As India is moving towards a $5 trillion economy, a roadmap is ready for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2029, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, according to news agency PTI. He made the statement while speaking at a programme of the CII Young Indians in Nashik, PTI reported. Fadnavis said efficient administration and effective implementation of decisions are accelerating development in Maharashtra. "India's economy is moving towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, in which Maharashtra will have a large share. A roadmap is ready for the state to become a $1 trillion economy by 2029," he said. According to PTI, he said the speed of communication and infrastructure are crucial for economic development, and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway was built for that purpose. During his address, Fadnavis further stated that Nashik is a significant hub for industrial growth and tourism owing to its skilled workforce, favourable climate, and the presence of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). He added that the city's growth will be further boosted by the under-construction Vadhavan Port in Palghar, which will be connected to Nashik through a greenfield road. Fadnavis highlighted the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and shared that Maharashtra is working on a Center of Excellence in collaboration with Google. He stated that AI applications in agriculture and law are generating new job opportunities. The CM also pointed out that Maharashtra is leading in foreign investment and that efforts are underway to ensure that investments are not limited to metropolitan areas such as Mumbai and Pune. Districts such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Gadchiroli have emerged as promising investment destinations, he said, according to PTI. Fadnavis also stressed the importance of sustainable development and the state's focus on strengthening the agricultural sector alongside industrial growth. "Nashik is a major producer of grapes, onions, and vegetables. Efforts are underway to help farmers access better market systems and improve their income," CM Fadnavis assured. He further informed that 20 lakh houses are being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which will benefit both the urban and rural regions of the state, PTI reported. Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra’s strategic infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and balanced regional development will help the state achieve its ambitious $1 trillion economic target by 2029. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:42 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe Budget Session of the Eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to begin on Monday at 11 am, news agency ANI reported. The newly elected Delhi government's first budget will be presented a day later. Speaker Vijender Gupta said that the Delhi Assembly Budget Session would take place in the Old Secretariat. "Tomorrow is the first day of the Budget Session. The budget will be presented on March 25. The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report will also be tabled during the budget session," Gupta informed the media on Sunday. The Delhi Assembly Budget Session will conclude on March 28 and the session may be extended if required, ANI reported. According to a statement from the Delhi Assembly Secretariat, the CAG report on the functioning of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will be presented during the session. This will mark the third CAG report to be tabled in the House. A key highlight of the session will be the presentation of the annual budget on March 25, detailing the government's financial strategy and developmental plans for the year. A general discussion on the budget will take place on March 26, which will allow lawmakers to scrutinise financial allocations and policy proposals. On March 27, the assembly will debate and vote on the proposed budget, ANI reported. On the last day of the Delhi Assembly Budget Session, March 28, the legislators will debate resolutions and bills. Daily sittings will commence at 11 am, with a lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm. The Question Hour, a crucial mechanism for legislative scrutiny, is scheduled for March 24, 26, 27, and 28, during which ministers will address queries concerning various departments. Members intending to raise matters of public importance under Rule 280 must submit their notices by 5 pm on the working day before the sitting. A balloting process will determine the first 10 notices for discussion each day. Private Members' Resolutions are set for March 28, with notices required 12 days in advance. To maintain decorum and efficiency, the Speaker has issued guidelines for the session. "Members are advised to adhere to the rules for submitting questions, resolutions, and special mentions. Seating arrangements must be followed, and the quorum bell will ring at 10:55 AM each day," the directions stated. For further information, members can consult the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business or contact the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. (With ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe government can convene a "secret sitting" of the Lok Sabha to discuss sensitive matters, though this provision has never been utilised, news agency PTI reported. According to a constitutional expert, during the 1962 Chinese aggression, some Members of Parliament (MP) from the opposition suggested holding a secret sitting to deliberate on the issue. However, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined, believing the public had a right to know. According to PTI, Chapter 25 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha' includes provisions allowing for secret sittings upon the request of the Leader of the House. Rule 248, subclause one, states that if the Leader of the House makes such a request, the Speaker will designate a day or part of a