PM Modi to inaugurate Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 in Delhi today
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday and address the gathering, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. The four-day summit, scheduled to be held from November 2 to 5, will bring together global policymakers, investors, financial institutions and industry leaders to promote investment, innovation and international partnerships in the renewable energy sector. The theme of the summit is Invest. Innovate. Inspire. According to the PMO, Bharat RE 2026 will attract participants from more than 130 countries, including over 40 Ministers. It will serve as a global platform for clean energy investment, industry engagement and technology partnerships. Nine countries and regional groupings -- Australia, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom -- will participate as Country Partners. Thirteen states and Union Territories will also showcase their renewable energy potential, investment opportunities and manufacturing capabilities at the summit. These include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The summit will be organised alongside the 9th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly and the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH), bringing three major clean energy platforms together. While Bharat RE will focus on investment, industry and technology partnerships across the clean energy sector, the ISA Assembly will work towards advancing international cooperation in solar energy, including finance and institutional capacity. The International Conference on Green Hydrogen, meanwhile, will focus on green hydrogen technologies, investment and large-scale deployment. Together, these three platforms are expected to strengthen international cooperation and accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions. Building on the legacy of RE-INVEST, India's flagship renewable energy investment summit, Bharat RE 2026 will provide an expanded platform for global engagement across the clean energy sector. The summit will feature plenary sessions, ministerial discussions, CEO roundtables and country and state sessions. It will also facilitate business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government engagements to promote investments, partnerships and project development. The accompanying Expo will feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing advanced technologies, Indian manufacturing capabilities and clean energy solutions. The exhibits will cover a wide range of sectors, including solar and wind power, green hydrogen, energy storage and other emerging areas of renewable energy.
Aahen Meitram secures Maharashtra berth for 64th National Roller Skating Meet
Aahen Meitram, a professional roller hockey player currently residing in Pune, has successfully cleared the National Selection Trials to represent Maharashtra at the upcoming 64th National Roller Skating Championship The prestigious national event is scheduled to take place from December 5 to 15, 2026, in Bengaluru Organized by the Skating Association of Maharashtra SAM , the selection trials were held today, November 1, 2026, at the Meenatai Skating Rink in Pimpri br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e paolive net galleries images News Related 2026 11 Aahen 20261102 jpg border 1 alt Aahen Meitram secures Maharashtra berth for 64th National Roller Skating Meet td tr tr td align center Aahen Meitram secures Maharashtra berth for 64th National Roller Skating Meet td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br Aahen secured her place in the State squad after navigating intense competition at both the district and State levels Notably, her team clinched the gold medal at the recent Pune District Skating Competition She will compete in the Cadet Girls Quads Category 9 12 years and stands out as the youngest player in the lineup, according to the Roller Skating Federation of India RSFI format This marks the second consecutive year that the young prodigy has qualified through the national selection trials Aahen currently trains at the Speed Wheels Skating Club in Pashan under the expert guidance of coach Abhijeet Chaudhary She is the daughter of Dr Meitram Niraj Luwang and Ambica Shougrakpam, and has a sibling Niami Meitram Source The Sangai Express
K'taka govt opposes Maharashtra's Krishna-Bhima river water diversion plan
