Abhijit Dipke Challenges Maharashtra Government Ahead of Protests in Mumbai
Abhijit Dipke warns Maharashtras government and calls for arrests before upcoming protests, criticizing electoral practices and the Election Commission. Abhijit Dipke Challenges Maharashtra Government Ahead of Protests in Mumbai
Uneven Monsoon Rainfall in Maharashtra: Marathwada Faces 40% Deficit, Says IMD
Maharashtra experiences uneven monsoon rainfall, with Marathwada registering a significant 40% deficit, raising concerns about water resources. Uneven Monsoon Rainfall in Maharashtra: Marathwada Faces 40% Deficit, Says IMD
ET Graphics: Factory engine revs up jobs and earnings rise
Indias factory workforce crossed 20 million in 2024-25, driven by gains in West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and sectors such as food products and electrical equipment. Industrial GVA rose 9.6% to Rs 26.9 lakh crore, while average earnings increased to Rs 3.8 lakh. Productivity edged up to Rs 11 lakh per worker.
Made for Love: Hinge Introduces a More Intentional Way to Find Love in India
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 1: Hinge, the app designed to be deleted, today announced an updated experience in India for singles looking for love on their own terms with more clarity, and confidence. Hinge is introducing and bringing together features designed to create more trust from the first step, including a phased waitlist for new members, Face Check for verification, Screenshot Protection of profiles and Block List for contacts.
Maharashtra Seeks Air Show to Boost Tourism and Youth Engagement
Central Minister Prataprao Jadhav urges an air show in Maharashtra to showcase the IAFs skills and attract youth to aviation careers. Maharashtra Seeks Air Show to Boost Tourism and Youth Engagement
Maharashtra Launches Invest Maharashtra Initiative to Create 300,000 Jobs
Maharashtras Invest Maharashtra initiative aims to generate 300,000 jobs through $92.19 billion in proposed investments. Maharashtra Launches Invest Maharashtra Initiative to Create 300,000 Jobs
6 Bangladeshi nationals arrested for illegal stay in Mumbai
Lalbaugcha Raja auction nets Rs 3.2 crore, seasons total earning Rs 9.3 crore
Passengers cry foul as SpiceJet reschedules Delhi-Pune flight, then cancels
State govt launches Invest Maharashtra with Rs 8.5 lakh crore MoUs, promise of 2.9 lakh jobs
Mumbai loses 34% water to leakage, theft; BMC eyes 400 million litres per day recovery
Mahayuti likely to opt for 3-1-1 formula in MLC polls
Revised norms for Shiv Bhojan scheme; no takeaway and govt employees cant eat there
Association seeks welfare commission for traders social security in Maharashtra
Keeping youth away from drugs is a major challenge, says addl SP Jadhav in Pune
Blast on stranded ship: 3 held for copper theft; gang may have targeted it twice before
Maha govt unveils Invest Maharashtra brand, signs 66 MoUs worth Rs 8.58 lakh crore
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched the Invest Maharashtra brand initiative with the tagline Made for Business, unveiling a proposed investment portfolio of 66 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth more than $92.19 billion, or approximately Rs 8.58 lakh crore. The proposed investments are estimated to generate more than three lakh direct and indirect jobs. Addressing global investors, industry leaders and state officials, Chief Minister Fadnavis said the initiative aims to connect enterprise with grassroots development and create opportunities for young engineers, local suppliers and farming communities across the state. The newly unveiled logo merges the i of investment with the M of Maharashtra, symbolising a partnership between enterprise and government. Under the Made for Business positioning, the administration has promised single-window accountability, time-bound approvals and proactive dispute resolution. The 66 MoUs worth $92.19 billion target high-growth sectors, including semiconductors, data centres, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, healthcare and agro-processing. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for economic growth, the initiative is designed to help Maharashtra achieve its target of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030, Chief Minister Fadnavis said. A key focus of the initiative is to ensure that industrial opportunities extend beyond traditional metropolitan centres such as Mumbai and Pune. The proposed projects span regions including Chandrapur, Wardha, Nagpur, Gondia, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna in Vidarbha and Marathwada, as well as Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Ratnagiri, Palghar and the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). To support these investments, the state government outlined plans for dedicated hubs such as an Education City, a Medicity, and an AI and Innovation City, aimed at linking industrial growth with talent development and research ecosystems. Setting expectations for the administration, Chief Minister Fadnavis directed the Invest Maharashtra team to take direct ownership of projects, monitor progress continuously, and address regulatory bottlenecks early. A timely decision can advance a factory. A resolved bottleneck can unlock employment. A clear answer can give an entrepreneur the confidence to expand, he said. The Chief Minister also appealed to industry leaders to support communities in agrarian regions facing rainfall deficits through contributions to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. He urged technology and manufacturing companies to apply their engineering expertise to water conservation, efficient irrigation and wastewater recycling to strengthen resilience in rural Maharashtra. Chief Minister Fadnavis also highlighted Maharashtras investor-friendly ecosystem and ongoing development initiatives. Principal Secretary, Industries Department, P. Anbalagan highlighted Maharashtras strategy to attract global investments, launch innovation hubs and maintain leadership in technology and industry.