day for the House to convene in secret. Subclause two of the Rule specifies that during a secret sitting, no stranger will be allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries, although certain individuals may be permitted under specific conditions. Another Rule in the chapter states that the Speaker can decide how the proceedings of a secret sitting will be reported. "But no other person present shall keep a note or record of any proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting, whether in part or full, or issue any report of, or purport to describe such proceedings." Once the need for maintaining secrecy has ended, and with the Speaker's consent, the Leader of the House or an authorised member can move a motion to lift the confidentiality of the proceedings, PTI reported. If approved, the Secretary-General will prepare and publish a report of the secret sitting as soon as possible. The rules caution that revealing the proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting in any form will be considered a "gross breach of privilege of the House." Constitutional expert and former Lok Sabha Secretary-General PDT Achari confirmed that there has been "no occasion" for a secret sitting of the House. Recalling discussions with senior members, he noted that during the 1962 India-China conflict, some opposition members had suggested a secret sitting to address the sensitive issues. However, Nehru opposed the idea, asserting that the public should be informed. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTraditional folk dances from Maharashtra and Odisha captivated audiences at the “Lokotsav", a cultural event, was held at Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi, an official statement said on Sunday. The event was held as part of the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat initiative, it said, adding that the event showcased the vibrant cultures of both states and brought a message of national unity. The statement further said that the Lokotsav, was jointly organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra Sadan, and the Maharashtra Parichay Kendra. It was inaugurated by R. Vimla, Secretary and Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra Sadan. The event also saw the presence of Dr. Rajesh Adapawar, Assistant Resident Commissioner, Amarjyot Kaur Arora, Deputy Director in charge of Maharashtra Parichay Kendra, and members of the Delhi Marathi community, the statement said. The festival featured two stunning performances-- the tribal folk dance ‘Dhol Bohada’ from Maharashtra and the vibrant ‘Bajasal’ dance from Odisha, it said. The ‘Dhol Bohada’ dance was presented by a group of 20 artists led by Vaman Mali from Mokhada, Palghar (Maharashtra). The performers danced to the beat of traditional Dhol-Tasha drums, with participants ranging from young to elderly, creating a lively and electrifying atmosphere. The dance depicted the strong bond between the tribal community and wildlife, particularly their respect for tigers, the statement said. The ‘Bajasal’ dance troupe, led by Dayanand Panda from Odisha, performed their traditional dance, usually seen at weddings and festivals. A team of 15 folk artists performed with traditional instruments such as Dhol, Nishan, Tasa, Mohuri, and Jhanj. The vibrant costumes and energetic performance left the audience applauding for more, it further said. Speaking about the event, Resident Commissioner R. Vimla stated, “Culture is not just for entertainment; it plays a vital role in shaping society. This festival provided a glimpse into the rich traditions of Maharashtra and Odisha, strengthening the cultural bonds between the two states,” the statement said. The program was hosted by Maharashtra Parichay Kendra’s Information Officer, Anju Nimsarkar. The event was successfully organised with the efforts of Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs, Sandeep Balkhande; Maharashtra Sadan Manager, Pramod Kolpate; and Parichay Kendra team members Raghunath Sonawane, Nilesh Deshmukh, and Prashant Shivrame, it said.
23 March,2025 11:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThree individuals were arrested in Kuttikattoor in Kozhikode district of Kerala for allegedly orchestrating a fake theft to defraud nearly Rs 40 lakh from the father-in-law of the primary suspect, police said on Sunday. The accused were identified as PM Rahees, Sajid alias Shaji, and Jamshid, news agency PTI reported. The case was cracked following a two-day investigation by a special squad that analysed CCTV footage from multiple locations. The investigation began after Rahees filed a complaint on March 20, claiming that Rs 40.25 lakh had been stolen from his car while it was parked at a private hospital in Poovattuparamba area of the district the previous day, PTI reported. He claimed the money belonged to a close relative who had entrusted it to him for safekeeping. Based on his complaint, a case was registered, and an investigation was launched. CCTV footage showed two individuals on a scooter breaking the car window, taking an item from the vehicle, and fleeing. However, their helmets obscured their identities. The investigation took a turn when police discovered that the scooter's number plate was fake, PTI reported. Despite the setback, authorities managed to locate the vehicle and detained Sajid and Jamshid. During questioning, Sajid revealed that the item taken from the car was a cardboard box and a bag, but no cash was inside. This contradicted Rahees' claim about the stolen money, prompting police to detain him for further questioning. It was eventually revealed that Rahees had orchestrated the fake robbery. The Rs 40 lakh had been transferred by a company in Bengaluru, where his father-in-law worked as a manager, to be distributed among the company's branches in Kerala. However, Rahees had used the funds for personal expenses. When his father-in-law demanded the money back, Rahees, unable to repay, staged the fake theft to cover up his actions. Rahees, who operates a tyre shop and bus service, had planned the staged robbery to escape accountability. The Kerala Police confirmed that scientific investigation methods and extensive analysis of CCTV footage led to the arrests. A case has been registered against Rahees for filing a false complaint, and an investigation into the source of the money is ongoing. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:18 PM IST | Kozhikode | mid-day online correspondentSecurity forces launched a major offensive on Sunday against a group of terrorists who reportedly infiltrated from across the border into the dense jungles of Kathua district in Jammu-Kashmir, news agency PTI reported. The operation followed intelligence inputs indicating the presence of terrorists inside a 'dhok' — a local term for an enclosure — within a nursery in Sanyal village, around five kilometres from the International Border with Pakistan. A police team from the Special Operations Group initiated the search operation, but the personnel came under heavy fire upon entering the area, leading to a gunfight. Reinforcements were quickly deployed, and a manhunt began to apprehend the terrorists, suspected of infiltrating through a ravine route or a newly created tunnel on Saturday. Despite the intense half-hour exchange of gunfire, no casualties have been reported so far, and additional forces are reinforcing the cordon, officials said. According to inputs, two groups of five-six terrorists each are believed to have infiltrated, PTI reported. Some local women collecting firewood reported seeing about five armed men in the expansive nursery area. Meanwhile, a seven-year-old girl sustained injuries and was shifted to a local hospital, though the circumstances of her injury remain unclear. Jammu-Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat is personally monitoring the operation, and the Army's Rising Star Corps (IX Corps) confirmed that a joint effort involving police and Army troops is underway. District Development Councillor Karan Kumar reported heavy gunfire in the area. Kathua has emerged as a significant infiltration route for Pakistan-based terrorists attempting to reach higher regions like Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar, and eventually Kashmir, PTI reported. Over the past year, terror activities have spread to six other districts of Jammu, resulting in 44 deaths, including 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists. While the Pir Panjal districts of Rajouri and Poonch saw a decline in terror incidents in 2024, attacks have increased in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur, and Jammu since April-May 2024, raising concerns for security agencies. To counter the threat, security forces have intensified their operations against Pakistan-based handlers attempting to destabilise peaceful areas. Kathua had reported nine deaths in 2024 Official data reveals that in 2024, Doda, Kathua, and Reasi each reported nine killings, followed by Kishtwar (five), Udhampur (four), and Jammu and Rajouri (three each). Poonch reported two killings. Of the total casualties, 18 were security personnel and 13 were terrorists. Kathua was also recently rocked by protests following the mysterious deaths of five people in the remote Billawar tehsil. On March 8, the bodies of three individuals who had gone missing on March 5 while attending a wedding ceremony were found in Ishu nullah. In a separate incident on February 16, the bodies of two men were found in Kohag village, with post-mortem results indicating strangulation. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:03 PM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondentA man was killed and two others sustained injuries when an oxygen cylinder exploded in Maharashtra's Buldhana district on Sunday, the police said, reported the PTI. The blast occurred in the Lakshmi Nagar area of Malkapur in the afternoon, a police official said. He said an oxygen cylinder was being loaded into an autorickshaw when it exploded, killing one person and injuring two others. The official said a preliminary probe suggested the explosion may have occurred due to a gas leak, according to the PTI. The injured persons are undergoing treatment at a hospital, he said, adding that a probe is underway. Four killed in blast at house in Haryana's Jhajjar, police suspect explosion in AC compressor Meanwhile, in an another incident, as many as four people including two children and a woman were killed while another was injured in an explosion at a house in Haryana's Jhajjar district on Saturday evening, as per the PTI. The police suspect that the blast occurred in an air conditioner compressor that could have caused injuries to the family present in house at the time of the incident. The cause of the explosion was being investigated by the police, a police official said, adding that a forensic team was also called to collect samples from the spot to assist the police officials in investigation, the police said. An official said that in the primary police investigations, the police suspect that the explosion occurred in the air conditioner compressor, they added. A police officer said the explosion occurred around 6.30 pm in in Bahadurgarh, following which the house caught fire. He said fire tenders put out the flames and four dead bodies were recovered from the spot. Two children, aged around 10 years, a woman and a man died in the incident, police said. Haripal Singh, who was injured in the incident, was taken to Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak, they added. They further said that the air conditioner was found to be damaged condition. Further investigation in the matter is underway, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 09:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwenty-two Naxalites, including six with a collective bounty of Rs 11 lakh, surrendered to authorities in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, a police officer stated. Among those surrendered, Ayatu Punem, Pandu Kunjam, Kosi Tamo, Sona Kunjam, and Lingesh Padam carried rewards of Rs 2 lakh each, while