Digital Desk | Vijayapura (Karnataka), Nov 2 (IANS) Karnataka Large and Medium Industries and Vijayapura District In-charge Minister M.B. Patil has objected to Maharashtra's proposed plan to divert 40 TMC feet of floodwater from the Krishna river to the Bhima river, saying the project could seriously affect Karnataka's interests. Questioning the legal basis of the proposed project, Patil on Sunday demanded that the Centre clarify how Maharashtra had proceeded with the plan and how it was able to secure financial assistance from the World Bank when the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) award has not yet been officially notified in the Gazette. Speaking at a press conference in Vijayapura, the Minister referred to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' remarks at a media Conclave in Mumbai on October 9. According to Patil, Fadnavis had spoken about a project to divert around 40 TMC feet of floodwater from the Krishna river near Mahabaleshwar to the Ujjani reservoir on the Bhima river. The water is proposed to be supplied to two districts in Marathwada and parts of Sangli and Solapur districts in Maharashtra. Minister Patil said that Fadnavis had also stated that work on the project had begun and that it was receiving financial assistance from the World Bank. A video clip of Fadnavis speaking about the project was also played during the Karnataka Minister's press conference. Patil said an all-party meeting would soon be convened under the leadership of the Karnataka Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar to discuss the issue. We will rise above party lines on matters concerning the interests of the state and take steps to protect Karnataka's interests, he added. Citing available information, Minister Patil said the Maharashtra government had sanctioned Rs 24 crore in July 2026 for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project. Preparations were also being made to conduct a geological survey along a route of around 84 km. The DPR is expected to be ready by the end of 2026, while the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 19,000 crore, the Karnataka Minister added. Patil said that the proposed project raised several legal questions in view of the KWDT-II award and the legal framework governing the sharing of Krishna river water. He added that the tribunal had allocated 2,130 TMC feet of water available at 75 per cent dependability and an additional 448 TMC feet based on 65 per cent dependability and average availability. Of the additional 448 TMC feet, Maharashtra was allocated 81 TMC feet, Karnataka 173 TMC feet and undivided Andhra Pradesh 194 TMC feet, he said. Referring to Clause XVI of the tribunal's award, Patil said a competent authority or tribunal could review or revise the water-sharing arrangement at any time after May 31, 2050. Until then, Andhra Pradesh had been allowed to utilise water available in excess of 2,578 TMC feet, though such utilisation would not create any permanent right over the surplus water, the Karnataka Minister added. Patil said there was a possibility that additional water available after 2050 could be redistributed among the basin states and questioned the justification for undertaking permanent infrastructure works now in a manner that could affect future water-sharing arrangements. He added that the Maharashtra government had earlier placed before the KWDT-II, under Section 5(3) of the Act, a proposal to transfer around 35 TMC feet of water from the Upper Krishna sub-basin (K-1) to the Bhima sub-basin (K-5) under the Krishna-Bhima water stabilisation project. However, the tribunal had expressed the view that it could not approve the proposal, as transferring water over a long distance from K-1 to K-5 could adversely affect water flows and utilisation in the Upper Krishna sub-basin, Patil said. In this background, it needs to be clarified what legal basis exists for the Maharashtra government's newly announced plan to divert 40 TMC feet of water, he added. Patil said the tribunal had raised objections to the earlier proposal and questioned how Maharashtra could now take up another project to transfer water from the same basin. He also questioned how the Maharashtra project could receive World Bank financial assistance when the Centre was repeatedly returning Karnataka's DPR for Phase-3 of the Upper Krishna Project, citing the fact that the KWDT-II award had not yet been officially notified in the Gazette. The proposed diversion could alter water flows in the Upper Krishna sub-basin and potentially affect inflows into the Almatti reservoir, Patil warned. He said the project could have adverse implications not only for Karnataka but also for water availability in other downstream states. Taking up such projects unilaterally without considering the tribunal's award and the rights of the basin states is not appropriate from the perspective of the federal system, he added. Patil also sought clarity on whether financial assistance from the World Bank for such a project could be obtained without the guidance or approval of the Union government. He demanded that the Centre clarify whether it had approved the project, whether the required investments and other clearances had been granted, and whether the tribunal's earlier position and Karnataka's interests had been taken into consideration. Stating that the proposal could affect the sharing of Krishna river water, inflows into the Almatti reservoir and the rights of downstream states, Patil said the issue could not be taken lightly. He urged both the Maharashtra and Union governments to treat the matter seriously and provide a comprehensive clarification on the project's legal validity, approvals and financial assistance, while ensuring that Karnataka's interests are not compromised.
