PM Modi Launches Rs 3,000-Crore Tribal Development Projects in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore in Maharashtras Gadchiroli district. Held on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the event marked the grand culmination of the nationwide Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, observed from [] The post PM Modi Launches Rs 3,000-Crore Tribal Development Projects in Maharashtras Gadchiroli appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
New Delhi, Nov 15: The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, is organising the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics & Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026) on November 16-17, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 15 Janpath, New Delhi, centered around the theme Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying Indias Digital Future. The conference assumes noteworthy significance in the present digital era, wherein the increasing dependence on digital technologies, the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats and the evolving nature of cybercrime have made cyber security and digital investigation critical areas of national importance. The journey of NCCDFI began in 2024 with its inaugural edition in Kohima, Nagaland, held from 2526 July 2024 at the Capital Convention Centre, Organised by NIELIT Kohima in collaboration with the Nagaland Police and the Department of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Nagaland. Building on the foundation laid in Kohima, the second edition of NCCDFI was held in 2025 at Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam. Drawing on the success of its preceding editions, the conference expanded its reach from a regional initiative into a broader national platform. The third edition aims to further strengthen this platform through wider participation, technology demonstrations, knowledge exchange and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders. NCCDFI 2026 will provide a knowledge-sharing platform for stakeholders from government, law enforcement, defence, judiciary, technology providers, industry, academia and the cybersecurity ecosystem to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and evolving challenges in digital investigations and cyber resilience. The conference will focus on strengthening coordination among agencies, enhancing capacity in cybersecurity and digital forensics, facilitating policy dialogue and exploring the application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Security and Cyber Intelligence. NCCDFI 2026 is supported by a strong group of industry partners, bringing together leading organisations in digital forensics, cybersecurity and investigative technologies. The knowledge partners includes Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), CERT-In, Delhi Police, CyberPeace, Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, Maharashtra Cyber, Manipur Police, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Hyderabad, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The industry partners includes STELLAR, Power Forensics & Digital Intelligence, Magnet Forensics, MSAB, Cyint Technologies, 3rd Eye Techno Solutions, Advanced Digital Forensic Solutions, Inc., Oxygen Forensics and VERTEXON LABS. Their participation will contribute industry expertise, technology demonstrations and practical insights, strengthening the conferences focus on advancing capabilities in cybersecurity, digital forensics and digital investigations. The conference will focus on 10 key tracks covering the evolving cybersecurity landscape: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, AI Security, Critical Infrastructure, Threat Intelligence, Blockchain & Crypto, Drone & IoT Forensics, Digital Evidence, Cyber Law, and Cloud Security. These tracks will bring together experts and practitioners to explore emerging threats, technological advancements, investigative techniques, regulatory developments and strategies for building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem. The two-day conference will feature an inaugural session, technical and business sessions, panel discussions, an industry exhibition and Cyber Kushti 2026 Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon. The technical sessions will cover key areas including national cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, incident response, AI-enabled cyber threats, automated digital investigations, cyber threat intelligence, financial cybercrime, advanced device and multimedia forensics, law-enforcement readiness, international cooperation, digital evidence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, frontier technologies, capacity building and the national cyber ecosystem. The exhibition during the conference will showcase technologies and solutions in digital forensics, cybersecurity, drone technology, surveillance systems and AI-driven security, with opportunities for technical interactions and business-to-business engagements. A key highlight of NCCDFI 2026, Cyber Kushti 2026- Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon, will be organised alongside the technical sessions. The three-level competition is structured around the themes of Review, Attack and Defend, reflecting critical aspects of modern cybersecurity operations. The hackathon has received an overwhelming response, with 1,031 teams comprising 3,093 participants registering for the competition. Of these, 923 teams (2,769 participants) have been shortlisted for Level 1, while 50 teams have qualified for Level 2 and 10 teams for Level 3. NCCDFI 2026 will also feature the signing of MoUs between NIELIT and industry partners, aimed at strengthening institutional partnership, knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, research and development, and capacity building in the fields of cyber security, digital forensics & intelligence, etc. These collaborations are envisaged to establish a framework for long-term cooperation and facilitate industry-academia engagement and promote future collaborative initiatives in these critical domains. Through NCCDFI 2026, NIELIT along with its supporting organisations and institutional partners, seeks to contribute towards strengthening professional competencies, fostering institutional collaboration and supporting the development of a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem in the country.
