Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences Of IRCTC Kitchen, 3 ISKCON Juhu Outlets Over Food Safety Lapses
Maharashtra FDA found serious hygiene, lapses during inspections of an IRCTC-linked kitchen and three ISKCON Juhu facilities.
Maharashtra eyes becoming Indias first tokenised state: CM Fadnavis announces DELTA Act
Maharashtra eyes becoming Indias first tokenised state: CM Fadnavis announces DELTA Act
Ganesh Chaturthi: Andhra Pradesh govt announces free power for all pandals
The TDP alleged that then Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had Chandrababu Naidu illegally arrested by the CID on allegations of corruption in the AP Skill Development Corporation
Shinde reaches London; set to receive three honours during his two-day visit
Shinde will be honoured at programmes being held at the House of Lords and House of Commons of the UK Parliament. He will also receive an award from the Maharashtra Mandal in London
Maharashtra is on track to become India's first tokenised state, enhancing the ease of access to land records. Meanwhile, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation has announced substantial fare reductions for bus passes, bringing financial relief to commuters. In Delhi, the Chief Minister has ordered action against illegal constructions following a recent building collapse.
Delhi PG rules overhaul likely after Satya Niketan collapse
The proposed framework, outlined by Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, could make PG licences, police and municipal verification, CCTV cameras, night guards and wardens mandatory, while also seeking to regulate rents
Four banks including RBL and Bank of Maharashtra line up overseas fund raise
RBL Bank and Bank of Maharashtra are actively promoting dollar bonds in international markets as they look to refinance short-term loans acquired for FCNR(B) deposits. Meanwhile, UCO Bank and Bank of India are also gearing up for similar fundraising initiatives overseas, aiming to optimize their asset-liability structures following the closing of the FCNR(B) window.
Maharashtra moving towards becoming Indias first tokenised state: Fadnavis
Fadnavis made the remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. He said the initiative is aimed at taking Maharashtras digital infrastructure and financial technology ecosystem to the next level
Maratha quota row: Wadettiwar accuses Maharashtra govt of avoiding Jarange
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the Maharashtra government of avoiding a delegation meeting with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who has been on hunger strike for 11 days. Wadettiwar said reservation demands must remain within constitutional limits
Jalna imposes two-day liquor ban amid gathering at Manoj Jarange's protest site
Jalna District Collector Ashima Mittal has ordered a ban on the sale of alcohol within the jurisdiction of Gondi police station on September 9 and 10, officials said
Ownership Issues: Maharashtra to Bring Land Titling Act By December
The proposed system will provide a definitive property card containing comprehensive details of a property, including its location, valuation, measurements and ownership
Pune: MPSC aspirant dies by suicide, debt of Rs 2.5 lakh suspected as reason
A 28-year-old man preparing for MPSC exams allegedly died by suicide in Pune, with police suspecting financial debt of around Rs 2.5 lakh as a possible reason. The case comes amid protests by MPSC aspirants over alleged exam irregularities and paper leaks
Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow says 596 Ukrainian drones shot down
Russia's Defence Ministry said the drones were intercepted across multiple regions, including over the Black Sea and Crimea. Meanwhile, Russian strikes in Ukraine killed two people at a border crossing with Moldova and injured several others
9/11 files made public: 1.7 lakh pages on city's toxic air response released
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has released 1.7 lakh pages of city records detailing what officials knew about toxic air, asbestos, and the health risks around Ground Zero
Bihar floods: Over 40 lakh people affected across 14 districts amid heavy rain
Floods have affected over 40 lakh people across 14 Bihar districts after heavy rain and rising rivers. The Ganga crossed its previous highest flood level at Sultanganj, while 723 community kitchens, 15 relief camps and 2,000-plus rescue boats support victims.
