Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange reached Navi Mumbai with thousands of supporters to push for reservation for the Maratha community. As per the plan, Jarange, will begin his hunger strike at Azad Maidan, Mumbai today (Friday).

Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai with thousands of supporters

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests in Mumbai</h2>

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil kickstarted the recent protest march demanding reservation for the Maratha community and may begin an indefinite hunger strike on Friday (Jan 26). He has also reportedly asked his supporters to prepare for a long sit-in protest in the city.&nbsp;

According to organisers, tens of thousands of people are expected to join the march which they&nbsp;describe&nbsp;as one of the biggest in the Indian state’s history. While&nbsp;Jarange-Patil has claimed more than two crore&nbsp;(20 million) people are expected to come to Mumbai in a show of support.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have imposed&nbsp;section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) till February 6&nbsp;in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations. In line with this, a gathering of five or more people and any kind of a procession&nbsp;in the financial capital is banned.&nbsp;

The Mumbai police have also reportedly denied permission for the protesters to gather at&nbsp;Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-protest-maharashtra-state-backward-class-commission-panel-members-quit-citing-govt-interference-669380">Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference</a>

Jarange-Patil had set out for the march towards Mumbai from Maharashtra’s Jalna district on January 20 with thousands of supporters.&nbsp;

On Thursday (Jan 25), police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the bomb disposal squad were seen stationed at one of the entry points to the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Media reports citing march&nbsp;organisers said Jarange-Patil will start his indefinite hunger strike on January 26 in Mumbai at Azad Maidan.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, refused to issue an order preventing Jarange-Patil from entering the city.&nbsp;

The petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte said Jarange-Patil, accompanied by crores&nbsp;of his followers, posed a logistical challenge for Mumbai and could cause law and order problems.&nbsp;

<h2>What are they demanding?</h2>

Maratha reservation supporters led by Jarange-Patil have sought the inclusion of all Marathas under the OBC category by giving them Kunbi sub-caste certificates.&nbsp;

Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday (Jan 24) said he is “positive” towards Jarange-Patil’s demands and will “ensure the reservation is legally viable.” He added, “I appeal to Jarange-Patil to stop the agitation.”

Earlier in January, faced with the latest round of protests, the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2021 decision of striking down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ after they deemed it “unconstitutional”.

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On Wednesday, the state government granted a second extension to a committee formed to finalise the methodology to grant Kunbi status to Marathas, till February 29.

The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota was announced.

Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community&nbsp;by passing an act, in 2018,&nbsp;following widespread protests.

However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations.

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations. Protests in Mumbai Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil kickstarted the recent protest march demanding reservation for the Maratha community and may begin an indefinite hunger strike on Friday (Jan 26). He has also reportedly asked his supporters to prepare for a long sit-in protest in the city. According to organisers, tens of thousands of people are expected to join the march which they describe as one of the biggest in the Indian state’s history. While Jarange-Patil has claimed more than two crore (20 million) people are expected to come to Mumbai in a show of support. Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have imposed section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) till February 6 in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations. In line with this, a gathering of five or more people and any kind of a procession in the financial capital is banned. The Mumbai police have also reportedly denied permission for the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. ALSO READ | Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference Jarange-Patil had set out for the march towards Mumbai from Maharashtra’s Jalna district on January 20 with thousands of supporters. On Thursday (Jan 25), police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the bomb disposal squad were seen stationed at one of the entry points to the city. Media reports citing march organisers said Jarange-Patil will start his indefinite hunger strike on January 26 in Mumbai at Azad Maidan. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, refused to issue an order preventing Jarange-Patil from entering the city. The petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte said Jarange-Patil, accompanied by crores of his followers, posed a logistical challenge for Mumbai and could cause law and order problems. What are they demanding? Maratha reservation supporters led by Jarange-Patil have sought the inclusion of all Marathas under the OBC category by giving them Kunbi sub-caste certificates. Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday (Jan 24) said he is “positive” towards Jarange-Patil’s demands and will “ensure the reservation is legally viable.” He added, “I appeal to Jarange-Patil to stop the agitation.” Earlier in January, faced with the latest round of protests, the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2021 decision of striking down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ after they deemed it “unconstitutional”. ALSO READ | Ex-Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar rejoins BJP months after crying foul over 'ill-treatment' On Wednesday, the state government granted a second extension to a committee formed to finalise the methodology to grant Kunbi status to Marathas, till February 29. The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota was announced. Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act, in 2018, following widespread protests. However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely. (With inputs from agencies)

Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed

In India's Maharashtra, tens of thousands of people are on the move, marching to the state capital Mumbai. Belonging to the Maratha community, they are demanding reservations allowed to the other backward classes or the 'OBC' category.

