Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut Invites Shinde Faction Leaders to Return to Shiv Sena (UBT) if They Regret Their Split Sanjay Raut, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has extended an invitation to members of the Shinde faction to rejoin the party if they realize their decision to leave in 2022 was a mistake. However, Raut clarified that not all leaders will be allowed to return. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two factions of the Shiv Sena, which split in 2022 when a group led by Eknath Shinde broke away to form the Shiv Sena (UBT). Raut, who is a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a member of parliament, stated during a press interaction in Mumbai that if any leader feels they made an error in leaving the party or were misled, they should return to the UBT faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. He accused the BJP of disrespecting its allies, suggesting that the party’s actions have contributed to the factional divide. This remark follows a statement by Abdul Sattar, a senior leader of the Shinde faction and former minister, who claimed that the BJP had weakened the Shiv Sena (UBT) and further damaged the Shinde faction’s influence in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Sattar argued that if allies begin to weaken the party, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance loses its legitimacy. He also hinted at the possibility of reuniting the two Shiv Sena factions. Raut countered by asserting that the original Shiv Sena, not the BJP, was the dominant political force in Maharashtra. He criticized the BJP for failing to accept this reality and blamed the party for causing the split. Raut also raised questions about the Election Commission’s role in matters related to the party’s name and symbols, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.#maharashtra #uddhav_thackeray #shiv_sena_ubit #eknath_shinde #shinde_faction
मौसम विभाग की चेतावनी- जून-जुलाई में भी हीटवेव चलेगी: मानसून श्रीलंका में अटका, 7 दिन बाद केरलम पहुंचेगा; इस साल 10% कम बारिश का अनुमान मौसम विभाग ने शुक्रवार को घोषणा की कि मानसून श्रीलंका के ऊपर तूफानी हवाओं के कारण केरलम तट से 30-35 किमी दूर अटक गया है और अगले 2-3 दिन में इसके आगे बढ़ने की संभावना नहीं है। इसके बाद तापमान में वृद्धि और बारिश के अभाव के कारण जून-जुलाई में भी हीटवेव चलेगी। मानसून केरलम तट पर सामान्य तारीख 1 जून होती है, लेकिन ताजा अनुमान के मुताबिक यह 7 दिन बाद पहुंचेगा। इससे पहले मौसम विभाग ने 26 मई तक मानसून आने का अनुमान जताया था, जो अब लगभग 10 दिन बाद होगा। मौसम विभाग के अनुमान के अनुसार जून-जुलाई में उत्तर प्रदेश, हरियाणा, पंजाब, बिहार, ओडिशा, छत्तीसगढ़, गुजरात और आंध्र प्रदेश में हीटवेव चलने की संभावना है। आमतौर पर इस दौरान तापमान 30-35 डिग्री रहता है, लेकिन इस बार तापमान 3 डिग्री अधिक रहेगा। इस साल देश में औसतन 78 सेंटीमीटर बारिश का अनुमान है, जो सामान्य से 10% कम है। 1971-2020 के आंकड़ों के आधार पर देश में औसत बारिश 87 सेंटीमीटर होती है। मौसम विभाग ने बताया कि जून में मध्य प्रदेश, उत्तर प्रदेश, बिहार और झारखंड में सामान्य से कम बारिश होगी, जबकि महाराष्ट्र, राजस्थान और गुजरात के कुछ हिस्सों में सामान्य बारिश का अनुमान है। मानसून के कोर जोन में कम बारिश के कारण खेती पर सीधा असर पड़ेगा। इस इलाके में खेती सबसे ज्यादा मानसूनी बारिश पर निर्भर करती है। मध्य प्रदेश, छत्तीसगढ़, महाराष्ट्र का विदर्भ, झारखंड, ओडिशा, तेलंगाना, कुछ हिस्से उत्तर प्रदेश और बिहार के इलाके मानसून के कोर जोन में आते हैं। यहां खेती पर असर पड़ने से किसानों को सीधा नुकसान होगा। मानसून के कोर जोन में कम बारिश के कारण खरीफ सीजन की बुवाई, फसल उत्पादन और कुल कृषि गतिविधियों पर असर पड़ेगा। इससे किसानों की लागत और जोखिम बढ़ सकते हैं। बारिश कम होने से उत्पादन घट सकता है, जिसका असर सप्लाई पर पड़ेगा और इससे सब्जियों, दालों सहित खाने-पीने की चीजों की कीमतें बढ़ सकती हैं। खेती कमजोर रहने पर गांवों में आय कम हो सकती है, जिससे ग्रामीण बाजार मे...#maharashtra #kerala #uttar_pradesh #mawsim_vibhang #shrilanka
In 6 Years, Maharashtra Lost 501 Lives to Man-Animal Conflict Man-wildlife conflict in Maharashtra has claimed the lives of 501 people over the past six years, injured nearly 4,000 individuals, and caused widespread devastation to livestock and crops, according to data obtained by Nagpur-based activist Abhay Kolarkar through a Right to Information (RTI) request. The figures, shared by the forest department, highlight a growing crisis affecting tiger corridors and forest-fringe villages. The data reveals a sharp rise in human fatalities, injuries, livestock deaths, and crop damage, underscoring the urgent need for improved mitigation strategies. The RTI response shows a significant increase in human casualties. Fatalities rose from 82 in 2020-21 to a peak of 111 in 2022-23, before declining slightly to 91 in 2025-26. Injuries also surged, with the number of affected individuals jumping from 401 in 2020-21 to 1,312 in 2023-24, a more than threefold increase. This spike suggests either a rise in encounters or improved reporting. The year 2023-24 marked the worst livestock toll on record, with over 7,152 cattle killed and 17,740 injured. Crop damage, meanwhile, escalated dramatically, rising from approximately 35,100 incidents in 2020-21 to over 2.11 lakh in 2023-24—a sixfold increase in three years—before easing slightly to 1.63 lakh in 2024-25 and 61,458 cases in 2025-26. The Maharashtra government has implemented a compensation policy through a Gazette notification in February 2024 to address the crisis. Human fatalities are compensated at Rs25 lakh, permanent disabilities at Rs7.5 lakh, and serious injuries at Rs5 lakh. Cattle deaths are reimbursed at 75% of market value, capped at Rs70,000 per large animal. However, the total compensation disbursed over six years—Rs763.#maharashtra #forest_department #abhay_kolarkar #right_to_information #mahakosh_scheme
