India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that the first phase of the city's inaugural driverless Pod Taxi project, launched to facilitate 'last-mile' connectivity within Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area, will be completed within 20 months. While leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the 3.36-kilometre-long first phase, the chief minister said the project is being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and forms part of a broader initiative to enhance urban transportation within Mumbai's major commercial hubs. Project goals and details Through this project, the government aims to alleviate the strain on other public transport modes by connecting key transit hubs via Mumbai's first Pod Taxi system, also known as 'personal rapid transit'. Based on state-of-the-art automated technology, this 'Pod Taxi' initiative represents an endeavour to foster modern urban mobility in Mumbai, modelled after global cities such as London and Dubai, officials said. The Pod Taxi, also referred to as an 'Automated Rapid Transit System', is a driverless transportation system offering passengers the convenience of direct, 'point-to-point' travel. These automated pods can operate at high frequency, thereby minimising waiting times. The AI-driven project is being implemented specifically to alleviate traffic congestion within Mumbai's BKC precinct and provide passengers with a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly travel option. Each pod has the capacity to carry six passengers and will be battery-operated, travelling along designated routes at a speed of 40 kilometres per hour. Notably, a pod will be available at intervals of every 15 seconds. The pod will stop only at the station selected by the passenger, thereby reducing travel time. This service is 'zero-carbon' in nature and will promote eco-friendly transportation. Consequently, road congestion will decrease, travel time will be saved, and a safer, more comfortable journey will become possible. Each pod is air-conditioned, measuring 3.9 metres in length, 2.01 metres in width, and 1.8 metres in height. The stations will be situated approximately 200 metres apart, ensuring easy accessibility for passengers. The objective is to serve approximately 109,000 passengers daily by the year 2031. Need for Pod taxis in Mumbai With the development of major infrastructure projects such as the Bullet Train and the construction of new commercial buildings in Mumbai, the volume of commuters in the BKC area is expected to rise. In such a scenario, 'last-mile' connectivity becomes critically important.
Taking an eco-friendly step, the University of Jammu has announced a ban on the entry of four-wheelers on the campus with effect from 5 December. Taking an eco-friendly step, the University of Jammu has announced a ban on the entry of four-wheelers on the campus with effect from 5 December. Prof Prakash Antahal, Chief Proctor, said that the University had been planning for a long time to implement this Green Campus initiative. However, the decision was delayed due to non-availability of a designated parking slot. Now that the parking facility is ready, the University has taken this decisive ...Read More >
Maharashtra CM swearing-in ceremony: Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra's caretaker CM Eknath Shinde who had been upset after Mahayuti leaders meeting in Delhi, has reportedly agreed to server as Deputy CM in the BJP-led Mahayuti government. The development comes as BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who is touted to become the next CM, met Shinde at his official residence Varsha in south Mumbai after Sena Chief returned from a private hospital after health check-up. Eknath Shinde has agreed to take the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, reported News18 as well as India Today quoting sources ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the Mahayuti government. BJP's Central Observers for the state, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani were also present at the meet. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Stock Market Ends in Green, All Eyes on RBI's MPC Decision on Repo Rate. Fadnavis is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister on December 5 after being unanimously chosen as Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislati ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Lakhimpur Kheri, December 3: Talent knows no boundaries. A testament to this is 28-year-old Muneer Khan from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, whose innovations and technical skills have gained him global recognition. From a 'smart water bottle' to 'smart soil testing device,' and more recently, 'AI-enabled eye-glasses,' what makes his innovations stand out is their ability to improve everyday convenience for ordinary people. Born in a humble and poor family in Kheri's Gauriya village, Muneer lost his father when he was just one year old. His four older brothers and mother worked tirelessly t ...Read More >
Traffic Diversions for oath-taking: The swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra Chief Minister will be held at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai tomorrow, December 5. Mumbai Traffic Police has issued an advisory in view of the event. The traffic diversions will remain in place from 12 PM tomorrow till the end of the programme. Devendra Fadnavis was on Wednesday unanimously elected as Maharashtra BJP legislature party's leader, paving the way for his swearing-in as the chief minister for a third time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders are set to attend the grand swearing-in cerem ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
New Delhi: The BJP managed to secure a landslide victory in Maharashtra as it was successful in countering the "fake narrative" that was spread by the Opposition, Devendra Fadnavis, who took oath as the state's Chief Minister for third time earlier this month, said. During a fireside chat at the Times Network's India Economic Conclave 2024, Fadnavis also said that the 'ek hain toh safe hain' (united we remain safe) slogan coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked against the Opposiition's attempt at fragmentation of votes in the assembly elections. ...Read More >