Maharashtra's Maratha movement explained

Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year&nbsp;association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. Later in the evening, Deora joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, further giving a jolt to Congress.&nbsp;

Deora took to his social media handles to announce his departure, stating it was the conclusion of a "significant chapter" in his political journey.&nbsp;

"Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party," said Deora on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

"I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues &amp; karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added.

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Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a>, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party. 
 
I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues &amp; karyakartas for their…
— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) <a href="https://twitter.com/milinddeora/status/1746368092736037291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Milind's resignation marks&nbsp;another young leader deserting the Congress ship which has been tottering for some time. Prior to him, the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaiveer Shergill, and Hardik Patel among others have already quit the party.

Milind, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, was forced to resign as the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena in the western state of Maharashtra staked claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat - a traditional stronghold of the Deora family.

<h2>Congress is now abusing industrialists:&nbsp;Deora</h2>

The 47-year-old Milind Deora, a former Union minister, slammed Congress left right and centre and targeted the Congress for abusing industrialists and businessmen. 
“The same party that ushered in economic reforms 30 years ago, is now abusing industrialists, businessmen, and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’,” Deora said. 
“It is sad that there is a lot of difference between the Congress my father joined in 1968 and the one I joined in 2004. Had the Congress and the UBT focussed on constructive issues and suggestions, and merit and ability, then Mr Shinde and I would not be here today,” he added.

<h2>Why did Milind Deora quit the party?</h2>

Mumbai South has been a stronghold of the Deoras, who have won the seat in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Currently, Uddhav faction's (UBT) Arvind Sawant is the MP from the constituency. However, Milind argued that even though he is not the sitting MP, the seat remains a traditional Congress bastion.

The UBT does not agree with Deora and refuses to vacate the seat for Congress. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the party said despite the row over the seat-sharing in the INDIA bloc, his party will not budge from the original formula.&nbsp;

"We are speaking with the decision-makers, the central leadership -- not the state leadership. We told them that we always contested 23 seats. Congress has to start with zero in Maharashtra. Neither we have a problem, nor Congress's central leadership has a problem. Rest it does not matter who said what," said Raut.

After Raut's statement, Milind retorted&nbsp;saying Congress was the largest opposition party in the&nbsp;Maharashtra Assembly.&nbsp;

"According to Sanjay Raut, even after losing 40 MLAs (to the Shinde group), Uddhav Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra. I want to tell him that no alliance can proceed without the consultation of the local leadership," said Milind.&nbsp;

After his resignation, speculations were rife that Deora might follow other ex-Congress leaders and join the BJP. However, he preferred Shiv Sena which is an ally of the saffron party.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party.

Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. Later in the evening, Deora joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, further giving a jolt to Congress. Deora took to his social media handles to announce his departure, stating it was the conclusion of a "significant chapter" in his political journey. "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party," said Deora on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added. Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their… — Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) January 14, 2024 × Milind's resignation marks another young leader deserting the Congress ship which has been tottering for some time. Prior to him, the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaiveer Shergill, and Hardik Patel among others have already quit the party. Milind, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, was forced to resign as the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena in the western state of Maharashtra staked claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat - a traditional stronghold of the Deora family. Congress is now abusing industrialists: Deora The 47-year-old Milind Deora, a former Union minister, slammed Congress left right and centre and targeted the Congress for abusing industrialists and businessmen. “The same party that ushered in economic reforms 30 years ago, is now abusing industrialists, businessmen, and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’,” Deora said. “It is sad that there is a lot of difference between the Congress my father joined in 1968 and the one I joined in 2004. Had the Congress and the UBT focussed on constructive issues and suggestions, and merit and ability, then Mr Shinde and I would not be here today,” he added. Why did Milind Deora quit the party? Mumbai South has been a stronghold of the Deoras, who have won the seat in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Currently, Uddhav faction's (UBT) Arvind Sawant is the MP from the constituency. However, Milind argued that even though he is not the sitting MP, the seat remains a traditional Congress bastion. The UBT does not agree with Deora and refuses to vacate the seat for Congress. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the party said despite the row over the seat-sharing in the INDIA bloc, his party will not budge from the original formula. "We are speaking with the decision-makers, the central leadership -- not the state leadership. We told them that we always contested 23 seats. Congress has to start with zero in Maharashtra. Neither we have a problem, nor Congress's central leadership has a problem. Rest it does not matter who said what," said Raut. After Raut's statement, Milind retorted saying Congress was the largest opposition party in the Maharashtra Assembly. "According to Sanjay Raut, even after losing 40 MLAs (to the Shinde group), Uddhav Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra. I want to tell him that no alliance can proceed without the consultation of the local leadership," said Milind. After his resignation, speculations were rife that Deora might follow other ex-Congress leaders and join the BJP. However, he preferred Shiv Sena which is an ally of the saffron party. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Milind Deora resigns from Congress, joins Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena

Just moments ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the brand new Mumbai trans Harbor link today and we are getting some live shots from there. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar during the inauguration.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Atal Setu, the longest bridge in Maharashtra

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde split Shiv Sena, Shinde faction declared real Shiv Sena.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde split Shiv Sena, Shinde faction declared real Shiv Sena

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar today held that Eknath Shinde led faction was the real Shiv Sena when the rival faction emerged within the party on June 22, 2022. He has refused to disqualify any member from both the factions, led by Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.

Maharashtra house speaker rules in the Sena vs Sena dispute

In a big win for Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday ruled that the Shiv Sena faction led by him was legitimate as he had the support of majority party MLAs. He also ruled that the Shinde faction MLAs could not be disqualified as then Shiv Sena chief whip, Sunil Prabhu, had no authority to call the legislature meeting.

India's longest bridge, the under-construction Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, is likely to be open to the public soon. Watch the video to know more!

PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest sea bridge in Mumbai on January 12

At least six people have been killed in a massive fire that broke out at a Gloves Factory in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The incident took place late last night and the dowsing operations are still in the process.

Massive fire breaks out at a glove factory in Maharashtra

In a recent study conducted by researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, five Indian states - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat - were identified as the major contributors to the country's dust emissions. 
 
These states were reported to have high levels of dust particles in the air because of factors like road dust, construction sites and high traffic volume. The study emphasised the need for effective mitigation measures. 
 
In the study conducted by researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, it was indicated that five states made a contribution to 60 per cent of total dust emission in the country in terms of both particulate matter (PM) 10 and 2.5.

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A “comprehensive particulate matter road dust emission inventory” for 2022 was prepared by the study in which they used the vehicle registration data which was used from 1,352 RTOs in India. States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat turned out as the predominant contributors to the road dust emissions. 
 
“Specific states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat emerged as the predominant contributors to road dust emissions. These states not only exhibit elevated silt loading (sL) values but also account for a substantial proportion of the total registered vehicles in India, thereby underscoring the pressing imperative for effective mitigation measures,” stated the study, further reflecting that these states also accounted for nearly 43 per cent of the total registered vehicles in India.

<h2>Dust emissions lead to irritation in respiratory tracts</h2>

The findings of the study were published in the Elsevier journal Science of the Total Environment in a paper titled “Fugitive road dust particulate matter emission inventory for India: A field campaign in 32 Indian cities”. The paper's authors included Arpit Katiyar, Diljit Kumar Nayak, Pavan Kumar Nagar, Dhirendra Singh, Mukesh Sharma and Sri Harsa Kota.

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Speaking to The Times Of India, Ahmedabad-based pulmonologist and chest physician Dr Gopal Raval explained what are the effects of such high levels of dust emissions in the state, He said that five out of 10 patients visit the clinic due to irritation in respiratory tracts which is caused by dust. 
 
"While some had come for issues due to emissions from construction sites, others were living near the roads with high traffic volume and high concentration of dust particles in the air," said Dr Raval. 
 
"The primary sign of dust-related irritation is non-obstructive chronic bronchitis where the patients get a bad dry cough which is not caused by any infection,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent study conducted by researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, five Indian states - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat - were identified as the major contributors to the country's dust emissions.