Maharashtra Approves Action Plan to Prevent Human Wildlife Conflict Forest Minister Ganesh Naik approved a Rs260 crore action plan on Tuesday to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the state. The initiative, announced during a meeting of the State Wildlife Board’s standing committee chaired by Naik at Mantralaya, includes the deployment of AI-based alert systems in 1,000 villages near forest areas and the establishment of 10 control rooms to monitor wildlife movement and coordinate emergency responses. The measures are set to be implemented immediately to address incidents of attacks on humans and damage to crops. The plan emphasizes the creation of 10 control rooms modeled after police control centers, equipped with advanced digital systems to track forest department vehicles, resources, and patrol teams. These rooms will serve as hubs for real-time monitoring and rapid response during conflicts. Naik highlighted that in the event of a conflict, the control rooms will alert officials and initiate immediate action. AI-based alert systems, which have been tested in select villages, will now be expanded to 1,000 villages adjacent to forest areas. These systems will provide residents with real-time updates on wildlife movement, enabling them to take preventive measures. Additionally, two rescue centers will be established for animals captured during conflicts, while 10 transit treatment centers will be set up to care for injured wildlife. To enhance rescue operations, rapid rescue teams will be formed at 20 locations, and 2,000 primary response teams comprising villagers will be established in forest-fringe communities to assist the forest department.#maharashtra #mantralaya #ganesh_naik #state_wildlife_board #principal_chief_conservation_forests
Maharashtra Unveils India’s First ‘Water 7/12’ System to Track Every Drop Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to implement a groundbreaking “Water 7/12” system, a comprehensive initiative designed to scientifically record, audit, and regulate water usage. The system, modeled after the traditional land record document known as the Saatbara (7/12) land extract, aims to create structured records of water availability, usage, inflow, outflow, and balance at the gram panchayat and watershed levels. The proposal was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at Mantralaya on Monday, following directives from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting brought together senior officials from the revenue, rural development, water conservation, and water supply departments to discuss the framework’s implementation. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing absence of a structured water accounting system in the state. While Maharashtra already maintains an extensive land documentation system through the 7/12 extract, officials noted that no parallel mechanism exists for systematically documenting and monitoring water resources. This gap has made it difficult to regulate consumption, enforce accountability, or accurately assess local water stress. The proposed system will initially be piloted in selected regions before a broader rollout across the state. The concept of a “Water Audit” and “Water Balance Sheet” was developed by AqVerium in collaboration with IIT Bombay water expert Avinash Kadam and economist Uday Nair. The framework outlines an annual classification and auditing process in three stages to generate transparent, data-driven assessments of local water reserves.#maharashtra #iit_bombay #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #aqverium
₹5 lakh-₹15 lakh offer for cross-voting? Wadettiwar alleges Mahayuti trying to buy’ MLC polls Congress legislature party member Vijay Wadettiwar accused the BJP of offering financial incentives to Congress corporators and councillors for cross-voting in upcoming local self-governance elections (MLC) in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar claimed the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance was attempting to manipulate election outcomes by providing sums ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh to influence Opposition representatives. He alleged that some corporators had already received "token amounts" of ₹5 lakh, while others were being offered higher sums, with rates allegedly climbing to ₹15 lakh. Wadettiwar warned that the elections were being fought with "money power," with elected representatives being lured by cash offers. He criticized the erosion of democracy, stating that if industrialists and contractors decided who would become public representatives, the system would collapse. The former Lok Sabha speaker also accused the Mahayuti alliance of destabilizing Opposition parties through covert operations, claiming over 100 BJP corporators were in contact with Congress, though he emphasized that final decisions would depend on "political circumstances and party strategy." The MLA warned of strict enforcement of anti-defection laws against any party members who violated the party whip during the elections. He linked the alleged political maneuvering to public frustration over inflation and fuel price hikes, launching a sharp attack on the Centre. Wadettiwar accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritizing economic policies influenced by global geopolitical pressures, citing rising fuel prices despite international crude oil declines. He highlighted that fuel prices in India had surged by ₹7.#nagpur #maharashtra #bjp #vijay_wadettiwar #mahayuti
