State

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has voiced strong objections to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026.” She raised concerns over the scope, clarity, and selective implementation of the regulations, warning that they could create tension on university campuses if not carefully drafted. Responding to the January 2026 UGC notification, Chaturvedi criticized the law for offering unequal legal protection. Priyanka Chaturvedi’s ConcernsIn a statement on social media platform X, Chaturvedi acknowledged that caste-based discrimination is wrong but questioned why the regulations appear one-sided. She wrote: “India has witnessed the consequences of students facing discrimination. Shouldn’t the law protec...

Nashik: Republic Day celebrations across Maharashtra were vibrant, but an incident at Nashik’s flag-hoisting ceremony sparked controversy. Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan failed to mention Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, in his speech. This omission angered female forest guard Madhavi Jadhav, who publicly questioned the minister, leading to a heated exchange. The IncidentDuring the ceremony, Madhavi Jadhav confronted Mahajan, demanding an explanation. Despite senior officials’ attempts to calm her, she remained firm. She said, “Even if I am suspended, I will not be afraid of anyone. I will speak the truth. Dr. Ambedkar is the architect of our Constitution, and you cannot erase his contribution.” What Madhavi Jadhav SaidJadhav criti...

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. ...

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...