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.
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.
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
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.
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...
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra vs Fold8: What Does the Extra Rs. 20,000 Get You
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Samsung has expanded its foldable smartphone portfolio with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at Rs. 1,79,999, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at Rs. 1,99,999. Both models combine foldable displays with flagship performance, but they target slightly different requirements.
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
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,
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.
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.
Too much light at night may affect heart; avoid bright screens before bed
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.
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
Maharashtra govt sets up chief secretary-led panel amid MLC poll code
The committee will scrutinise proposals from government departments before they are forwarded to election authorities, according to a circular issued by the General Administration Department on Monday
Pope Leo XIV urged religious leaders to preach peace and unity
He urged Europe to draw from its Christian roots and traditions of dialogue to blunt the desire for domination driving todays wars, as he wrapped up a visit to France by recalling the forces that contributed to the continents peaceful integration
Nvidias software platform to stop AI from misbehaving
Nvidia also introduced Sentry, a Bluefield DPU tool to quarantine agents breaching boundaries. Tech firms like Cisco, Microsoft, and Dell are collaborating on these AI safety efforts
Ambala building collapse toll climbs to six
Two more people, who were pulled out from under the debris, were declared dead late Sunday night, they said
Late September rains bring winter-like chill to Delhi-NCR; more showers likely before dry spell
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Rain brought winter-like weather to Delhi-NCR residents in the early hours of Monday, with the national capital waking up to cooler conditions and cloudy skies. The region is likely to witness isolated rainfall on Tuesday, continuing the light spell recorded on Monday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather is expected to set in from September 30, with mainly clear skies likely through the first week of October. Rain, thunderstorms and lightning are expected at isolated places across Delhi, Chandigarh and Haryana on Tuesday. Similar weather conditions are likely in Punjab. However, from September 30, mainly dry weather is expected over several parts of northwest India. As the southwest monsoon nears its final departure from the country, rainfall activity continues across several regions. While some areas are witnessing heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds have brought a noticeable change in weather conditions elsewhere. From the hilly states of North India to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Northeast India and several parts of South India, rainfall is expected. Some areas may also receive heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely in Himachal Pradesh, parts of the Northeast, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka. Rain and thunderstorm activity may also continue across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Delhi had received 4.3 mm of rain at Safdarjung on Sunday morning, after recording 0.6 mm until 8.30 p.m. the previous evening, extending rainfall into the final days of September. The September 27 shower was the first rain recorded this late in the month since September 29, 2019, when 0.3 mm was recorded. The late-season rain arrived just four days after the southwest monsoon withdrew from Delhi on September 23. The IMD's normal withdrawal date for the national capital is September 25, based on the 1971-2019 period. This year's withdrawal was the earliest since 2002, when the monsoon exited Delhi on September 20. The 2026 monsoon arrived on July 2, five days later than the normal onset date of June 27. It lasted 83 days, seven days shorter than the normal duration. Delhi's rainfall pattern was also uneven during the season. Safdarjung recorded 728.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 23, against the normal 629.7 mm, marking a surplus of 16 per cent. The seasonal rainfall was classified as normal by the IMD despite being above the long-period average. The late showers added at least another 4.3 mm at Safdarjung by Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category. Monitoring stations recorded AQI levels of 58 at Mandir Marg, 60 at Aya Nagar, 60 at Punjabi Bagh, 83 at CRRI Mathura Road, 67 at Sirifort, 72 at IGNOU-Maidan Garhi, 73 at Chandni Chowk, 58 at Burari Crossing, 69 at Anand Vihar, 82 at Mundka, 77 at Jahangirpuri, 70 at Okhla Phase-2 and 65 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
J&K Assembly passes resolution seeking urgent restoration of full statehood
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday last week
Saudi Foreign Minister arrives in United States for talks with Macro Rubio
Asked on Sunday whether military strikes could return before the elections, Trump said, Its possible, but I just dont want to say that.