SNAKE VILLAGE India’s famed snake village, located in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, is home to a unique community that has developed an extraordinary relationship with the serpents that share their habitat. Known as Shetfal, this village stands out for its residents’ ability to coexist with snakes, treating them not as threats but as integral parts of their daily lives. Unlike many regions where snakes are feared, the people of Shetfal have cultivated a deep understanding of their behavior, leading to a harmonious coexistence that has become a point of fascination for visitors and researchers alike. The village’s reputation as a snake haven is well-earned. Snakes are commonly seen slithering through the streets, climbing trees, and even entering homes. However, the villagers do not react with alarm or attempt to drive them away. Instead, they have adapted to this natural presence, incorporating it into their routines. Children play near the snakes without fear, and adults go about their daily tasks with a calm acceptance of the creatures’ presence. This attitude is rooted in generations of lived experience, as the community has learned to recognize the patterns of snake behavior and avoid situations that might provoke them. Cultural traditions and local beliefs play a significant role in shaping this unique dynamic. The villagers view snakes as part of their ecosystem and have developed rituals and practices that reflect this perspective. For instance, they believe that certain areas of their homes are sacred to snakes and have created designated resting spots for them. These spaces are often left undisturbed, allowing the snakes to thrive without interference. The villagers also participate in local festivals, such as Nagpanchami, which honor snakes and reinforce their cultural significance.#maharashtra #snake_village #shetfal #solapur_district #nagpanchami
Man Kills Younger Brother Over Rs5,000 Dispute A 43-year-old man in Nagpur, Maharashtra, allegedly killed his younger brother over a dispute involving Rs5,000, according to police reports. The incident occurred in the Hiwari Nagar's Bhim Chowk area late on Sunday night. The accused, Bhagwan Babule, reportedly suspected his brother, Pradeep Babule (39), of stealing the money. When Pradeep denied the allegation, the brothers argued, and the confrontation escalated into violence. Bhagwan allegedly used an iron rod, known as a “Tommy bar,” to strike Pradeep repeatedly on the head. Pradeep died at the scene. Police from the Nandanvan station arrived at the location, registered a murder case, and arrested Bhagwan on the spot. The body of Pradeep was sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or potential charges against Bhagwan. The case has sparked discussions about the severity of domestic disputes and the legal consequences of violent altercations. The incident highlights the potential for minor financial disagreements to escalate into fatal confrontations. While the exact circumstances of the dispute remain unclear, the police have confirmed that Bhagwan’s actions led to Pradeep’s death. No additional information about the brothers’ relationship or the source of the Rs5,000 dispute was provided in the initial report. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, with the autopsy results likely playing a critical role in determining the charges against Bhagwan. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, urging communities to address disputes through legal channels rather than resorting to violence.#nagpur #maharashtra #bhagwan_babule #pradeep_babule #hiwari_nagar_bhim_chowk
CBSE Schools in Nagpur Plan Early Reopening Amid Summer Heat Concerns Some CBSE schools in Nagpur are considering reopening on June 1, during the peak of the summer heat, which has raised concerns about the safety of students exposed to extreme temperatures. While the decision remains "proposed" and primarily affects Classes 9 and 10, it comes as temperatures in the city already exceed 45 degrees Celsius. Weather forecasters have warned that intense dry heat is expected to persist for at least a week, complicating the timing of the reopening. The state of Maharashtra’s guidelines for schools in Vidarbha region mandate reopening only after June 26, a measure designed to protect students from the region’s harsh summer conditions. This norm applies to districts including Nagpur, Chandrapur, Wardha, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli. However, CBSE