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Maharashtra Govt Transfers 7 Senior IAS Officers in Key Bureaucratic Shuffle

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Maharashtra Govt Transfers 7 Senior IAS Officers in Key Bureaucratic Shuffle 2

In a minor yet significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday transferred and appointed seven senior IAS officers to new positions across the state.

According to an official notification, Ratnagiri District Collector M. Devendra Singh has been appointed as Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in Mumbai. Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has been posted as Commissioner of the Kumbh Mela, Nashik, ahead of the 2027 Simhastha preparations.

Nashik District Collector Jalaj Sharma will now serve as the Metropolitan Commissioner of the Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), while Jalgaon Collector Ayush Prasad has been transferred to Nashik as the new District Collector.

Rohan Ghughe, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad, Thane, will take over as Jalgaon District Collector, replacing Prasad. Sanjay Kolte, Managing Director of Shivshahi Punarvasan Prakalp Ltd (SRPL), Mumbai, has been appointed as Sugar Commissioner in Pune, a post that had remained vacant. Manoj Jindal, Joint Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Mumbai, will assume charge as Ratnagiri District Collector.

The reshuffle follows a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assess preparations for the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. Fadnavis underscored the cultural and administrative significance of the event, calling for early coordination between departments.

These postings come at a crucial time as Maharashtra prepares for long-pending local body elections, expected to be held after Diwali. The elections will test the political strength of major parties amid widespread administrative control by appointed officials.

The Supreme Court has directed the state to complete elections for 29 municipal corporations, 32 of 34 Zilla Parishads, 248 municipal councils, and 336 of 351 Panchayat Samitis by January 31, 2026.

Bombay HC to Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra: ‘Deposit Rs 60 Crore First, Then We’ll Consider Travel Plea’

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Bombay HC to Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra: 'Deposit Rs 60 Crore First, Then We’ll Consider Travel Plea' 4

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said it would consider actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra’s plea seeking permission to travel abroad only after they deposit ₹60 crore — the amount involved in the cheating case registered against them.

A case was lodged against the couple at Mumbai’s Juhu police station on August 14, following a complaint by businessman Deepak Kothari, who alleged that Shetty and Kundra duped him of ₹60 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal. Kothari claimed that between 2015 and 2023, the couple persuaded him to invest in their company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, but diverted the funds for personal use.

The couple approached the High Court last month seeking suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them by Mumbai Police so that they could undertake international travel for professional commitments and leisure.

A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, however, observed that the court could not permit leisure trips when both are accused in a serious cheating case. Their counsel argued that only one trip to Phuket was for leisure, while others were for professional reasons. The lawyer added that both have fully cooperated with the investigation and appeared before authorities when summoned.

The bench acknowledged their cooperation as the reason for their non-arrest but insisted that the plea would only be considered once the entire ₹60 crore is deposited. “Deposit the full amount of ₹60 crore, then we will consider the plea,” the court said, posting the matter for further hearing on October 14.

The couple’s petition seeks suspension of the LOC between October 2025 and January 2026.

Meanwhile, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police recently recorded Shilpa Shetty’s statement at her residence on October 4 during a four-hour interrogation. She reportedly told investigators that she was not involved in the day-to-day operations of Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, which she co-founded with Kundra.

The EOW had earlier questioned Kundra and issued the LOC against both as part of its probe into the ₹60 crore cheating case.

Assam DSP Sandipan Garg, Cousin of Singer Zubeen Garg, Arrested in Connection with Singer’s Death in Singapore

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Assam DSP Sandipan Garg, Cousin of Singer Zubeen Garg, Arrested in Connection with Singer's Death in Singapore 6

Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg, cousin of late singer Zubeen Garg, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the singer’s death in Singapore last month, a senior police official confirmed. This marks the fifth arrest in the ongoing investigation.

Earlier, the CID had detained North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma, and two of his band members, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta, for questioning in the case.

“We have arrested Sandipan Garg and are completing the necessary legal formalities,” CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta told PTI. Garg, who was interrogated multiple times in recent days, was reportedly present during the incident in which the singer allegedly drowned in Singapore.

Another senior officer said the accused officer has been produced before a local court, and police will seek his remand for further interrogation.

Zubeen Garg, a celebrated Assamese singer and actor, died on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore. He was in the island nation to attend the 4th edition of the North East India Festival, organised by Mahanta and his company.

The arrests come amid growing calls from fans and the music fraternity for a transparent probe into the singer’s untimely death, which has sent shockwaves across the North East and beyond.