Controversy Erupts Over Chhath Songs at Railway Stations in Mumbai
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathans remarks on Chhath songs spark backlash from Shiv Sena, highlighting political tensions in Maharashtra. Controversy Erupts Over Chhath Songs at Railway Stations in Mumbai
On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Manipur CM calls for forgiveness, mutual respect to achieve lasting peace
Digital Desk | Imphal, Nov 15 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday emphasised that lasting peace in the state could be achieved only through collective efforts by different communities, guided by a spirit of forgiveness, mutual understanding and respect. The Chief Minister appealed to all communities to work collectively towards restoring peace and harmony in the state and building a better future. Addressing the function organised on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, CM Khemchand Singh stated that every community must continue to nurture mutual understanding, respect one anothers identities and work collectively towards a future in which every community feels respected, valued and included. Emphasising that peace, harmony and mutual trust are essential foundations for development, the Chief Minister observed that aspirations for progress and prosperity could not be fully realised without peace. He urged everyone to rise above differences and contribute to the collective development of Manipur. The Department of Tribal Affairs & Hills organised the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, along with the inaugural ceremony of the state-level Tribal Cultural Festival at City Convention Centre in Imphal. As part of the nationwide celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme held in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The programme in Manipur began with the Chief Minister leading a two-minute silence as a mark of respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives during the recent crisis in the State. Addressing the gathering, CM Singh highlighted the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, envisioned by the Prime Minister, stating that the development of the country must be inclusive, with every community enjoying equal rights and opportunities in education and development. He emphasised that tribal communities must never be looked down upon and that their identities, cultures and contributions must be recognised and respected on an equal footing. Referring to the Prime Ministers tribute to Rani Gaidinliu during the national celebration, the Chief Minister said that she was not only the pride of Manipur but also the pride of the entire nation. He underscored the need to recognise and honour the sacrifices and contributions of tribal freedom fighters, whose role in Indias freedom struggle deserves wider recognition. The Chief Minister further informed that the government of India had taken up the initiative to establish a museum in memory of Rani Gaidinliu near her birthplace. He stated that the project was being undertaken through an agency under the Union Ministry of Culture. Expressing pride in the legacy of the freedom fighter, he urged everyone to take pride in her contributions and preserve her memory for future generations. During the programme, CM Singh distributed prizes to the winners of the Tribal Lens Photo Competition and the Tribal Frames Manipur 2026 Film Award in recognition of their contributions to documenting and showcasing tribal life, culture and heritage. The Chief Minister sounded the ceremonial festival Gong, formally declaring the state-level Tribal Cultural Festival open. The festival will feature cultural performances and showcase the rich traditions, heritage, art and identity of tribal communities of Manipur. The Chief Minister also visited the exhibition stalls set up as part of the celebration and inspected the displays showcasing the rich tribal art, culture, traditions and heritage of Manipur. The state-level Tribal Cultural Festival, scheduled from November 15 to 18, will feature cultural performances and showcase the rich traditions, heritage, art and identity of tribal communities of Manipur.
Tribals suffered most due to Naxal violence, even denied right to vote: PM
Tribal communities suffered the most due to Naxal violence and were even denied the right to vote in the Maoist-affected areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, accusing previous governments of leaving them to fend for themselves. Virtually addressing a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme at Gadchiroli in Maharashtra marking the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Modi said the previous governments remained silent when Maoists forcibly took away children and abducted young tribal women. Naxals denied the tribal communities voting rights but the previous governments remained mute spectators, Modi said. However, the situation has since changed with the elimination of Maoist violence, and tribal mothers and sisters are now blessing the government as they feel secure, Modi said. Children whose childhood was affected by violence are now getting opportunities for education and employment, he added. Modi also said that nearly 50 crore people have c
Air purifier sales surge as Delhi-NCR AQI deteriorates; demand spreads beyond traditional markets
The segment, earlier considered to be a niche and largely confined to top metropolitan cities, is now witnessing demand from other parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
3 Dead, 3 Injured As Pune Familys Car Collides With Lorry in Belagavi
According to police, the tragic accident occurred when a car travelling from Pune, Maharashtra, en route to the revered Savadatti Yellamma temple collided violently with an oncoming lorry travelling from Yaragatti toward Gokak
Kumar Sanu reveals how he perfects the phonetics of every language of India while singing
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu, who has lent his voice to Suniyo Zara, has shared how he perfects the singing in every language across India. The veteran singer spoke with IANS at his house in the Andheri West area of Mumbai during the promotions of the song. When he was told that the listeners feel that he belongs to whatever language he sings in courtesy his perfect enunciation, he said, This is also God's gift. I can't say that I don't know any language except Bengali, Hindi, and a little bit of English. That's all I know. Whether it is Nepali, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, or Marathi, I don't know any language very well. He told IANS, If I know a little about a language, that's a different thing. I have been living in Maharashtra for so many years, so I like Marathi very much. There are a lot of singers and talents in Marathi. So, I agree with this. But I haven't worked out on this. He further mentioned, When a music director or a lyricist dictates to me, I pay attention to how they are pronouncing it. I mark his pronunciation in my shorthand. In any of my papers, there is a lot of shorthand. I have created all this. So, I mark how to pronounce it. When Im being dictated to, I used to use my shorthand. When I was singing, I used to look at the lyrics and the shorthand. So, the way he pronounced it, I try to give it 100%. So, people think he is Nepali, or he is Tamilian. You can tell from my words. I haven't worked out on the language. But I developed one thing that through the shorthand, I tried to go as close as possible to the language. I tried that. And I succeeded in that to a large extent. People accepted it, he added.