schools have historically defied this rule, typically reopening around June 15. This year, the debate over an early reopening sparked a legal intervention, though it did not directly impact CBSE institutions. When state board schools were scheduled to reopen on June 15, teachers’ associations filed a petition with the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. The court questioned the logic of reopening during a heatwave and ordered a delay, effectively halting the state board’s plans. CBSE schools, however, were not part of this petition and remain outside its scope. The state education department has consistently stated it does not interfere with the academic calendars of other boards, effectively granting CBSE institutions autonomy in setting their reopening dates. An education official, who requested anonymity, noted, “We have to follow the rules. Earlier, our own department said reopen schools in Vidarbha on June 15 itself, so we had to obey.#nagpur #maharashtra #bombay_high_court #vidarbha #cbse_schools
Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray Apologizes for Appointing Bache Khan as Minister; Pre-Monsoon Rain in Pune Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray addressed the media in Pune, acknowledging his mistake in appointing Bache Khan as a minister. He stated that the decision was an error on his part and emphasized the need for accountability within the state government. The apology came amid ongoing political tensions and public scrutiny over the ministerial appointments. Thackeray also highlighted the importance of pre-monsoon rainfall in the region, which is crucial for agricultural planning and water resource management. A murder case in Pune has sparked widespread concern. The victim, identified as Ravindra Urf Pintya Urf Dokia Yashwant Ahire, was attacked by three suspects—Dipak Dange, Vijay Bhide, and Parshuram Bhide—in Malkan Compound. The assailants used sharp weapons to strike the victim’s abdomen, head, face, and other body parts, resulting in his death at the scene. According to police, the victim had a dispute with Dipak Dange and was preparing to file a police complaint against him. The suspects, enraged by this, carried out the attack. The police arrested the three accused within hours of the incident based on a complaint from the victim’s brother. The case has been registered under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and have urged the public to remain vigilant. Hindu Organizations Launch Statewide Protest Against Maharashtra’s Draft Law Hindu organizations in Maharashtra have intensified their opposition to the proposed State Devasthanam Inam Revocation Draft Act 2026.#maharashtra #pune #uddhav_thackeray #bache_khan #pre_monsoon_rain
Deshmukh Demands Separate OBC Column in National Census The Other Backward Classes (OBC) in India, a significant demographic group, have been historically marginalized in terms of rights and entitlements, according to Anil Deshmukh, the former Maharashtra home minister and NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA. Deshmukh called for a separate column in the national census to accurately enumerate OBC populations, emphasizing the need for this change to address systemic neglect. His remarks came amid a growing boycott of the census exercise by OBC communities across Maharashtra, where villagers have reportedly turned away census officials due to the absence of such a category. Deshmukh criticized the administrative approach of census officials, accusing them of using coercion to enforce participation. He argued that the lack of a dedicated OBC column has led to resistance from communities who feel their representation is being overlooked. The former MLA urged the central and state governments to amend census forms before the situation escalates, warning that the current tactics could undermine democratic principles. The boycott has sparked tensions in several villages, with some locals refusing to cooperate with census teams. Deshmukh highlighted that the OBC community’s stance is justified, as the absence of a separate column has perpetuated their exclusion from data-driven policies. He also condemned what he described as "high-handedness" by officials, who he claimed have resorted to mediation as a pretext for pressure. The issue has broader implications for India’s socio-economic planning, as accurate census data is crucial for allocating resources and designing welfare programs. Deshmukh’s call for a dedicated OBC column reflects ongoing debates about caste-based representation in governance and policy-making.#maharashtra #other_backward_classes #ncp #anil_deshmukh #national_census