Lions Club serves meals to 2,090 police, on-duty personnel on Ganesh Visarjan day
30,000 schoolgirls in Pune to get Asmita Dignity kit
All of them were 16: 8 Pune teenagers, one beach picnic and a tragedy no family saw coming
Mahindra, Embraer in talks to build C-390 military aircraft ecosystem
Mahindra Group on Thursday said it is in preparatory discussions with Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer to create an industrial and support ecosystem for the military transport and aerial refuelling aircraft C-390 Millennium in India. The two companies are jointly pursuing the Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, Mahindra Group said. As part of their ongoing preparations, Mahindra and Embraer are working with the Maharashtra government and have identified Nagpur for a potential final assembly line for Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft production in India, it added. Embraer and Mahindra entered into a strategic cooperation agreement in October last year to jointly advance the C-390 Millennium for the IAF's MTA programme, building on their earlier initial pact, signed in February 2024. The agreement envisages collaboration on industrialisation, local manufacturing, assembly, supply chain development and MRO activities in India. In February 2026, the companies al
Mumbai Woman Duped of Rs 18 Lakh in Online Gift Scam, FIR Filed
Maharashtra considers declaring drought in 19 more talukas
Ruling Party Politicians Turfs Dominate Draft List
Maharashtra FDA suspended licences of 12 Mumbai food establishments, citing hygiene and food-safety violations during inspections.
Maharashtras CM announces 25,000 crore allocation for tribal development, aiming for social change and improved living standards. Maharashtra Allocates 25,000 Crore for Tribal Development, Says CM Devendra Fadnavis
Bombay HC relief for actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Kitchen budget in Mumbai takes a hit as veggie prices rise amid crop loss, low supply
Mira-Bhayander MLA apologises after Jain city remark row
CJP digs in heels, says will launch protest at Shivaji Park despite no nod
Maharashtra Government Orders Survey in 19 Additional Talukas Amid Drought Crisis
Maharashtras government has declared drought in 265 talukas and initiated a survey in 19 more to assess agricultural damage. Maharashtra Government Orders Survey in 19 Additional Talukas Amid Drought Crisis
Uddhav Thackeray backs Purnekar family, seeks death penalty for accused
Parents rush to coaching class in Alandi after eight students drown in Raigad
The students, who were studying in Classes 11 and 12 Science, were on an educational trip organised by the coaching institute when the incident occurred
Picnic turns into tragedy as 8 students drown off Diveagar beach in Maharashtra's Raigad
A police official said a group of 48 25 boys, 17 girls and six teachers from a private coaching institute had gone for a picnic at the beach under the Dighi coastal police station limits
8 Pune students drown during beach trip to Raigad, leaders express grief
8 Pune students drown during beach trip to Raigad, leaders express grief Raigad/Pune: Political leaders across all parties in Maharashtra expressed their condolences after a celebratory educational outing turned into a devastating tragedy on Thursday when eight 16-year-old students drowned while swimming in the Arabian Sea off Diveagar beach in Maharashtras Raigad district. The victims [] The post 8 Pune students drown during beach trip to Raigad, leaders express grief appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Eight students drown at Diveagar beach in Raigad; all bodies recovered
The students, studying in Classes XI and XII, were part of a group from the private coaching institute Winners Academy in Alandi, Pune district in Maharashtra, officials said
Delhi air pollution: AQI hits 166 as city records most polluted Oct in 4 years
Of the 44 monitoring stations in the national capital, 37 recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category, while five stations recorded 'poor' air quality and two were in the 'satisfactory' category, according to CPCB data
Adani Group has Rs 2.6 lakh crore projects completed or under execution in Maharashtra: Pranav Adani
Adani Group has projects worth Rs 2.6 lakh crore completed or underway in Maharashtra, with its overall investment blueprint exceeding Rs 6 lakh crore. Investments span energy, aviation, data centres, urban redevelopment and transmission, alongside major Mumbai infrastructure projects.
