A 65-year-old retired scientist, Sanjay Kadam, died after suffering a cardiac arrest during the Satara Hill Half Marathon. Despite immediate CPR and medical intervention, including an angioplasty, he succumbed to a second massive cardiac attack hours later. Organisers highlighted their medical preparedness, including medical ID tags and deployed emergency teams.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has appealed to Opposition leaders to stop politicising the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar. Her comments follow accusations from NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule regarding the lack of an FIR and the ruling faction's perceived inaction. Pawar stressed the immense grief of the family and affirmed faith in ongoing investigations.
The Bombay High Court has imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, loudspeakers, DJs, and laser beams on public roads during festival processions, criticising the Maharashtra government for its laxity in implementing noise pollution rules. The court highlighted the severe noise and air pollution caused by such celebrations and called for more dignified ways of observing festivals, noting that current permissions are often ineffective due to official inaction.
Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of V D Savarkar, testified in a Pune court, stating that Rahul Gandhi's remarks portrayed Savarkar as a "Muslim hater" and "mob lyncher," which he claims is false. Savarkar asserted that his granduncle's writings promoted Muslim progress. The testimony was part of a defamation case filed against Gandhi concerning his alleged statements about Savarkar's writings.
The Maharashtra government has declared 265 out of 358 talukas as drought-affected, covering 74% of the state, due to significant rainfall deficit. This declaration activates 'Trigger-1' of the state's drought management framework, leading to the announcement of various relief measures for farmers and residents, including loan restructuring, revenue concessions, and provisions for water and fodder.
Police in Pune have detained the fiancee and a male friend of trekker Ketan Vishal Agarwal, who was initially believed to have died in an accidental fall at Lohagad fort. The case is now being investigated as a murder, with allegations that the two suspects pushed Agarwal into a deep gorge.
Maharashtra ministers are divided over the use of high-decibel DJ systems during Hindu festivals. While Minister Yogesh Kadam asserts that festival sound will not be stopped, his colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghana Bordikar advocate for adherence to noise pollution norms, with Bordikar citing a personal tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also called for a return to traditional celebrations and a consensus on restricting DJ systems.
The Special Intensive Revision of Maharashtra's electoral rolls has identified over 76 lakh voters classified as permanently shifted across the state. Mumbai Suburban, Thane, and Pune districts reported the highest numbers, highlighting significant discrepancies in voter lists and the ongoing challenge of maintaining accurate electoral data.
At least 14 people have died in Pune after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a key bootlegger, and the investigation has been transferred to the CID. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the illegal liquor trade.
Joga Purty and Deepu Mallesh, India's speed climbing representatives, are set to make their Asian Games debut. The athletes, who discovered the sport through different paths, discuss their journeys, the challenges of pursuing a niche sport, and their excitement for the upcoming competition, where India aims for its first climbing medal. They also highlight the need for better support and exposure for the sport in India.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong concerns about the divisive role of social media in society, alleging it fuels anger and religious disputes. He also criticised the unbridled use of high-decibel sound systems, questioned the government's economic policies despite GDP growth claims, and objected to political messaging in public offices. Thackeray further addressed linguistic politics and endorsed the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.
A 26-year-old autorickshaw driver was shot and critically injured in Pune's Balaji Nagar area, reigniting gang warfare in the city. Police suspect the involvement of a rival gang and have launched an investigation.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of popular Mumbai restaurant Cafe Mondegar and three other food establishments due to serious food safety and hygiene violations. This action is part of an intensified crackdown by the FDA, which also saw inspections of 38 establishments, seizure of substandard food products worth over Rs 15 lakh, and action against banned gutkha products totalling Rs 1.35 crore in seized goods and vehicles across Maharashtra.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has pledged its full support to establish the Pune Grand Tour as the world's fourth Grand Tour, aiming to transform it into a leading global sports tourism destination. The UCI praised the event's quality, crowd discipline, and rapid execution, committing expertise for its long-term growth and grassroots cycling development in India.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has ended his 20-day hunger strike after discussions with a Maharashtra government delegation. He issued a three-month ultimatum, threatening to resume protests in Mumbai if demands for Maratha reservation, based on Kunbi lineage recognition, are not met. The government has assured action on historical gazettes to facilitate OBC benefits for Marathas.
