Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Actress Hina Khan is advocating for eco-friendly Ganpati celebrations. On Sunday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures of her meeting with Governor of Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she urged her followers to bring home eco-friendly Ganpati idols. She wrote, Honoured Thank you for making me a part of this initiative Honble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Jishnu Dev Varma ji, This Ganesh Chaturthi, lets bring Bappa home without harming nature. Inspired by our Honourable Governors leadership and vision, I urge all Indians to participate in this movement again. Eco-friendly idols arent just a trend, theyre the right way. No POP means less pollution, less damage to our water bodies, and a little more care for the resources weve been blessed with. Because sustainability is not a modern idea. Its the civilisational path, the Indian Way. Respect nature. Protect what sustains us. Celebrate without causing harm. Wishing everyone a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi @sseemasinghh, she added. The actress is married to Rocky Jaiswal, and by the virtue of her marriage, the couple practices both the faiths. Earlier, the actress recalled her first Karwa Chauth with husband Rocky Jaiswal during her recent appearance on the dance reality show 'Indias Best Dancer Season 5'. Hina talked about Rockys belief that the Karwa Chauth fast should not only be observed by women. According to him, husbands should also keep the fast for their wives. Moved by a performance, the 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' actress said, Maine bhi abhi kuch samay pehle apna pehla Karwa Chauth manaya apne husband ke saath aur mujhe woh beauty aapke act mein dikhi, where I felt that you both looked like two bodies, one soul (I, too, celebrated my first Karwa Chauth with my husband some time ago, and I saw that same beauty reflected in your performance, where I felt that the two of you looked like two bodies and one soul). Hina shared that Rocky had also observed a fast during their first Karwa Chauth for her well-being.
Task force push for stability, security and transparency in Maharashtra competitive exams
Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 13 (IANS) In a major move to make Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and other state competitive examinations more transparent, secure, stable, and candidate-centric, the high-level recruitment examination taskforce constituted by the state government held extensive consultations with students, teachers, parents, and key stakeholders, officials said on Sunday. The deliberation covered vital issues, including exam timetables, question paper quality, leak prevention, vacancy announcements, answer keys, exam centre logistics, grievance redressal, and candidate 'opting-out' policies. The Task Force operates under the chairmanship of V. Radha, Additional Chief Secretary (Services) of General Administration Department. The high-level committee comprises Director General of Police Sadanand Date; IT and AI Secretary of Electronics Virendra Singh; Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Secretary N Ramaswami; Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam; Air Marshal Ajit Shankarrao Bhosale (Retired), former member of the UPSC; and Shyamprasad Kargudde from IIT Bombay. The state government formed the Taskforce amid MPSC exam paper leaks and ongoing protests by aspirants demanding the transparency and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. MPSC candidates urged the taskforce to publish and strictly adhere to an annual examination calendar, emphasising the need for long-term procedural stability without frequent policy changes. Pre-declaring minimum vacancies for various cadres was also strongly recommended. Task Force Chairperson V. Radha announced that competitive examinations will not be conducted online for the coming year. Instead, they will be held using the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet pattern, for which standardised operating guidelines are currently being framed. To achieve a zero-leak environment, the committee plans to leverage advanced technology across question creation, printing, transport, and distribution. The Taskforce is evaluating an encrypted 'e-question bank' system where even the item writers remain unaware of which exam their questions will feature in. Students demanded rigorous quality checks to eliminate errors in question papers and answer keys, alongside standardised evaluation metrics and reviewer audits for answer script verification. Stakeholders called for a unified online portal for candidate queries and objections, as well as a single-window system for one-time registration and fee payment across all state exams. Emphasis was placed on ensuring basic amenities at test centers, including clean restrooms, drinking water, and appropriate seating arrangements. Participants advocated for a clear policy on post-selection candidate 'opting-out' to avoid seat wastage when a candidate qualifies for multiple posts, along with timely verification of disability and sports quota certificates. The Taskforce is studying operational models of public service commissions across the countryspecifically analysing systems in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)to adapt proven best practices for Maharashtra. Highlighting the growing operational load on the MPSC, officials stressed the urgent need to bolster the Commission's administrative workforce, technical capabilities, and organisational structure. Our objective is to build a faster, more transparent, and accountable officer selection process for the state, Director General of Police Sadanand Date said. Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Additional District Collector Satish Raut, and Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam were among the senior officials present during the consultation.
