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 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.
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.
Sawan Barwal secured an unexpected silver medal in the Asian Games marathon, shattering his own national record with a time of 2:11:37.
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.
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.
Economy passengers are paying more year-on-year while business travellers are paying less.
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.
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.
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.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man in connection with the recovery of an improvised explosive device at a Pune hospital.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An elderly man in Pune has been detained by police after allegedly molesting his nine-year-old granddaughter. The incident sparked outrage and protests in the Parvati area.
A device containing low-grade explosives was discovered at a private hospital in Pune's Hadapsar area, prompting a police investigation involving the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), the crime branch, and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
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.
A welder in Pune allegedly assaulted his wife and poured floor cleaning acid on her private parts due to suspicions of infidelity, police report.
A 34-year-old woman died after falling from the eighth floor of a residential building in the Talegaon MIDC area of Pune. Police suspect suicide and are investigating a viral video of the incident.
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.
A Pune school principal, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, has been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. The CBI alleges she shared examination-related questions and content with students for money. The investigation revealed her collusion with a botany teacher, and the use of handwritten notes containing NEET-related questions.
Pune Police raided a late-night party in Tulapur village, finding over 150 attendees, including underage individuals. They seized ganja, banned hookah flavours, and liquor worth approximately Rs 85 lakh, with legal action initiated against the organisers.
A man was arrested for planting an improvised explosive device in a private hospital in Pune in an attempt to extort money from the facility, according to police.
As the investigation into the death of real estate businessman Ketan Vishal Agarwal continues to reveal shocking details, the family of one of the prime suspects has come forward claiming his innocence in the case.
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.
'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'
A man celebrating his fiance's birthday tragically fell 400 feet to his death from Maharashtra's historic Lohagad fort while attempting to take photographs amidst strong winds.
Pune police busted a party named 'Project X' in Tulapur village, booking over 70 individuals for drug and liquor violations. The raid led to the seizure of ganja, banned smoking products, and liquor worth Rs 85 lakh, with some attendees being underage.
At least 12 people have died in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a key bootlegger, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation.
A special court in Pune has allowed the prosecution to conduct a test identification parade of the accused in the sexual assault and murder case of a four-year-old girl in Nasrapur village. The court also ordered a medical examination to assess the accused's mental fitness. Charges are likely to be framed on May 28.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that CCTV footage and images of the number plate of the vehicle involved in the IED recovery incident in Pune are being enhanced to identify the accused.
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.