Nepal floods: 1,365 dead, 5,326 missing as rescue operations continue
According to a Nepal Police news bulletin, 5,326 people remain missing, including at least 589 foreign nationals. Rescue and security teams are continuing search operations across areas hit by the floods
Sanjay Raut backs Amruta Fadnavis on Muslim participation in garba, attacks BJP
The remarks came after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced that Muslims would not be allowed to enter garba and dandiya venues across Maharashtra during Navratri, beginning October 11. BJP minister Nitesh Rane has supported the VHP's position
Bangladesh violence: Hindu goldsmith, woman killed in separate incidents
In one of the latest incidents, 45-year-old Alif Chandra Dutta, a Hindu goldsmith, was killed after unidentified assailants attacked him with a sharp weapon while he was returning home from his shop in Mahadebpur upazila of Naogaon district on Monday night
10 Years Later: RERA Was Meant To Protect Homebuyers, But Builders Keep Getting 'More Time'
RERA was introduced in 2016 to make real estate developers accountable and protect homebuyers from project delays. But ten years on, a new report by the Forum for Peoples Collective Efforts (FPCE) raises questions over whether project extensions, meant to be exceptional, are becoming routine. The report examines official records across seven states and flags concerns over repeated deadline extensions, buyer payments, delayed possession and regulatory scrutiny. It also highlights provisions under Sections 6, 7 and 18 of RERA, including force majeure, project continuation and interest for delayed possession. From a Maharashtra project stuck at 55% construction despite buyers paying almost in full, to international safeguards in Malaysia, Spain, the Philippines and Dubai, the report asks: Is RERA enforcing deadlines or simply extending them?
Maharashtra readies India's first land tokenisation framework: Fadnavis
Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the proposed legislation would create a legal framework for the blockchain-based tokenisation of land and other immovable assets
Maharashtra moves closer to becoming Indias first 'tokenised state': Fadnavis on asset tokenisation
Maharashtra is progressing towards becoming India's first tokenised state. The proposed DELTA Act will create a legal framework for blockchain tokenisation. This initiative aims to simplify access and review of land records. Ordinary citizens will gain liquidity from their land and other assets. The state seeks to advance through these new technological initiatives.
Amruta Fadnavis Backs Inclusive Navratri, Differs With Nitesh Rane On Muslim Entry
Maharashtra CMs Wife Says Muslims Can Attend Garba And Dandiya Celebrations
One dead, four injured after oxygen cylinder blast in Delhis Okhla Phase-1
A cylinder blast near a community hall in Delhis Okhla Phase-1 killed one person and injured four others on Wednesday morning. Delhi Fire Service deployed four tenders, while CATS teams shifted the injured to hospital for treatment.
SMT's Supraflex Cruz Coronary Stent Receives Regulatory Approval in Canada
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 9: Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited (SMT) has received a Class IV medical device license from Health Canada's Medical Devices Directorate for its Supraflex Cruz sirolimus-eluting coronary stent system, marking the company's entry into a new North American market.
MP medical interns protest enters Day 3, demand stipend hike to Rs 30,000
Senior resident doctors have also extended their support to the protest, which is currently underway near the Kamala Park intersection in Bhopal. Doctors at the government-run Gandhi Medical College (GMC), Bhopal, have announced a boycott of the outpatient department (OPD)
Secunderabad Railway Police Recover 1620 Lost Mobile Phones
The police recovered 1620 mobile phones from Telangana, Kerala, Uttarpradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya pradesh, Bihar, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh
Nationwide drug crackdown: DRI arrests 13, seizes 740 kg cannabis and charas
According to the Ministry of Finance, the agency conducted eight major operations over the past two weeks, intercepting illicit consignments in transit across road, rail, and air corridors
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to chair national conference to empower construction workers
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Centre, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, is organising a National Conference on Building and Other Construction Workers in Mumbai on September 1112, under the chairmanship of Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. The conference will be attended by Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Labour Ministers and senior officials from States and UTs, Chairpersons and Secretaries of Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Boards and senior officers from Central and State governments. The construction sector is among the largest sources of employment in the country and supports the livelihoods of millions of workers. With the implementation of the new Labour Codes, the conference provides an important platform to take stock of the evolving BOCW framework and strengthen the functioning of welfare boards. Deliberations will cover statutory responsibilities, worker registration, welfare delivery, monitoring and utilisation of welfare funds, as well as opportunities for greater convergence and technology-enabled service delivery. An important component of the conference will be the sharing of innovative practices and successful interventions by the State BOCW welfare boards. The discussions are intended to facilitate cross-learning and identify approaches that can be adapted and replicated to improve the reach and effectiveness of welfare measures for construction workers. The conference will also review progress on three major initiatives launched at the National Labour Conference held in New Delhi in November 2025 -- the State BOCW Digital Labour Chowk, Labour Chowk-cum-Facilitation Centres and Online BOCW Cess Collection Portal. These initiatives seek to strengthen employment facilitation, provide more dignified and accessible worker-centric services, and improve transparency and efficiency in cess collection and monitoring. The two-day programme will further deliberate on International Labour Mobility Pathways, skilling and employment opportunities, labour statistics and the labour stack. The conference is aimed at building stronger coordination between the Centre, States, UTs and BOCW welfare boards, identifying implementation gaps and establishing priority actions for more effective and accessible delivery of social security, welfare and employment opportunities to construction workers, the statement added.
