20-Year Jail For Man In Jalna Sexual Assault Case
A special court in Jalna, Maharashtra, has sentenced Faizan Ahmed Abbas Husain to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The court also ordered the Maharashtra government to provide Rs 50,000 compensation to the victim.
Revanth seeks Centre's intervention to secure Maharashtra clearance for Tummidihatti project
CM urges Jal Shakti Minister to expedite Tummidihatti barrage and environmental approvals
Kunal Kamra moves Supreme Court over legislative privileges, cites free speech concerns
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Supreme Court seeking to intervene in a case concerning the scope of legislative privileges and their impact on freedom of speech. His plea comes amid privilege proceedings against him before the Maharashtra Legislature over remarks made during his comedy show
Maharashtra FDA orders tighter regulation of infant foods across the state
Order mandates FSSAI licences and BIS marks, tightens labelling and promotion rules, and bars advertising, discounts and benefits to health workers across Maharashtra.
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Indias leading proptech company is raising the bar in home painting with a renewed premium proposition designed for homeowners who want more than just a
Teerth Realties Strengthens Pune Portfolio with Focus on Integrated Urban Development
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Teerth Realties is strengthening its presence across Punes western growth corridor with a portfolio spanning residential communities, commercial developments and integrated townships. With nearly four
Nityas Gems and Jewellery Limited IPO Opens on September 30, 2026
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Nityas Gems and Jewellery Limited, engaged in the design, manufacturing, and sale of lab-grown diamond-studded gold jewellery in India, proposes to open its Initial Public
With the recent formation of the UCC panels in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal, it becomes necessary to revisit the Constituent Assembly debates on the UCC and question the BJPs selective invocation of Ambedkar to legitimise its divisive and majoritarian pursuits.
Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff respond to FDA notices in surrogate advertisement case
Shah Rukh Khan, Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn have responded to notices issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in connection with a surrogate advertisement case. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe confirmed that...
Kunal Kamra joins SC case on MLAs' privilege vs free speech
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Supreme Court to intervene in a significant case concerning the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs and their impact on freedom of speech. A seven-judge Constitution bench will hear the matter from October 6. Kamra's involvement stems from privilege proceedings against him in the Maharashtra Assembly over his comedy special. The case also revisits a 2003 matter involving journalist N Ravi, highlighting conflicting views on whether fundamental rights override legislative privileges.
Maharashtra Government Aims to Enhance Global Employment Opportunities for Youth
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasizes skill development to boost global job opportunities for Maharashtras youth. Maharashtra Government Aims to Enhance Global Employment Opportunities for Youth
From unhygienic handling and adulteration to unsafe storage, food safety is under growing scrutiny. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhes crackdown has renewed calls for stricter safeguards and greater accountability across the food chain
Maharashtra Couple Wanted Phones, Gold. They 'Sold' Their Baby For A Lakh
The child was bought and sold as many as four times by different people before being rescued from over 550 kilometres away.
LoP Rahul Gandhi to visit Balaghat on Oct 1 over tribal children deaths in MP
Digital Desk | Bhopal/Balaghat, Sep 29 (IANS) Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to arrive in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district on October 1 to meet families of tribal children who died amid a health crisis in the district, prominent tribal leader in the state Umang Singhar told IANS. Singhar said that LoP Rahul Gandhi will visit the affected tribal areas of Baihar and Birsa and meet families of the deceased children to take stock of the situation on the ground. The Madhya Pradesh government has become negligent. More than 22 tribal children have died, and Rahul Gandhi will meet the affected families to assess the ground reality, state Assembly LoP Singhar told IANS. The visit comes amid concern over deaths among Baiga tribal children in remote villages of Balaghat. According to government figures, 20 children have died in the affected areas, with the deaths prompting questions over healthcare, nutrition and access to treatment in the tribal belt. A central National Joint Outbreak Response Team investigated 196 cases, including those involving 156 children below 10 years of age. Its findings pointed to multiple health factors rather than a single disease. Of 64 samples tested, 25 were positive for measles, while 27 of 32 patients tested positive for malaria. The deaths have brought renewed focus on health and nutrition among tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh. Notably, the Scheduled Tribes (ST) constitute about 21 per cent of the state's population, according to Census 2011 data, and 47 of the state's 230 Assembly constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Balaghat, a predominantly tribal and forested district bordering Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, was for years among Madhya Pradesh's major Naxal-affected areas. The state government has recently declared Madhya Pradesh free of Naxalism following security operations and surrenders in Balaghat. The Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled in 2028. LoP Gandhi's Balaghat visit will come 13 days after his previous visit to Madhya Pradesh. He had visited Indore on September 19 and addressed the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme, where he raised issues concerning students, education and employment.