Business Wire India The festive season brought together a diverse mix of cultural, social and consumer occasions, with celebrations extending from neighbourhoods to housing societies, eateries and retail outlets. Recognising the breadth of these experiences, Coca-Cola India and its bottling partner Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) brought their festive presence to life through a series of [] The post Festivals Are for All: A Celebration Shared Across Maharashtra and Other States, Brought Together by Coca-Cola India and HCCB appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
School picnic turns tragic as 8 students drown in Maha's Raigad
Digital Desk | Raigad, Oct 1 (IANS) In a tragic incident, eight students who were out on a picnic, drowned after venturing into the sea at Diveagar beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Thursday, officials said. According to officials, a group of 48 people were on a visit to Dighi-Sagari beach in Diveagar for an excursion on Thursday evening. The group comprised 25 boys, 17 girls, and 6 teachers from 'Winners Academy for 11th and 12th' in Pune's Alandi area. During the visit, eight students ventured into the sea and were swept away after they apparently misjudged the depth of the water and current. Reacting instantly, Bhau Salunkhe, owner of 'Bhau Maruti Salunkhe Mahakali Water Sports' at Diveagar, along with his team, launched an immediate rescue operation. Risking their own lives, the water sports team managed to retrieve the bodies of all eight victims from the sea, NDTV reported. The media report added that upon receiving information about the tragedy, Assistant Police Inspector Santosh Awati from the Dighi Sagari Borli Panchatan Police Station rushed to the spot with a team. With the assistance of local villagers, the police took custody of the bodies and sent them to the Primary Health Centre in Borli Panchatan for post-mortem examinations. The deceased students have been identified as Tanmay Dattatray Vahile, Sumit Bharat Ahire, Pranav Ramdas Bansode, Kaivalya Satish Vasankar, Rajveer Yuvraj Vahile, Yash Kiran Wankhede, Soham Tukaram Bhandwalkar, and Kaustubh Sandeep Daund. Officials have confirmed that all the deceased students were 16 years of age and residents of Alandi in Pune. Investigators said that further proceedings in the case are underway. The incident took place days after a similar tragedy in Jharkhand claimed the lives of three young children. The children drowned to death in a pond at Chegayadih village under Jamtara Sadar police station limits in Jharkhand, officials said. They had gone to play together in the afternoon and later wandered towards a village pond located in the Chirkutola area. According to local residents, the children drowned in the pond while playing. Villagers rushed to the spot after learning about the incident and pulled them out of the water. However, all three had died by then.
Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 12 Mumbai eateries amid festive crackdown
Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 12 Mumbai food establishments over hygiene violations, seizes fake Amul cheese and misbranded sweets, and arrests 18 people in a statewide crackdown on banned food products
flydubai flight incident: Captain Smit Machchhar in 'good health, says Embassy
Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot in the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia
Solitario Lab Grown Limited Filed DRHP With BSE SME
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 1: Solitario Lab Grown Limited, a Pune-based Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) lab-grown diamond jewellery brand retailing certified lab-grown diamond jewellery under the Solitario brand through exclusive brand outlets,
Unimaginable grief: 8 Pune students on school picnic drown at Diveagar beach
A picnic at Diveagar beach turned tragic when eight students from Pune drowned after being swept away. They misjudged the sea's depth and current strength, leading to their distress. Local authorities and rescue teams responded promptly to recover all eight bodies. Maharashtra ministers expressed their condolences and sought details regarding the incident. Legal and administrative procedures are currently being conducted at the site of the tragedy.