HM Shah credits PM Modi's stand for answering terror attack by entering Pak territory
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a decisive stand and endorsing Operation Sindoor to answer a terrorist attack by entering Pakistans territory. Speaking at the 52nd India Gems and Jewellery Awards ceremony in Mumbai, HM Shah said, Who could have imagined that a terrorist attack would be answered by entering Pakistans territory, and that the country would have a Prime Minister capable of taking such a decisive stand? He said that whether it was the surgical strike, the air strike or Operation Sindoor, PM Modi has pursued a defence policy that makes the enemy think twice and tremble at the very thought of attacking India. The Home Minister said that whether it is the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the rejuvenation of Kedarnath or Mahakal Lok, India has accomplished what, for decades, people did not even have the courage to speak about. Highlighting the transformational economic changes brought about in the country by PM Modi over the past 12 years, HM Shah said that today India is among the top five economies of the world. The Home Minister said that PM Modi has given 140 crore people of the country the confidence and resolve that by August 15, 2047, India will emerge as the number one nation in the world across every sector. He said the changes brought about by PM Modi in the field of infrastructure have given a major boost to the economy. The Home Minister said that driven by PLI schemes and facilities aimed at promoting exports, Indias exports are continuing to surpass their own records. He said that the GDP figures for the first quarter of the current financial year were released recently, and with a growth rate of 7.8 per cent, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. He said that this transformation has not been limited to economic activity alone; Prime Minister Modi has worked to bring about change across every sector. Those present on the occasion included Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and several other dignitaries. Addressing the awards ceremony, the Home Minister said that it is a matter of great happiness for him that the Gems and Jewellery Awards, which have continuously contributed to enhancing Indias economy, prosperity and global brilliance, are being conferred on so many distinguished achievers. He said that this initiative of the India Diamond Board is a reflection of Indias confidence, skill, prosperity and global aspirations. India will emerge as the global hub for gems and jewellery in the coming years.
Meet Jivan Mithari, The Teacher Who Treks 5 Km Daily To Teach One Student
Jivan Mithari walks five kilometres daily through dense forest to teach one student at a remote school in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district.
Earlier they had to transport their produce all the way to Sangli or Pune in Maharashtra or pay more at private processing units
UCC In All 21 NDA-Ruled States By 2029: Amit Shahs BIG Announcement On Uniform Civil Code
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed confidence that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in all 21 BJP and NDA-led states before 2029. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shah said several states have already introduced the UCC. Madhya Pradesh recently approved the code in a special cabinet meeting, while Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC law in February 2024. Gujarat and Assam have also passed UCC legislation, though they are awaiting presidential assent and notification. Uttarakhand has been enforcing the code since January 2025. Maharashtra, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh have formed drafting committees. Shah also highlighted the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, saying conviction rates rose in several states. He further claimed the NDA government had ended five decades of Naxalism and signed over 14 peace agreements in the Northeast.
Congress Criticizes Amit Shahs Maharashtra Visit as Political Maneuver
Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal claims Amit Shahs visit is a political tactic, not a genuine service initiative for Maharashtra. Congress Criticizes Amit Shahs Maharashtra Visit as Political Maneuver
Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Criticizes Maharashtra Government Over Hunger Strike Ban
Activist Manoj Jarange Patil slams Maharashtra government for denying permission for a hunger strike at Azad Maidan, citing constitutional violations. Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Criticizes Maharashtra Government Over Hunger Strike Ban
School Holiday: On September 14, 2026, school holiday policies for Ganesh Chaturthi exhibit notable differences between various states in India. Regions like Maharashtra are set to enjoy a complete public holiday, while areas like Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh might only experience partial closures or specific school holidays. Parents should directly check with their children's schools for accurate holiday announcements, as local weather and administrative decisions may also affect these closures.
Jarange alleges conspiracy to shoot him during his Mumbai march on Sept 19
Jarange, whose hunger strike entered its 16th day on Sunday, made the allegations while addressing supporters and media persons at the protest site in Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna district
Maharashtra BTech Spot Round 2026: Check Institute Merit Lists and Reporting Deadlines Today
Are you waiting for the Maharashtra BTech spot round results? Check the latest institute-level merit lists, reporting deadlines, and document requirements for 2026 admissions to secure your engineering seat today.
