Watch: Why is Maharashtras Freedom of Religion Bill so controversial?
Maharashtras Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 has sparked a major political and legal debate. The proposed law aims to prevent forced religious conversions through strict rules, including a 60-day prior notice and severe penalties. While the government says it protects vulnerable individuals, critics argue it could violate fundamental rights, enable misuse, and impact personal freedom and interfaith relationships. The bill has been passed in both houses.
Five rescued from drowning at Goa beaches, Dudhsagar waterfall over weekend
Two incidents were reported at Candolim beach
Israel claims killing of Irans top security chief in overnight strike
The Israeli military also announced it killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, who led a powerful internal security service that has crushed waves of mass protests against the Shiite theocracy.
Five killed, several injured in bus-truck collision in Rajasthans Hanumangarh
The bus driver was attempting to negotiate through parked trolleys when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck trailer, police said
Odisha Congress suspends three MLAs for cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls
These MLAs are Ramesh Chandra Jena of Sanakhemundi, Dasarathi Gomango of Mohana and Sofia Firdous of Barabati-Cuttack
Iranian ballistic missile attack kills man, woman in central Israel
Paramedics from MDA arrived at the scene in the city of Ramat Gan and declared the death of a man and a woman who suffered severe shrapnel injuries
Trump says US-Israel operations against Iran proceeding very well
The comments come as US and Israeli forces continue targeted strikes against Iranian military infrastructure and missile sites.
Uttarakhand government carries out major reshuffle across various departments
Additionally, Ajay Agarwal, Director (Projects) at UPCL, has been removed from his post
One dead and another wounded in shooting at US Air Force base in New Mexico
Security officials have confirmed the base is safe and the lockdown has been lifted.
Suicide blasts in Nigeria kill 23, over 100 injured
It was one of the deadliest attacks in the conflict-battered city in recent history
Pubs and restaurants flouting hours may face permanent closure, says CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra government plans law change to permanently cancel licences of pubs and restaurants repeatedly flouting closing-hour norms
A Mumbai sessions court has rejected the discharge plea of Mayor Ritu Tawde in a 2016 case involving the alleged assault of school teachers. The court found sufficient evidence, including victim and witness statements, to proceed with charges of using criminal force against public servants. The order allows the case to move towards trial.
Nana Patekar powers Sankalp despite a hazy, meandering plot
Despite an unclear narrative, Sankalp remains watchable for its strong performances, especially Nana Patekars Chanakya-like mentor navigating power, ambition and long-term political strategy
Fake doctors under scanner as state plans stricter penalties and oversight panel
Maharashtra plans a dedicated panel and stricter laws to identify, penalise, and permanently bar bogus doctors and illegal clinics, treating such offences as serious threats to public health
Maharashtra Government Focused on Public Welfare, Claims Eknath Shinde
New Delhi, March 18: Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, addressed the states political landscape and the functioning of the Mahayuti government. He emphasized that Maharashtra has its unique culture and that the Mahayuti government consistently makes decisions in the interest of the public. Shinde accused the opposition of opposing every decision since ... Read more Maharashtra Government Focused on Public Welfare, Claims Eknath Shinde
Centre and State government have failed to manage LPG shortage: NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil
LPG shortage has created a panic situation in Maharashtra with people queuing outside the distribution centres
Wholesale egg prices drop, but only slight dip in retail; edible oil costlier
Maharashtra Launches LPG Helpline Amid Supply Concerns
Mr. Bhujbal made the statement in the Legislative Assembly while responding to concerns over shortages of petrol, diesel, and domestic and commercial LPG arising from the conflict situation in Gulf countries.