Gang assaulted worker with billhook an hour before robbing trader of Rs4 lakh
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Mother sentenced to life for strangling two toddlers, hiding bodies in Mulshi forest
Man gets life term for raping, murdering 16-year-old niece in Dhayari
PMC seeks I-T waiver to accelerate land acquisition for infra projects
Sr citizen loses over 2 crore in elaborate cyber fraud
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Road sign placed bang in middle of Khar footpath, fixed after flak
Power project: Youths launch jal andolan to save Karjats trees
Maharashtra Lawmaker Shankar Jagatap Donates
Shankar Jagatap and Viju Seth Jagatap contribute 11 lakh to aid drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra through the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. Maharashtra Lawmaker Shankar Jagatap Donates 11 Lakh to Support Drought-Stricken Farmers
RTO Blacklists 23 Luxury Cars Registered In Other States, Uts to Evade Tax
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Mumbai Police register FIR after senior citizen loses Rs 15 lakh in sextortion
Fire Guts 7 Godowns, Rs4.81 Crore Goods Destroyed; Encroachments Hamper Firefighting
PM, Shah Rush To Discredit INDIA Vote-theft Campaign
Modi posted: MLC elections in 28 seats across four big states Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won? A monocled emoji at the end of the post emphasised his sarcasm suggesting that this was the obvious conclusion after a close examination of the results. The Congress, however, did win one seat after all the ballots were counted
Install smart meters in 24 hours or no power: MSEDCL to 2 Dombivli housing societies
Leopard kills 65-year-old woman in Dahanu village
Latur Blast: Gun Shop Owners Among Four Booked
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Mumbai Police arrest UAE worker for Rs 2.5 lakh airport bag theft
Residents block road with water buckets over supply disruption in Ulhasnagar
Ulhasnagar civic body schools to introduce English-medium education, plans expansion up to Std X
2018 assault death case: Court convicts man for culpable homicide, gives him 8-year jail term
RTO in Mumbai probes fake clearances in taxi meter reset after new fares
Find your place in the sun with Vitamin D
Parents and students are verifying whether schools will remain closed on November 2 due to upcoming festivals. Different states may begin Diwali vacations at varying times, impacting school schedules. Institutions in Delhi-NCR are likely to maintain regular classes unless stated otherwise. Schools in Maharashtra may have holidays beginning on November 2, leading to potential closures until November 14.
Cyclone Murasu alert: Andhra Pradesh braces for second storm in less than a week
The cyclone, which has been given the name Murasu, is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 2-3
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 1 (IANS) Amid rising electricity tariffs, a housing society named Saraswati Heights and its members in Nalasopara East are recording significant savings on their electricity costs after they decided to switch to solar energy. The society decided to install a 25-kilowatt solar power system in its building. This has resulted in a reduction of monthly electricity bills by approximately 90 per cent, said many society residents. Pradeep Mishra, a resident of the society, shared that the idea to install solar panels emerged a year ago. He and other residents gathered information about solar energy and various central government schemes online, and they collectively decided to move ahead with a solar power system. According to Mishra, the society consulted several vendors before selecting one, based on an assessment of their services and proposals. Once the selection process was complete, the 25-kilowatt solar power system was installed within two to three months. Mishra said that the subsidy amount, under the PM SuryGhar: Muft Bijli Yojana, was credited to the societys bank account within just 15 days of the installation. The society received further subsidy of approximately 30 per cent, which significantly lowered the total project cost. The society reports a substantial decrease in electricity expenses since the solar system became operational. According to Mishra, monthly electricity bills have dropped by nearly 90 per cent compared to previous costs, providing the society with consistent financial savings. Mishra and other individuals are now suggesting others to take advantage of the Central governments solar energy scheme, stating that such initiatives have the potential to drastically alter expenses of ordinary citizens, housing societies, and small-scale consumers like them. Besides savings, solar energy also plays a significant role in environmental conservation. Pradeep Mishra expressed gratitude to the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and also appealed to other housing societies to adopt solar energy.