EC Orders Strict Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct Across Bihar Ahead of Assembly Polls

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EC Orders Strict Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct Across Bihar Ahead of Assembly Polls 8

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed the immediate and strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) across Bihar, just two days after announcing the schedule for the upcoming state assembly elections.

The Commission has ordered full compliance with election regulations, including the removal of defacement from government, public, and private property, and the prohibition of misuse of official vehicles, accommodation, or other government facilities by political leaders or candidates. Ministers and officials have been instructed not to mix official duties with political campaigning or use government resources for electioneering.

Emphasizing citizen privacy, the ECI has banned demonstrations or picketing outside private residences and prohibited the use of any private land, building, or wall for flags, posters, or banners without the owner’s consent.

To ensure real-time monitoring and transparency, the Commission has activated a 24×7 Call Centre (number 1950) and the C-Vigil App on ECINET, enabling citizens to report MCC violations directly. A total of 824 flying squads have been deployed across Bihar, with a mandate to act on complaints within 100 minutes.

Political parties must now inform local police authorities in advance about meetings, rallies, or processions to facilitate security and traffic management. They are also required to seek prior permission for loudspeaker use and comply with local prohibitory orders.

The Commission has further instructed that no officer involved in the electoral process be transferred during this period to maintain neutrality. Officials have been reminded to ensure fairness in handling meetings, rallies, and polling arrangements, while upholding law and order and maintaining the credibility of the electoral process.

To ensure equal opportunity for all parties, the ECI has made public spaces such as maidans and helipads available on a first-come, first-served basis through the SUVIDHA module on ECINET, ensuring transparency and impartial access to venues during the election period.

UK PM Keir Starmer Arrives in Mumbai Ahead of Key Meeting with PM Modi

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UK PM Keir Starmer Arrives in Mumbai Ahead of Key Meeting with PM Modi 10

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for his maiden visit to India as PM, ahead of his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Starmer, accompanied by a high-level business delegation from London, was welcomed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Governor Acharya Devvrat.

The two leaders are set to meet in Mumbai on Thursday to review progress under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They will also attend the CEO Forum and the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest, where discussions are expected to focus on trade, technology, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Their meeting will include a comprehensive assessment of initiatives under the ‘India-UK Vision 2035’ roadmap, covering sectors such as defence, climate action, healthcare, education, and energy collaboration.

Starmer and Modi are also expected to discuss advancements in the proposed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (FTA), seen as a key pillar in enhancing bilateral economic relations. The two leaders will exchange views on global and regional issues while engaging with business leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of fintech and international cooperation.

Lift Crash at Chhattisgarh Power Plant Claims Four Lives, Six Injured

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Lift Crash at Chhattisgarh Power Plant Claims Four Lives, Six Injured 12

Four workers lost their lives and six others were injured after a lift crashed from a significant height at a power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred late Tuesday night at RKM Powergen Pvt Ltd’s facility in Dabhra, located in Ucchpinda village of Sakti district. According to Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma, ten workers were inside the lift, descending after completing their routine work, when it suddenly plummeted to the ground.

All ten workers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to Jindal Fortis Hospital in Raigarh. Despite efforts by doctors, four succumbed to their injuries during treatment, while six others remain hospitalized and are undergoing medical care.

Preliminary reports suggest that the lift, which had a load capacity of approximately 2,000 kilograms, had undergone maintenance recently on September 29. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether any negligence was involved.

This tragic incident has once again raised questions about industrial safety standards and maintenance protocols in private power plants across the state.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport, India’s First Fully Digital Aviation Hub

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PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport, India’s First Fully Digital Aviation Hub 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport on Wednesday, October 8, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation sector. With its launch, Mumbai joins the ranks of global cities like London, New York, and Tokyo that operate multiple international airports.

Developed through a public-private partnership between Adani Airport Holdings and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is India’s first fully digital and AI-enabled aviation hub. Commercial flight operations are expected to commence in December this year.

Spread across 1,160 hectares, the greenfield airport will initially handle 20 million passengers annually with one runway and terminal, eventually expanding to four terminals and two runways with a total capacity of 155 million passengers per year.

Built at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, the airport is projected to generate over 2 lakh jobs across aviation, logistics, IT, hospitality, and real estate sectors. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have announced plans to operate from NMIA, with initial flight schedules targeting 40% international traffic—expected to rise to 75% over time.

The airport boasts cutting-edge digital facilities, including AI-powered check-in and baggage systems, digital immigration, pre-booked parking slots, and an online food ordering app for passengers. The terminal features 66 check-in counters, 22 self-baggage drop points, 29 aerobridges, and 10 bus gates, along with an 80-room transit hotel and lounges for 500 travellers.