8 Students Drown Off Diveagar Beach in Maharashtra's Raigad; All Bodies Recovered
The students, of Class XI and XII, were part of a group from private coaching class 'Winners Academy' at Alandi in Pune district, police said
Tragic Incident at Diveagar Beach Claims Lives of Eight Students in Raigad
A tragic drowning incident at Diveagar Beach in Raigad, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of eight students during a school trip. Tragic Incident at Diveagar Beach Claims Lives of Eight Students in Raigad
8 Students From Pune Drown While Holidaying At Beach In Maharashtra's Raigad
Part of a group of 48 individuals, the 8 students ventured into the sea and were swept away after misjudging the depth and current.
Rs 25,000 crore allocated for tribal development: Maha CM
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the state government has allocated Rs 25,000 crore for tribal development through the Sansadiya Sankul Vikas Pariyojana, adding that the government will implement action plans under the initiative. Chief Minister Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Sansadiya Sankul Vikas Pariyojana. He said the initiative would help bring about social transformation in tribal areas by creating employment opportunities in villages, preventing migration, and improving the quality of life for people in these areas. The Chief Minister said the initiative's main objectives are to develop tribal areas, improve citizens' quality of life, generate employment, and prevent migration. He said it is necessary to converge Central and State government schemes for tribal areas and adopt an integrated approach by developing village clusters instead of focusing on individual villages. The initiative will include programmes aimed at bringing about tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. The concept was introduced five to six years ago and is now being implemented. Reports indicate that the initiative has yielded encouraging results in Nandurbar district, with substantial benefits to the agriculture sector. This, in turn, is improving people's quality of life. Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that two schemes formulated by the Central government for tribal areas are accelerating development in these regions. He said the desired results can be achieved through effective implementation of schemes in education, healthcare and employment. Chief Minister Fadnavis also emphasised the need to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the actual beneficiaries and that effective monitoring of their implementation continues. Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, former Union Minister of State Bharati Pawar, MLAs Ravindra Chavan and Yogesh Sagar, Gajanan Dange of the implementing organisation, Sansadiya Sankul Pariyojana Coordinator V. Satish and others were present on the occasion.
Maharashtras culinary identity is built around an extraordinary variety of foods that balance grains, pulses, vegetables, herbs and spices in practical yet deeply flavourful combinations. Among its many traditional snacks, Kothimbir Vadi occupies a distinctive place. Made primarily with fresh coriander leaves, gram flour and aromatic spices, the snack is known for its unusual two-stage [] The post Kothimbir Vadi: Maharashtras Coriander-Based Snack With a Unique Texture appeared first on FoodNosher.Com .
Maharashtra: Eight children drown at Raigad's Diveagar beach during picnic
Maharashtra: Eight children drown at Raigad's Diveagar beach during picnic
8 Pune students on school picnic drown at Diveagar beach; bodies recovered
Eight students from Pune tragically drowned at Diveagar beach in Maharashtra during a school picnic. Authorities have confirmed that all eight bodies were recovered following the incident. The local police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Further details regarding the victims and the details of their outing are still awaited. This incident highlights the need for increased safety measures at popular tourist locations.