MHT CET 2027: Registration Begins Soon, Check Exam Dates And Syllabus
MHT CET 2027 registration is expected to start soon on cetcell.mahacet.org for engineering, pharmacy, and other undergraduate courses in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Govt Extends Lower VAT Relief Of 7% On Jet Fuel For Six Months
ATFin India is subject to state-level VAT, which varies widely across different states and union territories.
Air purifier sales surge in Delhi-NCR as air quality deteriorates
With Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas of North India reeling from worsening air pollution, air purifier sales have surged as manufacturers and retailers report a spike in consumer enquiries and purchases, particularly after Diwali, even as companies see a gradual shift toward year-round adoption. A post-Diwali surge in demand for air purifiers, once seen as a recurring trend, is now part of a broader shift in consumer behaviour. The demand, triggered by seasonal pollution spikes, is increasingly shifting from panic-driven buying to more proactive adoption, with consumers viewing air purifiers as a year-round necessity rather than a seasonal purchase. The segment, earlier considered to be a niche and largely confined to top metropolitan cities, is now witnessing demand from other parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. This indicates a widening consumer base beyond traditional markets, though Delhi-NCR continues to dominate the category, having
Tribal communities giving us their blessings for eliminating Naxalism, says PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the strides the country has made in eliminating Maoism, and said that the mothers and sisters of the tribal communities are blessing the government for this achievement. Virtually addressing the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme, being organised in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, he mentioned that the event coincided with two major achievements of the country -- The first is that nearly 50 crore people in the country have overcome extreme poverty and come out of poverty. The second is the end of Naxalism and freedom from Maoist terrorism. Both these achievements are deeply connected to the lives of our tribal brothers and sisters, he said. PM Modi said that people of tribal belts, including Gadchiroli, know that Maoist violence harmed the tribal community the most. In 2014, he stated that around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoism. There used to be hundreds of violent incidents every year. Thousands of innocent people, a large number of them were tribals, lost their lives. However, people affected by Naxalism-Maoism were abandoned by the then governments, their rights were snatched away, and everybody remained silent, he said. He asserted that the members of the tribal community were not even allowed to vote, while the then governments remained mute spectators. Contrasting the situation with this year, he said, Children were taken away from their mothers by these Naxals; our daughters were taken away, and no one was able to do anything. However, today, when Naxalism-Maoism has been eliminated, mothers and sisters in the tribal community are giving us their blessings. PM Modi said that today, the tribal communities are making significant contributions to the country's progress. The country is also being led by a daughter of the tribal community. We are all proud of President Droupadi Murmu, he said. Just a few weeks ago, a World Bank report stated that nearly 50 crore people in India have come out of extreme poverty over the past 12-13 years. This is a huge number. I consider this one of the country's greatest achievements since Independence, he stated. He said that the Centre government's scheme also plays an important role in making this happen. Extending heartfelt congratulations, PM Modi said that the large number of people coming out of poverty is, in itself, a major transformation. This transformation is part of a long journey towards fulfilling a major resolve. Today, India and every Indian have developed the confidence that such a resolve can be fulfilled, he said. The Prime Minister said that the government also paid special attention to regions that had remained underdeveloped for a long time. A focused campaign for development, access to facilities and protection of citizens' rights was launched in more than 100 Aspirational Districts and over 500 Aspirational Blocks across the country. Many of these areas have a large tribal population, he said, adding that the PM-JANMAN scheme is now transforming their lives. This is the time to draw inspiration from Bhagwan Birsa Munda and dedicate all our energy to realising the dream of a Viksit Bharat. With this appeal, I pay my respects to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and once again extend my best wishes to all of you on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, he added.