In a recent study conducted by researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, five Indian states - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat - were identified as the major contributors to the country's dust emissions. These states were reported to have high levels of dust particles in the air because of factors like road dust, construction sites and high traffic volume. The study emphasised the need for effective mitigation measures. In the study conducted by researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, it was indicated that five states made a contribution to 60 per cent of total dust emission in the country in terms of both particulate matter (PM) 10 and 2.5. Also read: France plane row: Gujarat police grills 20 people who were on Nicaragua-bound flight A “comprehensive particulate matter road dust emission inventory” for 2022 was prepared by the study in which they used the vehicle registration data which was used from 1,352 RTOs in India. States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat turned out as the predominant contributors to the road dust emissions. “Specific states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat emerged as the predominant contributors to road dust emissions. These states not only exhibit elevated silt loading (sL) values but also account for a substantial proportion of the total registered vehicles in India, thereby underscoring the pressing imperative for effective mitigation measures,” stated the study, further reflecting that these states also accounted for nearly 43 per cent of the total registered vehicles in India. Dust emissions lead to irritation in respiratory tracts The findings of the study were published in the Elsevier journal Science of the Total Environment in a paper titled “Fugitive road dust particulate matter emission inventory for India: A field campaign in 32 Indian cities”. The paper's authors included Arpit Katiyar, Diljit Kumar Nayak, Pavan Kumar Nagar, Dhirendra Singh, Mukesh Sharma and Sri Harsa Kota. Watch: Report: Tesla to set up manufacturing plant in Gujarat, India Speaking to The Times Of India, Ahmedabad-based pulmonologist and chest physician Dr Gopal Raval explained what are the effects of such high levels of dust emissions in the state, He said that five out of 10 patients visit the clinic due to irritation in respiratory tracts which is caused by dust. "While some had come for issues due to emissions from construction sites, others were living near the roads with high traffic volume and high concentration of dust particles in the air," said Dr Raval. "The primary sign of dust-related irritation is non-obstructive chronic bronchitis where the patients get a bad dry cough which is not caused by any infection,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and UP emerge as top dust emitters: IIT

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has given a go-ahead for a broad proposal to create a new city, 'Third Mumbai'. Mumbai, state capital of Maharashtra, has been a major financial centre in the peninsula for over a century. The 'Navi Mumbai' (New Mumbai) was created to relieve load on infrastructure on Mumbai. Now the government plans to set up 'Third Mumbai'. To continue this process and more in order to make Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) capable of handling competition from other Indian cities.

The state government officials, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have been broadly explaining the concept for a year. Third Mumbai is expected to focus on housing, both luxury and affordable, as well as better infrastructure and on the aim of creating an Information Technology hub near Mumbai.

There are plans that Third Mumbai will take shape around Navi Mumbai International Airport which, after completion, will be connected to Mumbai via Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge is also known as &nbsp;Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).

Multiple media reports have said that state government officials have given go-ahead for Third Mumbai last week.

“We are calling it the Third Mumbai which will have all the necessary infrastructure that a well-developed city should have. From residential (luxury and affordable), commercial complexes, data centres, hubs for MNCs and banks, and financial companies to large knowledge parks; it will have everything. A robust public transportation shall also be developed there,” said a government official, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

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This city has been proposed to further boost economic activity and contribute to the country’s GDP. “There is a plan to develop a second BKC in Kharghar. Around 150 hectares of land is expected to be available for developing it into a purely commercial area that would attract both Indian companies and MNCs,” the official added further.

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Third Mumbai is likely to function as a city that will focus on development of areas which are currently on the fringes of Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has given a go-ahead for a broad proposal to create a new city, 'Third Mumbai'. Mumbai, state capital of Maharashtra, has been a major financial centre in the peninsula for over a century.

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has given a go-ahead for a broad proposal to create a new city, 'Third Mumbai'. Mumbai, state capital of Maharashtra, has been a major financial centre in the peninsula for over a century. The 'Navi Mumbai' (New Mumbai) was created to relieve load on infrastructure on Mumbai. Now the government plans to set up 'Third Mumbai'. To continue this process and more in order to make Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) capable of handling competition from other Indian cities. The state government officials, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have been broadly explaining the concept for a year. Third Mumbai is expected to focus on housing, both luxury and affordable, as well as better infrastructure and on the aim of creating an Information Technology hub near Mumbai. There are plans that Third Mumbai will take shape around Navi Mumbai International Airport which, after completion, will be connected to Mumbai via Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge is also known as Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). Multiple media reports have said that state government officials have given go-ahead for Third Mumbai last week. “We are calling it the Third Mumbai which will have all the necessary infrastructure that a well-developed city should have. From residential (luxury and affordable), commercial complexes, data centres, hubs for MNCs and banks, and financial companies to large knowledge parks; it will have everything. A robust public transportation shall also be developed there,” said a government official, as quoted by Hindustan Times. Also Read | Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app This city has been proposed to further boost economic activity and contribute to the country’s GDP. “There is a plan to develop a second BKC in Kharghar. Around 150 hectares of land is expected to be available for developing it into a purely commercial area that would attract both Indian companies and MNCs,” the official added further. Also Read | Criminal gang members pose as taxmen to loot ₹1.8 million from Mumbai business family Third Mumbai is likely to function as a city that will focus on development of areas which are currently on the fringes of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Maharashtra greenlights new city called ‘Third Mumbai’, says report