Student held for trespass, theft at Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe's Pune home
Police said the case was registered on the complaint of a security guard deployed at the bungalow. The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to theft and house trespass or house-breaking
Maharashtra FDA chief to act if money-demand allegations are proven
FDA commissioner responds to Sanjay Rauts allegations of officials seeking money from hotels, restaurants, and quick-commerce firms
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Postpones 3 Exams Amid Paper Leak Concerns
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Exams 2026: The commission stated that the 2026 Main Examinations for State Services, Maharashtra Civil Engineering Services, and Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) have been postponed.
Maharashtra CEO Seeks 4 Changes To ECINet Software For SIR Notice Process
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has sought four changes to the ECINet software used for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notice process. One key proposal seeks greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), including allowing them to decide cases involving logical discrepancies after conducting a hearing. The proposed changes are aimed at giving EROs more options while processing SIR notices.
Pandal dismantling should be done mindfully
The point is that an effort has been made, awareness is on the up and we have seen action across the city.
Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and Lavani icon, Shakuntala Nagarkars demise has left a massive vacuum for the fraternity, as well for countless fans like us who she drew towards the folk art form
Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state
A new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra is raising questions about faith, choice and freedom.
SIR row: Congress holds protest across Maharashtra seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal
According to the Maharashtra Congress, demonstrations were held outside district collectorates across the State, including in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Raut Alleges Systemic Extortion By Maharashtra FDA Officers
Mr. Raut commended Mr. Mundhes relentless crackdown on adulterated milk, analog paneer, unhygienic restaurant kitchens, and expired goods since taking charge of the FDA in May 2026.
Crop-loss panchanamas across Maharashtra from today, says agriculture minister
Pune city at high risk of Zika cases in future, states NIV research
Drought Declared, Nagpur Dist Staring At Depleted Water Stock In 5 Major Dams
2 Class 12 students killed as speeding truck rams two-wheeler
Amravati ashramshala girl death sparks outrage
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to prepare rabi crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with water-stressed areas prioritising less water-intensive crops. He also called for higher cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce Indias import dependence, while flagging drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
PCMC plans to add 22 new fire vehicles to its fleet in boost to faster rescue ops in high-rise bldgs
Income Tax officials clean Sarasbaug temple premises
Lohagad murder: Ketan, Siya, Chetan spotted at crime scene in tourists photos
PWD Plans To Open Ajni Underpass By Nov, Remaining Works To Continue In Phases
Gondia dam which irrigates 18K hectares in 3 districts, overflows
Alarming Dip in Groundwater Level in Amravati District
Three Talukas in Over-exploited Category
Eight Crematoriums Wallow In Apathy, Now Get Nod For Rs40 Crore Phased Facelift
Last years flood erodes topsoil, now drought wilts crops in Dharashiv & Solapur
Trader ends life in Kalamna Market shop
Hazari Pahad fire: 4homes wrecked, but no casualties
14-year-olds murder in Jaripatka triggers chain of gang violence, dad runs amok at ground zero
Man stabs brother after family row in Chinchwad, arrested
First steel bridge for bullet train project in Maharashtra launched over Nashik highway
Two held for pledging fake gold chains, taking Rs4.44 lakh from Chakan jeweller
Minor worker dies after getting trapped in stone crusher in Pune
Maharashtra Food Body Suspends 30 Licenses, Seizes Stock Worth A Crore
An FDA statement on Monday said licences or registration certificates of 13 establishments in Mumbai, six in Konkan division, eight in Pune division and three in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division were suspended.