Manual Scavenging Still Continues Across Maharashtra: Safai Panel Chief Admits After Butibori Deaths A day after two sanitation workers died while cleaning a sewage chamber in MIDC Butibori, Maharashtra, the state’s Safai Karmachari Commission president, Satish Dagor, admitted to The Times of India that manual scavenging persists despite a legal ban. Dagor, who holds the rank of minister of state (MoS), acknowledged the practice continues across the state, blaming private contractors and outsourcing agencies for violating safety norms. He emphasized that strict action would be taken in the Butibori case, though he admitted the issue remains unresolved. Dagor stated that ongoing discussions with government agencies at all levels are aimed at halting manual scavenging. He highlighted efforts to engage district collectors, municipal commissioners, and local councils to enforce the ban. “Authorities must ensure the safety of sanitation workers by providing proper gear,” he said. However, he acknowledged that enforcement remains a significant challenge, despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, being in effect. The Butibori incident has again exposed the gap between official claims of automated sewage cleaning and the reality on the ground. Multiple reports have documented manual cleaning of sewers, septic tanks, and drainage lines in urban and industrial areas, despite legal prohibitions. Dagor admitted that contractors often exploit vulnerable workers, forcing them to enter toxic chambers for minimal pay. “A private contractor can push a worker into such a dangerous job for as little as Rs2,000,” he said. Dagor noted that while fatalities have decreased compared to previous years, cases still occur in various districts.#maharashtra #times_of_india #butibori #safai_karmachari_commission #satish_dagor
Maharashtra to Provide Free Government Land for New Kendriya Vidyalayas Maharashtra has announced a policy to allocate government land free of charge to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) for establishing new schools across the state. The decision, formalized through a resolution issued by the state’s revenue and forest department on Wednesday, follows a cabinet directive from April. The policy applies to all Kendriya Vidyalayas that have already received prior approval from KVS, New Delhi. This initiative comes after the Union cabinet approved the creation of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas nationwide, including several planned locations in Maharashtra. KVS had previously requested the state government to transfer identified government land in Akola and Mouze Nachane, located in Ratnagiri district, either free of charge or at a nominal rent. The resolution authorizes the transfer of 2.50 hectares of government land in Ratnagiri to KVS for constructing a new Kendriya Vidyalaya. However, details regarding land allocation in Akola remain pending. The state has emphasized that the land will be provided entirely free of charge to KVS, though the allocated land remains government property and cannot be sold or transferred by KVS. The policy outlines specific conditions for land use, stating that the allocated land can only be utilized for the designated purpose of operating a Kendriya Vidyalaya. Additionally, the state has established a general framework for future land allocations. Wherever KVS requests government land for a school that has received prior approval, and the identified government land is available without encumbrances, it will be transferred to KVS under the same conditions. This includes possession rights, exemption from occupancy premium, and freedom from revenue charges.#maharashtra #akola #kendriya_vidyalaya_sangathan #kvs #ratnagiri
Big Cat Alliance: Chanda Event to Focus on Tiger Recovery Nagpur: Chandrapur has been chosen to host a tiger conservation programme under the theme “Flagship of India's Forest Conservation” on May 28, ahead of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026, which will take place in June. This event will be one of five thematic conservation programmes organized across the country by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The programmes aim to highlight India’s efforts in protecting its five major big cat species—tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs. The Chandrapur event will focus specifically on India’s tiger recovery initiatives, including Project Tiger and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). It will also showcase Maharashtra’s work in the Vidarbha region to enhance wildlife corridors and mitigate human-animal conflicts. Officials emphasized that the programme will underscore India’s “remarkable recovery in tiger numbers,” citing scientific monitoring, community involvement, and habitat security as key factors. The ministry highlighted eco-development projects and wildlife tourism initiatives that have created livelihood opportunities for local communities around tiger reserves. India is home to over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population and has become a global leader in tiger conservation, according to the ministry. This success is attributed to sustained efforts such as expanding tiger reserves, deploying camera-trap monitoring systems, installing surveillance infrastructure, combating poaching, and relocating villages from core habitats. The Chandrapur event will serve as a platform to showcase these interventions and their impact on tiger populations.#maharashtra #national_tiger_conservation_authority #international_big_cat_alliance #project_tiger