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducts extensive raids across four states, targeting a network with suspected Islamic State ties. Spanning 19 locations in Karnataka, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Delhi, these actions build on recent operations against terrorism. The report delves into the strategy, key figures detained, and the seizure of explosive materials and incriminating evidence, highlighting India's multifaceted fight against terror groups like ISIS and PLFI.

Gravitas | India's NIA targets terror networks in nationwide raids

At least nine workers were killed, including three women, after an explosion ripped through a factory in India’s Nagur in Maharashtra on Sunday (Dec 17).

The blast happened at Solar Industries India Limited in the Bazargaon village around 9 am (local time), with some media reports claiming a delayed response from the authorities.

The incident took place when labourers were packaging defence products. The death toll is expected to rise further, local media reported.

The company deals with the supplies of explosives and other defence equipment for the country's defence.

“Nine people died after there was a blast in the solar explosive company in Bazargaon village of Nagpur. This blast happened at the time of packing in the cast booster plant,” Harsh Poddar, Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural, told ANI news agency.

Satyanarayan Nuwal, the chairman of Solar Industries, told Hindustan Times newspaper, “I do not know the exact number of casualties, but I was informed that five to six persons died due to the explosive blast.”

<h2>Govt announces compensation&nbsp;</h2>

He added that he is in constant touch with the company personnel in this regard.

Expressing grief over the incident, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation for the victims’ family members on social media X.

"It is very unfortunate that nine people including 6 women died in the explosion at Solar Industries in Nagpur. It is a company that manufactures drones and explosives for the defence forces,” he said.

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“The Nagpur Collector and Superintendent of Police are in constant touch and the IG, SP, and Collector are at the spot. The state government will assistance of Rs 500,000 to the kins of those who died in this incident."

<h2>Reports of delayed response&nbsp;</h2>

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Dismissing media reports of a delayed response, Vipin Itankar, the Nagpur district collector, told Times of India newspaper that the rescue operations got delayed due to mandatory safety protocols being followed by petroleum and explosives experts.

"The petroleum and explosives experts will investigate the accident and submit a report to me," Itankar was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least nine workers were killed, including three women, after an explosion ripped through a factory in India’s Nagur in Maharashtra on Sunday (Dec 17). The blast happened at Solar Industries India Limited in the Bazargaon village around 9 am (local time), with some media reports claiming a delayed response from the authorities.

At least nine workers were killed, including three women, after an explosion ripped through a factory in India’s Nagur in Maharashtra on Sunday (Dec 17). The blast happened at Solar Industries India Limited in the Bazargaon village around 9 am (local time), with some media reports claiming a delayed response from the authorities. The incident took place when labourers were packaging defence products. The death toll is expected to rise further, local media reported. The company deals with the supplies of explosives and other defence equipment for the country's defence. “Nine people died after there was a blast in the solar explosive company in Bazargaon village of Nagpur. This blast happened at the time of packing in the cast booster plant,” Harsh Poddar, Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural, told ANI news agency. Satyanarayan Nuwal, the chairman of Solar Industries, told Hindustan Times newspaper, “I do not know the exact number of casualties, but I was informed that five to six persons died due to the explosive blast.” Govt announces compensation He added that he is in constant touch with the company personnel in this regard. Expressing grief over the incident, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation for the victims’ family members on social media X. "It is very unfortunate that nine people including 6 women died in the explosion at Solar Industries in Nagpur. It is a company that manufactures drones and explosives for the defence forces,” he said. Also read | Who is Mahesh Kumawat? The sixth accused nabbed in major security breach of Indian Parliament “The Nagpur Collector and Superintendent of Police are in constant touch and the IG, SP, and Collector are at the spot. The state government will assistance of Rs 500,000 to the kins of those who died in this incident." Reports of delayed response Also read | Indian PM Modi inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse, world’s largest office building, in Gujarat Dismissing media reports of a delayed response, Vipin Itankar, the Nagpur district collector, told Times of India newspaper that the rescue operations got delayed due to mandatory safety protocols being followed by petroleum and explosives experts. "The petroleum and explosives experts will investigate the accident and submit a report to me," Itankar was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Nine workers killed in factory explosion in Nagpur

