facebook

Maharashtra

...

Fadnavis Puts Delhi Move Speculation To Rest

Speaking to the media in New Delhi after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis maintained that the people of Maharashtra and the central leadership had entrusted him with the states responsibility, which he would continue to fulfil.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Aug 2026 9:58 pm

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned

Sir Ratan Tata Trusts (SRTT) the second largest shareholder in Tata Sons with holding of 23.56% is under regulatory ban from Maharashtra Charity Commissioner

The Hindu 17 Aug 2026 8:35 pm

Hyderabadis, here are 6 thrilling waterfall rappelling spots

When Maharashtras hills turn lush green during the monsoon, waterfalls come alive across the Sahyadris. Adventure lovers can get closer to the rushing water through waterfall rappelling, an exciting monsoon activity. For Hyderabadis looking for a different weekend getaway, Maharashtra offers several waterfalls where you can experience this adventure sport. Waterfall rappelling involves descending a 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 .

The Siasat Daily 17 Aug 2026 7:37 pm

Shah Rukh Khan and two Bollywood stars told to stop Vimal ads amid $5 billion pan masala controversy

Highlights Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration has issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over Vimal Elaichi advertisements The regulator says the campaigns may indirectly promote a pan masala product associated with the Vimal brand The actors have been asked to remove the advertisements from social media and explain their endorsements within 15 days Indias pan masala market was estimated at around 3.7 billion last year, based on the reported $5 billion valuation and the August 17, 2026 exchange rate of about $1.356 per 1 Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have been caught up in Maharashtras latest crackdown on surrogate advertising, after the states food safety regulator questioned their involvement in Vimal Elaichi campaigns. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the three actors to explain why action should not be taken against them, arguing that the advertisements for cardamom may help maintain consumer recognition of Vimals pan masala products. The notices do not allege that the actors were directly advertising a prohibited tobacco product. Instead, the dispute centres on whether the legal product being advertised is effectively being used to keep a restricted products brand visible. Why Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff are under scrutiny The controversy centres on Vimal Elaichi, a cardamom product promoted under the same Vimal branding that is strongly associated with pan masala. According to Maharashtra FDA, the advertisement appears to promote a brand mainly associated with pan masala, raising concerns that the campaign could amount to surrogate advertising. The practice involves using a legal product, such as cardamom, to maintain the visibility of a brand whose primary product cannot be openly advertised. The regulator has asked the actors to remove related promotional material from their social media accounts, stop cooperating with further broadcasts of the advertisements and provide information about their endorsement agreements. They have been given 15 days to respond. The actors and Vimals brand owner had not responded to Reuters requests for comment when the report was published. The 3.7 billion industry behind the controversy The dispute puts a spotlight on an industry that has become a major commercial force in India. Reuters reported that industry estimates value Indias pan masala market at around $5 billion, equivalent to roughly 3.7 billion at the August 17 exchange rate. Health experts have raised concerns about products containing tobacco or areca nut, with areca nut consumption associated with oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that can progress to oral cancer. The distinction between pan masala and products such as elaichi has nevertheless allowed brands to continue using familiar names and visual identities in advertising. That is precisely what Maharashtra authorities are now examining. The Vimal campaign featuring Khan, Devgn and Shroff has received enormous visibility online. One of the advertisements, set during a festive celebration in which the three stars throw saffron powder at one another, has reportedly accumulated more than 100 million views on YouTube. Why surrogate advertising remains controversial in India The use of legal products to promote brands associated with restricted goods has been debated in India for years. Liquor companies, for instance, have previously faced criticism for promoting their brands through products and merchandise carrying the same names and logos. In 2024, Reuters reported that the central government was considering tighter rules targeting such surrogate advertising, although those rules had not been finalised. Maharashtras latest action therefore goes beyond three celebrity endorsements. It raises a larger question about how far a legally permissible product can be advertised when its branding is closely tied to a prohibited or harmful product. For Khan, Devgn and Shroff, the immediate issue is now their response to the FDA notices. The proceedings are at the show-cause stage, meaning the regulator has sought explanations before deciding whether further action is warranted.

easterneye 17 Aug 2026 7:36 pm

Pune gets Maharashtras first Model Sub-Registrar Office for faster property registration