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday claimed that caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was sulking and throwing tantrums at BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis with the backing of the "superpower in Delhi", an apparent reference to BJP's top brass. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Raut described the delay in the formation of a government in Maharashtra as anarchic. He said it has been more than 10 days since the assembly election results were declared, but no party or alliance which has got a complete majority, has either staked claim to form the government or has gi ...Read More >
Mumbai: Two days ahead of the Maharashtra government formation, top sources have said that Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena is likely to be allotted eight portfolios including the Urban Development Ministry. Sources also said that Ajit Pawar's NCP will retain the Finance Ministry. Sources have further said that there is no dispute between Shiv Sena and the BJP over the Chief Minister's which is yet to be revealed by the Mahayuti alliance. Meanwhile, reports are doing the rounds that Sena wants swearing in of its ministers on December 5 itself, along with oath taking of Chief Minister and Deputy Chie ...Read More >
Maharashra: Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar stake claim to form govt, swearing-in to be held tomorrow BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the.. DNA 21 hours ago Eknath Shinde Resigns as Maharashtra CM, Speculation Over Mahayuti Alliance's Next Leadership Choice Eknath Shinde has stepped down as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the Mahayuti alliance's resounding victory in the assembly elections. Shinde submitted his resignation to Governor C P Radhakris ...Read More >
Nagpur, Dec 15 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday slammed the opposition parties, accusing them of not believing in the Constitution. Fadnavis landed in Nagpur to a grand welcome from party workers and people. Talking to reporters at Nagpur airport, Fadnavis said, "It is a joyous moment that after becoming the chief minister, I have come to my janmabhoomi and karmabhoomi (birthplace and workplace). Nagpur is my family, and it is welcome by my family." Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister for the third time on December 5 after the Mahayuti combine swept the Novem ...Read More >
The Baatara Gorge Waterfall, also known as the "Cave of Three Bridges," is one of Lebanon's most enchanting natural wonders. This unique geological formation in Tannourine has been captivating visitors for centuries. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to visit this breathtaking site. From practical tips to essential information, we've got you covered! The ideal time to visit the Baatara Gorge Waterfall is in the springtime, specifically between March and May. Why? Well, this is when the snow from the mountains around melts down, providing water to the fall an ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The GSEC in Hyderabad will be the first of its kind in the APAC region after Tokyo and only the fifth globally, with similar facilities in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga, according to a statement. This GSEC is a specialised international cybersecurity hub designed to play a crucial role in developing advanced security and online safety products tailored for the Indian context. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research, AI-driven security solutions, and creating a collaborative platform for leading experts and researchers in cybersecurity. It also aims to ...Read More >
Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Thursday said no MLA from the party will accept any responsibility in the new Maharashtra government if Eknath Shinde does not take oath as deputy chief minister. Talking to reporters hours ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Samant also said no MLA from the Shiv Sena has the intention to become deputy CM and the post should be occupied only by Shinde. Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde, who served as chief minister in the outgoing government, has indicated that he is reluctant to join the new government as deputy CM. BJP Legislature Party Leader Devendra Fa ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening at a grand ceremony here to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries. Fadnavis, who would be occupying the CM's post for the third time, along with two deputy chief ministers will take the oath of office, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters, adding that other members of the cabinet will take oath later. Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde are expected to take oath as ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 12 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the government promptly made an arrest after a replica of the Constitution was damaged in Parbhani, yet violent protests took place which was unacceptable. The accused, who allegedly damaged the replica, was a mentally unstable man, Fadnavis told reporters in Delhi. A bandh was called on Wednesday after the glass-encased replica of the Constitution near Dr B R Ambedkar's statue outside the Parbhani railway station was found damaged the previous evening. But the shut-down took a violent turn when a mob indulged ...Read More >
Shinde accepts BJP's decision, likely to receive key ministries Shinde has agreed to BJP's decision to make a Chief Minister from its ranks. He is expected to be given important portfolios like Urban Development, Public Works Department, and Water Resources. Sources also say that two Deputy Chief Ministers will be appointed, one each from Shiv Sena and NCP. Pawar has told his party leaders that the swearing-in ceremony could take place this weekend. Despite initial resistance, Shinde announced his party's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's decision on the ...Read More >