Shinde warns lenders of murder charges over farmer suicides in Maharashtra
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'Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Rahul Gandhi warns CEC from Ramlila Maidan
Addressing an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi against alleged electoral irregularities and the SIR exercise, Gandhi described the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as illegal and alleged that votes had been stolen through EVMs and changes to electoral rolls
Maharashtra Forest Minister Examines Karjat Power Project
The Opposition has also alleged that 32,000 trees in the Karjat-Bhimashankar region are being felled in the name of development: Reports
Maharashtra Plans Grain ATMs In Major Cities
The Maharashtra government plans to introduce automated grain ATMs in Mumbai, Nagpur, Thane and other cities: Reports
Maharashtra gets Rs 7,022 crore tax revenue ahead of Diwali
Karnataka to oppose Krishna-Bhima river diversion project by Maharashtra
CBI secures extradition of Mahadev betting app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar
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Organic fruits, vegetables drive demand for Flipkart Minutes
Ratnagiri records Maharashtra's highest temp at 36.7 degrees Celsius
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Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday announced that the proposed South Bullet Train corridor would connect Bengaluru with Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai, while a Vande Bharat train service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru would be introduced in the coming weeks after the completion of electrification and testing work. In his remarks on the occasion of the flagging off of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the South Bullet Train corridor, which would integrate major technology and economic centres in the region and create a multiplier effect for southern states. He said the proposed corridor would significantly reduce travel time, with the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai expected to take just 73 minutes and Bengaluru and Hyderabad around two hours and 10 minutes. These two cities, Bengaluru and Chennai, will become one city, he said, adding that the connectivity would strengthen economic integration among major cities in southern India. Vaishnaw said that as India moved towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister had approved 4,000 km of bullet train corridors, and another 3,000 km would be announced in the coming days. He expressed confidence that the proposed Bengaluru-Pune bullet train corridor, which would cover the northern parts of Karnataka, would also become a reality. Referring to the demand for better railway connectivity along the Karnataka coast, the Union Minister said Mangaluru was an important city, and that electrification and testing work on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route would be completed in the next few weeks. We will have a Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train. That will connect the entire region with very good, high-class connectivity, he said. Vaishnaw also announced plans for another Vande Bharat Sleeper service in Karnataka, which would connect Bengaluru with northern Karnataka, travel towards Hubballi, and proceed to Pune and Mumbai. On the route of the newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, he said the train would travel from Bengaluru through Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh before re-entering Karnataka through Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi and proceeding to Maharashtra. He said the route would cover a significant portion of North Karnataka, which had not received adequate railway connectivity earlier. The route was finalised after consultations with Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and V. Somanna. Recalling the commitment behind the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service, Vaishnaw said November 1, Karnataka Rajyotsava, was an auspicious occasion to launch the service. He said the Prime Minister had guided the Railways to keep the common man and middle-class families in mind while introducing modern railway services, ensuring that the poorest of the poor, youth and women also benefited. Keeping this in mind, three different types of trains Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Vande Bharat have been introduced, and their services are being made available to people, he said. Vaishnaw said the new sleeper service would connect Bengaluru, the country's technology and start-up capital, with Mumbai, the financial capital. During his address, Union Minister Joshi stood up to congratulate Vaishnaw following his announcement on the proposed bullet train corridor. Subsequently, the leaders joined hands and raised slogans of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Vaishnaw attributed the expansion of railway infrastructure and improved connectivity to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, saying the initiatives were contributing to building a new image for India.
Ranji Trophy: Bengal will strive to maintain winning run in its first match at the Eden
The table-topper, which has 18 points following three victories, starts favourite against second-placed Maharashtra in a crucial Group-C encounter
INDIA bloc rally: BJP chief Nitin Nabin leads counter-march in Haryana
The Congress party should have sought atonement and offered an apology for the acts committed against the Sikh brethren, the massacres and the killings that took place on this very day in 1984. Instead, today, they have come out to stage a protest, the BJP chief said
Remove Modi to save democracy: Kharge targets PM at INDIA bloc rally in Delhi
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Nita Ambani lays foundation stone for Karjat care facility on birthday
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Digital Desk | New Delhi/Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train would be a game changer for rail connectivity between the two major cities, benefiting Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Sharing Railway Ministry's post on the flagging off of the train on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said the new service marked another step towards improving rail connectivity, particularly from Bengaluru, a city known for its technology and innovation ecosystem. Another step towards better rail connectivity and that too from Bengaluru, the city of technology and innovation! he added. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be a game changer for connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the Prime Minister noted. PM Modi said the train would particularly benefit youngsters, IT professionals and students, while strengthening connectivity across the three states. Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that he, along with other dignitaries, flagged off the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The new service is expected to provide passengers with an additional rail travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Earlier on Sunday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) here on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava. Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya, P.C. Mohan and C.N. Manjunath, and BJP Rajya Sabha members Lahar Singh Siroya and Jaggesh were present at the inaugural event. Ashwini Vaishnaw cheered and waved to people gathered at the railway station. The dignitaries also toured the newly introduced train, inspected its facilities and interacted with passengers. Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Karnataka and Bengaluru on the launch of the service on Kannada Rajyotsava. On the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava, the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is being launched. This is a very good train and will connect the technological capital Bengaluru with the financial capital Mumbai. This will be the third Vande Bharat service, he said.