Srinagar-Jammu highway accident: 33 injured after sleeper bus overturns
At least 33 passengers were injured after a West Bengal-registered sleeper bus carrying 55 people overturned inside a tunnel near Maroog in Ramban. Nine injured passengers were referred to GMC Jammu, while rescue teams and officials managed relief and traffic movement
Two killed after medical helicopter crashes off Catalina Island near Los Angeles
A medical helicopter crashed into the sea off Catalina Island near Los Angeles, killing two people and hospitalising two others. Rescuers searched for a fifth person reported missing. The aircraft, believed to be operated by REACH Air Medical Services, was submerged in 240 feet of water
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis says Rs 25,000 crore provided for tribal development
CM Fadnavis said the project is expected to contribute to the development of tribal areas by creating employment opportunities within villages, preventing migration, improving living standards, and bringing about social transformation
Voters with No Mapping notices need not to appear for physical hearings: EC
Voters in Maharashtra who receive notices over No Mapping or Logical Discrepancy in electoral records will not have to appear physically for hearings, the Chief Electoral Officer's office said. BLOs will collect documents from voters homes, while hearings will be held only in exceptional cases
Kathua fratricide: CISF personnel cremated with full honours
The last rites of all four personnel were performed at their native places on October 1 with full honours and according to laid-down procedures, the CISF said
Uddhav Thackeray met the family of Pradeep Purnekar, who was murdered in Thane, raising concerns about Maharashtras law and order situation. Uddhav Thackeray Visits Family of Slain Thane Leader Pradeep Purnekar, Questions Law and Order in Maharashtra
flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further treatment
Machchhar was seriously injured while foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft had 174 people on board
Football: Mumbai City confirm return of Farukh Choudhary for upcoming season
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Mumbai City have confirmed the return of Farukh Choudhary to the club, with the attacker signing a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. Born in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, Choudhary is no stranger to the Islanders, having previously made six appearances for the club during the 2020-21 Indian Super League season. Since then, he has gone on to represent Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC, making 126 Indian Super League appearances and registering seven goals and 10 assists across his career. Choudhary has also represented the Indian National Team, earned 24 caps and scored three goals for the Blue Tigers. Farukh Choudhary, an attacker at Mumbai City, said, Coming back to Mumbai City means a lot to me. I have had some really good memories here, and I am happy to be back with the club. I am looking forward to the new season, working hard with the team and giving my best on the pitch. We have a strong squad and big ambitions, and I want to contribute as much as I can and help the team achieve its goals. Earlier, Mumbai City had confirmed the arrival of Lazar irkovi, the Serbian joining the Islanders on a one-year deal, until the end of the 2026/27 season. Born in Ni, Lazar began his football journey with the Serbian SuperLiga club Rad in 2010. During his time there, he also gained valuable experience on loan at the Serbian League club Pali. In 2014, Lazar joined Serbian giants Partizan, making his official debut for the club in a UEFA Europa League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. During his four-year spell with Partizan, he won two Serbian SuperLiga titles and one Serbian Cup before going on to represent Luzern in Switzerland, Maccabi Netanya in Israel, and Kisvrda and Honvd in Hungary. Lazar then moved to India, where he joined fellow Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC. In his debut season, he played a crucial role in helping the club secure a place in the playoffs, earning a move to Jamshedpur FC the following season. He continued to deliver consistent performances for the Men of Steel, helping them reach the semi-finals. At international level, Lazar made his competitive debut for the Serbia Under-21s in 2013, featuring in a home victory over Northern Ireland. He represented the side intermittently until 2015 and was also part of Serbias squad for the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar to be honoured with Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said Machchhar, despite being wounded and bleeding following an alleged attack inside the cockpit, displayed extraordinary courage and helped save the lives of all 174 passengers aboard the flight
Rahul Gandhi slams BJP over tribal plight, children's deaths in MP's Balaghat
Digital Desk | Balaghat, Oct 1 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lashed out at the BJP governments at the Centre and in Madhya Pradesh, alleging that their claims of development ring hollow in the tribal areas of Balaghat where children have died amid illness and malnutrition. He alleged that affected families were still waiting for compensation and that basic healthcare, education, employment and land rights were not reaching the tribal population. Gandhi made the remarks after meeting Baiga tribal families in Jagla village of Birsa block who had lost their children due to illness. He alleged that the government had failed to provide adequate support to the affected families and was not ensuring their rights under existing welfare and forest laws. Many children in the tribal areas of Balaghat have died due to illness and malnutrition, yet there is no support from the government in terms of healthcare, education or employment. It appears as if the tribal people have been abandoned in the middle of India, as if neither the Central government nor the Madhya Pradesh government exists for them, Gandhi told reporters. The administration has acknowledged 32 deaths in the affected tribal areas, while Congress leaders have claimed that more than 40 children have died. The competing figures have become a major point of contention in the political debate over the situation. Rahul Gandhi alleged that even after the deaths, the