According to the department, completing the necessary registration and verification procedures is essential for eligible beneficiaries to receive funds directly in their bank accounts
India Celebrates Tribal Pride Day with Tribute to Heritage and Heroes
Prime Minister Modi honors tribal heritage and announces new projects during Tribal Pride Day in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. India Celebrates Tribal Pride Day with Tribute to Heritage and Heroes
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde honours tribal communities on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
The News Mill
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took aim at the previous governments and said that they either understood the tribal communities nor cared about them. PM Modi made these remarks while virtually interacting with the tribal community members from across the nation during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, organised on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. During this event, the members of the tribal community told the Prime Minister about the benefits they have received from the schemes of the Centre government. Interacting with Vajir from Hathakundi village in Netrang tehsil in Gujarat's Bharuch district about the New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, the Prime Minister asked him about the struggles faced by the tribal community and how the initiative has transformed his life. In 2004, I received training under the Gujarat government's New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, through which I was trained in bamboo work. I have also benefited from several schemes under PM-JANMAN. I respectfully thank you, the Gujarat government and the Government of India under your leadership, Vajir said. Taking aim at the previous UPA-led government, PM Modi said, Vajir ji, you are likely aware that the British devised a major ploy by classifying bamboo as a 'tree'; consequently, anyone who cut bamboo would be thrown into jail. This law should have been abolished after independence. However, regrettably, some individuals in the previous governments neither understood the tribal communities nor cared about them. However, when we came to power, we ended that law and made sure that the tribals have full rights over bamboo, he added. Krishna Nagorao Teka, a PM-JANMAN beneficiary from Maharashtra's Yavatmal, said, Earlier, we faced many difficulties. During the rainy season, living in our house was very difficult, and we also faced problems with insects and pests. Now, under the PM-JANMAN scheme, we have received a permanent house, a toilet and other facilities. We no longer face those difficulties. We are very grateful to you. I am very happy to learn that the PM-JANMAN Mission has brought changes to the lives of you and the people in your village. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than this. As you describe, all facilities have reached your village, and the people there remain connected to their cultural heritage, PM Modi said. Sabavat Anvesh from Hyderabad thanked the Prime Minister for introducing the PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India), which he said is enabling people to complete their higher education. During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore, aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure for tribal communities across the country. Of the total projects, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 173 initiatives, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). He also inaugurated various other projects under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Other key projects inaugurated include the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) building at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Aizawl in Mizoram, aimed at preserving tribal culture and heritage. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 19 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools, further strengthening the commitment to providing quality education to tribal children. He also laid the foundation stone of 12 Tribal Multi-purpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) to strengthen market access for tribal producers. In addition, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for 42 other projects under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA. The programme marks the culmination of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across the country from November 1 to 15.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually interacted with the tribal community members from across the nation during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, organised on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore, aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure for tribal communities across the country. During this event, the members of the tribal community told the Prime Minister about the benefits they have received from the schemes of the Centre government. Krishna Nagorao Teka, a PM-JANMAN beneficiary from Maharashtra's Yavatmal, said, Earlier, we faced many difficulties. During the rainy season, living in our house was very difficult, and we also faced problems with insects and pests. Now, under the PM-JANMAN scheme, we have received a permanent house, a toilet and other facilities. We no longer face those difficulties. We are very grateful to you. I am very happy to learn that the PM-JANMAN Mission has brought changes to the lives of you and the people in your village. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than this. As you describe, all facilities have reached your village, and the people there remain connected to their cultural heritage, PM Modi said. Interacting with Vajir from Hathakundi village in Netrang tehsil in Gujarat's Bharuch district about the New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, the Prime Minister asked him about the struggles faced by the tribal community and how the initiative has transformed his life. In 2004, I received training under the Gujarat government's New Gujarat Pattern Yojana, through which I was trained in bamboo work. I have also benefited from several schemes under PM-JANMAN. I respectfully thank you, the Gujarat government and the Government of India under your leadership, Vajir said. Taking aim at the previous UPA-led government, PM Modi said, Vajir ji, you are likely aware that the British devised a major ploy by classifying bamboo as a 'tree'; consequently, anyone who cut bamboo would be thrown into jail. Regrettably, this law should have been abolished after independence. However, some individuals in the government neither understood the tribal communities nor cared about them. However, when we came to power, we ended that law and made sure that the tribals have full rights over bamboo, he added. Sabavat Anvesh from Hyderabad thanked the Prime Minister for introducing the PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India), which he said is enabling people to complete their higher education. Meanwhile. of the total projects, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 173 initiatives, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). He also inaugurated various other projects under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Other key projects inaugurated include the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) building at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Aizawl in Mizoram, aimed at preserving tribal culture and heritage. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 19 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools, further strengthening the commitment to providing quality education to tribal children. He also laid the foundation stone of 12 Tribal Multi-purpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) to strengthen market access for tribal producers. In addition, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for 42 other projects under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA. The programme marks the culmination of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across the country from November 1 to 15.
PM Modi News: PM Modi Joins Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Programme Virtually in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Maharashtra, commemorating the legacy and contributions of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event celebrated India's tribal heritage, culture, and the role of tribal communities in the nation's development.