Now, BMC cash prize for cleanest socs, rds & mkts
Nominal 2-3 increase in wheat, pulse prices
Congress finalises Bhatikar as candidate for Ponda bypoll
NT Reporter Panaji/Ponda Congress has finalised Dr Ketan Bhatikar as its candidate for the by-election to the Ponda legislative assembly constituency seat, which is scheduled to be held on April 9. Dr Bhatikar, who joined Congress last month, was earlier a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leader. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the name of []
Court: Victims consent for pre-arrest bail is immaterial
State to take back FSI from Global Hospital for withholding beds for poor
CM to launch 50 ST buses with panic buttons next week: Min
Maharashtra government clears amendment to allow removal of pro-vice-chancellor
National trusts permitted to start self-financed schools in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Governor Directs Universities to Submit Quarterly Reports
Mumbai, March 18: Maharashtras Governor and Chancellor of the states public universities, Jishnu Dev Varma, held his first video conference with university vice-chancellors from Lok Bhavan on Tuesday. Governor Varma urged the vice-chancellors to improve their national rankings by setting periodic goals. He emphasized the need for universities to strengthen their ties with schools to ... Read more Maharashtra Governor Directs Universities to Submit Quarterly Reports
Maharashtra Holds High-Level Meeting Amid Gas Crisis in Vasai-Virar
Mumbai, March 17: Amidst global tensions in the Middle East, rumors and panic regarding the availability of domestic and commercial gas cylinders have emerged in Vasai-Virar. In response, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) convened a high-level meeting on March 17, 2026, at its headquarters. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Ajiv Patil and attended by ... Read more Maharashtra Holds High-Level Meeting Amid Gas Crisis in Vasai-Virar
Work still underway, BMC plans next road concretisation push
Air India Group to operate 50 flights to West Asia on March 18
Air India will operate one return service each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will handle one flight each from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mangalore, plus two flights from Kozhikode
Man acquires 300 SIM cards for fraudsters, held
Maharashtra petrol pumps get 1-month permission to stock superior kerosene in barrels
Supreme Court Seeks Responses from Gujarat and Maharashtra in Bilkis Bano Case
Mumbai, March 17: The Supreme Court issued a notice on Tuesday regarding the petition filed by two convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case. This case is linked to the post-Godhra riots of 2002. The convicts are challenging the 2017 Bombay High Court decision that upheld their conviction and sentence. A bench comprising Justices Rajesh ... Read more Supreme Court Seeks Responses from Gujarat and Maharashtra in Bilkis Bano Case
Woman jumps to death in front of train at Kharghar station
Govt acted on 57 out of 136 human rights cases in 12 years: Fadnavis
16 WR locals to be upgraded to 15-car trains from March 19
Bombay HC quashes rape FIR after GF gives consent, expresses wish to return to home state
Mithi desilting tender draws zero bids again
Maharashtra: Beed tehsildar accused of demanding Rs 20,000 bribe suspended
Beed tehsildar Vyankatesh Munde has been suspended after his arrest by ACB for allegedly demanding a Rs 20,000 bribe to issue a solvency certificate. He was absent from office post-arrest and reassigned to Jalna
EOW closes Rs 67.5 crore redevelopment cheating case
PM Modi speaks with UAE President; ensures safe navigation at Strait of Hormuz
PM Narendra Modi held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the escalating West Asia crisis and stressing the need for peace and regional stability amid west asia conflict
West Asia war | Iran posed no imminent threat: US counterterror chief resigns
Joseph Kent sharply criticised the rationale for military action against Iran. He claimed Washington entered the war primarily due to pressure from Israel and its influential American lobby rather than any direct threat to national security
Police housing: Council chair seeks report
Bikers chased my cab after it overtook them: Actress
Netas flag low water pressure, tanker mafia in BMC House
Police bust dating app extortion racket in Andheri, arrest 11
Boy (7) playing near Dvli home touches power feeder box, dies
BMC removes boards put up by Bandra residents asking pet owners to pick up poop
IIT Bombay to host Bharat Innovates 2026
Maharashtra hotels seek relief in licence fee payment
The association has proposed a staggered payment mechanism, allowing the annual license fee to be paid in four quarterly instalments by December end
Maharashtra Extends Deadline for E-Peak Inspection to March 31, 2026
Mumbai, March 17: Maharashtras Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, announced in the Assembly on Tuesday that the deadline for the E-Peak Inspection (electronic crop inspection) for the 2025-26 rabi season has been extended to March 31, 2026. He noted that registration for E-Peak Inspection at the assistant level began on January 25, 2026, but only 55.69% ... Read more Maharashtra Extends Deadline for E-Peak Inspection to March 31, 2026
Huge devotee turnout for Ugadi Mahotsavams in Srisailam
Executive Officer says that a large number of devotees from Karnataka and Maharashtras Sangli, Solapur, and other parts are reaching the temple town by foot passing through the Nallamala forests
Mamata to fight Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur; Trinamool announce 291 names
The Trinamool Congress released its first list of 291 candidates for the West Bengal Assembly elections, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee set to contest from Bhabanipur, where she will face Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a high-stakes rematch
Govt tells Parliament 41.41 lakh fake ration cards deleted in 2025
The Centre told Parliament that 41.41 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in 2025 under reforms to the Public Distribution System, with Haryana reporting the highest removals. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya said digitisation, Aadhaar seeding and ePoS devices helped improve targeting and curb leakages
Nearly 3 lakh girls vaccinated in nationwide HPV drive within fortnight