Tibruram Madvi had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh, news agency PTI reported. According to the police, Ayatu Punem was a member of Platoon Number 1 under the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) division of the outlawed Maoist organisation while Pandu Kunjam and Kosi Tamo were part of Platoons Number 9 and 10, respectively. Sona Kunjam was associated with the Telangana State Committee of the Naxal outfit, while Madvi served as the Jantana Sarkar head. Lakhma Kadti was identified as the president of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangathan (DAKMS), and the remaining members held lower-level positions. According to PTI, the police officer revealed that this year alone, 107 Maoists have surrendered, 82 have been killed in encounters, and 143 have been apprehended in Bijapur. The surrendered Naxalites expressed disillusionment with the "inhuman and hollow" Maoist ideology and appreciated the Naxalism elimination policies of Chhattisgarh, along with the police's rehabilitation efforts. The surrendering members are expected to receive benefits under the government's rehabilitation policy. Two security personnel injured as Naxalites trigger IED blast in Chhattisgarh Two personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) sustained minor injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Sunday, police reported. The explosion occurred around 5.45 pm near the Gorla rivulet under the jurisdiction of Madded police station when an STF team was returning from an anti-Naxalite operation in a pick-up vehicle. According to officials, the Naxalites had intended to target the vehicle, but the IED detonated at a distance, minimising the impact. "There was no significant damage to the vehicle or serious injuries to personnel. The two STF members suffered minor injuries due to the shockwaves from the explosion," an official stated. The injured personnel received first aid at a primary health centre in Madded and were later shifted to the Bijapur District Hospital for further medical care. Their condition is reported to be stable, and they are out of danger. Following the blast, a combing operation was launched in the area to locate the Naxalites involved in the attack. Security forces remain vigilant, intensifying efforts to prevent such incidents in the region. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 08:57 PM IST | Bijapur | mid-day online correspondentA 50-year-old woman was killed in a tiger attack on Sunday morning in Maharashtra's Gondia district, according to a forest department official. The victim, identified as Anusaya Dhanu Kolhe, was a resident of Shivramtola village in the Gothangaon forest range, located in Arjuni Morgaon tehsil, news agency PTI reported. The incident occurred around 7 am while Kolhe was collecting mahua flowers, a common activity during this season. Range Forest Officer (RFO) Milind Pawar reported that a sub-adult tigress attacked Kolhe, dragging her body approximately 100 metres and remaining beside it for a considerable time. The forest department managed to scare away the big cat and later tranquilised it. The tigress will be transferred to the Wildlife Research and Training Centre in Gorewada, Nagpur, for further observation. RFO Pawar added that efforts to identify the tigress are ongoing since the area typically does not experience frequent wildlife movement. The authorities will provide compensation to the family of the deceased according to government norms, PTI reported. Maharashtra Govt to implement special plan to curb tiger attacks in Gadchiroli Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has instructed officials to consult experts and promptly implement a special remedial plan aimed at preventing human casualties resulting from tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district, news agency ANI reported. The plan includes providing special compensation to the families of individuals who have died in tiger attacks over the past five years and relocating additional tigers, among other measures. Fadnavis, who also serves as the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, has directed officials to submit a detailed report on the matter within three months. The CM has expressed serious concern over the loss of human lives due to tiger attacks. As the Guardian Minister, he has urged authorities to promptly address citizens' concerns and propose an effective remedial strategy, ANI reported. A plan will be formulated under the guidance of Pravin Pardeshi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mitra Sanstha. In response, Pardeshi convened a meeting of senior forest officials in Nagpur, where potential remedial measures were discussed, and directives for their implementation were issued. Over the past five years, more than 50 people have lost their lives to tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district, particularly in the areas of Charmoshi, Armori, Vadsa, and Dhanora, ANI reported. Authorities have been instructed to assess the situation comprehensively and relocate additional tigers from the district within the next three months. 50-year-old killed in tiger attack in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh A 50-year-old man was killed after he was attacked by a tigress in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district on Sunday, an official said. The incident occurred in the Panpatha buffer area around noon when Daddi Kol was on his way to graze goats, Indwar Police Station In-charge SN Prajapati said. A tigress pounced on Kol, a resident of Chansura Mauhar village, killing him at the scene, the officer said. Following the incident, locals expressed anger, stating that such attacks by wild animals have become recurrent in the area, reported PTI. BS Uppal, Sub-divisional Officer (Forest), announced that Kol's family would receive a compensation of Rs 8 lakh, along with immediate financial assistance of Rs 10,000. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 08:41 PM IST | Gondia | mid-day online correspondentPunjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann laid the foundation stone for the Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Government Medical College in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on Sunday. According to news agency PTI, the college, which will cost Rs 300 crore to build, is expected to provide 50 MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) seats. Officials said this will be the third medical college in the Doaba region of Punjab, following those in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala, which also had their foundation stones laid by Mann. The new medical college will be linked to the District Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar, a facility currently lacking specialised medical services. The establishment of the college aims to address this gap by providing round-the-clock access to specialist and super-specialist doctors. Addressing a gathering at Khatkar Kalan, the birthplace of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the Punjab CM paid tribute to the martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, PTI reported. The event marked the anniversary of their martyrdom on March 23, commemorating their sacrifice against British colonial rule. Mann stated that the decision to name the medical college after Bhagat Singh was a tribute to the legacy of these revolutionaries and their contribution to India's freedom struggle. Recalling the historic act of defiance by Bhagat Singh, who, alongside his comrades, threw a non-lethal bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in April 1929, Mann emphasised the continued relevance of their ideals, PTI reported. The trio was hanged on March 23, 1931, while still in their twenties. The Punjab CM reflected on the current state of the nation, expressing disappointment that the dreams of Bhagat Singh remain unfulfilled. He criticised ongoing corruption, nepotism, and poverty, citing instances where large sums of cash were recovered from high-ranking officials. Without naming anyone, he suggested that such incidents would have pained the martyrs who had envisioned a just and corruption-free India. 90 per cent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity: CM Bhagwant Mann Despite the challenges, Mann highlighted the efforts of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to uphold the vision of these martyrs. He noted that the Mohali airport has been named after Bhagat Singh, a move the current government prioritised soon after taking office. Mann added that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established, providing free medical treatment to over three crore patients. Additionally, more than 52,000 youths have secured government jobs purely on merit, and 90 per cent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. The CM also paid respects to BR Ambedkar, and reiterated the government's commitment to empowering marginalised communities through quality education, in line with Ambedkar's ideals. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 07:55 PM IST | Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar | mid-day online correspondentA roadmap is ready for Maharashtra to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, reported the PTI. Speaking at a programme of the CII Young Indians in Nashik district of Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis said efficient administration and effective implementation of decisions are accelerating development in Maharashtra. "India's economy is moving towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, in which Maharashtra will have a large share. A roadmap is ready for the state to become a USD1 trillion economy by 2029," he said, according to the PTI. CM Fadnavis said the speed of communication and infrastructure are crucial for economic development, and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway was built for that purpose. The chief minister said Nashik has potential for the development of industries and tourism. "Considering the manpower and climate here, there is a lot of scope for tourism and industrial development. The defence ecosystem is here due to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Nashik will develop more rapidly due to the Samruddhi Expressway. The largest port in the country is now being built at Vadhavan in Palghar, and Nashik city will benefit from it, as a greenfield road will be built from Nashik to Vadhavan," he said, according to the PTI. CM Fadnavis highlighted the effective use of technology and artificial intelligence and said if communication facilities are developed, Nashik will benefit from it. The Maharashtra Chief Minister said that the work is underway on the Center of Excellence in partnership with Google, and the use of AI in the agriculture sector and field of law is creating new employment opportunities. He said 10 to 12 states are doing well in industry and economic development, and Maharashtra is at the forefront because it has a favourable environment for investment. "The highest foreign investment coming into the country is coming to Maharashtra. The government is trying to ensure that investments are not restricted to metropolitan areas. Besides Mumbai and Pune, districts including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and Gadchiroli have attracted investments," CM Fadnavis said, as per the PTI. He added that sustainable development has been prioritised in the state. The chief minister further said that the government is striving to develop the agricultural sector along with industry. Nashik is known for advanced agriculture, and the district is at the forefront in producing grapes, onions and vegetables. Work has been started to ensure that farmers get the benefit of the market system, he said. CM Fadnavis said 20 lakh houses are being built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the scheme has also benefitted the rural areas. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 07:55 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