PM Narendra Modi says BRICS has evolved into an ecosystem of solutions
BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS partner countries are: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam
Fadnavis meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan, backs wider development partnership
Welcoming Prince Rahim on his first official visit to the state as the fifth Aga Khan, Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's readiness to scale up public-private partnerships with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate Hindi Diwas 2026 in Mumbai tomorrow
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the inaugural session of Hindi Diwas 2026 and the sixth All India Official Language Conference in Mumbai on Monday, an official said. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, the event will highlight the vibrant relationship of Hindi with Maharashtra's rich linguistic, cultural, and literary traditions, the official said in a statement. On this occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, several Members of Parliament, distinguished guests from various fields, scholars, litterateurs, educationists, and senior officials from various departments and Ministries of the Central government will also be present. The Department of Official Language of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been organising All India Official Language Conferences every year since 2021. This journey, which began from Varanasi, has reached Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra this year, passing through Surat, Pune, New Delhi and Gandhinagar. During the inaugural session of the two-day programme, the 'Rajbhasha Gaurav' and 'Rajbhasha Kirti' Awards for the year 202526 will be presented by the Union Home Minister, the statement said. The institutions and individuals who have undertaken outstanding work and made noteworthy contributions in the field of Official Language will be honoured with these awards, it added. Several important books and publications will also be launched during the inaugural session and other sessions. These include a special commemorative issue of the Department of Official Language's journal 'Rajbhasha Bharati', centred on the National Song 'Vande Mataram'; 'Bharatiya Gyan Tantra: Srot aur Swaroop'; 'Shiv Anadi Hain, Anant Hain'; and 'Andheron Se Ujalon Tak', a compilation of writings by prison inmates. A special attraction of this year's conference will be a special discussion session centred on the National Song 'Vande Mataram'. Joydeep Chattopadhyay will also have a special presence at the programme. He is a fifth-generation descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of 'Vande Mataram'. A special session will also be organised at the Conference on the role of Town Official Language Implementation Committees (TOLICs/NARAKAS). NARAKAS is a strong and empowered unit that takes forward the implementation of Official Language Hindi at the grassroots level. A special exhibition is also being organised at the conference venue, in which stalls will be put up by various institutions, organisations, banks and ministries, the statement said.
From Making Jewellery to Making History: How Harita Bhadra Became India
Maharashtras Harita Bhadra has transformed a breakthrough 2026 season into an Asian Games opportunity.
Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa idols get their final touches ahead of festivities in Nagpur
Maharashtra CET 2026: Final Admission Deadline Extended, Check Apply Link
MHT CET CAP 2026 admission deadline has been extended to September 14. Check the revised deadline, CAP and institute-level admission details and steps candidates must complete.
2 killed, 12 injured in multi-vehicle crash on Pune-Bengaluru Highway
Eknath Shinde meets Amit Shah in Mumbai amid Maratha quota agitation
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Mumbais Sahyadri Guest House on Sunday. The nearly 30-minute meeting came amid the ongoing Maratha quota agitation and activist Manoj Jaranges planned hunger strike from September 19
Woman's Hair Gets Caught In Ferris Wheel At Maharashtra Fair, Scalp Torn Off
The woman, identified as 25-year-old Bali Maroti Talikote, was among the people who visited the fair. Talikote, a resident of Phulsawangi, was riding the giant wheel.
Pune civic body gears up for Ganeshotsav with focus on waste management, road maintenance
PM Modi outlines Indias BRICS focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation
Highlighting the summit theme, 'Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth', Modi said India had been able to advance the common vision of BRICS with the support of all member states
The Delhi High Court will soon decide on its jurisdiction to hear a plea. This plea challenges show-cause notices issued to Vimal Elaichi brand ambassadors. The Maharashtra FDA issued these notices for alleged product misrepresentation in advertisements. The court reserved its order on the territorial jurisdiction issue. The final decision is expected on September 14.