Amid Maratha protests that are erupting in western India’s state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel, that was appointed to look into the socio-economic backwardness of the Maratha community is crumbling.

Five out of its 10-member panel have quit citing the Maharashtra state government’s interference. It can be called a big setback for the Maratha community which has been fighting for their rights for many years now.

Three members including, the chairman of the commission, Anand Nirgude, a former judge at the Bombay High Court, have resigned. Two days before, two members citing government interference had resigned.

According to confirmed sources, one of the members who resigned in his resignation letter had mentioned that the government was trying to force them into declaring the Maratha community as backward. One of the resigned members alleged that the panel was supposed to work independently but the interference was too much.

Nirgude resigned on December 4, before the start of the winter assembly session. The Maharashtra government conveyed his resignation and the state government’s acceptance of it to the member secretary of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission on December 9.

Maharashtra Leader of Opposition (in the Legislative Assembly) and Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar, also a prominent OBC leader accused the state government and said, “The present State Backward Class Commission had been constituted during the time of the MVA government. The Shinde government is bringing pressure on some OBC members in this commission. Why is it trying to throttle the voices of the OBCs in this manner? Why did the government hide the date of Mr Nirgude’s resignation? What was the motive behind this?”

Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state.

The commission looks into matters of including or excluding a particular caste from categories such as Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Special Backward Classes (SBC). The commission, a quasi-judicial body, conducts extensive studies and submits its report to the Maharashtra government.

The panel was supposed to do a comprehensive survey to determine the Maratha community’s social, educational and economic backwardness.

In 2021, the Supreme Court rejected a report on the social and economic backwardness of the Marathas submitted by the commission’s former chairman, Justice M.G. Gaikwad (Retd), and struck down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ as “unconstitutional”.

Earlier this year — faced with the latest round of protests just ahead of the 2024 elections — the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition to get the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.

In October this year, the Maharashtra government announced it would grant Kunbi certificates — Kunbis are a sub-Maratha caste group that’s counted among the state’s OBC — to Marathas to

ensure the community is counted among the state’s other backward classes. The move sparked yet another row, with the state’s other OBC groups raising concerns.

Meanwhile, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who’s been at the centre of the fresh Maratha protests, has given the Eknath Shinde government a December 24 deadline to grant reservation.

Amid Maratha protests that are erupting in western India’s state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel, that was appointed to look into the socio-economic backwardness of the Maratha community is crumbling.

Amid Maratha protests that are erupting in western India’s state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel, that was appointed to look into the socio-economic backwardness of the Maratha community is crumbling. Five out of its 10-member panel have quit citing the Maharashtra state government’s interference. It can be called a big setback for the Maratha community which has been fighting for their rights for many years now. Three members including, the chairman of the commission, Anand Nirgude, a former judge at the Bombay High Court, have resigned. Two days before, two members citing government interference had resigned. According to confirmed sources, one of the members who resigned in his resignation letter had mentioned that the government was trying to force them into declaring the Maratha community as backward. One of the resigned members alleged that the panel was supposed to work independently but the interference was too much. Nirgude resigned on December 4, before the start of the winter assembly session. The Maharashtra government conveyed his resignation and the state government’s acceptance of it to the member secretary of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission on December 9. Maharashtra Leader of Opposition (in the Legislative Assembly) and Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar, also a prominent OBC leader accused the state government and said, “The present State Backward Class Commission had been constituted during the time of the MVA government. The Shinde government is bringing pressure on some OBC members in this commission. Why is it trying to throttle the voices of the OBCs in this manner? Why did the government hide the date of Mr Nirgude’s resignation? What was the motive behind this?” Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state. The commission looks into matters of including or excluding a particular caste from categories such as Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Special Backward Classes (SBC). The commission, a quasi-judicial body, conducts extensive studies and submits its report to the Maharashtra government. The panel was supposed to do a comprehensive survey to determine the Maratha community’s social, educational and economic backwardness. In 2021, the Supreme Court rejected a report on the social and economic backwardness of the Marathas submitted by the commission’s former chairman, Justice M.G. Gaikwad (Retd), and struck down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ as “unconstitutional”. Earlier this year — faced with the latest round of protests just ahead of the 2024 elections — the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition to get the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision. In October this year, the Maharashtra government announced it would grant Kunbi certificates — Kunbis are a sub-Maratha caste group that’s counted among the state’s OBC — to Marathas to ensure the community is counted among the state’s other backward classes. The move sparked yet another row, with the state’s other OBC groups raising concerns. Meanwhile, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who’s been at the centre of the fresh Maratha protests, has given the Eknath Shinde government a December 24 deadline to grant reservation.

Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference

In a major crackdown on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS, the National Investigation Agency in India arrested 15 alleged operatives of the banned organization during simultaneous raids at 44 locations across two Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

India: National Investigation Agency arrests 15 in connection with ISIS

NIA raids India's Maharashtra and Karnataka, 15 arrested in connection with ISIS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting raids over 40 locations in Karnataka and Maharashtra and arrested 13 people in an ISIS terror conspiracy case. Of the total 44 locations being raided by the NIA since this morning, the agency sleuths have searched 1 place in Karnataka, 2 in Pune, 31 in Thane Rural, 9 in Thane city, and 1 in Bhayandar.

Terror funding case: 13 arrested during massive raids in Maharashtra, Karnataka

Salman Khan has reacted to a viral video where his fans were bursting firecrackers inside a cinema hall during the screening of Tiger 3. A video of Salman Khan's fans bursting firecrackers inside Mohan Cinema in Malegoan went viral on social media.

Salman Khan has reacted to a viral video where his fans were bursting firecrackers inside a cinema hall during the screening of Tiger 3. A video of Salman Khan's fans bursting firecrackers inside Mohan Cinema in Malegoan went viral on social media. The clip shows people bursting crackers in a cinema hall amid the screening of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's Tiger 3 to celebrate the actor's entry. The incident occurred on Diwali night, and the police have registered an FIR under sections 112 and 117 of Maharashtra Police Act, ANI reported. The actor reacted to the firecracker incident and posted on X, "I'm hearing about fireworks inside theatres during Tiger3." Calling bursting firecrackers in a cinema hall "dangerous," he said, "Let's enjoy the film without putting ourselves and others at risk. Stay safe." ALSO READ | Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee's Gyeongseong Creature to release on Netflix According to the Malegaon Chhavani Police, people ignited many firecrackers, including rockets, inside a theatre, posing a risk to the other viewers sitting in the cinema hall during the incident, which occurred at 10:15 pm IST. The video also showed that people inside the cinema hall started running and panicking after a few fans burst firecrackers on Salman Khan's entry. Celebration gone awry! Fireworks go off at a cinema hall in India's Maharashtra during screening of actor Salman Khan's #Tiger3, leading to a stampede-like situation#SalmanKhan #Tiger3Diwali2023 #Tiger3Booking pic.twitter.com/QjHehAbx9S — WION Showbiz (@WIONShowbiz) November 13, 2023 × However, this is not the first time Salman Khan fans have burst firecrackers inside a cinema hall. Salman Khan often releases his movies on Diwali. In 2021, fans burst firecrackers inside a cinema hall during Antim: The Final Truth's screening. The incident caught Salman's attention. He took to social media, condemning the incident and urging fans not to repeat it. He said, "Request all my fans not to take firecrackers inside the auditorium as it could be a huge fire hazard, thereby endangering your lives and others. I request theatre owners not to allow firecrackers inside the cinema, and security should stop them from doing so at the entry point. Enjoy the film by all means. But please avoid this is my request to all my fans. Thank you." ALSO READ | Fashion mogul Peter Nygard found guilty of four sexual assault charges by Canadian jury Not only during Salman Khan's movie, but another incident occurred last month during a Shah Rukh Khan movie. On October 7, a group of fans burst firecrackers to celebrate the entry of Shah Rukh Khan in a Malegaon cinema. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Salman Khan reacts to fans bursting firecrackers inside cinema hall during Tiger 3 screening