Pune has become Maharashtra's first city to receive a Model Sub-Registrar Office. This initiative aims to modernize property registration and improve service delivery across the state. VFS Global and WE Excel Software will establish sixty such offices in phases. These centers will utilize digital infrastructure and offer enhanced applicant assistance. The program will expand to Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur in its initial phase.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 7:29 pm

Maharashtra government wants to slash data of 58 lakh Marathas eligible for caste certificates: Jarange

His demands include a GR of Satara, Kolhapur, Aundh and Bombay gazettes, revocation of cases against Maratha protesters, and wrapping up the process to grant government appointments for candidates selected under SEBC and EWS quotas before August 29

The Hindu 17 Aug 2026 7:14 pm

Tukaram Mundhe On Food Safety Crackdown: 'We Follow The Law'

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe defends the department's decision to suspend food licences immediately in cases where there is a potential public health hazard. Responding to questions about whether such action is proportionate, Mundhe says the FDA follows both the law and due process. Citing Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Mundhe explains that designated officers can suspend a licence forthwith when food poses a likelihood of a health hazard. He also shares data from the past two months, saying more than 3,100 inspections were conducted, around 165 licences were suspended immediately, while more than 750 establishments were issued improvement notices. If it doesn't sound proportionate, I don't know what the definition of proportionate would be, Mundhe says, defending the scale and nature of the crackdown.

NDTV 17 Aug 2026 6:54 pm

What Happened When Tukaram Mundhe's Son Booked A Restaurant

What happens when a restaurant sees the name Mundhe on a booking? Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe recalls a recent incident when his son booked a restaurant for his birthday with friends. Mundhe says the restaurant staff, after noticing the name, apparently started asking whether he was coming. When a friend contacted him to check if he had made the booking, Mundhe realised it was actually his son who had made the reservation. Reflecting on the incident, Mundhe says his public profile and the attention surrounding his food-safety work have made dining out awkward for both him and restaurant establishments.

NDTV 17 Aug 2026 6:36 pm

From Munde's Congress switch plan to Shinde talks, Prithviraj Chavan makes big political revelations

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has made a series of big claims on several political developments, including an alleged attempt by late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gopinath Munde to join...

India TV 17 Aug 2026 6:27 pm

Is Fadnavis shifting to national politics? He says...

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed speculation about a potential move to national politics, asserting his commitment to serving the state. He clarified that his visit to Delhi was to discuss Maharashtra's development projects with the central government, not for a change in his political role.

Rediff 17 Aug 2026 6:24 pm

Cardamom or pan masala? Why Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff face FDA action over Vimal ads

Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration has warned Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over advertisements for Vimal cardamoms, saying the brand is largely associated with prohibited pan masala. The actors have been asked to explain their endorsements within 15 days and remove the advertisements from social media.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 6:04 pm

Mumbai Fire: Massive Fire Breaks Out at Income Tax Building in Kandivali, 11 Rescued

A fire broke out in the basement of the building of the Income Tax office located on Maharashtra Karve Road, Mumbai. The Mumbai Fire Brigade received the information about the fire accident at around 2.01 pm on Monday, and the firefighters

Oneindia 17 Aug 2026 5:38 pm

Tata Sons AGM scheduled for Tuesday likely to be adjourned over Trust issue

The Annual General Meeting of Tata Sons, scheduled for Tuesday, is likely to be adjourned as Sir Ratan Tata Trust, a key shareholder in the holding company of the Tata Group, is unable to nominate a representative due to a regulatory restriction imposed by Maharashtra's Charity Commissioner, people familiar with the matter said. The meeting is scheduled to consider, among other matters, the directorship of Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, who has decided not to seek another term when his current tenure ends in February. As per a notice circulated by the company earlier, the AGM is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 2:30 pm through video-conferencing or other audio-visual means. Apart from taking up Chandrasekaran's renomination as director, the Tata Sons AGM is also supposed to consider and approve the standalone and consolidated financial statements of the company for fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and to declare dividend on ordinary shares of the company for

Business Standard 17 Aug 2026 5:18 pm

School holiday August 18, 2026: Will schools remain closed on Monday? From J&K, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, UP to Maharashtra, check rain alerts & state-wise updates