The South Western Railway (SWR) is poised to unveil its long-awaited Class 701 Arterio trains during a ceremonial event at London Waterloo Station. This significant milestone marks the end of a prolonged five-year delay for the £1bn fleet, originally commissioned in 2017 and expected to enter service by November 2019. While delays have hindered the fleet's initial rollout, the deployment is set to reshape regional travel, bringing modernized infrastructure to one of the UK's busiest rail networks. The Class 701 Arterio trains, built by Derby-based Bombardier, faced extensive delays due to sig ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 3 (PTI) Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a "check-up," two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai. Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters. Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. "I ...Read More >
Mumbai: Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in a media briefing at Mahayuti meet on Wednesday avoided questions about whether he would accept the Deputy Chief Minister position in the new government. Shinde made a witty remark at Ajit Pawar and laughed aloud while cracking the joke. When asked if he and NCP chief Ajit Pawar will also take oath as Deputy CMs tomorrow, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said, "Wait till evening..." In response, NCP chief Ajit Pawar remarked, "Sham tak unka samaj aayega, I will take it (oath), I will not wait." Responding to NCP chief Pawar, Shinde sa ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Pary (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has invited the Mahayuti alliance to form the next government and the oath taking ceremony will take place tomorrow. Fadnavis said the Mahayuti leaders met the Governor and handed over letters of support. Also Read | Why Is Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session Held in Nagpur? Know History and Reason Behind Nagpur Being State's Winter Capital. Fadnavis along with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met ...Read More >
Srinagar, Dec 4 (PTI) Security forces continued their search for militants in the Dachigam forest here on Wednesday, a day after a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed in an encounter in the area, officials said. According to officials, the security forces halted their search on Tuesday night but maintained a tight cordon in the area. The search for militants in the vast mountainous and forest area of Dachigam resumed in the morning, they said. Also Read | ISRO PROBA-3 Mission Launch Delayed: Indian Space Agency Reschedules Launch of PSLV-C59 After Detecting 'Anomaly'. "The search operation ...Read More >
Mumbai: Bringing an end to the 10-day-long nail-biting haul since the Mahayuti's win in the Maharashtra elections, Devendra Fadnavis (54) will be sworn in as Chief Minister at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan at 5.30 pm on Thursday, December 5. His swearing-in comes a day after he was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) legislative party unit in the presence of party supremos. Devendra Fadnavis was born on July 22, 1970. His father, Gangadharrao Fadnavis, was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur, and his mother, Sarita Fadnavis, was a former director of th ...Read More >
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule is consulting experts on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) following Maharashtra's assembly poll results. The opposition questions EVM credibility after the Mahayuti coalition's significant win. Sule advocates for ballot papers, citing other countries' adoption, and will announce a final decision soon.NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday said the opinion of experts is being sought over the "EVM issue" in the wake of the Maharashtra assembly polls' mandate as she b ...Read More >
Nashik, December 17: Upset over his exclusion in the recent Cabinet expansion, senior NCP legislator and Samata Parishad founder, Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday slammed the party President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar and Working President Praful Patel and asked whether he was a "toy in their hands." Bhujbal, who is sulking over not getting a ministerial berth decided to skip the ongoing Winter Session of the House and reached Nashik on Tuesday. He met a large number of supporters and declared that he would find out who had denied him the ministerial berth despite Chief Minis ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 26: Elitas Appliances, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in home appliances, has officially launched its product line in India. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with elegant design, Elitas seeks to establish itself as a key player in the consumer durables sector, providing Indian households with superior, eco-friendly products. Also Read | From Nana Patekar's 'The Attacks of 26/11' to Dev Patel's 'Hotel Mumbai', 5 Movies and Shows That Explored the Horrific 2008 Mumbai Attacks and Where To Watch Them Online. Elitas's range of home appliance ...Read More >
Indian sustainability startups are currently at the forefront in terms of handling critical environmental challenges. They are emerging with innovating solutions frequently for a greener future. Key Communications recently conducted a survey and it reports that the startups are in need of urgent support to make their journey less struggling. The survey reveals that more than 60% of sustainability startups in the country believe that they need stronger government backing with respect to growth and funding. Currently there are about 6,600 cleantech startups in India and such ventures are import ...Read More >
Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that he held discussions on cabinet expansion with union home minister Amit Shah, party national president J P Nadda, and the party national general secretary B L Santhosh on Wednesday night. Fadnavis was on a two-day visit to Delhi days after being sworn in as chief minister. He met President Draupudi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari. He also presented five different ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in the National Capital and presented him with an idol of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. "It was an absolute pleasure to meet and interact with Hon Union and Cooperation Minister Amitbhai Shah at his residence in New Delhi. Also presented him a 'murti' of SwatantryaVeer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar," the Chief Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter). Also Read | RRB JE Exam 2024 Admit Card Out at rrbapply.gov.in: Hall Ticket for 7,951 Junior Engineer Posts ...Read More >