News for 'Maharashtra'

Vantara to comply with order permitting Madhuri's return to Kolhapur

Vantara to comply with order permitting Madhuri's return to Kolhapur

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Vantara, a Reliance-backed animal rescue centre, has announced its compliance with a High-Powered Committee order for elephant Madhuri's return to Kolhapur. Despite her chronic health conditions requiring ongoing veterinary care, Vantara will continue to monitor her health and assist with necessary arrangements, ensuring her welfare remains a priority under strict conditions set by the HPC.

FIR against Maharashtra school staff over 'Pak song' performance

FIR against Maharashtra school staff over 'Pak song' performance

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

A school principal and two teachers in Maharashtra's Jalna district have been booked by police after allegations surfaced that students performed to a Pakistani song during an annual programme. The school management denies the claims, stating the music was from a Turkish TV serial and visuals were tampered with.

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.

Tragedy strikes Satara Hill Half Marathon as retired scientist dies

Tragedy strikes Satara Hill Half Marathon as retired scientist dies

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

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.

Auto, taxi drivers get one year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis

Auto, taxi drivers get one year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi. This decision comes after the Transport Department issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test, prompting driver organisations to request more time due to varying age groups and educational backgrounds. During this period, no action will be taken, and Marathi classes and study materials will be provided.

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse stated that despite 5.5 lakh students having non-updated Aadhaar IDs, no student is being deprived of government scheme benefits or facing educational hurdles. He clarified that the government is actively conducting special camps and has issued instructions to ensure continuous access to education and benefits while the update drive is underway.

HC okays clearing mangroves for mega Maharashtra port project

HC okays clearing mangroves for mega Maharashtra port project

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has approved the removal of mangroves for the Vadhvan Port Project in Palghar, Maharashtra, citing its public importance and economic significance. This clearance paves the way for accelerated execution of the Rs 76,220 crore project, which aims to position India among the top 10 container port nations globally.

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

'Kept looking...': Father of infant killed in Amravati fire

'Kept looking...': Father of infant killed in Amravati fire

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A father's joy at the birth of his son turned to crushing sorrow after a fire swept through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, killing his newborn and two other infants. Swapnil Barge had been searching for his wife and day-old son, only to receive the devastating news hours later.

Sena men attack hospital staff over medical bills to injured govindas

Sena men attack hospital staff over medical bills to injured govindas

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.

'When We Divert A River's Flow, We're Inviting Trouble'

'When We Divert A River's Flow, We're Inviting Trouble'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'When a glacier collapse or a major flood event does occur, the water will simply reclaim its original path, and anything built in that path will be swept away.'

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'

CJP activist holds 'Sadak Satyagraha' hunger strike in Maha over poor roads

CJP activist holds 'Sadak Satyagraha' hunger strike in Maha over poor roads

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party activist Vivek Tiwari's "Sadak Satyagraha" hunger strike in Palghar, Maharashtra, protesting poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure, has entered its sixth day, drawing support from various political parties.

Sports Ministry Unveils National Sports Election Panel For Fair Polls

Sports Ministry Unveils National Sports Election Panel For Fair Polls

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Sports Ministry has established a 20-member National Sports Election Panel, including former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies as mandated by the National Sports Governance Act. Concurrently, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal, which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.

Bank account used in cyber fraud cases, Thane woman kills self

Bank account used in cyber fraud cases, Thane woman kills self

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

A 38-year-old woman in Thane district committed suicide after discovering her bank account was allegedly used in multiple cyber fraud cases across several Indian states, leading to immense anxiety and police questioning notices.

'Modi Doesn't Take Decisions In A Day'

'Modi Doesn't Take Decisions In A Day'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'If he settles on something, there are fifty considerations behind it -- the pros and cons, all of it.'

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to grant a one-year extension to autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi, alleging it was due to 'pressure from Delhi' and a message to BJP's ally Shiv Sena.

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that the Maharashtra government immediately issue caste certificates based on the 58 lakh Kunbi records identified earlier, asserting that the Maratha community will not grant any further time.

Ramanand Sagar's Grandson: 'Cannot Accept Ranbir Kapoor As Ram'

Ramanand Sagar's Grandson: 'Cannot Accept Ranbir Kapoor As Ram'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'After Ramayan, will Ranbir Kapoor be accepted again in a film like Animal?'

Stringent MCOCA To Target Organised Gutka Trade In Maharashtra

Stringent MCOCA To Target Organised Gutka Trade In Maharashtra

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gangs involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of gutka and other banned tobacco products. This move aims to treat such activities as serious organised crimes affecting public health, rather than mere regulatory violations, due to the sophisticated nature of the illegal trade.

Stringent MCOCA To Target Organised Gutka Trade In Maharashtra

Stringent MCOCA To Target Organised Gutka Trade In Maharashtra

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gangs involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of gutka and other banned tobacco products. This move aims to treat such activities as serious organised crimes affecting public health, rather than mere regulatory violations, due to the sophisticated nature of the illegal trade.

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.