NMIA is India’s first major aviation hub with integrated multimodal transport links. It connects directly to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Sion-Panvel Highway, and Ulwe Coastal Road, while the operational Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 and upcoming Metro Line 8 will link it to Mumbai’s existing airport. Plans for water taxi and high-speed rail connectivity are also underway.

Inside the terminal, travellers can experience immersive digital art installations, interactive exhibits celebrating Mumbai and Maharashtra’s heritage, and a children’s play area. Retail facilities cover 5,000 sq m, including 1,800 sq m of duty-free outlets at both arrivals and departures, ensuring a world-class passenger experience from takeoff to touchdown.

Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix Over Sameer Wankhede’s Defamation Suit

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Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix Over Sameer Wankhede's Defamation Suit 16

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to actor Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix, and Red Chillies Entertainment on a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede, who alleged that his reputation was tarnished by the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued summons to all defendants, including Gauri Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Netflix, X Corp (formerly Twitter), Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPG Lifestyle Media Pvt Ltd, and John Doe. The parties have been directed to submit their responses within seven days. The matter will next be heard on October 30.

The court, however, refrained from granting any interim injunction at this stage but directed the defendants to file their replies to Wankhede’s application seeking removal of the alleged defamatory content from multiple online platforms.

In his plea, Wankhede sought ₹2 crore in damages, which he proposed to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients. The petition claims that the series spreads a “misleading and negative portrayal” of anti-drug enforcement agencies, undermining public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Wankhede further alleged that the show was deliberately conceptualised and produced to malign his reputation, particularly since the case involving Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan remains sub judice before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.

Singer Maithili Thakur Hints at Political Debut from Benipatti, May Join BJP Ahead of Bihar Polls

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Singer Maithili Thakur Hints at Political Debut from Benipatti, May Join BJP Ahead of Bihar Polls 18

As the Bihar assembly elections approach, popular folk singer Maithili Thakur has hinted at entering politics, expressing her willingness to contest from her hometown Benipatti in Madhubani district.

Thakur recently met BJP national general secretary and Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde along with Union Minister Nityanand Rai, sparking strong speculation about her possible induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party and candidature from Benipatti.

Speaking to reporters during her visit to perform at the Narmada Mahotsav, the 25-year-old singer said she feels deeply connected to her native place and would like to begin her political journey from there. “There hasn’t been any official announcement yet, but I would like to go to my village area because I have a special connection with it. Starting from there will also give me a chance to learn. Meeting people, talking to them — I will understand more if I start from my village,” Thakur said.

When asked about her plans for the Bihar elections, she stated that she is ready to contribute in every possible way to the country’s development. Thakur also mentioned that her discussions with Tawde and Rai focused on Bihar’s future and development prospects.

Born in Benipatti to a family of Maithili musicians, Thakur rose to fame in 2011 at the age of 11 and has since become one of India’s most loved folk singers.

The Benipatti constituency is currently represented by senior BJP leader and former minister Vinod Narayan Jha, who defeated Congress candidate Bhavana Jha by over 30,000 votes in the 2020 assembly elections. The seat, known for its Brahmin voter base, could see an interesting political contest if Thakur decides to enter the fray.

Ajit Pawar Calls CJI Gavai ‘Pride of Maharashtra’, Condemns Courtroom Shoe Attack

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Ajit Pawar Calls CJI Gavai 'Pride of Maharashtra', Condemns Courtroom Shoe Attack 20

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar strongly condemned the incident in which a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, calling the CJI the “pride of Maharashtra” and terming the act an attack on democracy and the judiciary.

In a statement issued late Monday night, Pawar said the Supreme Court is the supreme temple of India’s judicial system and that any attack on the judiciary or judges amounts to an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy. “There is no place for such incidents in our democracy. Preserving the dignity of the judiciary is every Indian’s moral responsibility. Strict action must be taken against those responsible,” Pawar said.

Meanwhile, the opposition NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) staged a protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday, condemning the attack and describing it as an assault on the Constitution. Led by MLA Rohit Pawar, party workers raised slogans praising Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution while demanding accountability from the government.

Rohit Pawar criticised the BJP, alleging its leaders reacted to the incident only after several hours. “This is an extremely condemnable act. BJP leaders, who tweet instantly on trivial matters, spoke up only seven to eight hours later when public outrage began surfacing. What should this silence be construed as?” he questioned.

The incident occurred on Monday when lawyer Rakesh Kishore, 71, allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai during court proceedings in the Supreme Court. Quick action by security personnel foiled the attempt, and the Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishore’s license.

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