government had failed to provide adequate compensation to the affected families, claiming that more than half of them had not received the assistance they were entitled to. Many children have lost their lives to malnutrition and disease, but the affected families have not received full compensation. Half of them are still deprived of it, he said. He also questioned the condition of schools, hospitals and other basic facilities in the villages, contrasting them with the government's repeated emphasis on development. Gandhi alleged that MGNREGA was not functioning properly in the area and questioned the government's decision to change its name, saying the focus should instead be on ensuring employment for people. He also accused the government of failing to implement the Forest Rights Act effectively, alleging that tribal families were being denied land titles. The Congress leader further alleged that tribal women were being denied the full benefit of the Ladli Behna Yojana if they received assistance under another government scheme. If two schemes are in operation, tribal people should receive their full entitlement from both, he said. He also alleged that corruption continued despite the government's development claims and said the administration was nowhere to be seen when tribal families needed support. Gandhi reiterated the Congress's use of the term Adivasi for tribal communities, contrasting it with Vanvasi, a term he said was used by the BJP and RSS. He said Adivasi refers to the original inhabitants of India. He said the Congress would provide full support to tribal communities and ensure their rights in education, healthcare and employment if voted to power. He travelled by road from Maharashtra's Birsi Airport to Jagla and stopped at Mate Government Primary School on the way. He interacted with students for around 15 minutes and enquired about the mid-day meal.
Sperm whale strikes yacht in South Pacific; four sailors rescued after 18 hours
A sperm whale struck the 16-metre yacht Tai Tam in the South Pacific, severely damaging its hull and steering. Four sailors battled flooding before abandoning the vessel for a life raft. They were rescued about 18 hours later by the container ship MV Sofrana Surville
Adisoft Technologies Tracks Indias Shift Towards Factory Automation
The Pune-based automation company grew profit faster than income in FY26 and is building a new plant because its current unit is at peak utilisation. Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 1:
flydubai incident: Israel joins probe; motive behind pilot's attack unknown
Israel will join the interrogation of the Omani copilot in Saudi Arabia as investigators probe the motive behind the attack on Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was forced to make an emergency landing
Palghar: Two 16-year-old boys booked for sexually assaulting minor girl
Two 16-year-old boys have been booked in Maharashtra's Palghar district for allegedly spiking a 17-year-old girl's drink and sexually assaulting her near Chinchani beach. Police said the incident occurred on September 26 after the girl left home for private coaching classes
MP govt must plug gaps in land rights, tribal welfare: LoP Rahul Gandhi during Balaghat visit
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 1 (IANS) Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday put the spotlight on gaps in healthcare, education, welfare delivery and land rights in Madhya Pradesh's tribal belt during his visit to Balaghat, where he met families who lost their children amid reports of illness and malnutrition and urged the government to plug the leaks. LoP Rahul Gandhi's visit to Jagla village in Birsa block came against the backdrop of a dispute over the number of deaths among tribal children. While the Madhya Pradesh administration has acknowledged 32 deaths, the Congress has claimed that the real figure is 43. After meeting the Baiga families, LoP Gandhi said the issue was not limited to the deaths of the children but reflected wider problems concerning access to basic services and implementation of government schemes in Madhya Pradesh. There are issues regarding land, rural employment scheme and land rights. Many children have died, yet their families have not even received proper compensation. Half of the people have not received compensation, LoP Gandhi told reporters. He demanded that the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav government ensure that tribal families receive benefits guaranteed to them under existing laws and schemes, particularly land rights under the Forest Rights Act. At the very least, they should be granted their rights under the Forest Rights Act and receive their land titles. Provide education and hospitals here, LoP Gandhi said. LoP Gandhi also questioned the condition of healthcare and educational infrastructure in the area, saying the claims of development needed to be matched by delivery of basic services to people living in remote tribal villages. The Congress leader also raised the issue of welfare benefits, alleging that tribal beneficiaries receiving assistance under one government scheme were being denied benefits under the Ladli Behna Yojana. He said such benefits were the entitlement of eligible beneficiaries and urged the government to ensure that welfare schemes were implemented without depriving people of their rights. LoP Gandhi also criticised the renaming of MGNREGA, saying the government should focus on making the employment guarantee scheme functional rather than merely changing its name. It appears as though they have been abandoned in the heart of India, with neither the Central government nor the Madhya Pradesh government seemingly present, he said. The Congress leader said he was shocked by the condition of the tribal families and claimed that the government had failed to provide them adequate support. LoP Gandhi also reiterated the Congress' use of the term 'Adivasi' for tribal communities, saying it referred to the original inhabitants of India, while alleging that the BJP and RSS use the term 'Vanvasis'. LoP Gandhi reached Balaghat by road from Maharashtra's Birsi Airport and stopped at a Government Primary School on the way to Jagla. He spent around 15 minutes interacting with students and enquired about the Mid-Day Meal served to the schoolchildren. Around 1,500 people from nearby villages gathered at Jagla to meet him, according to Congress leaders.