Baba Amte-founded Maharashtra college seeks management transfer over safety
By entrusting the college to a private partner, the management aims to preserve the institution's legacy of serving socio-economically and physically challenged students while continuing its broader mission of social upliftment, the officials said
India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls them unacceptable
In response to a media query on the reported Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India condemned the attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, especially the targeting of civilian and economic facilities
Maharashtra: Rs 14.8 lakh cannabis crop seized in Beed; man held
During the search, they found cannabis plants being illegally cultivated and concealed amid tall wild grass right in front of a residence, a police official said on Tuesday
Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of three ISKCON restaurants over food safety violations
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of three ISKCON restaurants after inspections found alleged food safety and hygiene violations. Officials flagged issues including poor pest control, clogged drains, inadequate food and water testing.
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 9: Founder Navneeth Rao, a consciousness mentor practising energy healing and meditation since 2005, gives fifteen years of quietly guided sessions a permanent home serving Belapur, Nerul, Seawoods and Kharghar.
Chandukaka Saraf enters 200th year in jewellery business, eyes expansion
The Maharashtra-based family business is preparing for its next phase of growth while balancing its heritage with changing jewellery market expectations
Maharashtra: Five cyber fraudsters held by Ulhasnagar police in interstate scam
According to police, the gang targeted people through fake advertisements posted on Instagram, offering iPhones, other smartphones and furniture at heavily discounted prices through fraudulent accounts
Delhi building collapse: PG operator arrested, MCD acts in Satya Niketan
The police also took labour contractor Sanoj and Mahesh, son of landlord Hariram Gupta, from RK Puram Police Station for medical examination as part of the investigation. Further examination is underway, police sources said
Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 20 eateries and railway caterer
The News Mill
Don't ignore student anger over MPSC exam irregularities, warns Shiv Sena (UBT) in Saamana
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) Launching a sharp attack on the Maharashtra government over the controversy surrounding the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday warned the state leadership against ignoring the growing anger among competitive exam aspirants, saying student resentment could have serious political consequences if unchecked. The Thackeray camp in the party mouthpiece Saamana editorial referred to thousands of competitive exam aspirants taking to the streets in major cities, including Pune, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaginagar, and Amravati demanding the immediate removal of the MPSC's corrupt leadership, a thorough and impartial probe into the leak, and the enforcement of absolute transparency in competitive examinations. The editorial slammed the systemic corruption within the commission, pointing out the leak during the MPSC Drug Inspector recruitment exam. It alleged that government posts are being auctioned off for millions of rupees, effectively destroying the dreams of hard-working, honest aspirants. Criticising the police response, the Thackeray camp stated that while petty actors are being rounded up, the masterminds, ringleaders, and politically connected patrons behind the racket remain free under government protection. Selling exam papers for millions of rupees shatters the dreams of hardworking students aspiring for government jobs. While small-time operatives have been targeted, students express anger that key orchestrators and high-level backers of the paper leak syndicate remain free, it noted. Drawing a sharp parallel between political instability and institutional breakdown, the editorial asserted, Those sitting in the commission leak exam papers, while those sitting in government leak political parties, MLAs, and corporators. Both are in the same business. Protestors in Pune echoed this sentiment with posters asking: Have you been seated in power only to break MLAs? it asked. Pointing out Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss dominant influence over the states political landscape over the past decade, the editorial held the top leadership directly accountable for failing to curb paper leaks that continue to ruin young careers. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena condemned the state ministers for ignoring the agitating students and retreating into air-conditioned offices to interact with contractors. The editorial recalled the governance model under Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray during the Shiv Shahi era, where ministers were strictly instructed to step out, meet protestors face-to-face, and resolve public grievances on priority. In contrast, the current administration was described as acting like a passive, uncommunicative entity, completely detached from the concerns of the youth. The Thackeray camp demanded the immediate arrest of all perpetrators and masterminds involved in the paper leak scam. A government born out of splits and defections can yield nothing but leaks. Do not play with fire. If the rising tide of student rage turns into a wildfire, this broken government will be completely reduced to ashes, it remarked.