Nearly three lakh 14-year-old girls have been vaccinated under the nationwide HPV campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said. The initiative, rolled out across multiple states, aims to protect adolescents from cervical cancer by immunising them against the Human Papillomavirus
As LPG shortage hits food supply, migrant workers and truck drivers leave Maharashtra
Gas shortages are hitting factory canteens and street stalls, squeezing food access and incomes for workers, drivers, and gig employees. With costs rising, many are returning to their villages, while biomass cooking offers limited relief
Middle East tensions threaten Pakistans fragile economic stability
Pakistan`s recent economic recovery marked by easing inflation, rising forex reserves and a current account surplus faces fresh pressure as Middle East tensions disrupt energy supplies and threaten remittance flows
Light tremor hit Nepal`s Sudurpaschim province; no damage reported
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Sitaula area of Darchula district in Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The Himalayan nation remains highly vulnerable due to its location in an active seismic zone
Govt cracks down on LPG hoarding, seizes 15,000 cylinders in nationwide raids
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, said enforcement teams have been actively carrying out inspections to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders
Political Tensions Rise Over Jitendra Awhads Controversial Statement
Mumbai, March 17: Political tensions have escalated following remarks made by NCP (SP) legislator Jitendra Awhad regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra government minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule responded sharply, suggesting that Awhads mental balance occasionally falters. During a recent assembly discussion, Awhad claimed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was initially denied a coronation due to his social status. ... Read more Political Tensions Rise Over Jitendra Awhads Controversial Statement
Maharashtra Assembly passes Freedom of Religion Bill 2026
The Bill has stringent anti-conversion provisions
Hezbollah has fired over 2,000 missiles, rockets at Israel in last two weeks
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Hezbollah has launched about 2,000 missiles, rockets and drones at Israeli civilians over the past two weeks, criticising a joint appeal by Western nations for de-escalation as a distorted view of reality
A Kochi-based startup is offering a new way to enjoy mangoes by letting customers rent an entire tree for a season instead of buying fruit in boxes. Through Rent A Tree, users can choose a tree online, pay from around 10,300, and receive its full harvestup to 90 kgdelivered to their homes. The model connects urban buyers directly with farms across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, while farmers handle cultivation and harvesting.
Eknath Shinde meets PM Modi, discusses Maharashtra issues and Gulf situation
Shiv Sena Members of Parliament, led by Parliamentary Party leader Shrikant Shinde, also interacted with the prime minister during the visit
Maharashtra Government Takes Strong Stance on Drug Trafficking Involving Minors
Mumbai, March 17: The Maharashtra government has adopted a stringent approach to combat the rising threat of narcotics. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the assembly that a special task force has been established across the state to curb this illegal trade effectively. He highlighted that minors are often exploited in drug trafficking and sales. ... Read more Maharashtra Government Takes Strong Stance on Drug Trafficking Involving Minors
Crude oil prices rebound amid West Asia war concerns over supply disruptions
Crude oil prices surged in futures trade amid escalating West Asia tensions, with fears of supply disruptions driving global market volatility despite recent corrections
Eknath Shinde Meets PM Modi: Discusses Middle East Conflict and State Issues
New Delhi, March 17: Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday. The two leaders engaged in detailed discussions regarding the Iran-Israel conflict, domestic conditions, and various issues concerning Maharashtra. Present at the meeting were Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde, ... Read more Eknath Shinde Meets PM Modi: Discusses Middle East Conflict and State Issues
Man held for illegal sale of LPG in Delhi; 62 cylinders seized
Police said the cylinders were sourced from a gas agency in Meerut. They were reportedly loaded onto the vehicle at a secluded location before being transported to Delhi for illegal sale
Sri Lanka announces 4-day work week amid fuel shortage fears
The decision, which comes into effect from March 18, was taken as part of contingency measures to conserve fuel and ensure continuity of essential services
Cuba plunged into nationwide blackout as energy crisis deepens
Cubas Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed a complete disconnection of the national electrical system, marking the third major blackout in the past four months
Maharashtra: Theatre crowd pledges to boycott Muslims during Kerala Story 2
Vasai (Maharashtra): A video, purportedly from Maharashtras Palghar district, showing people in a cinema hall chanting slogans and pledging to boycott Muslims socially and economically, has triggered strong reactions. Reacting to claims by a Congress MP that the viral video was shot in a cinema hall in Vasai on March 10, a senior police official Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Supreme Court removes age limit on maternity leave for adoptive mothers
A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan observed that adoption is an integral part of reproductive autonomy and must be treated on par with biological parenthood
Woman killed after iron bridge collapses in Delhi`s Roop Nagar
Rescue operations were carried out by multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Police, and other emergency teams, officials said
Beyond Mumbai: Top 5 fast-growing cities in Maharashtra for real estate in 2026
In 2026, Maharashtras real growth is no longer limited to just Mumbai. In the last few years, the state has experienced an immense boom in the housing sector. Today, cities like Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur, among others are also writing the next phase stories.