NIS Management Limited Secures Rs 120+ Crore in Orders Since IPO, Highlights Growth at First AGM
Company expands its presence across government and private-sector clients, strengthens its operational footprint, and targets 500 crore in FY27 revenue Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 30: NIS Management Limited (NIS or
UAE orders probe into flydubai flight incident, examines possible terror link
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Counsellor Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, had ordered a team of specialised members of the Public Prosecution to investigate the circumstances and causes. The state news agency WAM said the investigation team had launched its work
Central Railway is open to running special water trains to drought-hit districts of Maharashtra if the state government provides an adequate water source. The railway zone has not yet received a formal request. With 265 of Maharashtras 358 talukas declared drought-hit, officials said the scale of the current situation could make the operation more challenging than the 2016 Latur water train.
CM Fadnavis praises Captain Smit Machchhar for saving 180 passengers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Mumbai-based FlyDubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage after he reportedly helped save 180 passengers despite sustaining serious injuries
flydubai flight incident: Israeli President Herzog lauds Indian pilot
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and four Israeli passengers for their actions during an attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. Machchhar and the passengers helped subdue the attacker and avert a potential disaster before the plane landed in Saudi Arabia
Rs 3,161 Crore Credited To 3.27 Lakh Farmers In Phase 3 Of Maharashtra Loan Waiver
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis transfers Rs 3,161 crore to 3.27 lakh farmers under the third phase of the loan waiver scheme.
Maha govt announces major loan relief, expanded drought coverage for farmers
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Facing a severe drought triggered by persistent rainfall deficits and heightened El Nio threats, the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Thursday announced a sweeping relief package for the state's distressed farming community. In a landmark decision, the government issued an order, staying all agricultural loan recoveries across drought-hit regions. To ease immediate financial strain, banks have been directed to restructure existing crop loans -- setting a strict deadline of April 30, 2027, to complete the process -- while ensuring fresh crop credit remains fully accessible for the upcoming Kharif season. Revenue Minister and Drought Relief Sub-Committee Chairman Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued a stern directive to local administrations, instructing District Collectors and police authorities to prevent any bank or credit society representatives from approaching farmers for recovery during this crisis. Following strong pushback from ministers and ruling alliance MLAs over excluded pockets, the cabinet added 43 new talukas to the drought list. Over 305 talukas -- encompassing nearly 75 per cent of the state -- are now covered under 'Trigger-1' drought mitigation measures. Examination fees for Class 10 and Class 12 students in all designated drought-affected regions have also been waived. To prevent distress migration and secure rural livelihoods, the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) department has unlocked Rs 6,728 crore. The funds will drive local employment across various projects, including irrigation works, cattle sheds, orchard plantations, borewell recharge units, bamboo cultivation, and public lake repairs. With drinking water shortages intensifying and crop yields severely impacted, the administration has placed water management and rural employment at the forefront of its emergency strategy. To support farmers, agricultural labourers, and affected rural populations, the state government has extended a 12-point relief and concessions package for the designated 265 talukas. The government has announced full waiver of land revenue for affected farmers, restructuring of existing agricultural loans, immediate stay on the recovery of all agriculture-related bank loans, exemption/concessions on current electricity bills for agricultural pumps above 7.5 HP capacity (up to 7.5 HP is already waived), waiver of examination fees for school and college students in the affected zones, relaxation of work norm criteria under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (erstwhile Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) to maximise employment generation and deployment of water tankers wherever drinking water shortages occur. Further, the government has issued strict orders preventing the disconnection of agricultural pump power supplies in declared 'scarcity villages'. It has ordered the implementation of targeted distribution systems to prevent foodgrain shortages for farmers and daily-wage agricultural workers, measures to ensure adequate supply and availability of fodder for cattle, immediate rollout of water conservation works in the affected belts and comprehensive planning for drinking and livestock water resources in accordance with government directives.