Student (21) allegedly attempts to tamper with water connection of MLC Neelam Gorhe
SIR should be scrapped: Civil groups ahead of Wednesdays protest
Voters need not appear in person, BLOs will collect documents & upload: State CEO Chockalingam
Fadnavis gives in-principle approval to Rs1,826cr plan for Chakan, Hinjewadi infrastructure
Maval farmers firm on Jal Samadhi protest on Oct 2 over Pavana pipeline project
Police constable captured on video abusing cab driver on Karve Road
Student suicide: Police checking if IIT-B followed its cheating SOP
BMC move against multi-storey shanties faces political pushback
Maharashtra govt proposes policy to provide support to college-going children of single mothers
Igatpuri private medical college gets deemed university status
FDA now suspends licence of iconic Irani restaurant Kyani, 12 others
81-year-old gets advanced heart valve op at BMC-run KEM Hospital for half of private hospital cost
Maha drought worsens, cancels leave for 11 departments
The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.
Maha SIR: CEO announces weekend voter camps across 100,000 stations
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) In a major push to streamline the electoral roll under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. Chockalingam on Monday announced special camps at polling stations across the state to help citizens rectify discrepancies in their voter records. Addressing the low public response to fixing voter record errors, Chockalingam confirmed that weekend camps will be held at over 100,300 polling stations statewide, including 10,000 centres in Mumbai. Voters can visit these stations directly to submit applications to update names, addresses, or correct errors in draft rolls. The deadline to file claims and objections has been extended to October 12, and processing of notices, claims, and objections will conclude by November 10. The final voter list will be published on November 16. Notices were issued to 1.22 crore voters flagged for logical errors or missing document matches. Citizens no longer need to visit Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in person; they can respond by sending notices and required documents via WhatsApp. Out of 1.51 crore voters omitted from draft rolls, only 3.9 lakh have resubmitted fresh registration forms over the past month. District Collectors have been instructed to conduct voter registration camps across all junior and senior colleges, with mandatory reporting on student enrolment numbers. Political controversy has erupted after the state government declared drought in 265 talukas without prior clearance from the Election Commission of India (ECI), despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in force for upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Teachers and Graduates constituencies. The government is accused of violating MCC guidelines by extending 12 relief concessions without ECI approval. Sources said a proposal seeking clearance was submitted, but the executive order was issued while the application was pending. Earlier, the ECI announced operational measures including door-to-door document collection, exemption from mandatory physical attendance, relief in virtual hearings, family representation and creation of help desks for vulnerable groups. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will directly visit the homes of citizens flagged as Unmapped or with Logical Discrepancies to collect verification documents. Hearings, if unavoidable, will be conducted online, with any adult family member allowed to represent the voter, the CEOs office said. District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to set up help desks and outreach camps for homeless citizens, migrant labourers, pavement dwellers and night shelter occupants to ensure inclusive enrolment. The current SIR campaign, launched earlier this year, is the first comprehensive door-to-door electoral roll overhaul in Maharashtra since 2002. Rapid urbanisation, migration, unrecorded deaths and duplicate entries over two decades necessitated full-scale verification. During the initial phase, BLOs cross-checked voters against historical rolls from 20022004 to establish eligibility cut-offs. However, heavy monsoon rains in Konkan and Mumbai, civic disruptions, and large numbers of unmapped voters created operational bottlenecks, prompting calls from political parties and civil society groups for more time.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to visit Maharashtra to assess drought
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) With nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra grappling with severe drought conditions, the Union government has stepped in to assess the crisis first-hand. Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced that Central teams alongside senior officials will deploy to assess crop and water damage, with Chouhan himself leading high-level inspection visits across affected regions in Western and Southern India. The Central team will first arrive in Karnataka on October 3 before heading to Maharashtra to perform ground-level assessments. Recognising the gravity of declining soil moisture and shrinking reservoir levels, the Union Agriculture Ministry has issued a comprehensive action plan for the upcoming Rabi cropping season. State and district administrations have been directed to map available irrigation supplies and soil moisture before finalising Rabi sowing plans. High-water-consuming crops are strictly discouraged in water-stressed pockets to avoid mid-season crop failure, the Agriculture department sources said. The Centre has ordered a major push toward low-water-requiring crops -- specifically gram, lentil, and mustard. Farmers are encouraged to utilise fallow paddy fields post-harvest for these drought-resilient varieties to boost national self-reliance in edible oils and pulses. State governments must set strict targets for pulse production and put procurement mechanisms in place early. To shield farmers from distress sales, central agencies NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India) will step in for direct on-farm procurement if state systems lag. Agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been tasked with supplying climate-suitable seed varieties. State administrations must prepare advance plans for the distribution and lifting of seeds and fertilisers. To reduce input costs and maintain soil health, the Centre is extending its balanced fertilisation drive into the Rabi cycle. Over-application of synthetic fertilisers will be countered through targeted scientific guidance. The Agriculture Ministry is fast-tracking the rollout of Farmer IDs, AgStack infrastructure, and expanded Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage to streamline direct benefit deliveries and credit access. To maintain real-time oversight, states will track weekly progress across crop sowing, seed germination, pest risks, and market price fluctuations. The strategy comes as Union Minister Chouhan prepares to host all State Agriculture Ministers on September 29, the second day of the National Agriculture Conference, to finalise an integrated execution plan for the Rabi season.
