Maharashtra Desk

Mumbai:  The Bombay High Court  has ruled that accepting a bribe amounts to acquiring “proceeds of crime” , making such acts liable to investigation and action under money laundering laws. The court made the observation while hearing a case related to corruption and alleged financial irregularities. In its order, the high court stated that any public servant or individual who accepts a bribe is effectively obtaining illegal financial gains , which can be treated as proceeds o

Mumbai : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heatwave conditions in several parts of Maharashtra, while rainfall is expected in three divisions of the state due to changing weather patterns. According to IMD officials, the weather conditions are being influenced by a cyclonic circulation over South Jharkhand and adjoining North Chhattisgarh. In addition, a trough line passing through Vidarbha is also affecting the atmospheric conditions across parts of cen

The Government of Maharashtra has constituted a special task force to study the impact of climate change on agriculture and suggest measures to prevent farmer suicides across the state. The newly formed panel, comprising 10 members—including eight senior government officials and two subject experts—held its first meeting on Monday to discuss strategies for addressing the growing challenges faced by farmers due to erratic weather patterns and climate-related disruptions. Focus

The Mayor of Mumbai, Ritu Tawde, has written a formal letter to Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, requesting the allocation of two pairs of Asiatic lions for the city’s zoo. According to civic officials, the request was made to strengthen the wildlife attraction at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo. The proposal aims to enhance the zoo’s collection of animals and provide visitors with an opportunity to see the rare Asiati

The Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several companies from Finland to modernise and develop Sassoon Dock, one of the oldest and busiest fishing docks in Mumbai. The agreement aims to upgrade the dock’s infrastructure, improve fish handling and storage facilities, and introduce advanced technology to strengthen the fisheries sector in the state. Modernisation of a Historic Dock Speaking about the project, Maharashtra Fisheries Mini

The Maharashtra Forest Department is planning to relocate around 50 leopards  to the wildlife rescue and conservation centre Vantara, run by the Reliance Foundation, according to official sources. The move is aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation efforts while also addressing the growing challenge of human-leopard conflict in several parts of Maharashtra. Rising Human-Leopard Encounters Forest officials said leopard sightings and encounters with humans have been increa

The Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finnish companies to modernise and develop the historic Sassoon Dock, one of the oldest and most important fishing docks in the country. The agreement aims to upgrade the dock’s infrastructure, fish handling systems, and cold-chain facilities, improving efficiency and boosting the fisheries sector in the state. Major Fishing Hub in Mumbai Located in Mumbai, Sassoon Dock plays a crucial role in the

In a major step toward strengthening women’s health, the Maharashtra Health Department has launched a statewide HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 9 to 14 years. The programme was officially rolled out on International Women's Day and aims to protect nearly 9.84 lakh girls from the risk of cervical cancer. Protecting Girls From Cervical Cancer The vaccination campaign targets girls in the 9–14 age group, a critical period when the vaccine is most effective in preventing inf

The tragic crash of an Indian Air Force fighter jet has left a family devastated, as relatives remembered the pilot’s dedication and pride in serving the nation. The pilot, Purvesh, had reportedly participated in Operation Sindoor, according to his family. Father Recalls Son’s Passion Speaking to reporters, the grief-stricken father said his son always felt immense pride in flying a fighter jet for the Indian Air Force. Despite his sorrow, the father occasionally regained com

Devendra Fadnavis presented a massive ₹7.69 lakh crore budget for Maharashtra, outlining major plans for economic growth, agricultural reforms, and welfare measures. One of the key highlights of the budget was the announcement of a loan waiver for farmers, aimed at providing relief to those struggling with debt. Focus on Agriculture Growth The budget places strong emphasis on transforming the state’s agricultural sector. The government has set an ambitious target of achieving

A tragic accident occurred in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, where the ceiling of a building collapsed during a tuition class, leaving one student dead and at least 11 others injured. Incident During Class According to officials, the incident happened when a group of students had gathered for a tuition session inside a room. At the time of the accident, around 11 students were present in the classroom. Suddenly, a portion of the upper floor slab fractured and collapsed, sending de

Documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan  has alleged that he was prevented from meeting a monk who has been staging a protest at the University of Mumbai  campus in Kalina. The incident reportedly occurred when Patwardhan tried to visit the campus to express solidarity with the protesting scholar. Filmmaker Claims Entry Was Blocked According to Patwardhan, security personnel at the Mumbai University Kalina Campus  stopped him from entering the premises and meeting the monk, wh

A tragic incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF)  fighter jet crash has left a family devastated after the young pilot lost his life during the accident. The deceased officer, Flight Lieutenant Purvesh , had recently participated in the military operation known as Operation Sindoor , according to his family members. Father Recalls Son’s Pride in Flying Fighter Jets Speaking to reporters, the grief-stricken father said his son had immense pride in serving the nation as a

The Maharashtra Budget Session 2026-27  began with major political announcements and policy discussions in the state legislature. During the proceedings, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis  announced that a memorial dedicated to senior leader Ajit Pawar  will be constructed in the state. The announcement triggered reactions from both the ruling alliance and the Opposition. Memorial Announcement While addressing the Assembly during the budget discussions, Fadnavis  said t

Police in Maharashtra have arrested a man accused of molesting a teenage girl and extorting ₹50,000 from her by threatening to expose their alleged relationship to her parents , officials said. According to police sources, the accused allegedly developed contact with the girl and later began blackmailing her by claiming he would inform her family about their supposed relationship . Taking advantage of the girl’s fear and vulnerability, he allegedly demanded money from her rep

In response to the ongoing West Asia conflict that has disrupted air travel and stranded many Indian citizens abroad, the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government has arranged special flights to bring back 164 residents stuck in the United Arab Emirates and launched a dedicated emergency helpline to assist hundreds more from the state. ✈️Iran conflict: Two Special Flights to Mumbai Officials said two aircraft have been organised to depart from Fujairah Airport — one at 3:30 p

Industrialist Anil Ambani on Tuesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to alleged bank loan irregularities involving Reliance Communications (RCOM). 📌 Second Round of Questioning The 66-year-old business tycoon reached the ED office for his second round of questioning in the case. Officials said he was summoned to record his statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering

Dr. Janardan Madhavrao Waghmare, a distinguished academician, author, social reformer and former Member of Parliament, died on the morning of 2 March 2026 at the age of 91 in Latur, Maharashtra, India. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to education, literature, public service and nation-building. Dr. Waghmare, born on 11 November 1934 in Janwal village, Chakur taluka, Latur district, pursued extensive higher education, earning degrees from Osmania Unive

At least 18 people were killed and around 20 others injured in a massive explosion at an industrial unit in Nagpur on Tuesday morning. The blast occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at a factory owned by industrial explosives manufacturer SBL Energy. Explosion During Morning Hours According to preliminary reports, the explosion ripped through a section of the factory premises, causing extensive damage to the structure and triggering panic among workers and nearby residents. Ma

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday inaugurated the National Health Fair in Shegaon, Maharashtra, and urged citizens to launch a mass public movement to conserve and promote medicinal plants across the country. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, the President emphasised the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern healthcare practices. She said India’s rich heritage of medicinal plants and Ayurveda must be preserved for future g