From sailing to social awareness: NCC cadets complete 250-km Konkan expedition
Ratnagiri's 2 Maharashtra Naval Unit NCC cadets have completed a 250-km sailing expedition along the Konkan coast. The 10-day voyage also included street plays reaching over 1,000 people, digital awareness activities and adventure training
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper train flagged off
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the next Vande Bharat Sleeper train for Karnataka will originate from Bengaluru, connect several parts of North Karnataka towards Hubballi, and then proceed towards Pune and Mumbai
Modi Hatao, Democracy Bachao: Kharge Leads INDIA Bloc Attack On BJP Over Vote Chori Claims Today
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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Gujarat will look for a form reversal against Kerala in familiar environs
The host will be eager for a victory after conceding the first-innings lead against Delhi and Maharashtra away from home; the visitor is hurting from a 287-run loss to Bengal, and needs to set things right soon
Vande Bharat sleeper train to be game changer for Bengaluru-Mumbai connectivity, says PM Modi
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Vande Bharat Sleeper train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai would be a game changer in improving rail connectivity between the two major cities. In a statement following the flagging off of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train service in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi noted that the new service marked another step towards improving railway connectivity from Bengaluru, the country's technology and innovation hub. He said the train would benefit Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, particularly youngsters, IT professionals and students. The Prime Minister said the new service would provide better connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai, facilitating travel for people across the three states. PM Modi also shared the video of the event with a social media post. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday flagged off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) here on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava. Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs Tejasvi Surya, P.C. Mohan and C.N. Manjunath, and BJP Rajya Sabha members Lahar Singh Siroya and Jaggesh were present and also waved green flag at the inaugural event. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will have a total capacity of 823 passengers. It will comprise 11 AC three-tier coaches accommodating 611 passengers, four AC two-tier coaches with a capacity of 188 passengers and one first AC coach accommodating 24 passengers. The overnight service is expected to improve connectivity between the two major cities and reduce travel time. The South Western Railway (SWR) zone will operate and maintain the service. According to SWR, the train will operate under two numbers: 27652 (SMVT Bengaluru-CSMT Mumbai) and 27651 (CSMT Mumbai-SMVT Bengaluru). The service will operate six days a week, except Mondays for the Bengaluru-Mumbai journey and Tuesdays for the return journey. Train No. 27652 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 p.m. and reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai at 11:55 a.m. the following day, covering the journey in around 16 hours. On the return journey, Train No. 27651 will leave CSMT Mumbai at 8:10 p.m. and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at noon the next day.
Police in Beed district arrested eleven people after busting a gambling den in Parli Vaijnath, recovering items worth Rs 29.6 lakh, including cash, playing cards, mobile phones, and vehicles. A case has been registered under the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act.
Chhattisgarh: Six interstate drug traffickers held; 88 kg of cannabis worth Rs 44 lakh seized
Digital Desk | Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh), Nov 1 (IANS) In a major crackdown on interstate drug trafficking, Mahasamund Police in Chhattisgarh have arrested six persons from Maharashtra and seized 88 kilograms of cannabis (ganja) worth approximately Rs 44 lakh. The action was carried out jointly by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and Patewa Police under Operation Nishchay. According to the police, the total value of the seized property, including the contraband, vehicles, cash and mobile phones, stands at Rs 53.73 lakh. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs that cannabis was being transported in a pickup vehicle, escorted by a Maruti Swift Dzire car. Acting on the information, police established a blockade on National Highway 53 in front of Patewa Police Station. The Swift Dzire, bearing registration number MH-46 X-5682, was intercepted first. Three occupants were questioned, but no contraband was found in the car. Shortly afterwards, police stopped the suspected white pickup vehicle bearing registration number MH-21 BH-9873. During its search, officers recovered 88 kilograms of cannabis packed in three plastic sacks. Police said the consignment had allegedly been brought from Katamal in Odisha's Bargarh district and was being transported to Maharashtra for distribution. The six accused have been identified as Siddharth Dandey, Sachin Madan Sonawani, Badrinath Prahlad Khurmute, Shankar Tukaram Dige, Vishal Santosh Khade and Deepak Kharse. All are residents of Maharashtra. Three were allegedly transporting the cannabis, while the remaining three were travelling in the escort vehicle. Apart from the cannabis, police seized the pickup vehicle worth Rs 5 lakh, the Swift Dzire worth Rs 4 lakh, Rs 28,600 in cash and seven mobile phones valued at Rs 45,000. A case has been registered under Sections 20(b) and 29(1) of the NDPS Act at Patewa Police Station (Crime No. 210/2026). The accused have been sent to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway to establish the source, destination and financial links of the interstate trafficking network.