'Ashamed' Gadkari won't attend Mumbai-Goa highway opening

'Ashamed' Gadkari won't attend Mumbai-Goa highway opening

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed his determination to blacklist contractors and suspend officials responsible for delays and shoddy execution of infrastructure projects. He plans to personally inspect the delayed Mumbai-Goa Highway in October and urged the Goa government to develop roadside amenities and promote green initiatives along the route. Gadkari also highlighted the importance of infrastructure for economic growth and sustainable development.

Man Held In Maharashtra For Black Magic Fraud

Man Held In Maharashtra For Black Magic Fraud

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Police in Maharashtra's Latur district have registered a case against a man for allegedly cheating people by claiming to possess supernatural powers.

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

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.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

FDA withdraws action on Pune Cipla unit, MCA eateries after HC rebuke

FDA withdraws action on Pune Cipla unit, MCA eateries after HC rebuke

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court severely criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "undue haste" and "high-handed" actions, forcing the regulator to withdraw orders against Cipla Pharma and five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises. The court admonished the FDA for violating principles of natural justice and taking a "pedantic instead of pragmatic view," even threatening contempt action against officials.

Avinash Sable's Triumphant Return To Steeplechase After Career-Threatening Injury

Avinash Sable's Triumphant Return To Steeplechase After Career-Threatening Injury

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Indian steeplechaser Avinash Sable made an emotional and triumphant return to competition, winning the men's 3000m steeplechase at the Indian Athletics Series Final. This victory marks his first race in the distance since suffering a career-threatening ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which led to surgery and a challenging recovery period. Sable, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, expressed the immense struggle he faced but is now confident of winning a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.

FIR against Dipke for 'entering govt school without permission'

FIR against Dipke for 'entering govt school without permission'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Police in Latur, Maharashtra, have registered an FIR against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convenor Abhijeet Dipke and others. The charges stem from allegations of unauthorised entry into a government school, disrupting official work, threatening teachers, and filming proceedings during his 'School Thik Karo' campaign.

Mumbaikars face higher taxi, rickshaw fares from Sept 1

Mumbaikars face higher taxi, rickshaw fares from Sept 1

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Commuting by CNG-run black and yellow cabs and auto-rickshaws in Mumbai will become more expensive from September 1, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) approving a fare hike of Rs 2 for taxis and Rs 1 for auto-rickshaws.

Vivaan Dave, Divyanshi Bhowmick Clinch U-17 National Table Tennis Titles

Vivaan Dave, Divyanshi Bhowmick Clinch U-17 National Table Tennis Titles

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Gujarat's Vivaan Dave and Maharashtra's Divyanshi Bhowmick have secured the Youth Boys' and Youth Girls' U-17 titles, respectively, at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships. Dave won a five-game thriller against Atharva Nawarange, while Bhowmick defeated Ananya Muralidharan 3-1.

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has stated that festivals like Navratri are inclusive and there is nothing wrong with Muslim individuals attending the celebrations, despite the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to bar Muslims from such events and BJP leader Nitesh Rane's support for the ban.

Maharashtra monsoon turns fatal, tree fall kills ex-deputy mayor's son

Maharashtra monsoon turns fatal, tree fall kills ex-deputy mayor's son

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Rahul Ashok Patil, the 35-year-old son of a former deputy mayor of Mira-Bhayandar, died after a coconut tree fell on him during heavy rains and strong winds. He succumbed to his injuries two days after the incident, marking the first rain-related casualty in the city this monsoon.

0.1% of Kumbh funds could have saved for...: SC judge

0.1% of Kumbh funds could have saved for...: SC judge

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale has voiced serious concerns over the closure of Marathi-medium schools, inadequate facilities in Ashram schools, and insufficient growth in Maharashtra's education budget, suggesting that greater spending could have prevented these shutdowns.

600 students who left 'haunted' Maha school get new hostel

600 students who left 'haunted' Maha school get new hostel

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Girl students at a government residential school in Amravati, Maharashtra, are moving to a new hostel after nearly 600 students left, claiming some girls were "possessed." Officials attributed the strange behaviour to mental stress and local superstitions, including beliefs about spirits and upset deities. The new hostel aims to alleviate overcrowding and provide a better environment.

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.

Lata song played at Shinde's event instead of Vande Mataram

Lata song played at Shinde's event instead of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

A Hindi song with a 'Vande Mataram' refrain, not the official national song, was played at a government event in Thane attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who subsequently directed organisers to adhere strictly to the approved version.

Manoj Bajpayee Buys Farm Land At THIS Price

Manoj Bajpayee Buys Farm Land At THIS Price

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Manoj Bajpayee has expanded his real estate portfolio with the acquisition of 4.45 acres of agricultural land in Pune's scenic Mulshi taluka.

Maharashtra Cyber Nabs Telegram Seller In Child Exploitation Case

Maharashtra Cyber Nabs Telegram Seller In Child Exploitation Case

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Cyber has arrested a Telegram-based seller, Adiraj Rajendra Bait, for allegedly dealing in Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). The arrest followed an extensive investigation involving digital ecosystem monitoring, technical verification, and forensic analysis of the accused's mobile phone.