Percept Live Unveils the Debut Edition of 'Aaj ka Scene'
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Percept Live has announced the launch of 'Aaj Ka Scene', its newest original Intellectual Property celebrating the energy, creativity and culture of hip-hop. The debut edition of this new youth-focused property will take place on 31 October and 1 November 2026 at Phoenix Marketcity at Kurla, Mumbai, bringing together established artists, emerging talent and the next generation of hip-hop creators on one dynamic platform.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President, Harshwardhan Sapkal, on Tuesday requested state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), S. Chockalingam, to extend the deadline for submitting claims and objections to the draft electoral roll by two months. Denouncing the current October 12 deadline set under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive as grossly inadequate, the Congress leadership warned that millions of citizens risk disenfranchisement due to severe administrative and technical bottlenecks. In an official letter addressed to CEO Chockalingam, Sapkal highlighted that an MPCC delegation had previously met election authorities on September 22 to outline the operational challenges on the ground. However, the Election Commission (EC) granted an extension of merely 12 days, which Sapkal labeled insufficient, given the massive volume of pending revisions. Citing figures from the states electoral database, Sapkal pointed out that out of 1.54 crore voters flagged on the Absentee, Shifted, and Dead/Duplicate Voters (ASDDO) list, along with 40 lakh youth eligible for new registration, a meager 3,90,000 citizens have managed to submit Form 6 for voter registration. He further noted that despite errors in the newly formatted Form 6 being brought to the Election Commission's attention, revised forms have not been printed, leaving citizens unable to access error-free application copies. The MPCC chief outlined several major impediments disrupting the registration drive across Maharashtra. Frequent server downtime, combined with non-linking of Aadhaar and mobile numbers, has severely paralysed online submissions. Discrepancies between Marathi and English transliterations of voter names are creating further roadblocks, he said. He further stated that Booth Level Officers (BLOs)a significant portion of whom are schoolteachersare currently tied up with conducting mid-term school examinations alongside festive duties during Navratri. Serving notices house-to-house while collecting verification documents has stretched the staff beyond capacity, raising serious concerns over their availability to process fresh applications. Pointing to critical flaws in the EC's duplication software, Sapkal revealed that a list containing over 25,000 duplicate voter entries in a single Lok Sabha constituency was recently submitted directly to the Nagpur District Collector. To ensure a transparent, inclusive, and error-free electoral roll, the state Congress chief urged the Election Commission to immediately extend the deadline for claims and objections by two months beyond October 12 to provide adequate time for citizens and field staff, publish daily constituency-wise data detailing the exact number of Form 6, 7, and 8 applications received, following the transparent reporting model used in Delhi and conduct thorough re-verifications across all constituencies to purge bogus and duplicate entries that continue to persist in the draft rolls. To ensure that voter registration is conducted thoroughly and no eligible citizen is left out, a two-month extension is mandatory, Sapkal stated, urging the CEO to act swiftly in the interest of fair elections.
Telugu States Impacted Due to Drought Conditions in Kharif Season
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that there are concerns about the drought situation in Karnataka, Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan.
Government to assess crop damage at mandal level, cover losses outside drought list: Fadnavis
As many as 265 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas, constituting around 74% of the State, have been declared drought-affected. The government has said crop-loss assessments will determine the financial assistance to affected farmers.
Government to assess crop damage at mandal level, cover losses outside drought list: Fadnavis
As many as 265 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas, constituting around 74% of the State, have been declared drought-affected. The government has said crop-loss assessments will determine the financial assistance to affected farmers.