A Pune school principal has been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, accused of sharing examination-related questions and content with students for financial gain, according to the CBI.
Microsoft India and South Asia President, Puneet Chandok, discusses the company's strong belief in human-centric AI development, significant investments in India's cloud and AI infrastructure, and the country's pivotal role as an AI market, talent hub, and technology builder. He highlights AI's impact on jobs and the need for responsible innovation.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has proceeded towards Mumbai despite police denying permission for his protest at Azad Maidan. Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike for 17 days demanding OBC quota for Marathas, is travelling with a small group amid tight security, citing a Bombay High Court ruling that supports democratic agitation. He also alleged a conspiracy to kill him.
An autorickshaw driver in Pune was critically injured after being attacked with a machete and falling off a bridge. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the assault, which stemmed from a prior dispute over passengers.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has launched a nationwide protest from Pune, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and delays. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is also participating in the peaceful demonstration.
Pune rural police arrested a gynaecologist and are searching for another doctor in connection with alleged illegal abortions at a Daund hospital. The hospital, a registered MTP centre, reportedly allowed an unauthorised practitioner to conduct procedures, with a gynaecologist signing off. This incident follows the recent busting of an illegal sex determination racket in the same region.
'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'
A 61-year-old businessman, Ashok Jain, was found dead in a Pune hotel room, with police suspecting suicide due to financial and personal issues.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man in connection with the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) at a private hospital in Pune.
The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered probes into multiple allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Spanish multinational in Pune, a government-run ITI in Solapur, and a TCS unit in Nashik. The CM highlighted a pattern of such incidents in corporate firms and suggested forming a panel of women legislators to review existing laws and recommend improvements.
A minor dispute between teenagers in Pune escalated into a clash between two communities, resulting in a mob attacking police with stones in the Kondhwa area.
rediffGURU Nagarajan JSK, a career counsellor with over 30 years of experience, addressed readers' queries and offered practical advice on how to make the right decision.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man in connection with the recovery of an improvised explosive device at a Pune hospital.
Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.
Pune police have cleared a person seen in CCTV footage in connection with the IED found at Usha Kiran Hospital. The investigation continues, with the ATS also involved.
'If he settles on something, there are fifty considerations behind it -- the pros and cons, all of it.'
More than 2.06 crore electors, representing 21.14 per cent of Maharashtra's previous voter base, have been excluded from the draft electoral roll following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) due to reasons like being untraceable, deceased, or having shifted residences.
The police arrested a self-styled godman and seven of his associates in Pune for allegedly sexually assaulting, physically torturing and financially exploiting a woman over several years under the guise of possessing divine powers, officials said on Thursday.
Haryana defeated Jharkhand 2-1 to win the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship. Madhya Pradesh secured third place by beating Chhattisgarh 3-1 in the bronze medal match. Haryana made a strong comeback after conceding an early goal, with Bhavya and Khushi scoring to secure their victory.
Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, have developed a biodegradable nanocarrier platform for targeted gene therapy in breast cancer. This strategy uses mesoporous silica nanoparticles to deliver siRNA molecules, effectively inhibiting tumour growth and reducing off-target effects, offering a promising new approach to cancer treatment.
Three men accused of firing at a furniture mall in Pune have been arrested in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The suspects, from Haryana, are now in Pune Police custody. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
A woman has been detained in Pune for her alleged involvement in the NEET paper leak case and handed over to the CBI for further investigation.
Aarushi Bajaj is all set to star in her first Hindi film, Don't Be Shy, produced by Alia Bhatt.
Activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from September 19 for Maratha reservation in jobs and education. He will lead a march from September 15, covering various districts before reaching Azad Maidan. Jarange urged peaceful protest and accused the government of inaction on caste certificates, while the Bombay High Court upheld the right to protest. The core demand is for Marathas to be included in the OBC category via Kunbi records, a move opposed by existing OBC groups.