School holiday news: Monsoon rains are expected to continue across several parts of India. Students and parents are watching for possible school closures on Tuesday, August 18. Heavy to extremely heavy showers are forecast for some regions by the IMD. Local authorities will decide on school holidays based on weather and safety conditions. Decisions will depend on local weather and orders from concerned authorities.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 5:12 pm

Maharashtra SIR: Over 2 crore voter forms uncollected; NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raises objections

More than two crore voter forms remain uncollected in Maharashtra during the ongoing revision process. Electors were either absent, deceased, or had shifted their residences, according to official data. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raised objections regarding the exclusion of these voter names. He claimed that around 34 lakh voters were marked deceased and 76 lakh households could not be contacted.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 4:32 pm

Vimal Ad Row: SRK, Ajay & Tiger Get 15 Days; Sunny Says Zameer Stops Him From Such Ads

Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have received Maharashtra FDA show-cause notices over their Vimal Elaichi endorsement and have been given 15 days to explain. The regulator alleges the campaign could amount to surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala. Amid the controversy, Sunny Deol has revealed why he rejects pan masala endorsement offers, saying his zameer does not allow him to promote products he doesnt believe in. Heres the full story.

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 4:25 pm

BJP announces new team under Nitin Nabin; Smriti Irani, Biplab Deb get key roles

Former Amethi MP Smriti Irani, former Tripura CM Biplab Deb, Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde, Gajendra Patel, Satish Poonia, Harish Dwivedi and Sanjay Bhatia have been entrusted with key responsibilities as general secretaries

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 4:22 pm

Jharkhand students' protest: Rahul Gandhi urges Soren to meet students

In a letter to Soren dated August 14, Rahul Gandhi said the students' protest had remained peaceful and described their demands as legitimate

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 4:04 pm

Chief Minister of Maharashtra meets the Prime Minister

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed various issues related to the state. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, @Dev_Fadnavis met Prime Minister @narendramodi, the Prime Ministers Office said on X. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he made a detailed presentation to Modi on various development projects in []

newspoint 17 Aug 2026 3:58 pm

2 dead after gas leak at chemical factory in Maharashtra's Mahad

dead after gas leak at chemical factory in Maharashtras Mahad

India Today 17 Aug 2026 3:26 pm

Fire breaks out in basement of Mumbais Aayakar Bhavan

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 3:13 pm

Kalyanpuri murder: Sanitation workers demand Rs 1 crore compensation, MCD job

Several workers gathered at the hospital, where the body of Anil was kept, and demanded immediate arrest of the accused, compensation for his family and action against a private company that had engaged him

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 2:52 pm

Parle Agro Warehouse Licence Suspended After FDA Finds Expired Frooti, Appy Fizz In Chembur

Maharashtra FDA seized expired Frooti, Appy Fizz and Candy Juice worth 99,970 during an overnight Chembur warehouse inspection.

The LogicaI Indian 17 Aug 2026 2:38 pm

'Girls were possessed': 600 students leave 'haunted' hostel

Nearly 600 tribal students abandoned a government-run hostel in Amravati, Maharashtra, after some girls exhibited strange behaviour, leading to claims of spirit possession. Officials suspect mental stress or selective hysteria, while local beliefs attribute the incidents to angry spirits from a cut 'mahua' tree or an encroached temple. Counselling efforts are underway to bring students back.

Rediff 17 Aug 2026 2:37 pm

Fadnavis meets PM, discusses Maharashtra projects and seeks Centre's support

Fadnavis said he briefed Modi on the progress of several projects and sought the Centre's support for initiatives being implemented jointly by the two governments

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 2:18 pm

Two dead after gas leakage at Indo Amines plant in Maharashtra

Two people died on Saturday after a gas leak at Indo Amines' manufacturing facility in Mahad, in the western state of Maharashtra.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 2:14 pm

Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on compensation under SHANTI Act

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued a limited notice to the Centre while also seeking clarification on a possible conflict of interest in the appointment of members to the nuclear regulatory body under the Act