Govt to provide global job opportunities for youth: Maha CM
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that to make the countrys youth employable, it is essential to integrate skill development, training and employment alongside education. He stressed that merely acquiring a degree is not enough, and with rapidly changing technologies such as AI, semiconductors and quantum computing, continuous upskilling is the need of the hour. He added that there is huge demand for human resources in over 28 countries worldwide, and the government is actively working to provide international employment opportunities to Maharashtras youth. He was speaking at the online inauguration of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Maharojgar Melava across all districts of the Konkan and Nashik divisions. The event was organised by the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Womens University in Mumbai. During the event, the Chief Minister personally presented appointment letters to Sahida Parmanik and Kanti Shambhu Chavan, both hired by Crewa Capital Services Pvt. Ltd. CM Fadnavis said the job fair was organised under the Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He said the fair would open up maximum employment and self-employment opportunities for youth in the Konkan and Nashik divisions. He said education, training and employment form the critical triad required to fulfil PM Modis vision of a Developed India (Viksit Bharat). He emphasised that human resource development through education, training and employment is the foundation for achieving a Developed India by 2047. To realise our dream of a poverty-free, unemployment-free and disease-free India, we must build our ecosystem on this three-pronged strategy. Today, 65 percent of the countrys population is an active youth workforce. While entrepreneurs need skilled human resources, young people need jobs. These job fairs serve as a robust bridge connecting both sides, he said. Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated that under the Chief Ministers guidance, initiatives are no longer limited to ITI students. At least three mini-job fairs are being organised in every taluka for youth from all educational backgrounds. He said the department provided seven days of free pre-employment training, benefiting 61,000 young men and women. With over 1,00,000 registrations for the fair, the department aims to connect at least 70 per cent of participants with job or self-employment opportunities. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said his department is working with the Skill Development Department to ensure employment avenues match the number of graduating students. Beyond job fairs, the initiative focuses on preparing candidates for interviews through soft skills, communication, personality development and management training. Minister Jaykumar Rawal highlighted Maharashtras position as a top investment destination in Asia and the countrys Startup Capital. He said the government is prepared to provide foreign language and skill training to youth seeking employment abroad. Additionally, under the Mobility project, Rs 2,500 crore is being invested in agriculture and marketing sectors to connect farmers children with industry and employment. Across 12 districts in the Konkan and Nashik divisions, over 1,500 employers and 1,00,000 job aspirants registered for the Maharojgar Kumbh. Employers posted requisitions for more than 25,000 vacancies. Candidate-employer matching was coordinated with local educational institutions, government ITIs, district administrations, MIDC, universities and industrial associations. To encourage womens participation, an exclusive job fair was organised at SNDT Womens University, with 36 companies recruiting women across sectors. State corporations also set up informational stalls to promote self-employment schemes.
Maharashtra Government Waives Exam Fees for Students in Drought-Affected Areas
The Maharashtra government has announced a waiver on exam fees for students in drought-affected regions to ease financial burdens. Maharashtra Government Waives Exam Fees for Students in Drought-Affected Areas
Asian Games: India clinch mixed 4x100m relay bronze, set national record
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Sep 29 (IANS) India signed off from the mixed 4x100m relay final at the Asian Games 2026 with a bronze medal and a new national record as Gurindervir Singh, Sneha Sathyanarayana, Animesh Kujur and Harita Bhadra combined to clock 41.06 seconds in Nagoya on Tuesday. The Indian quartet produced a season-best effort to finish third, improving the previous National Record of 41.35 seconds set by Ragul Kumar, Nithya Gandhe, Animesh and Sneha at the World Relays 2026 in Gaborone. China claimed the gold medal in 40.78 seconds, while Thailand finished second in 40.87 seconds. India crossed the line in 41.06 seconds, 0.28 seconds behind the champions. For Harita, the bronze marked her second medal of the Games after she had earlier secured bronze in the womens 200m final. Harita clocked 23.20 seconds to finish third in the 200m, becoming the first Indian woman since Dutee Chand in 2018 to win an Asian Games medal in the event. The 23-year-old Maharashtra sprinter had entered the Games after improving her personal best to 23.14 seconds at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. Animesh, meanwhile, also finished fifth in the mens 200m final with a time of 20.80 seconds. The 22-year-old sprinter, who had won bronze and set a national record of 20.32 seconds at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, has emerged as one of Indias leading short-distance runners. Gurindervir, Indias national record holder in the mens 100m, was another key member of the Indian quartet. He clocked 10.09 seconds in May this year to become the first Indian man to run the 100m under 10.10 seconds. Sneha, who specialises in the 100m and 4x100m relay, is also part of Indias senior relay setup. She was a member of the Indian womens 4x100m team that won gold at the 2026 Asian Relays Championships in China.
Top Maharashtra poll official seeks more powers for EROs to handle voter discrepancies
An official in the State poll body said S. Chockalingam made the request to the Election Commission of India in a letter sent on September 24
Top Maharashtra poll official seeks more powers for EROs to handle voter discrepancies
An official in the State poll body said S. Chockalingam made the request to the Election Commission of India in a letter sent on September 24
Maharashtra to absorb former Agniveers in police, state forces without fresh exams
The first batch of Agniveers is completing its four-year tenure, with the state also considering additional posts if vacancies are insufficient
MIPIM x Indianmedia.biz brings Real Estate Leaders together to unlock Global Capital
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Leading real estate developers, investors, researchers and industry stakeholders came together for an exclusive, closed-door Real Estate Leadership Roundtable, 'Unlocking Global Funds: The India Capital Surge', presented by MIPIM and RX France and powered by Indianmedia.biz, held at Sofitel Mumbai BKC on the evening of 25 September.
