Thursday, March 26

Maharashtra

Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babur, Humayun… From Ancestors to Politics, Clash Over Green vs Saffron Heats Up in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babur, Humayun… From Ancestors to Politics, Clash Over Green vs Saffron Heats Up in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Political rhetoric in Maharashtra has intensified following statements by AIMIM leaders Imtiaz Jalil and Waris Pathan, who declared their intention to “turn Maharashtra and India green.” The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, escalating the debate into a full-blown green vs saffron confrontation. Leaders from Shaina NC to Krishna Hegde have strongly retaliated. AIMIM’s Green AgendaSpeaking about party expansion in Maharashtra, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jalil endorsed controversial remarks made by newly elected corporator Sahar Sheikh, who said she would “turn Mumbra green.” Jalil added, “Not just Mumbra, we will spread green across Maharashtra,” reigniting the political discourse on saffron versus green in the state. BJP Pushback: Histori...
Success Story: From Making Ink to Weapons, Satyanarayan Nuwal Earns Padma Shri Recognition
Maharashtra, State

Success Story: From Making Ink to Weapons, Satyanarayan Nuwal Earns Padma Shri Recognition

Nagpur: The government has announced the conferment of the Padma Shri to Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal, Chairman of Solar Industries, in recognition of his extraordinary journey from making ink to manufacturing defense-grade weapons. Hailing from a small village in Rajasthan, Nuwal built a multi-billion-dollar empire despite facing tremendous hardships. His achievement is being hailed as a boost to India’s self-reliance. Education Limited to Class 10Born in a small Rajasthani village, Nuwal’s early life mirrored the struggles of millions of underprivileged Indian families. Financial constraints meant he could study only up to the 10th grade. Family responsibilities fell on his shoulders early, and he married at the age of 19. Circumstances became so challenging that he had to leave home. ...
India’s Only Meteorite Lake Faces Threat as Freshwater Inflow Raises Lonar Lake Level by 20 Feet
Maharashtra, State

India’s Only Meteorite Lake Faces Threat as Freshwater Inflow Raises Lonar Lake Level by 20 Feet

Pune: Maharashtra’s historic and scientifically significant Lonar Lake is facing a severe environmental crisis. Formed around 50,000 years ago due to a meteorite impact, the lake is not only a rare geological marvel but also considered one of the most important natural analogues on Earth for studying the surface of Mars. However, its delicate ecosystem is now under threat due to excessive inflow of freshwater. Protected as a Ramsar site, Lonar Lake has long been known for its highly alkaline waters. Its pH level, traditionally around 11.5, prevented fish from surviving while supporting a unique microbe-based biodiversity. Recently, however, fish have been spotted in the lake for the first time, surprising both scientists and authorities. High Court Takes CognizanceThe steadily rising...
Sanjay Raut Predicts Ajit Pawar Will Return to Maha Vikas Aghadi; NCP Factions Likely to Merge Soon
Maharashtra, State

Sanjay Raut Predicts Ajit Pawar Will Return to Maha Vikas Aghadi; NCP Factions Likely to Merge Soon

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will soon reunite, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is expected to return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). According to Raut, Ajit Pawar’s heart lies with his family, which is why he will eventually come back. Ajit Pawar Cannot Sit on Two Boats Speaking to reporters, Raut stated that the faction led by Sharad Pawar has effectively merged with the Ajit Pawar-led group, as both are contesting upcoming district council and panchayat elections under the ‘clock’ election symbol. While Ajit Pawar is currently part of the Mahayuti alliance, his ties to the MVA remain strong. “Ajit Pawar cannot sit on two boats s...
AIMIM Surges in Mumbai BMC Elections: Has Asaduddin Owaisi Become the New ‘Messiah’ for Muslims?
Maharashtra, State

AIMIM Surges in Mumbai BMC Elections: Has Asaduddin Owaisi Become the New ‘Messiah’ for Muslims?