Dinesh Ganvir takes charge as GSI chief, to step up hunt for critical minerals
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir has assumed charge as the Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), bringing to the job more than three decades of experience spanning geological investigations, mineral exploration, engineering geology, and institutional leadership. Ganvir said a key priority will be to intensify exploration for critical and strategic minerals through integrated geoscientific investigations, advanced mineral prospectivity mapping, and systematic generation of scientifically robust, auction-ready mineral blocks. These efforts will support the country's objectives of strengthening mineral security, reducing import dependence, and advancing the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. He also emphasised the need to harness emerging technologies and advanced data analytics in conjunction with rigorous field-based investigations. The integration of modern geoscientific tools and methods is expected to improve the precision and efficiency of exploration. Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, upgrading analytical capabilities, and offshore exploration will also be important areas of focus. Beyond mineral exploration, the GSI will continue to strengthen its contributions to fundamental geoscientific research, landslide early warning, glacial and cryospheric studies, major infrastructure projects and hazard assessment. These areas of work are vital to informed policymaking, infrastructure planning, disaster preparedness and sustainable development. The emphasis will be on generating reliable, science-based inputs that address the country's evolving developmental and societal priorities, he added. Ganvir joined the Geological Survey of India in 1994, following the completion of his Master's degree in Geology from RTMNU University, Nagpur. Over a career spanning more than 32 years, his contributions span geological mapping, mineral exploration, engineering geology and multidisciplinary geoscientific studies. His assignments include thematic mapping in the Western Bastar Craton; gold and diamond exploration in the Sakoli Fold Belt of Maharashtra; and geoscientific studies associated with the conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Ellora Caves. He has represented GSI at several international forums, including the IndiaPeru Joint Working Group, the RussiaIndia Mining Sub-Group and IMARC 2022 in Australia. In leadership assignments, particularly as National Mission Head-II, he was associated with the planning and monitoring of multidisciplinary field programmes and nationwide mineral exploration, including spearheading a five-fold jump in investigations for critical and strategic minerals in recent times and preparation of geological reports and exploration blocks for the mineral auctions process in line with GSI's national mandate, according to an official statement.
FairPoint: Rahul Gandhi and the desperation of a dethroned prince
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Rahul Gandhi sitting in the front seat of an open bus, with other Opposition leaders behind him, and a man wearing saffron headgear running barefoot with a fluttering Tricolour; the scene could not have been more dramatic. The Ramlila Maidan provided even more eye-catching moments, with thousands of people, mainly from Congress-ruled states, turning up to show solidarity on an issue that Rahul Gandhi wants to turn into a movement for regime change. In an age when spectacles have become favourites on social media and the number of views and clicks matters so much, Rahul Gandhi's event could certainly be termed interesting. But success in the virtual world is quite different from the ground reality. The ground situation is not as rosy as the viral reels and social media posts might suggest. The recent MLC elections in 28 seats across four states offer a reality check. These were not elections fought in the illusory world of social media. The truth is that the Congress won just one seat, and that too largely because of the candidate's own standing rather than any political appeal that Rahul Gandhi might have generated. Earlier, during the Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi tried his best to make the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) an issue but failed to get the response he was looking for. The people voted in large numbers and handed victory to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA. Then why is he sticking to this issue and trying to create a wave, believing that ordinary voters, who have been casting their votes, will buy his claims? The answer perhaps lies with Rahul Gandhi himself and those who were sitting in that open bus and attending his rally at the Ramlila Maidan. Consider the leaders who have rallied behind him. Mamata Banerjee, who lost the West Bengal Assembly elections; the Left, which lost its hold in Kerala; Akhilesh Yadav, who is trying to regain his political foothold in Uttar Pradesh; Mehbooba Mufti, whose party suffered electoral setbacks in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls; and Farooq Abdullah, whose party is grappling with internal discord. Then there are Sanjay Raut and Supriya Sule, whose respective parties lost power in Maharashtra. Rahul Gandhi's mission, and that of those