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has requested modifications to the ECINet software for handling electoral roll anomalies. The proposal allows Electoral Registration Officers to exercise greater discretion regarding discrepancies in voter documentation. As part of the changes, personal hearings for voters can be waived when sufficient documents are submitted.
State recruitment exams: Candidates demand single test, fixed syllabus
Candidates seeking Maharashtra government jobs have urged an exam-reforms panel to introduce a single direct recruitment test, fix the syllabus and make written exams and interviews qualifying in nature
Maharashtra drought: State Govt waives technical norms to extend full relief to excluded farmers
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) In a major move to mitigate the severe drought-like conditions across Maharashtra, the State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday announced that technical criteria will not prevent affected farmers from receiving government assistance. Addressing a press conference following the Cabinet meeting, CM Fadnavis said that the state will conduct on-ground physical inspections in talukas where crops have withered but failed to meet standard automated triggers due to unusual weather patterns. Farmers in these areas will now be granted full drought relief benefits as a special exemption. The decisions are expected to provide immediate financial and administrative relief to thousands of farmers who were initially left out of the state's drought declaration due to automated criteria. Specific guidelines detailing the distribution of financial aid and resources for these newly included regions are expected to be released in the coming days, informed the CM. Addressing an unusual weather cyclemarked by heavy rainfall during the initial two months followed by a total dry spellthe government noted that standard 'Trigger 1' parameters were not met in several areas. Physical crop damage assessments will now be conducted on the ground to ensure no affected farmer is left out, said the CM. He added that a dedicated drought mitigation sub-committee will meet regularly, with ministers directed to submit local proposals and feedback without delay. For districts excluded from the initial drought-hit list, officials have been instructed to apply alternate parameters and submit fresh relief proposals, informed the CM. According to the Chief Minister, the state will issue a transparent Government Resolution (GR) prioritising water usage, explicitly factoring in livestock water needs alongside drinking water before allocating supplies for other purposes. District Planning and Development Committees (DPDC) have been mandated to allocate maximum resources towards drought mitigation work. Guardian Ministers have been advised to take creative, localised action. In a direct relief measure for families in affected regions, Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) students will have their examination fees completely waived upfront, replacing the previous mechanism of fee collection and reimbursement, he said. The CM's announcement comes days after the Maharashtra government, through the Relief and Rehabilitation Department, on Saturday issued a Government Resolution declaring official drought conditions in 265 talukas of the total 358 talukas across the state following deficient monsoon rainfall during the 2026 Kharif season. The move comes after the implementation of Trigger-1 guidelines under the Drought Management Code 2016 and a report submitted by the Commissioner of Agriculture. District Collectors have been instructed to immediately initiate field assessments of crop loss across affected regions. The administration must collect geotagged photos with GPS coordinates of damaged farmlands and submit a comprehensive crop assessment report to the government through the Agriculture Commissioner. To support farmers, agricultural labourers, and affected rural populations, the state government has extended a 12-point relief and concessions package for the designated 265 talukas. The government has announced full waiver of land revenue for affected farmers, restructuring of existing agricultural loans, immediate stay on the recovery of all agriculture-related bank loans, exemption/concessions on current electricity bills for agricultural pumps above 7.5 HP capacity (up to 7.5 HP is already waived), waiver of examination fees for school and college students in the affected zones, relaxation of work norm criteria under the VB-G RAM G to maximise employment generation and deployment of water tankers wherever drinking water shortages occur. Further, the government has issued strict orders preventing the disconnection of agricultural pump power supplies in declared scarcity villages, implementation of targeted distribution systems to prevent food grain shortages for farmers and daily-wage agricultural workers, measures to ensure adequate supply and availability of fodder for cattle, immediate rollout of water conservation works in the affected belts and comprehensive planning for drinking and livestock water resources in accordance with government directives.