Panama lawmakers attend Diwali reception hosted by Indian envoy
Digital Desk | Panama City, Nov 15 (IANS) Panama's Minister of Maritime Affairs Luis Roquebert, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation Carlos Guevara Mann and Secretary General, Ministry of Commerce and Industries Tulio Ramirez attended the Diwali celebration hosted by India's Ambassador to Panama Pratibha Parkar at her home. Members of the Indian community and officials of the Indian Embassy attended the event. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Panama stated, H.E. Ms. Pratibha Parkar, Ambassador of India to Panama, hosted a Diwali Reception on 13 November 2026 at the Embassy Residence, attended by distinguished guests, friends from Panama, members of the Indian community and Embassy staff. The celebration was graced by H.E. Mr. Carlos Guevara Mann, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Luis Roquebert, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority; Mr. Tulio Ramrez, Secretary General, Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Panama. The evening reflected the spirit of Diwali, strengthening friendship, cultural harmony and togetherness, it added. The embassy said that distinguished guests from Panama attended the Diwali festivities at Parkar's residence, embracing the vibrant colours of Indian traditional attire and the spirit of the Festival of Lights. Diwali celebrations at the Ambassadors Residence brought guests together over the rich and diverse colors of the State of Maharashtra. From the ambience, dance and savoury delights to delicious sweets, every color told a story of the heritage of Maharashtra, the Indian Embassy in Panama posted on X. Recently, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat led the Indian delegation to the 65th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in Panama City from November 8-11, according to the statement released by the embassy. In his address at the Congress, Shekhawat highlighted Indias growing potential as a global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), promoting international partnerships and tourism cooperation.
NCP (SP) calls merger reports with rival faction 'completely false'
In a statement issued in Nagpur on Saturday, Kunte Patil alleged that reports about a possible reunion of the two factions were being deliberately circulated in the media to divert public attention from pressing issues facing Maharashtra
Aaditya Thackeray accuses BJP of sponsoring Chhath Puja controversy in Maharashtra
The News Mill
US asks Ukraine to give up parts of Donbas in exchange for NATO membership
Zelenskyy also said the United States had asked for the first time whether Ukraine would withdraw from parts of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine that Russia does not control if Kyiv were admitted to NATO
Rahul Gandhi alleges democracy destroyed in 2014, targets BJP and Centre
New Delhi, Nov 14:Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that democracy in India was destroyed in 2014, accusing the BJP-led government of compromising electoral and democratic institutions to retain power. Addressing an event in Hyderabad, Rahul Gandhi questioned the legitimacy of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, claiming that 140 million voters who participated in the polls had subsequently been declared non-existent or non-voters. If the Election Commission has declared 140 million voters illegal non-voters, then how is that election possibly legitimate? he asked, according to The Week. Citing Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi alleged that seven million new voters were added to the electoral rolls within three months and all of them voted for the BJP, helping the party win the Assembly elections despite his alliance securing a similar vote share in the Lok Sabha polls. He alleged that Indias electoral system underwent a fundamental change in 2014 with the infusion of huge amounts of money into politics. We discovered it, and we have proven it without any doubt is that democracy was destroyed in India in 2014, he said aas reported by regional media. Rahul Gandhi also alleged a nexus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, claiming that the distinction between business and politics had disappeared. He further claimed that the BJPs assets had grown elevenfold in a decade and accused the ruling party of weakening institutions and denying the Opposition a level playing field.
US flight chaos: Over 15,000 flights delayed, 4,000 cancelled nationwide
Trump administration officials said new technology being added to the nations air traffic control system overloaded antiquated equipment and caused intermittent communications and radar gaps, leading to the flight shutdown of more than four hours
India targets 900 GW clean energy capacity by 2035, nearly doubling its goal
The worlds most populous country and one of the biggest carbon polluters is also among the fastest to expand clean power. Accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels is a key goal of this years climate talks, known as COP31, in Turkey
Kapil Sibal challenges Yogi to prove 1.27 crore Hindu voter deletions
Kapil Sibal asks UP CM Yogi Adityanath to disclose the names and constituencies of 1.27 crore Hindu voters allegedly removed from electoral rolls
China border has become 'more alive', says External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
Jaishankar says India needs a greater and sustained troop commitment along the China border as the frontier becomes increasingly active
Puducherry, Andhra win in Group C
GROUP C Mohali, Nov 14: Maharashtra skipper Prithvi Shaw, who is looking to revive his career, failed to live up to the expectations as his side lost to Puducherry by 15 runs in their opening Group C match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy here on Saturday. Sent in to bat, Puducherry rode on []
Maharashtra FDA seizes Rs 1.39 crore nutraceuticals containing rejected ingredients
Homes that fail to process waste may face 235 fee in Mumbai
Rising education spending fails to translate into better learning outcomes: Experts