MPSC postpones three major exams amid re-evaluation of State Services Mains 2025
BEST opposes Adani bid for Dharavi power market, plans expansion of distribution in suburbs
Maha CM clears Rs 1,800 crore plan for ChakanHinjawadi
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday granted in-principle approval for an integrated infrastructure development plan to ease traffic congestion, improve road networks, and strengthen stormwater drainage systems in the Chakan and Hinjawadi industrial areas. Under the initiative, projects worth Rs 1,400 crore have been sanctioned for Chakan, alongside a dedicated Rs 426.54 crore framework for Hinjawadi. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said execution is scheduled to begin in December to ensure timely completion, with the primary goal of improving traffic flow and drainage capacity before the next monsoon season. CM Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Public Works Department (PWD), Zilla Parishad and allied agencies to pool resources and work in synergy. The administration will consolidate funding and logistics to overhaul roads, public utilities and drainage infrastructure. Encroachments along 78 km of natural streams have restricted water flow. The plan includes clearing streams, constructing roadside drains, increasing culvert discharge capacity and setting up water retention facilities. With 7080 per cent of encroachments already removed, the remaining will be cleared in phases. The target is to restore all natural drainage routes by June 2027, alongside building 38 km of roadside stormwater drains. After analysing Chakans 498 km road network, the team selected 75 km of high-priority roads for immediate upgrading. These stretches will feature pedestrian walkways, improved drainage and safety infrastructure. Work will use existing right-of-way space by removing encroachments, avoiding fresh land acquisition. The project will also provide for underground utility ducts. To reduce accident risks, upgraded roads will include footpaths, safe crossing zones and traffic management systems. Pedestrian facilities will also be incorporated into the upcoming National Highway flyover. To curb congestion, 500 additional buses will be introduced along key commuter routes. Six major intersections will undergo scientific redesign and be equipped with AI-driven traffic signals, CCTV cameras, radars, ANPR systems, and a centralised command centre. MIDC has designated five parking facilities to tackle unauthorised roadside parking by heavy goods vehicles. Private sector participation and local industrial support will fund beautification of medians, public toilets, and bus shelters. The Chakan industrial water supply network is targeted for completion by 2027, with management shifting to the Maharashtra Jeevan Authority (MJP). A new 100 MVA power substation will break ground in December. A centralised waste processing facility will handle garbage from 14 villages and two municipal councils under PMRDA oversight. An AI-powered Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and Command & Control Centre will oversee traffic regulation across Chakan, Talegaon and Hinjawadi. To support local traffic police, 100 personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) will be deployed in Chakan starting October 1. For Hinjawadi, Rs 426 crore has been approved to mitigate severe traffic congestion. Six acres of land have been allocated to address power supply issues, and 100 MSF personnel will be deployed for traffic control. Waste management services will be streamlined through the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) or Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
Housing society in Navi Mumbai ordered to pay compensation to two members for lapse in service