Maharashtra Govt approves proposal to borrow 2,975 crore from ADB for health project PRAGATI
The new hospitals will create around2,430 posts and an annual provision of 147.7 crore as salary expenditure for the same
Delhi Police gunfight in Rohini leaves 2 criminals injured, juvenile held
Acting on the information, the Special Staff Rohini team laid a trap and positioned itself at the location to intercept the suspects. As soon as the three men arrived on the motorcycle, the police personnel asked them to surrender and attempted to apprehend them
Aaditya Thackeray opposes data centre, ring metro projects in Thane
Speaking to residents near the proposed data centre site in Balkum, the former Maharashtra minister questioned the suitability of setting up the facility across 53 acres in what he described as the heart of the city
Malad water crisis leads to protest at BMC ward committee meeting
US-Canada trade war: Trump orders new import bans, tariffs on vehicles, alcohol
The White House said the measures were introduced after bilateral negotiations broke down, with the Trump administration accusing Canada of failing to fulfil commitments to remove what Washington considers discriminatory trade measures
Israel shuts British consulate in Jerusalem in retaliation for UK sanctions
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the retaliatory measures after UK Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband described violent activity by Jewish settlers in the West Bank as ethnic cleansing
I am legally prohibited from leaving UK: Vijay Mallya rejects fugitive tag
In a series of posts on X, Mallya said he has been a permanent resident of the UK since 1992 and claimed that his continued stay in the country was the result of legal proceedings rather than a refusal to return to India
Maharaja & Speedex India Limited IPO Opens on Thursday, September 10, 2026
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 9:Maharaja & Speedex India Limited a manufacturer and distributor of stainless-steel bottles and allied drinkware products, proposes to open its Initial Public Offering on Thursday, September
Om Galaxy Limited IPO Opens on Thursday, September 10, 2026
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 9: Om Galaxy Limited, a precision mould design, development and manufacturing company catering to the building materials (primarily pipes, fittings, sanitaryware) and the plastics and polymer
Two Sentenced to Ten Years in Major Cannabis Trafficking Case in Maharashtra
A special NDPS court in Nanded sentenced two men to ten years each for trafficking 1127 kg of cannabis, highlighting ongoing drug enforcement efforts. Two Sentenced to Ten Years in Major Cannabis Trafficking Case in Maharashtra
Basar: Man Dies After Being Hit by Train
Police suspect that he may be from Maharashtra. The body was shifted to the Government Hospital in Nizamabad for a post-mortem examination.
From IRCTC kitchens to Zepto, 6 companies' licenses suspended as FDA tightens its grip
The FDA's action has exposed many reputable food plazas and base kitchens in Maharashtra. Interestingly, the licenses of approximately six companies, from IRCTC kitchens to Zepto, have been suspended in no time.Maharashtra FDA inspections: Licenses of 6 companies suspendedThe Maharashtra...