Srinagar, Nov 14: A sharp rise in public expenditure on education has failed to deliver corresponding improvements in learning outcomes. The experts flagged the inefficient utilisation of funds, uneven teacher deployment and gaps in accountability as major challenges confronting Indias school education system. The issue came into focus at the 13th School Choice National Conference (SCNC), organised by the Centre for Civil Society (CCS) at FICCI, New Delhi. The policymakers, educationists and researchers have called for shifting the focus of education financing from infrastructure and administrative inputs to measurable learning outcomes. During the conference, the experts stressed that combined education spending by the Centre and states increased from Rs 5.8 lakh crore in 2020-21 to around Rs 9.2 lakh crore in 2024-25. The Union Budget allocation for school education also rose from Rs 54,800 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 83,562 crore in 2026-27. Despite the increased spending, learning outcomes have not kept pace, even as enrolment patterns indicate a growing preference for private schools. Addressing the conference, Advisor to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, said the challenge facing the education system had shifted from bringing every child to school to ensuring that every child learns, irrespective of the institution they attend. Referring to the 1968 National Policy on Education, Wani said the priority then was to ensure access to schools, while the question in 2026 was whether every child was actually learning. He said that education expenditure must move beyond infrastructure creation and focus on teachers and human resources besides pointing out serious mismatches in teacher deployment, with some schools having teachers but no students, while others have students but no teachers. He called for addressing these imbalances and highlighted the importance of skill development and employability alongside strengthening school and higher education. During the conference, a report on tracing the Public Financing of School Education in India was released, which tracked public expenditure across five statesAssam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradeshover seven budget cycles from 2018-19 to 2024-25. The report exposed a significant imbalance in education spending, finding that salaries, grants and running costs accounted for between 92 and nearly 99 percent of school education expenditure across the states studied. It also flagged persistent gaps in reimbursement to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. As per the report, the reimbursement rates in 2024-25 ranged from just 11.5 percent of per-child expenditure in Uttar Pradesh to 77.7 percent in Assam. In his keynote address, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, V Vualnam said the country had a vast school education network comprising 14.67 lakh schools and 1.03 crore teachers. He questioned whether increasing layers of monitoring through biometrics, photographs and applications could adequately measure the actual effectiveness of teaching. During a discussion on public financing, speakers also questioned whether increasing allocations alone could improve education, pointing out that the relationship between resources, teaching quality and actual learning remained poorly understood. The conference further highlighted the fragmented structure of Indias school system. Former Secretary Department of School Education and Literacy, (DSEL) Sanjay Kumar said that while the Right to Education Act had delivered access, it was yet to deliver learning. He also pointed out that only about one in nine schools offered education up to Class 12, forcing many students to change institutions as they progressed. Around three in four children undergo three or more admissions between Classes 1 and 12, he added.
He said, We are proud Indians, you will find us in every corner of the airports it is our aim to take India to the west, via our cuisine and our culture from dishes to dance.
Drought-stricken Beed: Land of parched fields and broken promises
Drought has devastated MaharashtrasBeeddistrict, pushing women farmers and labourers towards distress migration. Despite repeated pleas for employment, villagers say government job guarantees have failed them, even as the State announces a 6,728-crorepackage
4.5 magnitude earthquake tremors felt in Maharashtras Jalgaon
District Collector Rohan Ghuge said, No loss of life or property damage in Jalgaon has been reported. Residents should not panic or fall prey to any rumours
Drought slows states rabi sowing; deficit hits 5.4 lakh hectares
65% Of Nagpurs Water Supply Hangs On A Single, Vulnerable Power Line
29-km feeder through forest prone to tripping; backup can run only two pumps, NMC admits; 112 power interruptions recorded in four months
Woman cop earns PhD for police reforms study
Kumkum records her best at archery nationals
Amravati Girl Tops Natl Qualification Rd With 677 score
Maharashtra Extends E-crop Survey Deadline To Nov 30, Offline Option Also Allowed
BSc students miss first paper amid confusion; NU waives conditions to let them appear
Mayor, Commissioner to attend World Bank Water Management Workshop in SKorea
NMC Has 6.98L Properties, But Only 1.75L Tax Demand Notices Distributed In Seven Months
Orange City Lit Fest To Begin On Nov 20
PMC may follow Mumbai in curbing aerial fireworks
Crime branch cracks high-value MD network, 130 grams worth Rs 4 lakh seized
Medical Sq murder: Graded police patrol system needs to be implemented, says CP
Q & A
FDA suspends licences of Vaishali & Roopali restaurants over food safety violations
Can Resume Operations Only After A Fresh Inspection Confirms Compliances Have Been Met
Woman dies after a night of physical assault, torture; accused on the run
Reports about retirement false, says Gadkari
Single QR ticket for all 3 Pune Metro lines in 3 months
Singhal gave direction to Ram Janmabhoomi movement: Fadnavis
2,500 tribal artists converge in Gadchiroli for cultural showcase
Grip Of Guerrillas Gone, Gadchiroli Shining: Oram
Khadak police arrest 4 for jewellery theft after 10,000km chase across Maharashtra, UP & Uttarakhand
Four years on, Rs 15cr funding gap holds up completion of Punes Registration Bhavan
AI Helps Reunite Missing Maharashtra Woman With Family After 2.5 Years
Following a phone conversation with her family after two-and-a-half years of separation, her husband, Mukheed Shaikh, travelled to Sanvita Ashram on November 9 and escorted her home.