Rare 12-day Ganeshotsav to create lost city of Dwarka and pet-friendly mandaps in Mumbai
US approves additional USD 1 million to help Nepal identify flood victims
The United States has approved an additional $1 million to support Nepals efforts to identify flood victims, taking its State Department assistance above USD 5 million. FBI forensic specialists are working with Nepal Police on DNA analysis and disaster victim identification
Manipal Hospitals scouts for acquisitions in Andhra, Keralam, Delhi-NCR
Manipal Health Enterprises Ltd is setting its sights on expansion in various states, including Telangana, Keralam, and Delhi-NCR, while pivoting towards a physical plus digital healthcare model driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The healthcare major is actively evaluating strategic opportunities in Telangana, Keralam, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh to selectively deepen its presence in identified markets, Manipal Health Enterprises said in its annual report for FY26. Manipal Hospitals continues to evaluate inorganic growth opportunities across Karnataka; Maharashtra and Goa, including the Mumbai-Pune economic corridor; and Eastern India, comprising West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Sikkim, it said. A key pillar of its upcoming infrastructure is the greenfield project in Juhu, Mumbai. The group recently completed the acquisition of the remaining land and building for this project for a total consideration of Rs 495 crore, of which Rs 130 crore is payable subject to the ...
Ganesh Idol Topples Amid Rain In Maharashtra, Several Trapped Underneath
A video of the incident, which has since surfaced on social media, captures the moments after the idol toppled. Several devotees were seen trying to cover the idol moments before it lost its balance.
Mumbais serial cat killer arrested, confesses to killing over 6
Ganeshotsav Rush Triggers 3-km Traffic Jam On Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Heavy traffic has been reported on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near the Khalapur toll plaza in Maharashtra's Raigad district, with vehicles queued up for around 2 to 3 km amid the Ganeshotsav rush.
Mumbai: IMD issues yellow alert as thunderstorms and heavy showers continue
Mumbai woke to moderate rain on Sunday as showers continued across the city. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and parts of Maharashtra, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall and gusty winds
Minor girl taken to multiple stations over AC fare dispute in Mumbai: Parents
Greek woman, 54, gives birth using embryo frozen for 22 years after losing son
A 54-year-old Greek woman has given birth to a baby girl after using an embryo that had been frozen for 22 years. The couple made the decision months after their 21-year-old son died in a road crash and raced against Greeces IVF age limit
Iraq confirms Saudi oil pipeline attacks originated from its territory
Iraq has confirmed that attacks on Saudi Arabias key East-West Crude Oil Pipeline were launched from Iraqi territory. Baghdad ordered an investigation and dismissed senior security officials, while Saudi Arabia shut the pipeline as a precaution
UP government using Goonda Act for harassment: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad High Court criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over the alleged misuse of the Goonda Act, calling it a powerful law that must be invoked with caution. The court quashed an order branding Zahid Ali a goonda and externing him for six months
Trial needed: Bombay HC refuses to discharge fiance in models 2004 suicide
Its disappointing that East didnt go for an outright win
Duleep Trophy champs East prolonged their second innings unnecessarily. The first innings lead being enough is one reason India struggle to take wickets on good pitches. How does a team learn to take 20 wickets if they dont bowl twice in a domestic game?
Abandoned mines emerge as bird-rich habitats in Asola-Bhatti
A Wildlife Institute of India study has found abandoned mining areas in Delhis Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to be the most bird-rich habitat surveyed. Researchers recorded 130 bird species across 15 habitat types during a year-long study.
Pune techie out for run in morning hit by MPV on NDA-Pashan Road, dies
From US Open dates to a German bomb: Strange stories making headlines
New York singles turned the US Open into an unexpected dating ground, hoping to meet fellow tennis enthusiasts. Meanwhile, in the UK, Google Lens helped a man identify a lump of metal he had found years ago as a potentially dangerous German bomb
You sees, I was de movie buff also, so I would see dose Errol Flynn and all Fred Stairs movies I could do ballroom also.
Hindu temples within Mughal gardens
The Mughal gardens were orchards, full of fruit bearing and flower bearing trees, creating a heady scent through the seasons.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rush: 70 Lakh Idols Take Shape In Maharashtras Pen
As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, artisans in Maharashtra's Pen town are working around the clock to meet surging demand for Lord Ganesha idols. Known for intricate designs and fine paintwork, Pen has around 700-800 idol-making workshops, with artisans claiming nearly 70 lakh idols have been crafted this year for buyers across India and overseas.
India weather today: The India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across several regions. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected over the Gujarat region and Madhya Maharashtra. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are predicted for many states. Heavy rainfall advisories have been issued for states including Rajasthan and Telangana. Other regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam also anticipate significant rainfall.