Tanishaa Mukerji calls Maharashtra state electricity board, a mafia
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Actress Tanishaa Mukerji has raised the issue of inflated electricity bills in Lonavala. On Tuesday, the actress took to her X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note, as she expressed her anger at the Maharashtra state electricity board, and called them a mafia. She wrote, Maharashtra state electricity board in lonavala are behaving like mafia ! They are giving huge bills and forcing payment by cutting off electricity. She further mentioned, This is just criminal! Coming on a Saturday evening to cut off the electricity even if it is before the due date and just holding people hostage. @CMOMaharashtra @Dev_Fadnavis @myogiadityanath @AmitShah @TataPower pls come to lonavala ! There is no regulation. They are just doing whatever they want! #inhuman. Recent complaints over inflated electricity bills in Maharashtra have increasingly centred on the rollout of smart meters by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), popularly known as Mahavitaran. Consumers in Thane, Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Ulhasnagar and other areas have reported bills substantially higher than their previous consumption, with some alleging sudden spikes after meter replacement. In a recent case, a household in Nagpur received a bill of INR 1.44 lakh for 348 units. MSEDCL later acknowledged a meter-reading mismatch and revised the amount to about INR 13,800. MSEDCL maintains that smart meters do not inherently record higher consumption and says billing discrepancies can be investigated through meter testing. In Thane, the utility announced plans to install conventional check meters alongside 2025% of new smart meters and compare readings over two to three months. The authorities have also organised camps and technical teams to address the grievance and examine disputed bills and meters.
'Will ensure justice for your son,': Ramdas Athawale speaks to parents of IIT Bombay student
Chandukaka Saraf Enters Its 200th Year, Bringing a 200-Year Legacy Closer to Gen Z
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: For 200 years, jewellery has been part of Chandukaka Saraf's story. Today, the brand is looking at how the next generation wants to wear it.
Education, skills and jobs key to developed India by 2047: CM Fadnavis
Addressing the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Employment Mahakumbh in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said the programme was organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, launched across Maharashtra to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years as the head of government
Top Maha poll official seeks more powers for EROs in SIR
Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer has formally requested the Election Commission to modify the ECINet software, seeking greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers in addressing over 2 crore voter discrepancies.
Maharashtra clears 1.32 crore for 4 Lokayukta cars amid austerity calls
The Maharashtra government has approved 1.32 crore for the purchase of four luxury vehicles for members of the state Lokayukta.
Tanishaa Mukerji slams 'illegal' power cut at Lonavala home, urges for action
Tanishaa Mukerji slammed the Maharashtra State Electricity Board over an alleged power disconnection at her ancestral Lonavala property, claiming officials issued a hefty bill and disconnected electricity before the due date. She called the action criminal and sought government intervention
Pune: Fire breaks out at Bank of India building on busy Laxmi Road
A major fire broke out at the Bank of India building on busy Laxmi Road in Pune on Tuesday afternoon. Seven fire tenders were deployed to bring the blaze under control, while no casualties or injuries were reported so far
The Shares Grandfather Left Behind: How Forgotten Investments Are Becoming a New Business
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 28: It often starts with an old file pulled out while clearing a cupboard. Inside may be a share certificate bought by a father or grandfather
Antilia bomb scare: NIA court grants bail to former Mumbai cop Sachin Waze
Apraava Energy acquires Raigad transmission project SPV in Maharashtra
The project will involve 400 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and a pooling station, enabling reliable supply to pumped storage plants and evacuation of 3 GW of power
Fighting for electoral integrity: Thackeray brothers announce October 4 march against ECI
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) In a bid to signal a unified front against the Election Commission of India (ECI), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday addressed a joint press conference to unveil the blueprint for a public protest march scheduled for October 4. The demonstration is directed against the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the body of functioning as an extension of the ruling party at the Centre and deceiving voters through the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Outlining the logistics and roadmap for the October 4 rally, Raj Thackeray announced that the protest is structured as a non-partisan movement representing the collective voice of citizens. Protesters will assemble at 10:00 a.m. at the Richardson & Cruddas premises in Byculla. The march will move from Byculla toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.. The march will terminate near the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters where a stage will be set up to convert the rally into a public meeting. We have been consistently raising concerns over EVM manipulation and electoral malpractices for years. Back in 201718, I met several political leaders regarding these issues. This march stands against the humiliation of voters and the subversion of our electoral integrity. Whatever we have to say, we will deliver directly from the stage on October 4, Raj Thackeray stated. Emphasising that the demonstration transcends individual party politics, the Thackeray cousin brothers laid down strict guidelines for participants. They said neither the MNS nor Shiv Sena (UBT) will carry party flags or banners. All marchers will carry exclusively the Indian National Flag to underscore the fight for democracy and the Constitution. Rather than sending formal letters, the leadership will personally place phone calls to all Opposition parties, inviting them to join the movement, said Raj Thackeray adding that leaders from ruling parties who oppose the poll panel's functioning are also welcome on stage. Responding to allegations from the BJP which claimed that the Opposition is manufacturing fabricated stories regarding CEC Gyanesh Kumar to blame the poll panel for political failures Raj Thackeray dismissed the ruling party's defence with a sharp Marathi idiom. If our protest is directed strictly at the Election Commission, why is the BJP feeling the heat? As the Marathi saying goes, 'Khai tyala khavkhave (guilty conscience needs no accuser)', he said. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray said that there is no competition on who organises the protest march against the CEC and the malfunctioning of the poll panel. They were replying to a question on a nationwide protest organised by the Congress party on the issue. Raj Thackeray added that if residents of a housing society hold such a protest, it is welcome. The joint call for action follows a high-level meeting with Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam regarding irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Over the weekend, Raj Thackeray took to social media platform X to attack the poll panel, alleging that under CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the ECI has acted like a ranch office of the ruling establishment to perpetrate massive voter fraud. The upcoming October 4 demonstration marks a significant reunion of the Thackeray brothers on a shared political stage, setting the stage for a major political confrontation in Mumbai ahead of key electoral battles. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray announced his full support for the agitation by Cockroach Janata Party on October 2 in Mumbai against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Prozo has unveiled a new fulfilment centre in Bhiwandi, bolstering its presence in Maharashtra. The facility, which covers 1.1 lakh sq. ft., is strategically located to support logistics along vital corridors.