Priest included: why pilgrims across faiths want a spiritual guide on the bus
TMC tightens water monitoring amid prolonged scarcity in Thane
Thane civic bodys tree-lighting crackdown sparks allegations of selective action
Green guardians: Appoint a mother for each of Mumbais 50 landmark trees
Wife, her two brothers arrested for killing man over domestic dispute in Maharashtra
NCP merger decision rests with Sunetra Pawar: Bhujbal
PM Modi to Launch 3,000-Cr Tribal Projects on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
Modi will address the programme in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, through video conferencing at 11 am.
Full-stop to NCP merger on the day Ajit Pawar died: Supriya Sule
Sharad Pawar should not undermine his legacy by listening to merger talks: Saamna
Affordable IVF brings hope to couples at Sion Hospital; six women start procedure
20-year-old arrested for alleged recce of Chabad House, other sensitive sites
The accused, a resident of Airoli in Navi Mumbai, was initially detained by the Maharashtra ATS following inputs about his social media interactions with anti-national handlers. He was subsequently taken into custody by the Keralam police in connection with a case registered in Thrissur district
BJP's Sunil Sharma flags security lapses after killing of two SPOs in Kishtwar
The Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, questioned the circumstances under which the two SPOs were sent across difficult mountainous terrain to assist Army personnel, alleging that the decision exposed them to unnecessary risks and ultimately resulted in their killing
Nashik-Pune railway project: 60-day deadline over, committee's study incomplete
The committee appointed to study the Nashik-Pune railway project has missed its 60-day deadline and is yet to complete its assessment. MLA Satyajeet Tambe is willing to allow more time for the exercise but insists that a public hearing must be held before a final decision is taken
ATS nabs Navi Mumbai man for links with terror groups
Chirag Paswan, Prashant Kishor criticise Raj Thackeray over Chhath remarks
Union Minister Chirag Paswan and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Saturday criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his remarks on Chhath Puja, accusing him of targeting people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for political relevance
India is no longer functioning as a democracy, destroyed since 2014: Rahul Gandhi
At the Bharat Summit, the LoP says money power, institutional capture changed the political landscape, left Opposition in shock for a decade; cites anomalies in Maharashtra elections
Railway Block in Maharashtra: 7 Trains Diverted, 2 Rescheduled Due to Yeola Yard Work
November 14, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Train services on the DaundManmad section of Central Railways Pune Division will be affected due to the second phase of remodelling work at Railway Block in Maharashtra: 7 Trains Diverted, 2 Rescheduled Due to Yeola Yard Work
NCP merger talks ended with death of Ajit Pawar, says Supriya Sule
Date was set for merger between the two NCP faction, but talks ended the day the former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister died, says his sister
NCP merger talks ended with death of Ajit Pawar, says Supriya Sule
Date was set for merger between the two NCP faction, but talks ended the day the former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister died, says his sister
Four earthquakes jolt Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh within 11 hours
Four earthquakes, ranging in magnitude from 2.9 to 3.9, were recorded across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh within 11 hours on Saturday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Three tremors were recorded in the Chenab Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir, while one struck Leh in Ladakh
Children's Day 2026: President Murmu meets schoolkids at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu interacted with children from various schools and organisations at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Children's Day. She encouraged them to pursue their dreams with commitment, dedication and perseverance
T20 Trophy Super League: Disha Kasats unbeaten 91 took Vidarbha to an eight-wicket win over Delhi in the first round of the Senior Womens T20 Trophy Super League stage on Saturday. It was also a day when defending champions Maharashtra, Railways and Karnataka also tasted success. Disha, who will turn out for Mumbai Indians in the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL), hit 10 sixes and two fours in her 54-ball knock in Vidarbhas victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B. After Delhi made 169/5, Vidarbha completed the chase in 17.3 overs. Skipper Mona Meshram stood firm at the other end and remained not out on 43 from 24 balls. Mona and Disha added an unbroken 106-run stand for the third wicket, with the latter taking the Player of the Match award. Boundaries made up 68 of Dishas 91 runs, thus underlining how thoroughly she dominated the Delhi bowling attack. Delhi, who chose to bat after winning the toss, were given a solid base by in-form batter Tanisha Singh, who remained not out on 78. Shweta Sherawat added 35, but the total was never going to be enough against Dishas onslaught. Yashshri Soley was the pick of Vidarbha bowlers with 2-34. Vidarbha will next take on Karnataka on Monday. Elsewhere, at the Gujarat College Cricket Ground 'A', the Smriti Mandhana-led Maharashtra beat Andhra by 48 runs. They posted 161/6 in 20 overs, with Gautami Naik top-scoring with 34, and then restricted Andhra to 113/9. Dnyaneshwari Patil led