Techie held for providing VPS to cyber criminals
Maharashtra Minister Urges Peace During Ganesh Festival Amid Protest Plans
Maharashtras Revenue Minister calls for peace during Ganesh Festival, urging against protests amid looming agricultural crisis. Maharashtra Minister Urges Peace During Ganesh Festival Amid Protest Plans
MoD fixes timelines for defence land needed for public projects
PMC calls key meet with railways and defence to discuss land handover for HCMTR and inner ring road
Two minors among three vandalise 18 vehicles, including PMPML buses
Residents seek stricter enforcement of silence-zone rules; MPCB to monitor 200 spots
AprilAug property registrations in Maharashtra jump 12% over last year, revenue up nearly 16%
Two joggers deaths in two months expose Punes lack of safe & dedicated running spaces
More than modak: A place that offers sweetness in sisterhood, a purpose and empowers women
Pune MACT awards 86L to family of woman killed in 2023 truck accident
One booked for robbing trailer truck driver of Rs10,500 in Pune
Woman resists chain snatching, suspects flee with half gold chain in Pune
Chinchwad resident cheated of Rs1.36 crore in online share trading fraud
Celebrations and social service mark Prince Rahim Aga Khan Vs maiden India visit
Engineer gets 6 months in jail 11 years after slapping cop inside police station
Traffic crawls on Pune-Satara stretch, journey to Kolhapur takes nine hours
Three Pune cops suspended for attending birthday bash hosted by family of accused
A Century Of Devotion & Holistic Celebrations At Amravatis Azad Hind Mandal
Forty-year-old water tank to be demolished after it partly collapses
NMC to install 447 Artificial Tanks At 225 Locations
819 Potholes Patched, But Ganesh Routes Still A Bumpy Ride
81-year-old meets schoolmate PM Modi to seek CBI probe in land dispute
Deluge, Dhol Tasha & Ganeshs Gala Aagman
Maha govt accords Adasa Ganesh temple B-Category rural pilgrimage centre status
Quarrels with wife not cruelty, no ground for divorce, says HC
Bawankule urges protesters to avoid Mumbai agitation during Ganeshotsav amid Jaranges march call
Amravati Hospital Fire: Two PWD Engineers Suspended
Woman killed by father-in-law over black magic fears
Indigo flight to Hyd develops glitch, flies back to Nagpur
Citizen groups to hold silent march against use of DJs
Union ministers, CMs attend PM Modi's Brics gala dinner in New Delhi
Union ministers and chief ministers of several states on Saturday attended a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of the leaders of BRICS and other participating countries and organisations. The Union ministers, including Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Kiren Rijiju travelled together in two buses from the Parliament House complex amidst tight security. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and chief ministers of various states -- Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Suvendu Adhikari (West Bengal), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), and Rekha Gupta (Delhi) -- also travelled in the buses along with the Union ministers to the dinner venue Bharat Mandapam. The ministers were allotted different tables where delegates from different countries joined them during the dinner. Separate dinner tables were curated in a way so that the attendees .
67 cases settled at HC Lok Adalat, settlements worth 83.5cr reached
Use DigiLocker To Give Degrees To Students Without Delay: Min
Mahas caste certificate law amendment contested in HC
Manoj Jarange Patil to march to Mumbai from Sept 15 for indefinite Maratha quota hunger strike
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday announced a march to Mumbai from September 15, where he plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan demanding OBC reservation for the Maratha community. He urged supporters to join in large numbers and warned the Maharashtra government against stopping them.
AIIMS Nagpur hosts national conference on patient safety
Auto menace on the rise, police action crawls: RTI
Mumbai-based Air India pilot found dead in Delhi hotel during layover
A Mumbai-based Air India pilot died after being found unconscious at a Delhi hotel during a layover on Friday. The pilot had recently moved from Air India Express and was undergoing conversion training to operate Boeing 787 aircraft
Bin ad hoc appointments, says Bombay High Court, directs VVCMC to regularise 479 employees
Nagpur police allow adult unmarried couples in hotels, but tighten entry rules
Nag River Clean-Up: NMC Plans Rs6.55cr Study Of 40 Villages Outside City Limits
Pune techie dies after being hit by car while on morning walk
Bus boot lid opens, kills 60-year-old farmer in Maharashtra
Ganesh idol topples onto devotees during procession in Maharashtra's Nalasopara