Maharashtra Launches Dog Vaccination Drive to Protect Tiger Reserves from Canine Distemper Virus Maharashtra’s chief wildlife warden, M Srinivasa Reddy, has directed field directors of all tiger reserves across the state to initiate mass vaccination campaigns for domestic and stray dogs in villages surrounding protected areas. The directive follows an advisory from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which highlighted the threat posed by canine distemper virus (CDV) to wild carnivores. The NTCA’s warning was prompted by a recent incident in Madhya Pradesh, where a tigress and her four sub-adult cubs died within nine days at Kanha Tiger Reserve, confirmed to be linked to CDV. The virus, primarily spread through domestic and feral dogs, does not always kill tigers directly but weakens their immune systems, making them vulnerable to fatal secondary infections, especially among cubs and young animals. Acting on the NTCA’s advisory, Reddy issued a statewide directive on May 5, ordering tiger reserve authorities to establish vaccination buffers around reserves, buffer zones, fringe settlements, and tourism corridors. Each reserve is required to develop village-specific vaccination plans, including estimated dog populations, vaccination schedules, assigned veterinary officers, and follow-up protocols. Reserve officials have been instructed to collaborate with the Animal Husbandry Department, local gram panchayats, and zilla parishads to ensure vaccination and health monitoring of dogs. Measures to restrict the movement of domestic and stray dogs into tiger reserves, protection camps, and tourism routes are also being enforced.#maharashtra #national_tiger_conservation_authority #m_srinivasa_reddy #kanha_tiger_reserve #canine_distemper_virus
Koradi Temple’s 188-Foot Hanuman Idol Project to Integrate Futuristic Attractions The iconic Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple in Koradi, Maharashtra, is set to unveil a groundbreaking project featuring an 188-foot-tall Hanuman idol, which will serve as the centerpiece of a modern religious and tourism complex. The initiative, backed by a ₹5 crore allocation from the Regional Tourism Development Fund, aims to blend spirituality with cutting-edge technology to create an immersive experience for visitors. The project, which has a total budget of ₹11.50 crore, is expected to transform the temple precinct into a hub for both devotion and recreation. The development includes a holographic dome theatre and an experiential museum designed to showcase mythological narratives centered on Lord Hanuman. The museum, estimated to cost ₹3–4 crore, will incorporate advanced technologies such as projection mapping, interactive LED installations, and sound-and-light storytelling. These elements are intended to provide visitors with a 360-degree visual and sensory experience of religious themes. Additionally, the project plans to introduce recreational facilities to broaden its appeal, including an amusement park, a children’s adventure zone, a 7D theatre, VR gaming areas, and a go-karting track. These additions are expected to attract families and younger audiences while maintaining the site’s spiritual significance. Construction of the Hanuman idol began in July 2023, with approximately ₹6.47 crore already spent. Originally scheduled for completion by January 2025, the deadline has been extended to May 30, 2026.#maharashtra #koradi #nmrda #mahalaxmi_jagdamba_temple #nagpur_metropolitan_region_development_authority
Attacks On Doctors Unacceptable: Justice Kilor At IMA Installation Justice Anil Kilor, the Administrative Judge of the Bombay High Court, condemned the rising incidents of violence against healthcare professionals during his address at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) installation ceremony in Nagpur on Sunday. Highlighting the growing concerns over attacks on doctors, Kilor emphasized that such acts of aggression are entirely unacceptable and called for societal support to ensure medical practitioners feel safe, respected, and valued in their critical roles. Kilor noted that doctors operate under immense pressure, often making life-saving decisions in high-stakes, emotionally charged situations. He cited the recent surge in attacks on medical professionals in Maharashtra as a troubling trend, stressing that while the anguish of patients’ families in critical conditions is understandable, responding with violence against healthcare workers undermines the trust and cooperation essential for effective medical care. “A doctor in a critical situation is making complex decisions in a matter of seconds, often with incomplete information, carrying the weight of a patient’s life in their hands. What they need in those moments is trust, cooperation, and space to work— not fear, hostility, or the threat of violence,” he stated. The judge further warned that if doctors begin to feel insecure, the entire healthcare system risks suffering. “As a society, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that our doctors feel safe, respected, valued, and supported,” Kilor remarked. He underscored that respect for doctors is not merely a matter of courtesy but a fundamental pillar of healthcare itself.#nagpur #maharashtra #indian_medical_association #justice_anil_kilor #jr_shaw_auditorium
