening air pollution, air purifier sales have surged as manufacturers and retailers report a spike in consumer enquiries and purchases, particularly after Diwali, even as companies see a gradual shift toward year-round adoption. A post-Diwali surge in demand for air purifiers, once seen as a recurring trend, is now part of a broader shift in consumer behaviour. The demand, triggered by seasonal pollution spikes, is increasingly shifting from panic-driven buying to more proactive adoption, with consumers viewing air purifiers as a year-round necessity rather than a seasonal purchase. The segment, earlier considered to be a niche and largely confined to top metropolitan cities, is now witnessing demand from other parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. This indicates a widening consumer base beyond traditional markets, though Delhi-NCR continues to dominate the category, having
Bahrain sounds alarm sirens as IRGC claim attack on US base
Explosions and air raid sirens were reported across Bahrain as authorities urged residents to seek shelter. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting a US radar system at a military base, escalating tensions in the Gulf region
Tribal communities giving us their blessings for eliminating Naxalism, says PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the strides the country has made in eliminating Maoism, and said that the mothers and sisters of the tribal communities are blessing the government for this achievement. Virtually addressing the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme, being organised in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, he mentioned that the event coincided with two major achievements of the country -- The first is that nearly 50 crore people in the country have overcome extreme poverty and come out of poverty. The second is the end of Naxalism and freedom from Maoist terrorism. Both these achievements are deeply connected to the lives of our tribal brothers and sisters, he said. PM Modi said that people of tribal belts, including Gadchiroli, know that Maoist violence harmed the tribal community the most. In 2014, he stated that around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoism. There used to be hundreds of violent incidents every year. Thousands of innocent people, a large number of them were tribals, lost their lives. However, people affected by Naxalism-Maoism were abandoned by the then governments, their rights were snatched away, and everybody remained silent, he said. He asserted that the members of the tribal community were not even allowed to vote, while the then governments remained mute spectators. Contrasting the situation with this year, he said, Children were taken away from their mothers by these Naxals; our daughters were taken away, and no one was able to do anything. However, today, when Naxalism-Maoism has been eliminated, mothers and sisters in the tribal community are giving us their blessings. PM Modi said that today, the tribal communities are making significant contributions to the country's progress. The country is also being led by a daughter of the tribal community. We are all proud of President Droupadi Murmu, he said. Just a few weeks ago, a World Bank report stated that nearly 50 crore people in India have come out of extreme poverty over the past 12-13 years. This is a huge number. I consider this one of the country's greatest achievements since Independence, he stated. He said that the Centre government's scheme also plays an important role in making this happen. Extending heartfelt congratulations, PM Modi said that the large number of people coming out of poverty is, in itself, a major transformation. This transformation is part of a long journey towards fulfilling a major resolve. Today, India and every Indian have developed the confidence that such a resolve can be fulfilled, he said. The Prime Minister said that the government also paid special attention to regions that had remained underdeveloped for a long time. A focused campaign for development, access to facilities and protection of citizens' rights was launched in more than 100 Aspirational Districts and over 500 Aspirational Blocks across the country. Many of these areas have a large tribal population, he said, adding that the PM-JANMAN scheme is now transforming their lives. This is the time to draw inspiration from Bhagwan Birsa Munda and dedicate all our energy to realising the dream of a Viksit Bharat. With this appeal, I pay my respects to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and once again extend my best wishes to all of you on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, he added.