supporting him, seems to be focused on one objective: discrediting a legitimately elected government. With each passing day, this impression is becoming more apparent. Rahul Gandhi seems to be in a hurry to reclaim something that he believes belongs to him. Whether it is questioning the Election Commission, challenging electoral mandates, or organising a mock Parliament to target constitutional authorities, his recent political activities suggest an Opposition leader who is unwilling to accept the limitations of his present position. His stated political objective seems to be to dislodge the government at the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has identified his targets and made them known publicly: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi. There is nothing wrong with criticising the government or the ruling party. It is the Opposition's job to question the government, raise its voice and hold the ruling dispensation accountable. It is also perfectly legitimate to seek a change in government. But in India, a change of government can only come through the electoral process or a change in the political equations that sustain a coalition government. What Rahul Gandhi has been doing of late reflects what can only be described as the desperation of a prince who has been dethroned. Instead of focusing on getting his own and his party's act together, he seems more inclined towards discrediting others than proving his own worth. Perhaps he believes that this kind of politics can help him create the wave among the masses that he has so far failed to generate. Former Supreme Court judge (Retd.) Markandey Katju described Rahul Gandhi's paradox as that of he mad wannabe King of India. It is worth recalling that, despite the Gandhi family not having a Prime Minister in office between May 2004 and May 2014, it was widely seen as exercising considerable influence in the UPA government. And no one can forget the moment when Rahul Gandhi, at a press conference on September 27, 2013, denounced and dismissed a controversial ordinance proposed by his own party's UPA government, then led by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He described it as complete nonsense that should be torn up and thrown away. He even tore up a copy of the ordinance while the then Prime Minister was on an official visit to the United States. More than 13 years later, similar political theatrics seem to be playing out again. Rahul Gandhi's repeated attacks on constitutional institutions, even as he makes a show of carrying a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution, are quite paradoxical. The Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court and the office of the Prime Minister are all important pillars of our constitutional framework. They are certainly not above scrutiny or criticism. But attempting to create mass hysteria through allegations that have yet to be substantiated is hardly the way to demonstrate respect for the Constitution. Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi made some striking remarks during his speech in Gujarat on 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. He mentioned that certain forces were continuously engaged in conspiracies to divide the nation. He said that attempts were being made to divide and pit against one another the children of Mother India. He also added that, after more than a decade of frustration and disappointment, these people had now come out in the open. We must identify who is secretly meeting whom abroad, which anti-India forces are supporting whom, and who is speaking the language of India's enemies. We must recognise these patterns. We must unite and confront them. Especially the way social media is being used as a weapon, the way rumours are being spread, and the efforts being made to damage India's image, all citizens must come together to deal with these challenges, he said. These are serious statements and point to concerns that have been expressed repeatedly by many. If foreign elements are indeed involved in pushing agendas and creating instability in India, it is high time the government exposed them and placed the evidence in the public domain. Without naming anyone, PM Modi's remarks offered enough hints to invite questions. Why have constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and even the Armed Forces, repeatedly come under attack? Are these attacks merely part of domestic political sparring, or is there a larger story that needs to be examined? The government must investigate and bring the facts into the public domain. After all, a dethroned prince may continue to dream of reclaiming his throne, but in India's democracy, it is the people who decide who gets to occupy it. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
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Eminent Dogri Writer Ved Rahi Passes Away at 93
Jammu, Nov 1: Eminent Dogri and Hindi litterateur, Sahitya Akademi Fellow and Bollywood personality Ved Rahi passed away at his residence in Maharashtras Thane district on Sunday morning. He was 93. His last rites will be performed at the Kopari cremation ground in Thane later this afternoon. He is survived by his two daughters, Geetanjali [] The post Eminent Dogri Writer Ved Rahi Passes Away at 93 appeared first on Northlines .
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