India Post launches its quick `next-day delivery` service; check details
In the first phase, the service will be available in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad
UK MPs delegation meets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
A UK parliamentary delegation, led by Liam Byrne, met with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting the state's economic prowess and 'Startup Capital' status. Fadnavis urged UK investors, emphasizing Maharashtra's robust ecosystem and its significant contribution to India's GDP. Discussions focused on opportunities within the India-UK trade agreement, particularly in pharma, electronics, technology, and higher education, aiming to foster mutual growth.
Chandigarh University (CU) in association with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) organised ‘ CommuniGate 2026 ’, an International Conference on ‘ New Media ecologies transforming communication paradigms in the digital age ’, providing an interdisciplinary platform to scholars, practitioners, policymakers and emerging researchers for insightful discussions on contemporary challenges and opportunities in evolving landscape of digital communication. Chandigarh University Officials along with prominent media industry persons during International Conference on ‘New Media Ecologies ‘CommuniGate 2026’at Chandigarh University The dignitaries who graced the two-day ‘CommuniGate 2026’, organised by CU’s University Institute of Media Studies (UIMS), included Prof (Dr) KG Suresh, veteran journalist and Director India Habitat Centre, Rabindra Narayan, MD and President, GTC Network, Prof (Dr) Raviraj N Seetaraman, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Dr Nitin Kumar, Deputy Director (Research) ICSSR, Mimansa Malik, veteran TV anchor , Dr Mihir Ranjan Patra, Chairperson, DCMT, GJUST Hisar, Prof Kulveen Trehan, (GGSIPU)and Pallavi Srivastava, entrepreneur and media professional. About 60 Research Papers were presented during technical sessions of the Conference by research scholars from countries including Nigeria, Bahrain and Venezuela and various states of India including Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Speaking on the theme of CommuniGate 2026, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “ As communication systems are witnessing a transformation in this digital age, it’s no surprise that today social media platforms, algorithmic systems, Artificial Intelligence, immersive technologies, mobile communication, and participatory cultures are collectively not only reshaping public discourse, cultural expression and governance, but everyday life also. So this International Conference served as a vibrant interdisciplinary platform for academics, researchers, practitioners and students to share insights and engage in critical deliberation on the transformative dynamics of new media ecologies and their implications for democracy, culture, education, migration and social inclusion .” Participating in the Conference, renowned media experts said AI and other emerging technologies are transforming media in the Digital Age, but human touch still remains the key for the real stories of the real people and good journalism. In his address during the valedictory function, Chief Guest Rabindra Narayan, MD and President, GTC Network , said, “ The AI is as good as the person giving it the prompt. As AI helps us do things better and faster, our dependence on others is reducing. But we should keep learning and applying out mind to what AI is doing for us. This way we will also learn. With the advent of AI and free flow of knowledge, if inequalities can go from the society, education can become common for all, the education tools become affordable for all, we can make the world better using those new tools and technologies. We may cure diseases, we may have lesser misery, inequalities, we may have better policies. ” On New Media in digital age, Narayan said, “ Media remains media. Today you are calling AI new media but it's old media already. We don't know where we are going but it's a very very exciting prospect. Wherever we are going, it's a new world and the new world is always exciting. But never give up the basic tools. Real stories are in real places with real people, you must go to real places, real people, find real stories, tell real stories because only real stories survive. Do what you feel right. Never be afraid to fail. Only the failure will teach you the success. And there is no learning without actually going to the ground, burning your boots, talking to real people, learning first hand. ” Earlier in his key note address during the inauguration of the ‘CommuniGate 2026’ , veteran journalist and IHC director Prof (Dr) KG Suresh highlighted the rapid transformation of journalism due to the rise of new