A political storm is brewing in India's state of Maharashtra if results in local council elections are anything to go by. In what is now being called a swing state, the breakaway factions from Shive Sena and NCP respectively signal a change in political dynamics in Maharashtra, as BJP sweeps the panchayat election

Opposition tumbles in panchayat elections

The recent deaths of 31 people within a span of 48 hours in a government-run hospital in western Indian state of Maharashtra raised several questions on the state’s healthcare system.&nbsp;

To ensure such incidents do not take place in the future, state’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the administration to double the public health expenditure and strengthen the health system especially in rural areas on war footing.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister has also directed the officials to establish super-specialty hospitals in all the 34 districts of the state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-24-including-infants-die-within-24-hours-in-maharashtra-hospital-641867">India: 31 people, including infants, die within a day in Maharashtra hospital</a>

The announcement came during a high-level meeting attended by the state’s Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, among other key officials.

The meeting also discussed the agenda of healthcare funding and recruitment.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Maharashtra: 24 patients, including 12 newborns die in state-run hospital

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The Chief Minister has directed to ensure the immediate purchase of medicines and equipment. All the district collectors have been empowered for expenditure from the planned funds for the purchase.

They should keep the life-saving drugs ready with themselves and no lack of availability will be tolerated.&nbsp;

There is an immediate need for new hospitals in at least 25 out of 34 districts.

Keeping that in mind, the Chief Minister has directed new, fully-equipped district hospitals to be established and the blueprint regarding it should be submitted in 15 days.&nbsp;

Considering, the healthcare demand, especially in government and public hospitals, the CM has directed the formation of nine new health circles in addition to the existing eight.&nbsp;

Often, the government gets complaints regarding its hospitals being unhygienic, and lack of proper sanitation, to this, the CM has directed officials to conduct regular visits to ensure high standards of cleanliness.&nbsp;

The draft of the ‘New Healthcare Vision 2035’, should be prepared in the next 15 days, as per the direction of the CM to the concerned officials.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The recent deaths of 31 people within a span of 48 hours in a government-run hospital in western Indian state of Maharashtra raised several questions on the state’s healthcare system.

The recent deaths of 31 people within a span of 48 hours in a government-run hospital in western Indian state of Maharashtra raised several questions on the state’s healthcare system. To ensure such incidents do not take place in the future, state’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the administration to double the public health expenditure and strengthen the health system especially in rural areas on war footing. The Chief Minister has also directed the officials to establish super-specialty hospitals in all the 34 districts of the state. Also read | India: 31 people, including infants, die within a day in Maharashtra hospital The announcement came during a high-level meeting attended by the state’s Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, among other key officials. The meeting also discussed the agenda of healthcare funding and recruitment. Also watch | Maharashtra: 24 patients, including 12 newborns die in state-run hospital × The Chief Minister has directed to ensure the immediate purchase of medicines and equipment. All the district collectors have been empowered for expenditure from the planned funds for the purchase. They should keep the life-saving drugs ready with themselves and no lack of availability will be tolerated. There is an immediate need for new hospitals in at least 25 out of 34 districts. Keeping that in mind, the Chief Minister has directed new, fully-equipped district hospitals to be established and the blueprint regarding it should be submitted in 15 days. Considering, the healthcare demand, especially in government and public hospitals, the CM has directed the formation of nine new health circles in addition to the existing eight. Often, the government gets complaints regarding its hospitals being unhygienic, and lack of proper sanitation, to this, the CM has directed officials to conduct regular visits to ensure high standards of cleanliness. The draft of the ‘New Healthcare Vision 2035’, should be prepared in the next 15 days, as per the direction of the CM to the concerned officials. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde announces ‘New Healthcare Vision 2035’

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.8 million to 2.7 million cases worldwide result in between 81,410 and 137,880 deaths from snakebite envenoming, making it one of the most neglected tropical diseases (NTD). In an attempt to prevent fatal snakebite deaths, a Maharashtra couple has taken on this task and has so far saved over 6000 lives.

Snakebite cases on rise, Maharashtra doctor couple on a mission to save lives

Snakebite cases on the rise in rural India

Following the deaths of seven more patients, the number of fatalities at a government hospital in the Nanded district of Maharashtra has risen to 31. There were sixteen adult and fifteen pediatric patients that passed away at the hospital.

Maharashtra: 31 dead in a single day in hospital; 12 babies among dead | India News | WION

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