Following the success of Master Card Thailand &Turkiye, Country Club expands globally through strategic collaborations and introduces Paddleball atAndheri, Mumbai Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 8:Country Club has achieved a significant
Delhi Satya Niketan building collapse: Labour contractor apprehended in UP
According to the police, the basement had been undergoing repairs for the past eight to 10 days after waste and water accumulated there over days of rain
Chlorine gas leak near Kahiri Dam in Sehore, four people hospitalised
Chlorine gas was being used to purify water at the plant when a gas leak began from a tank, local sources claimed
Maharashtra: NCB secures conviction of two drug traffickers in 1,127-Kg Ganja seizure case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured the conviction of two drug traffickers in connection with the seizure of 1,127 kg of Ganja in Maharashtra, in a major success in its efforts to combat drug trafficking and further the vision of a 'Drug-Free India'. The Additional Sessions Judge, Special NDPS Court, Biloli, Nanded, Maharashtra, on September 8, convicted two accused persons, Gokul Narayan Rajput and Sunil Yadav Mahajan, in connection with the seizure made by the NCB Mumbai Zonal Unit. The case pertains to the interception of a truck bearing registration number MH-26-AD-2165 on November 15, 2021, near Manjram village in Naigaon taluka of Nanded district, Maharashtra. During a search of the vehicle, NCB officers recovered 49 bags containing 1,127 kg of Ganja. The contraband, along with the truck and other articles, was seized in accordance with the law. Rajput, the driver of the truck, and Mahajan, the co-driver, were arrested in connection with the case. The prosecution established before the court that both accused were in conscious possession of a commercial quantity of Ganja and had failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their possession. After examining the evidence and material on record, the court held that the prosecution had proved the offence beyond reasonable doubt under Section 20(b)(ii)(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The court subsequently convicted both accused and sentenced each of them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh. In case of default in payment of the fine, each accused will undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. The court also ordered the confiscation of the truck and other relevant seized articles in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act, subject to the statutory process. The conviction underscores the NCBs commitment to effective investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking cases and its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks, thereby contributing to the vision of a 'Drug-Free India'. The NCB has also appealed to citizens to support its fight against drug trafficking. Information related to the sale, trafficking or distribution of narcotic drugs can be shared by calling the MANAS-National Narcotics Helpline toll-free number, 1933. The identity of the informer will be kept confidential.
Delhi building collapse: Landlords son to appear in court today
Police said that during questioning, Mahesh told interrogators that he used to manage the maintenance of the building on behalf of his parents, owner Urmila, 75, and her retired husband, Hariram, 81
New food pop-up in Mumbai is celebrating Tamil and Malaysian food this September
From the Cholas to Rajinikanth, Tamil Nadu has a civilisational connection with the Far East Asia. An inspired pop-up seeks to link the many forgotten threads
Iran launches missiles at US targets in Jordan after latest American strikes
US Central Command, when asked about the strikes on the Jordanian airbase, said it had no information to offer
US sanctions 27 Iranian airlines, targets remaining carriers to pressure Iran
According to the release, Mahan Air received at least three B-777 aircraft in summer 2026 that were diverted through the United Arab Emirates and Oman
UP road accident: 23-year-old killed after school bus hits motorcycle
Pradeep Gupta died on the spot, while his parents suffered serious injuries, police said
Delhi musicians death: Seven arrested, juvenile detained after alleged assault
The incident took place after a late-night altercation involving Singh and some delivery boys and dhaba workers
Maharashtra trio among National Top 40 in Samsungs Student Innovation Programme
Now in its fifth edition, the programme this year drew entrants from across the country
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Western Freight Corridor sections, targets Congress
After 2014, India built 50,000 modern rail coaches, but the previous (Congress) regime could not build even 50,000 toilets in 10 years, Modi said
FDA suspends licences of 3 ISKCON restaurants in Mumbai
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of several establishments across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, including an IRCTC-linked supplier and three ISKCON outlets in Juhu, due to severe hygiene and safety violations. This action is part of a state-wide crackdown initiated by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, targeting issues like pest infestation, improper food handling, inadequate sanitation, and misleading product claims.
XPeng begins dedicated production of IRON humanoid robots in China
This move accelerates the global race to commercialise general-purpose humanoids, contrasting with delays faced by Tesla
UP leopard attacks: Nine-year-old killed, toddler injured amid floods
According to the forest department, incidents of wild animals straying into populated areas have increased in different parts of the district due to flooding
Houthi strikes hit four Saudi cities, 73 injured in major escalation
Saudi authorities reported that oil installations were set ablaze and 73 people, including women and children, were injured
FDA suspends licence of ISKCON's Govinda's Restaurant, 2 others in Juhu over hygiene violations
UGC NET June 2026 re-examination: English, Commerce papers to be held Wednesday
The English paper will be held in the first shift from 9 am to 12 noon, while the Commerce paper will be conducted in the second shift from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Sociology paper will be conducted on Thursday, September 10, in the first shift from 9 am to 12 noon
Reliving the aura of Don Abbaji
On the anniversary of Maqbools 2003 premiere, I get the perfectionist Pankaj Kapur to break down Jehangir Khan
Well-lit streets is not an impossible expectation!
Resident association representatives did say they have highlighted this with different agencies.