Maharashtra’s First AI Policy Targets Rs 10,000 Crore Investment Over Five Years Maharashtra’s government formally launched its first artificial intelligence (AI) policy on Wednesday, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to position the state as a leader in the technology sector. The initiative aims to attract over Rs 10,000 crore in investments over the next five years, alongside creating 1.5 lakh jobs and establishing the necessary infrastructure to support AI development. The policy, announced by the department of electronics, information technology, and artificial intelligence (EITAI), emphasizes upskilling 2 lakh youth in AI-related fields and establishing a Rs 500 crore startup fund to foster entrepreneurship. A three-tier committee structure will oversee the implementation of the policy, with oversight at the commissionerate, department, and chief secretary levels. The policy mandates that every government department adopt at least one AI use case, defined as a practical application of the technology to solve specific problems or enhance operational efficiency. On the infrastructure front, the state plans to launch a Compute as a Service (CaaS) platform as a state-backed digital public infrastructure. This platform will provide computing resources to government departments, educational institutions, research bodies, startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with subsidies offered to startups and MSMEs. The policy also envisions the establishment of one AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and two AI incubators in each of the state’s administrative divisions.#maharashtra #compute_as_a_service #maharashtra_centre_for_advanced_ai_training #global_capacity_centre_parks
60-Year-Old Accused of Raping 10-Year-Old Girl in Maharashtra; Suspect on the Run A 60-year-old man from Akola district in Maharashtra is currently on the run after being accused of repeatedly raping his 10-year-old neighbor for a week, according to local authorities. The incident has sparked widespread shock in a state already grappling with the aftermath of a high-profile rape-and-murder case in Nasrapur. Police have launched a search operation to locate the suspect, who fled the village before law enforcement could apprehend him. The accused, a resident of Patur taluka, allegedly exploited the vulnerability of the child, whose parents were absent at work during the alleged abuse. The survivor, who initially refused to speak about her ordeal, disclosed the details to her parents on Tuesday (May 5). The family promptly reported the case to Channi police, leading to the registration of a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other relevant sections of the law. Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak confirmed that police teams are actively searching for the suspect, with a focus on nearby forest areas where the accused is believed to have taken refuge. "We are scouring the nearby forest area for the accused," Chandak stated. "Our teams have been stationed around the forest, and we expect an arrest shortly." To prevent unrest in the community, police have deployed personnel in the village and along the forest periphery since the night of May 5. Chandak assured that the situation is under control and that locals are cooperating with the investigation. The survivor has been sent for a medical examination, and her statement is being recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.#maharashtra #60_year_old #10_year_old_girl #akola_district #channi_police
Fake Marriage Scam Unveiled in Beed, Maharashtra: Woman Marries Nine Men and Scams Thousands A shocking fake marriage scam has come to light in Beed, Maharashtra, where a single woman orchestrated a fraudulent scheme by marrying nine men and defrauding them of lakhs of rupees. The case has sparked alarm in the region, with authorities launching an investigation into the organized criminal gang involved. The victim, Yogesh Shinde, reported the incident to the police, revealing how the gang exploited the concept of marriage to extort money from unsuspecting individuals. According to the complaint, Yogesh Shinde and his family were searching for a bride when a local wedding agent approached them. The agent presented a woman as a potential match and demanded 3.5 lakh rupees for the marriage. After negotiations, the family agreed to pay 3 lakh rupees, with 1 lakh in cash and 2 lakh transferred digitally. Three days later, the agent brought the woman to a nearby temple and arranged their marriage. However, just a month later, the woman abruptly left the house, taking nearly 6 grams of gold and 80,000 rupees in cash. Upon further investigation, Yogesh Shinde discovered that the woman was not a genuine bride but part of a well-coordinated scam. She had previously married eight other men using the same tactics, leaving them financially ruined. This marked her ninth such fraudulent union, with the latest victim suffering a loss of approximately 9 lakh rupees, including expenses for the wedding and stolen property. The woman’s actions have left the victim emotionally and mentally distressed, with reports of suicidal thoughts emerging from the ordeal. The police in Beed’s Chaklamba police station have registered a complaint against the gang, which has been active since 2023.#maharashtra #beed #yogesh_shinde #chaklamba_police_station #fake_marriage_scam