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 2:06 pm

NCH clarifies rules on Maharashtra bridge course for homoeopaths

NCH clarifies rules on Maharashtra bridge course for homoeopaths

India Today 17 Aug 2026 2:02 pm

Una accident: Biker killed after speeding bus hits multiple vehicles in Una

The accident occurred on Sunday evening at Bharwain within the Chintpurni police station limits, when the speeding bus bearing a Rajasthan registration number lost control and collided with several vehicles

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 1:37 pm

Bollywood stars told to drop surrogate ad in Maharashtra's food safety drive

In a warning to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, made public over the weekend, the state said the actors were promoting Vimal's cardamoms but the brand is associated largely with pan masala

The Hindu Businessline 17 Aug 2026 1:33 pm

Agriculture-only Discoms: What Telangana, Maharashtra, Haryana are changing

Telangana and Maharashtra are separating agricultural consumers and their associated finances from existing distribution companies. Haryana has proposed a similar model

Business Standard 17 Aug 2026 1:27 pm

Video: Tukaram Mundhe Shares 4 Things Every Diner Should Check Before Ordering Food

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner highlighted four practical factors consumers should consider before their next restaurant visit or food order.

NDTV 17 Aug 2026 1:26 pm

Prithviraj Chavan Claims Gopinath Munde Was Set to Join Congress, Sparking Political Row

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan claimed that late BJP leader Gopinath Munde had once decided to defect to the Congress a claim that has been firmly rejected by Mundes daughter and sitting Maharashtra minister, Pankaja Munde. Speaking on Saturday, Chavan asserted [] The post Prithviraj Chavan Claims Gopinath Munde Was Set to Join Congress, Sparking Political Row appeared first on Tfipost.com .

TFIPOST 17 Aug 2026 1:13 pm

Officials Point To Stress After 600 Students Leave Haunted Maharashtra Hostel

In the investigation, symptoms such as persistent crying, fear, sadness, memory loss, and physical pain were observed in six female students.

NDTV 17 Aug 2026 12:41 pm

Who is Tukaram Mundhe? The IAS officer taking on Maharashtra's food sector

In his latest move, Mundhe's FDA issued notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over advertisements for a pan masala brand, whose products are banned in Maharashtra

Business Standard 17 Aug 2026 12:35 pm

Bombay HC clerk typing test glitches: Aspirants seek re-exam

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Job aspirants protesting in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar against glitches in the Bombay High Court clerk recruitment typing test have called off their agitation after giving the administration a week to rectify the issues and announce a reexamination. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convenor Abhijeet Dipke, who joined the protest on Sunday, August 16, termed 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 .

The Siasat Daily 17 Aug 2026 12:14 pm

Bihar: Seven girls were swept away while bathing in Ganga ghat; two dead

Seven girls from the same family were swept away by strong currents while bathing in the Ganga at Ranisarai Ganga Ghat in Patnas Bakhtiyarpur on Monday. Three were rescued, two bodies recovered and SDRF teams continued searching for the remaining two girls

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 12:11 pm

7,750 auto, taxi drivers fail Marathi proficiency test in Maharashtra, here's what they have to do next

Around 7,750 auto-rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra have failed the Marathi proficiency exam. According to data provided by the Maharashtra government, more than 25,000 autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra are yet to obtain certification under the state government's Marathi language training program. The government set the deadline for auto-taxi drivers in Maharashtra to learn Marathi as August 15, 2026. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said there will be no extension of the August 15 deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi.

India TV 17 Aug 2026 11:43 am

UGC-NET re-exam: Rahul Gandhi slams NTA over faulty papers in 3 subjects

The NTA announced on Sunday that it would re-conduct the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) for English, Sociology and Commerce after multiple errors were found in the question papers

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 11:21 am

BEST staff to meet today over asset sale

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:17 am

Tukaram Mundhe's FDA now targets Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn & Tiger Shroff over pan masala-linked ad

The Maharashtra FDA has issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their advertisement for a chewing elaichi brand. The regulator alleges that the promotion may violate food safety rules and indirectly promote a brand associated with pan masala. The action comes amid the FDAs broader crackdown on counterfeit and banned food products. In 2022, Akshay Kumar apologised for appearing in a similar advertisement for the same brand.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 11:16 am

Chakan roads, traffic woes: Maharashtra govt forms panel for time-bound action

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday acknowledged that Chakan was facing serious infrastructure problems and promised steps to provide relief to industries operating in the area

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 11:15 am

Seven killed in stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai

The incident led to chaos at the temple, while locals and fellow devotees immediately began efforts to rescue those caught in the crowd.