IFFJK panel charts J&Ks cinematic future
Srinagar, Sep 08: The second day of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK-2026) witnessed an engaging policy dialogue on the prospects of building a sustainable cinematic ecosystem in the Union Territory, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasising the need to create an enabling environment for local talent, filmmaking, film education and investment. Participating in a panel discussion on How the J&K Film Policy, Single-Window Clearances, and Incentives Can Build a Sustainable Local Cinematic Ecosystem, moderated by noted film critic and journalist Mayank Shekhar, the Chief Secretary, along with Commissioner Secretary, Information Department, R. Alice Vaz, dwelt upon the initiatives already undertaken by the Government and the measures being planned to give further impetus to filmmaking and film tourism in J&K. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo while speaking said that the people of J&K have a natural affinity towards the creative world and recalled the regions close association with the film fraternity during the 1970s and 1980s, when its landscapes and locations were extensively connected with the film industry. He expressed that IFFJK has been conceived as a platform to renew these connections and channel the creative energies of the regions youth towards filmmaking and its allied professions. People making efforts to realise their dreams is essential, the Chief Secretary observed, recalling former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalams famous words that Dreams are those which dont let you sleep. He said that the festival provides an ideal platform to deliberate upon the possibilities and potential that J&K offers to the film industry and, more importantly, to evolve a clear roadmap for carrying the momentum forward after the festival. He pointed out that cinema is a collective endeavour and that the people seen on the screen or stage constitute only one part of a much larger industry comprising a wide range of professionals whose contribution is essential to bringing a production to life. Dulloo further underlined the importance of nurturing local human resources and said that the Government was exploring avenues for providing scholarships to students interested in different aspects of filmmaking at reputed national institutions, besides facilitating partnerships with such institutions for imparting specialised courses and training within J&K. He also highlighted the role of the Skill Development Mission in creating appropriate training opportunities in local institutions, including courses related to filmmaking and its allied fields. On the ease of filming in J&K, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need to continuously remove procedural bottlenecks faced by filmmakers and production houses. He observed that the Single Window Clearance System needs further strengthening and simplification, while the proposed Ease of Doing Business Bill is expected to bring further deregulation and facilitate a smoother business environment for the industry. Referring to the culture of encouraging people to write their own stories in Maharashtra, he said that similar efforts could help identify and nurture storytelling talent in J&K, with many of these narratives having the potential to evolve into vibrant film scripts. We have numerous stories here. What is required is to hone and chisel this talent and present these stories in the right form and style, he maintained. Commissioner Secretary, Information, R. Alice Vaz, while elaborating on the J&K Film Policy, outlined the incentives presently available for film shootings in the Union Territory and the additional benefits extended to regional filmmakers and productions having significant local participation. She explained that the policy has been designed not merely to attract external productions but also to encourage local filmmakers, artists and creative talent, thereby creating greater opportunities for people associated with the film industry within J&K. She also highlighted the incentives available for films having more than 50 per cent of their shooting in J&K, along with provisions encouraging the engagement of local artists and other personnel. Vaz said that these policy interventions are intended to create a virtuous cycle in which greater filmmaking activity generates employment and opportunities for local talent while simultaneously showcasing J&Ks landscapes, heritage and cultural richness to wider audiences. She underlined the strong linkage between filmmaking and tourism, noting that increased cinematic visibility can contribute to the promotion of destinations and generate wider economic activity for local communities. The panel discussion thus brought together the policy, regulatory, educational, creative and economic dimensions of J&Ks emerging film ecosystem, with the participants stressing that the ultimate objective should be to move beyond facilitating individual film shoots towards creating a sustainable ecosystem capable of nurturing local talent and attracting national and international productions. The Day-2 proceedings of IFFJK-2026 also featured a diverse range of creative, technical and policy-oriented sessions across SKICC Srinagar. A Masterclass on directing romantic comedies was conducted by filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, while an In-Conversation Session with cinematographer Anil Mehta explored the role of framing, lighting and other visual elements in creating narrative subtext beyond written dialogue. Furthermore, four panel discussions further expanded the festivals engagement with contemporary cinema and its evolving ecosystem. In Hall 2, a panel moderated by Dhwani Desai explored the convergence of traditional regional art forms with animation, Artificial Intelligence and CGI and the possibilities of creating new authorial voices through emerging technologies. The discussion featured Sanat P. C., Ujjwal Nirgudkar, Hetal Soliya, Jitin Masand, Bharath Laxmipati, Jividha Sharma and Kanika Gautam. In addition to that the Hall 3 hosted a festival selection round table moderated by Sourav Kanti Datta, with C. S. Venkateshwaran, Siladitya Sen, Nirmal Dhar and Reema Borah deliberating on the changing landscape of independent cinema, curation and access. The day concluded with an acting-focused panel moderated by Mandar Bam, featuring Sulakhyana Barua, Rahul Bhatt and Ashoke Viswanathan, who discussed the creative demands, preparation and collaborative processes involved in developing memorable characters for the screen. The varied sessions on the second day reinforced IFFJK-2026s larger vision of creating a platform where cinema, policy, technology, education, creative talent and tourism converge, while opening new avenues for J&Ks participation in the national and global cinematic landscape.