IIT Bombay student death: Parents hunger strike enters Day 2, no govt approach
At Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, Sahil's parents Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, hailing from Yavatmal in Maharashtra, sat on a makeshift stage holding his photograph with a message seeking justice for him. A few others joined them at the site
From Rs 10k to Rs 2L: Raut claims extortion by Mundhe's FDA
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused Maharashtra FDA officials of extorting money from hotels and quick-commerce businesses by threatening licence suspensions. He has demanded an independent inquiry into these allegations, claiming that FDA offices have become extortion hubs and that officials are bypassing legal procedures.
Maharashtra Approves Rs 1.32 Crore Luxury Cars For Lokayukta Amid Drought
A budget of Rs 33 lakh has been sanctioned per vehicle while Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas.
Maharashtra Congress alleges ECI-Net misuse, seeks action against CEC Kumar
Reacting to media reports that Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam had sought restoration of the powers of sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe alleged that certain officials had misused the software to classify voters and create anomalies in electoral rolls
Market experts shared their insights on fundamentals and technical levels for key stocks
Maharashtra Congress Alleges Misuse of ECI-Net; Demands Action Against CEC
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe claimed certain officials had misused the software to classify voters and engineer electoral roll anomalies
Passenger bus from Delhi to Lucknow overturns on Ganga Expressway; 17 injured
Seventeen passengers were injured after a Delhi-Lucknow bus overturned on the Ganga Expressway in Hardois Bilgram area early Tuesday. The injured were taken to a community health centre, while two seriously injured passengers were referred to the district hospital
Tulshi villagers in Maharashtra have protested decades of water scarcity by putting up 'Village for Sale' banners, demanding action on stalled canal work. Residents say depleted water sources have left the village dependent on tankers.
Youth Congress seeks probe into voter roll irregularities, CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation
Forester Rajhans, researcher Prajakta announced Jungle Belles Women of the Wild Award 2026
Bharati Bank is dedicated to providing credit to the common people, says Vishwajeet Kadam
India-US strengthen defence ties, focus on Indo-Pacific security
India and the US discussed expanding defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security and military interoperability. Talks between senior defence officials followed Yudh Abhyas 2026, highlighting joint training, defence technology and stronger military-to-military engagement
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Postpones Key Exams Amid Paper Leak Concerns
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission has postponed three major examinations due to ongoing protests and concerns over paper leaks. This decision aims to restore confidence among candidates following irregularities in the Drug Inspector exam. While new dates for the postponed exams have yet to be announced, the MPSC plans to conduct a thorough investigation before rescheduling. Additionally, the Commission will re-evaluate answer sheets from the 2025 Main Examination in response to complaints. The situation has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the recruitment process.
Bullet train: First steel bridge installed in Maharashtra after 1,300-km journey
The bridge is the first steel structure of its kind to be set up in Maharashtra under the ambitious high-speed rail project. It was transported to Thane from a specialised workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, located around 1,300 km away, and assembled at the site before being launched into position
Fire breaks out at Bank of India office in Pune, seven fire tenders deployed | VIDEO
A fire broke out at a Bank of India office located on the sixth floor of a building in Maharashtra's Pune on Tuesday. The building is located on Laxmi Road in the city. The incident...