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 11:00 am

FDAs Action Welcomed: No One is Above the Law, Says Praveen Khandelwal

New Delhi, August 17: BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has responded to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) issuance of notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff regarding their promotion of Vimal Elaichi. Khandelwal described the FDAs action as lawful and commendable. He emphasized that the message must be clear: in ... Read more FDAs Action Welcomed: No One is Above the Law, Says Praveen Khandelwal

Morningstar 17 Aug 2026 10:25 am

MEA Secretary highlights priorities of India's chairship at BRICS conference

MEA Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan highlighted Indias priorities as BRICS chair in 2026 at the India-Egypt BRICS Partnership Conference in Cairo. She stressed closer India-Egypt cooperation and a stronger BRICS voice for the Global South

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 10:04 am

Maharashtra's Highway Work Delay, Alcohol Problem Due To Trump: BJP Leader

Sujay Vikhe Patil, the former MP from Ahmednagar, made a long arc of an argument to link Trump's ad policies to shortage of material needed for the infrastructure project

NDTV 17 Aug 2026 9:34 am

Iran president says US peace MoU was reached with dignity and power

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran reached its peace MoU with the United States with dignity and power, rejecting claims of surrender. The agreement was aimed at ending the regional war, but the future of negotiations remains uncertain amid renewed tensions

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 9:31 am

US senator Ruben Gallego says Trump administration had no clear Iran war plan

US Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego has accused the Trump administration of entering the Iran war without a clear mission or exit strategy. The Iraq War veteran also raised concerns over exhaustion, morale and mental health among troops aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 9:30 am

Fire up your appetite by indulging in these barbecue at these spots in Mumbai

Mumbais pitmasters are playing with slow-cooked meats, wood-fire techniques, and spice rubs. If you love a good backyard barbecue, check out these spots right now

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 9:26 am

More spaces must be opened to Mumbaikars

Now citizens have an opportunity to experience the sylvan surroundings around the heritage bungalow.

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:47 am

Getting what you pay for?

It takes a certain kind of delusion to justify what the real estate lobby believes is the right price for an apartment

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:46 am

Iran moves to criminalise communication with US, Israel-funded foreign media

Irans parliament has approved a bill that could send people to prison for communicating with foreign media outlets deemed hostile, including US- or Israel-funded organisations. The legislation also restricts contact with foreign institutions and scientific cooperation and awaits Guardian Council review

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:43 am

Regular coffee drinking linked to lower body fat and improved metabolic health

A University of Oulu study of 2,264 adults found that higher coffee consumption was associated with lower total and visceral fat, greater muscle mass and reduced levels of branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance, offering clues to coffees potential metabolic benefits

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:42 am

New York: Guinness World Record set at Indian I-Day event attended by Mamdani

Indias 80th Independence Day was celebrated across the New York tri-state area with parades and special events. A Guinness World Record was set in New Jersey, while Indian-origin New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined the Queens parade. Three UAE-based Indians also featured in a skydiving record

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:40 am

Maharashtra govt forms panel to tackle Chakan industrial belts infrastructure crisis

Maharashtra government formed a high-level panel to resolve infrastructure issues in Chakan. Companies threatened relocation due to potholed roads and traffic congestion problems. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed immediate pothole repairs and modern repair technologies. The government will provide land for essential facilities and expedite development plans. A 10-month deadline is set for implementing infrastructure development and grievance redressal.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 8:37 am

AI manager recommends first human firing at experimental San Francisco store

Luna, an AI manager at Andon Labs experimental San Francisco store, recommended firing a human employee after the worker arrived late for 17 of 23 shifts. The decision was ultimately reviewed and carried out by human staff after Luna was prompted to revisit company policies and performance records

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:37 am

Passengers pistol accidentally fires at Varanasi airport, two staff injured

Two security screening personnel were injured after a passengers licensed pistol allegedly went off accidentally during screening at Varanasi airport on Sunday. The passenger, identified as Azamgarh resident Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:35 am