the attack with 3-19, while Anuja Patil chipped in with both bat and ball after making 31, she picked 2-22. In the third clash of the day, Mumbai made 157/9 in 20 overs, thanks to the efforts of Simran Shaikh (48) and Sanika Chalke (43). For Railways, off-spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana took 4-28, while Renuka Singh Thakur took 2-19. In reply, Railways completed the chase with a ball to spare. Opener Pratika Rawal was in blistering mode smashing 86 off 52 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes. Sneh followed up her bowling efforts by hitting an unbeaten 37 off 30 balls to get Railways up and running with a win. Elsewhere, Karnataka beat Baroda by five wickets, with off-spinner Shreyanka Patil taking 3-19. Her efforts, along with Ananya Hegdes 2-26, dismantled the Baroda batting line-up as they were bowled out for 137 in 19.4 overs. In the chase, Vrinda Dinesh set the tone for the successful chase by hitting 49 off just 16 balls, laced with four fours and five sixes, while Niki Prasad was another notable contributor with a 17-ball 31, as Karnataka got home in 13.3 overs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Maharashtra and Haryana shine in the Junior Badminton Nationals, featuring an all-female umpiring panel for the first time in India. Maharashtra and Haryana Reach Semifinals in Junior Badminton Nationals; Historic All-Female Umpiring Panel
Mumbai: Youth Held For Reconnaissance Of Sensitive Sites
A 20-year-old man, Yash Singh, has been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations, including Chabad House, on behalf of international criminal syndicates and anti-national elements. He was initially detained by Maharashtra ATS and later arrested by Kerala police in connection with a UAPA case registered in Thrissur.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 20-year-old man from Navi Mumbai for his alleged links with anti-national elements and an i nternational terror network operating through social media. The accused, identified as Yash Singh, a resident of Airoli, was allegedly assigned the task of conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Mumbai, including Jewish religious establishments.
Ratnagiri records Maharashtras highest temperature for second day in a row
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the maximum temperature stood at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while the Santacruz (representative of the suburbs) observatory registered 34.9 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperatures at the two observatories were 24 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively
Pakistani minister Musadik Malik to visit India for SCO Civilisational Dialogue
Pakistan has nominated its Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Musadik Masood Malik, to represent the country at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, 2026.
Badminton Jr Nationals: Maharashtra, Haryana reach semis; women make umpiring history
Digital Desk | Gangtok, Nov14 (IANS) The 49th Junior (U-19) National Badminton Championships got underway here on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for Indian badminton as the tournament becomes the first national championship in the country to feature an all-women panel of chair umpires. A total of 17 umpires from across the country have been selected to officiate at the prestigious national championship. These umpires were selected after assessing their performances at the All India Ranking Tournament (u-15/u-17) held in Jaipur earlier this year. The Inter-State team event will be played over two days, with the individual events starting on November 16th. The Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Raju Basnet, said, It's a great honour for all of us to have participants from all over India in this beautiful and wonderful state of Sikkim. Highlighting the significance of the all-women chair umpiring panel, he added, With an all-female team of umpires officiating this tournament, Sikkim is at the forefront of women's empowerment, and this is just another step forward. Explaining the reason behind the initiative, Badminton Association of India (BAI) Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said, This is an important step towards encouraging more women to take up officiating at the highest level. Our objective is to create a larger pool of qualified and experienced women umpires in the country and provide them with opportunities to officiate at major national events. This initiative will also inspire more women to pursue umpiring as a career, Mishra added. Organising Secretary Sukanta Das said hosting the U-19 Nationals for the first time in Sikkim was a matter of immense pride, with the tournament also giving the state an opportunity to be part of a historic moment in Indian badminton. On behalf of Sikkim Badminton, we have immense gratitude to the Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), for his wholehearted support and for extending state-event status to the championship. It is a matter of great pride and happiness for Sikkim to host the U-19 National Championships for the first time. It is even more special that the tournament is creating history with an all-women panel of chair umpires, he added. Maharashtra, Haryana advance to semis Badminton action on the court saw formidable outfits like Maharashtra girls and Haryana boys registering comfortable wins in their opening clashes. In the girls' event, Maharashtra packed off Assam 2-0 while Haryana boys got the better of their counterparts from Maharashtra with an identical scoreline. Uttarakhand boys and girls defeated host Sikkim in both the events to advance to the last four stage.