According to the department, completing the necessary registration and verification procedures is essential for eligible beneficiaries to receive funds directly in their bank accounts
India Celebrates Tribal Pride Day with Tribute to Heritage and Heroes
Prime Minister Modi honors tribal heritage and announces new projects during Tribal Pride Day in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. India Celebrates Tribal Pride Day with Tribute to Heritage and Heroes
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said there was a time when the planning of several festivals and events was decided based on a foreign perspective; however, now the country is celebrating its culture with indigenous pride, calling the shift a symbol of ational consciousness. Virtually addressing the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme, being organised in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, PM Modi called it a ational celebration, honouring the pride of tribal communities and drawing inspiration from tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. With this spirit, events are being organised across the country today. The nation is remembering its tribal heroes and heroines with pride, he said. A major event is being organised in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. As far as I can see, the venue is filled with people. Gadchiroli has a rich tribal culture, and the heroic stories of Raghji Bhangre, Bhagoji Naik and Veer Baburao Shedmake are associated with this land. On this occasion, I pay my heartfelt tributes to all tribal heroes, the Prime Minister said. PM Modi said that since November 2021, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has been celebrated across the country, making it a ational celebration. Last year, he mentioned that over two lakh programmes were organised across the nation, and crores of citizens participated in them during the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. There was a time when several festivals and occasions were decided from a foreign perspective. But today, India is remembering its heritage, history, and heroes with indigenous pride. This is a symbol of a major shift in our national consciousness, he said. The Prime Minister mentioned that on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, over 170 projects related to tribal development have been inaugurated, and the foundation stones for more than 70 projects have been laid across various states. In Mizoram, a museum dedicated to the great freedom fighter Ropuilliani has been inaugurated. In Arunachal Pradesh, a new building for the Tribal Research Institute has also been inaugurated. Other projects being inaugurated or launched include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, marketing centres for tribal products and several initiatives to expand basic infrastructure in villages, he said. Projects worth around Rs 30,000 crore have been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid across various states. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and to the people of the country on these projects, he added. PM Modi mentioned that the event coincided with two major achievements of the country -- The first is that nearly 50 crore people in the country have overcome extreme poverty and come out of poverty. The second is the end of Naxalism and freedom from Maoist terrorism. Both these achievements are deeply connected to the lives of our tribal brothers and sisters. Just a few weeks ago, a World Bank report stated that nearly 50 crore people in India have come out of extreme poverty over the past 12-13 years. This is a huge number. I consider this one of the country's greatest achievements since Independence, he stated.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde honours tribal communities on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
The News Mill
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took aim at the previous governments and said that they either understood the tribal communities nor cared about them. PM Modi made these remarks while virtually interacting with the tribal community members from across the nation during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, organised on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. During this event, the members of the tribal community told the Prime Minister about the benefits they have received from the schemes of the Centre government. Interacting with Vajir from Hathakundi village in Netrang tehsil in Gujarat's Bharuch district about the New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, the Prime Minister asked him about the struggles faced by the tribal community and how the initiative has transformed his life. In 2004, I received training under the Gujarat government's New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, through which I was trained in bamboo work. I have also benefited from several schemes under PM-JANMAN. I respectfully thank you, the Gujarat government and the Government of India under your leadership, Vajir said. Taking aim at the previous UPA-led government, PM Modi said, Vajir ji, you are likely aware that the British devised a major ploy by classifying bamboo as a 'tree'; consequently, anyone who cut bamboo would be thrown into jail. This law should have been abolished after independence. However, regrettably, some individuals in the previous governments neither understood the tribal communities nor cared about them. However, when we came to power, we ended that law and made sure that the tribals have full rights over bamboo, he added. Krishna Nagorao Teka, a PM-JANMAN beneficiary from Maharashtra's Yavatmal, said, Earlier, we faced many difficulties. During the rainy season, living in our house was very difficult, and we also faced problems with insects and pests. Now, under the PM-JANMAN scheme, we have received a permanent house, a toilet and other facilities. We no longer face those difficulties. We are very grateful to you. I am very happy to learn that the PM-JANMAN Mission has brought changes to the lives of you and the people in your village. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than this. As you describe, all facilities have reached your village, and the people there remain connected to their cultural heritage, PM Modi said. Sabavat Anvesh from Hyderabad thanked the Prime Minister for introducing the PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India), which he said is enabling people to complete their higher education. During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore, aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure for tribal communities across the country. Of the total projects, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 173 initiatives, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). He also inaugurated various other projects under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Other key projects inaugurated include the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) building at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Aizawl in Mizoram, aimed at preserving tribal culture and heritage. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 19 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools, further strengthening the commitment to providing quality education to tribal children. He also laid the foundation stone of 12 Tribal Multi-purpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) to strengthen market access for tribal producers. In addition, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for 42 other projects under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA. The programme marks the culmination of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across the country from November 1 to 15.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually interacted with the tribal community members from across the nation during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, organised on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore, aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure for tribal communities across the country. During this event, the members of the tribal community told the Prime Minister about the benefits they have received from the schemes of the Centre government. Krishna Nagorao Teka, a PM-JANMAN beneficiary from Maharashtra's Yavatmal, said, Earlier, we faced many difficulties. During the rainy season, living in our house was very difficult, and we also faced problems with insects and pests. Now, under the PM-JANMAN scheme, we have received a permanent house, a toilet and other facilities. We no longer face those difficulties. We are very grateful to you. I am very happy to learn that the PM-JANMAN Mission has brought changes to the lives of you and the people in your village. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than this. As you describe, all facilities have reached your village, and the people there remain connected to their cultural heritage, PM Modi said. Interacting with Vajir from Hathakundi village in Netrang tehsil in Gujarat's Bharuch district about the New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, the Prime Minister asked him about the struggles faced by the tribal community and how the initiative has transformed his life. In 2004, I received training under the Gujarat government's New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, through which I was trained in bamboo work. I have also benefited from several schemes under PM-JANMAN. I respectfully thank you, the Gujarat government and the Government of India under your leadership, Vajir said. Taking aim at the previous UPA-led government, PM Modi said, Vajir ji, you are likely aware that the British devised a major ploy by classifying bamboo as a 'tree'; consequently, anyone who cut bamboo would be thrown into jail. Regrettably, this law should have been abolished after independence. However, some individuals in the government neither understood the tribal communities nor cared about them. However, when we came to power, we ended that law and made sure that the tribals have full rights over bamboo, he added. Sabavat Anvesh from Hyderabad thanked the Prime Minister for introducing the PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India), which he said is enabling people to complete their higher education. Meanwhile. of the total projects, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 173 initiatives, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). He also inaugurated various other projects under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Other key projects inaugurated include the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) building at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Aizawl in Mizoram, aimed at preserving tribal culture and heritage. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 19 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools, further strengthening the commitment to providing quality education to tribal children. He also laid the foundation stone of 12 Tribal Multi-purpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) to strengthen market access for tribal producers. In addition, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for 42 other projects under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA. The programme marks the culmination of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across the country from November 1 to 15.
PM Modi News: PM Modi Joins Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Programme Virtually in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Maharashtra, commemorating the legacy and contributions of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event celebrated India's tribal heritage, culture, and the role of tribal communities in the nation's development.
Panama lawmakers attend Diwali reception hosted by Indian envoy
Digital Desk | Panama City, Nov 15 (IANS) Panama's Minister of Maritime Affairs Luis Roquebert, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation Carlos Guevara Mann and Secretary General, Ministry of Commerce and Industries Tulio Ramirez attended the Diwali celebration hosted by India's Ambassador to Panama Pratibha Parkar at her home. Members of the Indian community and officials of the Indian Embassy attended the event. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Panama stated, H.E. Ms. Pratibha Parkar, Ambassador of India to Panama, hosted a Diwali Reception on 13 November 2026 at the Embassy Residence, attended by distinguished guests, friends from Panama, members of the Indian community and Embassy staff. The celebration was graced by H.E. Mr. Carlos Guevara Mann, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Luis Roquebert, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority; Mr. Tulio Ramrez, Secretary General, Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Panama. The evening reflected the spirit of Diwali, strengthening friendship, cultural harmony and togetherness, it added. The embassy said that distinguished guests from Panama attended the Diwali festivities at Parkar's residence, embracing the vibrant colours of Indian traditional attire and the spirit of the Festival of Lights. Diwali celebrations at the Ambassadors Residence brought guests together over the rich and diverse colors of the State of Maharashtra. From the ambience, dance and savoury delights to delicious sweets, every color told a story of the heritage of Maharashtra, the Indian Embassy in Panama posted on X. Recently, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat led the Indian delegation to the 65th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in Panama City from November 8-11, according to the statement released by the embassy. In his address at the Congress, Shekhawat highlighted Indias growing potential as a global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), promoting international partnerships and tourism cooperation.