Bengal ex-deputy speaker found hanging at TMC office

Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and veteran TMC leader Ashis Banerjee was found hanging at a party office in Birbhum on Sunday. Police recovered a purported suicide note and are examining its contents and the circumstances surrounding his death

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:15 am

Maharashtra FDA reopens surrogate advertising battle with Vimal Elaichi notices

Fourteen years after Maharashtras gutkha and pan masala advertising crackdown, the FDA has issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement, alleging it could amount to surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 7:51 am

Mumbai auto drivers learn to refuse rides... now in Marathi

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 7:22 am

Formal child adoption remains low in J&K; CARA records 42 cases in 2025-26

Jammu and Kashmir recorded 42 children adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, a figure substantially lower than adoption numbers reported by several major States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha. The State/UT-wise data, furnished in response to a parliamentary question answered on August 12, shows that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of CARA-facilitated adoptions during the financial year, with 792 cases. Gujarat followed with 547, while Tamil Nadu recorded 501 adoptions. Karnataka accounted for 377 cases, followed by Odisha with 308 and Telangana with 307. Jammu and Kashmirs 42 adoptions were also lower than the figures reported by several northern and neighbouring States. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Punjab reported 49, only seven more than J&K. Uttar Pradesh registered 231 cases, Haryana 68, Uttarakhand 30, Himachal Pradesh 14 and Delhi 109. Among other States, Assam recorded 186 adoptions, Kerala 170, Andhra Pradesh 140, Bihar 125 and Chhattisgarh 114. West Bengal reported 237 cases, Madhya Pradesh 221 and Jharkhand 60. The data also showed considerable variation among the northeastern States. Meghalaya and Nagaland reported 13 adoptions each, Mizoram 78, Tripura seven, Arunachal Pradesh five and Manipur four. Sikkim recorded 28 cases. Smaller Union Territories and States also reported relatively modest numbers. Goa recorded 25 adoptions, Chandigarh 18, Puducherry 15 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reported five cases. No adoption through CARA was recorded in Ladakh or Lakshadweep during 2025-26. Across the 36 States and Union Territories listed in the annexure, the reported number of CARA-facilitated adoptions stood at 5,022 during the financial year. J&Ks 42 cases therefore accounted for less than one per cent of the reported national total. The Ministry, however, has clarified that adoption figures should be viewed in the context of the availability of children who have been declared legally free for adoption. The waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends not only on the number of applicants but also on the availability of legally free children and the age group preferred by prospective parents. The government is seeking to strengthen the adoption infrastructure through Mission Vatsalya. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) in every district under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. As of July 29, 2026, 795 SAAs had been approved across the country under Mission Vatsalya. These agencies support the formal adoption process and provide residential care to adoptable children below six years of age. The adoption system has also been substantially digitised. All SAAs are required to operate through the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya platform, which facilitates digital processing of cases from referral and matching to documentation. The system also allows authorities to monitor compliance through real-time dashboards at the Central and State levels. The Ministry said District Magistrates have been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations. Prescribed timelines have been laid down for different stakeholders, while CARA undertakes regular monitoring and follow-up with States and UT administrations to reduce delays. The Centre is also using Mission Vatsalya for awareness campaigns promoting legal adoption and foster care. Nationwide and local outreach programmes, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions are being conducted, while CARA uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread information on legal adoption procedures.

Greater Kashmir 17 Aug 2026 6:51 am

Nagpur-honed shuttlers to make World Championship debut

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 2:04 am

Minor Driving Turns Fatal, 3 Girls Killed In Hinganghat

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 1:14 am

SIR Enumeration Last Day Today: 13.36L Nagpur Dist Voters May Face Deletion

99.96% FORMS DISTRIBUTED; 97.26% OF NAGPURS ELECTORATE ACCOUNTED FOR

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:54 am

Karate coach rapes 8-year-old, arrested

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:49 am

Healthcare team evacuates high-risk pregnant woman

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:38 am

161 power theft cases found daily this fiscal

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:38 am

Metro Ph-II Track-Laying Starts On Kamptee Stretch

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:34 am

NCP (SP) delegation to meet Maha CEO today over extension

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:34 am

Housing society bye-laws propose modern framework

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 12:12 am