Centre earmarks four MBBS seats for terror victims kin
Srinagar, Sep 08: In a significant support measure for families affected by terrorism, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has earmarked four MBBS seats from the Central Pool for the academic year 2026-27 for spouses and children of civilian victims of terrorism. According to an official notification, the MHA, in a time-bound communication to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories,hasasked administrations, including Jammu and Kashmir, to give wide publicity to the scheme and invite applications from eligible candidates. Of the four seats, one has been earmarked at A.N. Magadh Medical College, Gaya, Bihar; one at Grant Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra and two at Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the official letter reads. The ministry said the initiative is aimed at extending educational support to families that have suffered the devastating consequences of terrorism. As per the eligibility criteria, the candidate must be the spouse or child of a deceased or disabled civilian victim of terrorism, besides fulfilling the prescribed age, educational and NEET-UG 2026 qualification requirements, it states. The MHA has laid down a clear order of priority for allotment. Priority-one will go to children whose both parents have been killed by terrorists. Priority-two covers children of families whose sole breadwinner was killed by terrorists, while Priority-three includes wards of victims who suffered permanent disability or serious injury in terrorist operations. The seats will beallotted on the basis ofNEET (UG)-2026 rank, subject tofulfilment ofthe prescribed eligibility conditions. The ministryhasdirected that priority-one candidates be considered first, followed by priority-two and priority-III candidates if seats remain available, the official letter reads. Importantly, the benefit will be restricted to one ward of a civilian terror victim. If one ward has already availed the benefit, another ward from the same family will not be eligible for consideration under these reserved seats, he said. The MHA has asked State Governments and UT administrations to ensure proper verification and authentication of applications before forwarding them to the ministry. It may kindly be notedthat onlythe applicationreceived by December 12, 2026 in the Ministry of HomeAffairs,will be considered for allotment of the abovementioned seats. No extension of the last date and no reminder will be issued, the communication states. Eligible candidates from J&K and other States and Union Territories have thus been given a narrow window to submit their applications, with the deadline fixed for September 12, 2026. The measure comes as an important educational lifeline for children and families who have borne the human cost of terrorism, offering deserving candidates an opportunity to pursue medical education through the Central Pool.
Strict watch over Form 7 deletion requests
Maharashtra Government Offers Toll Waiver for Ganesh Chaturthi Travelers to Konkan
Maharashtra announces toll exemption for vehicles traveling to Konkan during Ganesh Chaturthi, easing the journey for devotees. Maharashtra Government Offers Toll Waiver for Ganesh Chaturthi Travelers to Konkan
Tata Trusts-Mehli row: Charity commissioner to hear case on Oct 15
PCMC must frame tree-pruning policy for societies: Standing committee chief Abhishek Barne
DRDO develops advanced fire safety system to boost survivability of armoured vehicle crews
Elderly woman cheated of Rs48 lakh in digital arrest scam
Drug addicts assault GRP constable
Higher registration, category-wise rules in proposed coaching class Act sought
IUCAAs massive radio astronomy data gets new global access through German centre
BJYM chief among 12 named in FIR for violating DJ norms at Dahi Handi
Rs 684Cr Boost For Sports Ecosystem At Mankapur
Delay of more than five hours leaves Air India Express flyers on Pune-Kochi flight hassled
Nagpur Traffic Polices 'Operation No Wrong Side' Nets 190 FIRs in 16 Days
1,000 fake Kurash certificates issued to aid sports quota claims
Another Pawar vs Pawar battle brews: NCP (SP) to field candidates against NCP in sugar mill poll