Pune poll officials file complaint over attempt to shift 40 Bhosari voters
Following the complaint, police registered a non-cognisable offence against unidentified persons, while election authorities said the voters' names had been restored to the Bhosari electoral roll
Netanyahu urges unity government, warns Iran is reviving nuclear programme
In a prerecorded address on Saturday (local time), Netanyahu urged his political rival Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming Israel's next government, to enter coalition negotiations without preconditions
SpaceX Starship completes 15th flight test with first-ever tower catch
The giant rocket lifted off from SpaceX's Starbase facility in the US state of Texas on Friday afternoon. After about 22 and a half hours, the spacecraft returned to the launch site at about 3:20 p.m. Central Time on Saturday
'More important than a heart': Albanese's hot-mic exchange grabs attention
The conversation between the two leaders, captured on camera during a break at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), revolved around the possible health effects of keeping mobile phones in different pockets
PM Modi to inaugurate projects worth Rs 3,000 crore in Maharashtra today
During the programme, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore, aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure for tribal communities across the country
Lipstick, Lashes and Liberation: How the art of Drag is breaking gender binaries
NCP (SP) calls merger reports with rival faction 'completely false'
In a statement issued in Nagpur on Saturday, Kunte Patil alleged that reports about a possible reunion of the two factions were being deliberately circulated in the media to divert public attention from pressing issues facing Maharashtra
Aaditya Thackeray accuses BJP of sponsoring Chhath Puja controversy in Maharashtra
The News Mill
South Carolina church opens memorial honouring members killed in shooting
The grand-daughter of one of the victims, Alana Grant, entered the basement of the oldest African Methodist Episcopal Church in the American south, the place where her grandfather, the Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons, attended his final Bible study
US asks Ukraine to give up parts of Donbas in exchange for NATO membership
Zelenskyy also said the United States had asked for the first time whether Ukraine would withdraw from parts of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine that Russia does not control if Kyiv were admitted to NATO
US flight chaos: Over 15,000 flights delayed, 4,000 cancelled nationwide
Trump administration officials said new technology being added to the nations air traffic control system overloaded antiquated equipment and caused intermittent communications and radar gaps, leading to the flight shutdown of more than four hours
India targets 900 GW clean energy capacity by 2035, nearly doubling its goal
The worlds most populous country and one of the biggest carbon polluters is also among the fastest to expand clean power. Accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels is a key goal of this years climate talks, known as COP31, in Turkey
Kapil Sibal challenges Yogi to prove 1.27 crore Hindu voter deletions
Kapil Sibal asks UP CM Yogi Adityanath to disclose the names and constituencies of 1.27 crore Hindu voters allegedly removed from electoral rolls
China border has become 'more alive', says External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
Jaishankar says India needs a greater and sustained troop commitment along the China border as the frontier becomes increasingly active
Puducherry, Andhra win in Group C
GROUP C Mohali, Nov 14: Maharashtra skipper Prithvi Shaw, who is looking to revive his career, failed to live up to the expectations as his side lost to Puducherry by 15 runs in their opening Group C match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy here on Saturday. Sent in to bat, Puducherry rode on []
PM Modi to Inaugurate Development Projects at Tribal Pride Day in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Modi will launch 246 development projects in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, during the Tribal Pride Day event. PM Modi to Inaugurate Development Projects at Tribal Pride Day in Maharashtra
Maharashtra FDA seizes Rs 1.39 crore nutraceuticals containing rejected ingredients
Rising education spending fails to translate into better learning outcomes: Experts