media, social platforms and artificial intelligence. He said while traditional roles in journalism are evolving, the spread of misinformation remains a major concern. He emphasised the need for technological competence, ethical practices, and human-interest-driven reporting in modern journalism. Mimansa Malik, veteran TV anchor said, “ The phone in our hand holds more power today than any news channel did 30 years ago. But how are we using that power? . The responsibility that comes with digital media, young journalists should balance representation with ideological awareness ,”. She also highlighted the importance of ethical citizen journalism, engaging storytelling and the responsible use of AI for fact-checking. “ Understanding algorithms, leveraging digital platforms for social change, and maintaining originality are key to content creation in this digital age ,” Malik added. Dr Nitin Kumar, Deputy Director (Research), ICSSR , stressed the importance of ethical practices, responsible usage, and regulation of digital platforms. He said challenges of new media require a collaborative relationship between technology, media, and society, along with proactive participation from policymakers. “ The focus should shift from how technology is transforming communication” to how communication is transforming democracy, ” Dr Kumar added. Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. www.cuchd.in .
Delhi HC orders removal of posts linking Hardeep Puris daughter to Epstein
Justice Mini Pushkarna ordered that all such posts be removed within 24 hours and restrained individuals from publishing or circulating similar content on any social media platform
West Asia war: Indian tanker Nanda Devi arrives at Vadinar with 46,500 MT LPG
The LPG tanker had earlier departed from Qatar after a safe Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, transit amid tensions in the region
Qatar intercepts missile attacks while explosions were heard near Dubai
Qatar and the UAE faced missile and drone attacks from Iran, which were largely intercepted by air defence systems. Fires in Qatar and the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone were contained, and no casualties were reported
Air India to add 36 extra flights to Europe, North America amid travel surge
The airline said the extra services will operate from Delhi and Mumbai to major global hubs, including London (Heathrow), Toronto, Frankfurt and Zurich
Maharashtra Introduces Anti Conversion Bill With Strict Punishments; Here Is What It Says
On Friday, 13th March, the Maharashtra government introduced the Dharma Swatantrya or Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the state Legislative Assembly. The proposed law aims to regulate religious conversions and provide strict punishment for conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion or inducement. The Bill is expected to be discussed during the ongoing Budget Continue reading Maharashtra Introduces Anti Conversion Bill With Strict Punishments; Here Is What It Says The post Maharashtra Introduces Anti Conversion Bill With Strict Punishments; Here Is What It Says appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Massive fire breaks out at pharmaceutical unit in Palghar`s Boisar
The incident occurred at a facility in the Boisar Industrial Estate around 8:30 am, according to district disaster management cell chief Vivekanand Kadam
CBSE warns exam evaluators against sharing evaluation info on social media
George addressed the queries regarding the board examinations
'Highly vulgar': Complaint seeks ban on Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke'
A lawyer has filed a complaint with the CBFC and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeking an immediate ban on the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke. The complaint alleges the song's lyrics and visuals are obscene and harmful, particularly to minors, and may violate several Indian laws.
Develop Andhra Pradesh as East-West Cargo Corridor: Chandrababu Naidu
He directed officials to take steps for routing cargo through these three ports from the hinterland of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka states.
Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao meet Maharashtra CM to discuss water scarcity
Kiran Rao revealed that she and Aamir Khan are working closely with the Maharashtra government towards water conservation through their NGO Paani Foundation
Adani Power shares extend gains, rise 13% in one week: What lies ahead?
Shares of Adani Power rose on Tuesday, extending a weekly gain of 13% and hitting a four-month high. The rally is driven by strong technical momentum, rising summer power demand expectations, and a 1,600 MW thermal power supply order from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company.