EAM Jaishankar says US now practising strategic autonomy long followed by India
You're dealing with China, you're dealing with Russia, with Ukraine, with other parts of Asia or with Europe, he told Daniel Russel, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who was in conversation with him at the event
First steel bridge set up in Maharashtra for bullet train project
A 100-metre-long bridge, weighing 1,405 metric tonnes, for the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has been installed in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Tuesday. It is the first steel bridge set up in Maharashtra as part of the project, they said, adding that the structure was transported on trailers from a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, located 1,300 km away, and assembled on site for installation, the officials said. The 14-metre-high and as-wide structure was launched over National Highway-3 at Dive-Anjur village in the Bhiwandi area here on Monday, a release by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) said. With this installation, 16 out of the total 28 steel bridges planned along the entire bullet train corridor have now been completed, it said. Exemplifying indigenous technical and material capability under the Make in India initiative, the bridge was fabricated at a specialised workshop in Trichy. The structure was transported ov
FBI adds Goldy Brar to ten most wanted list, announces USD 1 million reward
The FBI said Goldy Brar is wanted for his alleged role in the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group, which US authorities have linked to killings, extortion and drug trafficking in the United States and Canada
Shiv Sena (UBT) targets govt appeal for citizens to fund Maharashtra drought aid
The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction described the government's approach as picking pennies from empty pockets and questioned whether asking citizens to finance disaster relief was an adequate response to the drought situation in Maharashtra
Bullet Train: First Steel Bridge Installed In Maharashtra After Being Transported Over 1,000 km
The 14-metre-high and as-wide structure was launched over National Highway-3 at Dive-Anjur village in the Bhiwandi area on Monday, a release by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. said.
23.45 Crore SJP Ultrasonics IPO to Open on September 30
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: The Company Provides, an end-to-end plastic joining and automation solutions provider, offering specialised solutions mainly in the Automotive industry and industries related to Medical, Electrical,
Maharashtra govt directs civil servants to treat MPs, legislators with respect
The revised guidelines cover the conduct of government officials while dealing with MPs, MLAs and MLCs, as well as procedures for handling their correspondence, meetings and participation in official functions
Vadhvan Port project: Shipping Secretary calls for timely execution
Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited the project site at Varor on Monday to assess ground-level progress, review ongoing workstreams and interact with key stakeholders involved in the development, according to a release issued by the district administration
MPSC Defers State Services Main Exam 2026; Check Revised Schedule and Latest Updates
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed the State Services Main Examination 2026, which was scheduled to begin on October 3, 2026. The Commission has also deferred the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination 2026 and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main
Bullet train: First steel bridge set up in Maharashtra after being transported over 1,000 km
A 100-meter-long steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has been successfully installed in Thane. This bridge, weighing 1,405 metric tonnes, is the first of its kind in Maharashtra. It was transported from a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, and assembled on-site after traveling 1,300 kilometers. Sixteen out of the planned twenty-eight steel bridges along the bullet train corridor have now been completed.
MPSC postpones Oct 3 State Services Main Exam amid concerns raised by aspirants
The Commission also deferred the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination 2026 and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination. Revised schedules for all three examinations will be announced separately, the MPSC said
We will not join anyone, others may join us: Sharad Pawar dismisses rumours of NCP(SP) joining NDA
Sharad Pawar ruled out NCP(SP) joining the NDA or merging with another party, saying those who want to join his party are welcome. He also discussed Maharashtra's drought situation and urged party workers to learn AI for future political and election-related work.
Vikram Solar shares rise 3% after securing 400 MW module order from leading EPC company
Vikram Solar shares rose 3% after securing a 400 MW module supply order for decentralised solar projects across Maharashtra. The company will supply 620 Wp N-Type TOPCon G12R modules from October 2026 through March 2027. The order strengthens its presence in agricultural-feeder solarisation and Indias expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
Amid the Maharashtra SIR, Maharashtra CEO S. Chokalingam has demanded changes to the ECINet software. Learn more about the ERO's powers, logical discrepancies, and the omission of 20.7 million draft voter names.What is the demand of Maharashtra CEO?In Maharashtra, questions are being rai...
Now, Maharashtra Poll Officer Demands More Powers For Local Staff In SIR
Maharashtra CEO S Chockalingam has written to the EC seeking greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in handling cases in the notice phase.
Why has Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas and what do farmers get? | Explained
The declaration comes as the monsoon nears its end, with a shortfall in rainfall. Only five districts have recorded rain at or above the average for the period
FDA's Big Crackdown In Mumbai: Licences Of 13 Reputed Food Establishments Suspended - Full List
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended licences of 13 food establishments in Mumbai and 30 across the state during a festive-season crackdown from September 23-27. Over 50.60 tonnes of food worth Rs 1.20 crore was seized over hygiene, labelling and safety violations.