Srinagar, Nov 14: A sharp rise in public expenditure on education has failed to deliver corresponding improvements in learning outcomes. The experts flagged the inefficient utilisation of funds, uneven teacher deployment and gaps in accountability as major challenges confronting Indias school education system. The issue came into focus at the 13th School Choice National Conference (SCNC), organised by the Centre for Civil Society (CCS) at FICCI, New Delhi. The policymakers, educationists and researchers have called for shifting the focus of education financing from infrastructure and administrative inputs to measurable learning outcomes. During the conference, the experts stressed that combined education spending by the Centre and states increased from Rs 5.8 lakh crore in 2020-21 to around Rs 9.2 lakh crore in 2024-25. The Union Budget allocation for school education also rose from Rs 54,800 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 83,562 crore in 2026-27. Despite the increased spending, learning outcomes have not kept pace, even as enrolment patterns indicate a growing preference for private schools. Addressing the conference, Advisor to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, said the challenge facing the education system had shifted from bringing every child to school to ensuring that every child learns, irrespective of the institution they attend. Referring to the 1968 National Policy on Education, Wani said the priority then was to ensure access to schools, while the question in 2026 was whether every child was actually learning. He said that education expenditure must move beyond infrastructure creation and focus on teachers and human resources besides pointing out serious mismatches in teacher deployment, with some schools having teachers but no students, while others have students but no teachers. He called for addressing these imbalances and highlighted the importance of skill development and employability alongside strengthening school and higher education. During the conference, a report on tracing the Public Financing of School Education in India was released, which tracked public expenditure across five statesAssam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradeshover seven budget cycles from 2018-19 to 2024-25. The report exposed a significant imbalance in education spending, finding that salaries, grants and running costs accounted for between 92 and nearly 99 percent of school education expenditure across the states studied. It also flagged persistent gaps in reimbursement to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. As per the report, the reimbursement rates in 2024-25 ranged from just 11.5 percent of per-child expenditure in Uttar Pradesh to 77.7 percent in Assam. In his keynote address, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, V Vualnam said the country had a vast school education network comprising 14.67 lakh schools and 1.03 crore teachers. He questioned whether increasing layers of monitoring through biometrics, photographs and applications could adequately measure the actual effectiveness of teaching. During a discussion on public financing, speakers also questioned whether increasing allocations alone could improve education, pointing out that the relationship between resources, teaching quality and actual learning remained poorly understood. The conference further highlighted the fragmented structure of Indias school system. Former Secretary Department of School Education and Literacy, (DSEL) Sanjay Kumar said that while the Right to Education Act had delivered access, it was yet to deliver learning. He also pointed out that only about one in nine schools offered education up to Class 12, forcing many students to change institutions as they progressed. Around three in four children undergo three or more admissions between Classes 1 and 12, he added.
He said, We are proud Indians, you will find us in every corner of the airports it is our aim to take India to the west, via our cuisine and our culture from dishes to dance.
Drought-stricken Beed: Land of parched fields and broken promises
Drought has devastated MaharashtrasBeeddistrict, pushing women farmers and labourers towards distress migration. Despite repeated pleas for employment, villagers say government job guarantees have failed them, even as the State announces a 6,728-crorepackage
4.5 magnitude earthquake tremors felt in Maharashtras Jalgaon
District Collector Rohan Ghuge said, No loss of life or property damage in Jalgaon has been reported. Residents should not panic or fall prey to any rumours
Drought slows states rabi sowing; deficit hits 5.4 lakh hectares
65% Of Nagpurs Water Supply Hangs On A Single, Vulnerable Power Line
29-km feeder through forest prone to tripping; backup can run only two pumps, NMC admits; 112 power interruptions recorded in four months
CBI Searches Mahadev App Panel Operators House In Nagpur
Woman cop earns PhD for police reforms study
Maharashtra Extends E-crop Survey Deadline To Nov 30, Offline Option Also Allowed
BSc students miss first paper amid confusion; NU waives conditions to let them appear
Mayor, Commissioner to attend World Bank Water Management Workshop in SKorea
NMC Has 6.98L Properties, But Only 1.75L Tax Demand Notices Distributed In Seven Months
Orange City Lit Fest To Begin On Nov 20
PMC may follow Mumbai in curbing aerial fireworks
Agrovision to focus on water conservation, crop planning to tackle drought
Crime branch cracks high-value MD network, 130 grams worth Rs 4 lakh seized
Medical Sq murder: Graded police patrol system needs to be implemented, says CP
Q & A
FDA suspends licences of Vaishali & Roopali restaurants over food safety violations
Can Resume Operations Only After A Fresh Inspection Confirms Compliances Have Been Met
Woman dies after a night of physical assault, torture; accused on the run
Reports about retirement false, says Gadkari