Bombay HC Raises Questions On Parth Pawar's Stake In Mundhwa Land Deal
The Bombay High Court has orally questioned the Maharashtra government and police regarding Parth Pawar's 99% stake in Amadea Enterprises LLP, which acquired a 40-acre government land parcel in Pune's Mundhwa area at a significantly discounted price. The court highlighted that while a 1% shareholder was accused, the probe was silent on Parth Pawar, son of Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, despite his majority holding. The controversial deal, involving a Rs 300 crore transaction and alleged stamp duty exemption, has already seen a Pune civil court order the cancellation of the sale deed.
Amid oppn, BMC shelves plan for 14ft+ slum demolition drive
Wildlife Week 2026: RiWild launches campaign against illegal wildlife pet trade
The campaign was formally launched by Maharashtra Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Srinivas Reddy, who unveiled a series of awareness posters featuring wildlife species commonly trafficked and illegally kept as pets in India
Mumbai celebrates Captain Smit Machchhar: Family, neighbours hail real hero after flydubai emergency
Saudi Arabia turned down Israeli travel aids for passengers of flydubai flight
Saudi Arabia rejected Israeli requests to send military and commercial planes to retrieve passengers from a diverted flydubai flight, a Saudi source told AFP. The kingdom said it fulfilled its international obligations after the emergency landing in Tabuk, regardless of passengers nationalities
Kalyan MHADA project: Homebuyers allege Rs 176 crore collected, construction stalled since 2022
Shah Rukh, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff Respond To FDA Notices
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said responses have been received from Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over notices issued to them in connection with an advertisement.Mundhe said two of the actors had sought a hearing, which was completed on Tuesday, and the department is now proceeding further.
Indonesia ferry sinking: Captain arrested as death toll nears 80
Indonesian police arrested the captain of a passenger ferry that sank in the Java Sea, killing nearly 80 people. The vessel carried 213 passengers and 30 crew. More than 100 survivors have been rescued, while dozens remain missing as the search continues
Irans revolutionary guards hail US withdrawal from Iraq as historic victory
Irans Revolutionary Guards welcomed the US-led coalitions withdrawal from Iraq, calling it a historic victory and urging American forces to leave the Middle East. Iraq says the exit removes a justification for armed factions to retain weapons outside state control
NMIMS School of Business Management MBA 2027 Application Closes on 10 October
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 1: Applications for the MBA 2027 intake at NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM) are set to close on 10 October 2026, giving aspiring management professionals a final opportunity to apply.
Nine killed in Pakistani airstrikes on Kunar province in Afghanistan
Pakistan airstrikes reportedly killed nine people and injured 11 in Afghanistan, according to Kabul. Three homes in Kunar and Helmand were hit, while tensions over cross-border violence and alleged militant activity continue to escalate between the two countries
Maharashtra sets stricter redevelopment norms, higher safeguards for housing societies
Maharashtra has tightened redevelopment rules for cooperative housing societies, introducing stricter requirements for developer selection, tendering, member approvals, documentation and project timelines. The revised framework requires at least three developer bids, 51% member approval, video recording of selection meetings and redevelopment agreements within three months. Projects should be completed within two years of the plinth certificate.