Donald Trump confirms Iran contact, offers no sign of deal
The questions came during a White House event on a proposed steel investment in Iowa
Shake down middlemen, not common citizens, to finance drought aid: Shiv Sena(UBT) in 'Saamana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) In a sharp critique of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss recent appeal urging citizens to cut back on personal celebrations and donate their savings towards drought relief, the Shiv Sena(UBT) on Tuesday questioned the state administrations intent and priorities. Terming the governments approach picking pennies from empty pockets, the Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Samaana', asserted that asking a financially strained public to fund disaster management is both insensitive and inadequate. The editorial drew attention to the escalating agrarian crisis across Maharashtra, noting that four farmers had died by suicide within a span of just two days across Parbhani, Yavatmal, Solapur, and Hingoli districts due to severe drought-induced debt and hardship. It warned that without immediate, direct state assistance, drought-affected areas risk turning into graveyards, placing the entire responsibility for sustaining these communities squarely on the shoulders of the Chief Minister and his administration. Directly challenging CM Fadnavis, the Thackeray camp stated that instead of asking common citizens -- who are already grappling with inflation and economic stress -- to cut down on small family functions like weddings and naming ceremonies, the government should crack down on internal corruption, kickbacks, and contractor commissions. The editorial pointed to alleged financial irregularities in various state infrastructure initiatives, citing the controversial coastal land sales in the Konkan region and heavy fund flows around the Shaktipeeth Expressway. It further claimed that public funds are routinely diverted to favour contractors, urging the Chief Minister to curb these leakages to generate drought relief capital rather than asking the public to scrimp. The state government has become a government of commission-agents and contractors. There is looting everywhere. Inventing unnecessary projects to divert the treasury to contractors and warm one's own pockets -- even if the Chief Minister stops this loot, it will benefit the drought-affected, remarked the Thackeray camp. Taking aim at political rivalries and horse-trading allegations, the editorial called on the ruling alliance to redirect political expenditures towards rural distress. It suggested that funds allegedly set aside for political defection and electioneering be diverted immediately to help affected farmers. Furthermore, the editorial proposed several key measures for the government to generate substantial drought funds. It called upon the government to ensure pending instalments meant for political allies are transferred directly into drought relief funds and mandate substantial contributions from major Mumbai builders, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) developers, and senior bureaucrats whose revenues remain high. The editorial urged the state government to request an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore from the unutilised balance in the PM CARES Fund to support Maharashtras agricultural sector. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, in conclusion, emphasised that symbolic donations from ministers, such as giving up a single months official salary, amount to empty gestures given the vast resources controlled by ruling politicians. It urged the leadership to demonstrate true courage by shaking down the thriving nexus of corrupt officials, contractors, and political middlemen to secure genuine relief for the states 11 crore citizens.
PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets Emirati leader in secret weekend trip to Abu Dhabi
Netanyahu asked Sheikh Mohamed to deny the report, according to the person who purported to have first-hand information about the meeting
40 rescued after boat capsizes in waters west of Puerto Rico, two dead
Many of them do so on makeshift vessels that sometimes capsize in rough waters, with Monday marking the latest deadly voyage
From cocktails to bites: Indulge in these new food menus in Mumbai this week
While you can explore a curated cocktail menu, you can also indulge in Buffalo Chicken Wings glazed with buffalo hot sauce served with blue cheese ranch, and more
Enjoy relishing unique dishes from northeast India at this pop-up in Mumbai
Savour rare dishes Phaley, Fumbi and Kewa Datshi at an ongoing pop-up at a Lower Parel favourite
Rohit Pawar threatens Samruddhi Expressway blockade over Maharashtra drought aid
Rohit Pawar said the state government had declared drought in several parts of Maharashtra but had not yet announced the quantum of financial assistance for affected farmers
Ebola virus in Congo has reached 8067
Congo announced an outbreak on May 15, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches gold ring scheme for newborn babies
Rolling out the scheme at the Government Rajaji hospital here, Vijay held the babies for a while and gave away the gold rings
Maharashtra SIR: CEO S. Chockalingam Seeks Four Changes To ECINet Software For Notice Process
Chockalingam asked that EROs, usually sub-divisional magistrates or officers of equivalent rank, be allowed to waive hearings.
Congress workers: Gaddar Gyanesh painted on CECs Agra residence
The protesters arrived at Kumars residence in the morning in large numbers and raised slogans outside his Vijay Nagar home
Bombay High Court to hear plea seeking transparency in Maharashtra SIR
The petitioners submitted that the matter raised an issue concerning citizens rights. Their counsel told the Bench that the exercise could result in the deletion of 2.1 crore names from the electoral rolls in the State