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has made a notable mark in the 2026 Mumbai BMC elections, sparking widespread discussion about the changing political landscape. While the party performed strongly in several pockets across Maharashtra, its impact was particularly felt in Mumbai and the MMR region, raising questions about the waning influence of the Samajwadi Party (SP). AIMIM Outperforms SP in MumbaiAIMIM secured 126 seats across the state in the BMC and 29 municipal elections, signaling a major rise in its influence. In contrast, the Samajwadi Party, which had entered Mumbai in the early 1990s following the communal riots, saw its presence shrink to just two seats. Back then, SP had captured the Muslim vote, emerging as t...
Thackeray Brothers Share Warm Moment on Bal Thackeray’s 100th Birth Anniversary
Maharashtra, State

Thackeray Brothers Share Warm Moment on Bal Thackeray’s 100th Birth Anniversary

Mumbai: On the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s 100th birth anniversary, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared a rare and affectionate moment, dispelling speculation about discord between the brothers. After two decades of political distance, the two leaders appeared together, with Raj Thackeray warmly welcoming his elder brother Uddhav to the event. The highlight came when the event host requested Uddhav to honor Raj on stage. Raj’s surprised reaction drew laughter from the audience before he graciously accepted the gesture. Later, Sanjay Raut, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), draped a ceremonial shawl over Raj, and the two brothers exchanged respectful gestures, displaying visible camaraderie and mutual regard. Political ContextLast year, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had come together...
Mumbai Airport Seizes Gold Worth ₹2.89 Crore Hidden in Meat Grinder Shipped from Riyadh
Maharashtra, State

Mumbai Airport Seizes Gold Worth ₹2.89 Crore Hidden in Meat Grinder Shipped from Riyadh

Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Mumbai Airport intercepted a sophisticated gold smuggling attempt when a courier parcel arriving from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was found to contain 1.815 kilograms of gold valued at approximately ₹2.89 crore. The gold was ingeniously concealed inside a meat grinder. How the Smuggling Attempt Was Uncovered The courier parcel initially appeared ordinary, with documentation listing it as a meat grinder. However, DRI officials, suspecting irregularities, conducted a detailed inspection. Upon opening the appliance, they discovered 32 small pieces of gold hidden within the grinder’s gears, demonstrating a highly sophisticated method of smuggling. Both the gold and the meat grinder used for concealment were seized under the Customs Act, ...
Mumbai Mayor Election: Who Will Lead the BMC? BJP Shortlists Eight Women Councillors for Mayor’s Post
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Mumbai Mayor Election: Who Will Lead the BMC? BJP Shortlists Eight Women Councillors for Mayor’s Post

Mumbai is set to get a new mayor from the general category of women following the outcome of the reservation lottery conducted by the Urban Development Department. The draw has confirmed that the post of Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be reserved for a General Category woman, reshaping political equations and ending the hopes of several senior leaders. With this development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to reclaim the mayor’s post for the first time since the 1980s. As part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP will now nominate a woman councillor to head India’s richest and largest municipal body. Party insiders say the final choice will balance organisational priorities, social representation, and electoral strategy, as the BJP eyes a symbo...
21-Kilometre Water Tunnel to Quench Mumbai’s Thirst Gets Green Signal
Maharashtra, State

21-Kilometre Water Tunnel to Quench Mumbai’s Thirst Gets Green Signal

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received environmental clearance for its ambitious 21-kilometre water tunnel project, aimed at improving Mumbai’s water supply. The tunnel will connect Yeovai and Kasheli in Thane to Mulund in the eastern suburbs, ensuring greater water availability and meeting future demand. The project, estimated to cost around ₹4,500 crore, will be executed in two phases. The BMC had issued tenders in March 2024 for the 14 km Yeovai-Kasheli tunnel and 7 km Kasheli-Mulund tunnel, with the tunnel expected to be completed in the next six years. Tunnel Details and Construction The Yeovai-Kasheli section is 14 km long, while the Kasheli-Mulund section spans 7 km. The tunnel will be constructed at a depth of 110 meters, using a Tunnel Borin...
“Even My Doctor Changed Sides”: Raj Thackeray’s Sharp Political Jibes at Bal Thackeray’s Birth Centenary Event
Maharashtra, Politics, State

“Even My Doctor Changed Sides”: Raj Thackeray’s Sharp Political Jibes at Bal Thackeray’s Birth Centenary Event

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday delivered a speech laced with humour and sharp political satire while sharing the stage with his brother, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, at an event marking the 100th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in Mumbai. In a remark that drew loud applause and laughter, Raj Thackeray quipped, “Even my doctor has changed his party,” using the anecdote as a biting comment on shifting political loyalties in post-election Maharashtra. The event was significant as it marked the first public appearance of the Thackeray brothers together after the BMC election results, where Shiv Sena (UBT) won 89 seats while the MNS secured six. Senior leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s son Amit Thackeray were als...