Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday accepted the request to allot state minister Manikrao Kokate’s portfolio to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The decision comes after Kokate’s conviction by the sessions court in Nashik. Kokate, a cabinet minister in the Mahayuti government, was recently convicted and sentenced to two years in prison in a housing quota irregularities case. After the conviction was upheld by a sessions court, pressure mounted on the state government to remove him from ministerial responsibilities. Manikrao Kokate, an MLA from Sinnar in Nashik district, had previously held important portfolios, including the agriculture ministry, before being shifted to the sports ministry after an earlier controversy. Maharashtra Governor accepts recommendations The Maharashtra Governor on Wednesday accepted the proposal, sent by CM Devendra Fadnavis, to transfer Kokate’s portfolios to Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party and is a key ally in the ruling coalition, which includes the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. In a letter to CM Fadnavis, Maharashtra Governor stated, "I have received your letter dated 17th December, 2025 recommending to allocate the portfolio of "Sports & Youth welfare, Minorities Development & Aukať held by Adv. Manikrao Saraswati Shivaji Kokate, Minister to Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister (Finance & Planning, State Excise). I hereby convey my approval to your above mentioned recommendation." Arrest warrant issued against Kokate A district court in Nashik issued an arrest warrant against Maharashtra Sports Minister and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikrao Kokate on Wednesday in connection with a cheating and forgery case dating back to 1995. The warrant followed a day after the sessions court upheld the two-year prison sentence awarded to him by a magistrate’s court earlier this year. The arrest warrant was issued after Anjali Dighole-Rathod, daughter of the original complainant and former Maharashtra minister late T S Dighole, filed an application seeking Kokate’s arrest. Kokate was not present during the proceedings. Nashik District and Sessions Court Judge P M Badar directed Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Rupali Nadvadia to take action, following which the arrest warrant was issued. Nashik police are expected to initiate further proceedings. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Kokate approached the Bombay High Court challenging his conviction and sentence.
17 December,2025 11:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFresh trouble is mounting for Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate, with his political future now under serious doubt. Kokate, an NCP MLA from Sinnar in Nashik district and a leader from Ajit Pawar’s faction, is likely to be dropped from the state cabinet, sources said. Kokate is currently a minister in the Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. There is also speculation that he could face disqualification as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), they said. The crisis deepened after reports emerged on Wednesday that an arrest warrant was issued against Kokate. Following these developments, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation and possible replacements for the minister, sources further said. No official medical bulletin Meanwhile, some reports stated that Kokate has been admitted to a Mumbai hospital after complaining of uneasiness. No official medical bulletin has been released so far. Kokate was convicted on Tuesday On Tuesday, the Nashik district sessions court upheld a lower court order sentencing Kokate to two years in jail in a housing quota irregularities case. Earlier, a lower court had sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. Kokate had challenged the verdict in the sessions court, but his appeal was rejected, and the original sentence and fine were confirmed. The video controversy This is not the first controversy involving Kokate. During his tenure as Agriculture Minister, a video allegedly showed him playing rummy on his mobile phone during a state legislature session. Following public criticism, he was forced to step down from the agriculture portfolio and was later shifted to the sports ministry.
17 December,2025 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarMumbai will soon be home to its first-ever Gen Z–themed Post Office, as India Post prepares to inaugurate a new, modern postal facility at the IIT Bombay campus. The Gen Z–themed Post Office will be officially inaugurated on December 18, 2025 at 11 am, officials said. An official statement said that the new Post Office has been designed especially for young people, students and digital natives, offering a technology-driven and youth-friendly postal experience. This initiative is part of India Post’s wider efforts to modernise its services and connect with the younger generation. Similar Gen Z-themed Post Offices have already been launched in Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, it said. The Post Office features a cool, contemporary and creative design The Gen Z-themed Post Office in Mumbai will feature a cool, contemporary and creative design, developed by India Post’s in-house team in collaboration with IIT Bombay students. The space combines modern aesthetics with functional public services, creating a welcoming environment for users, the statement said. Key facilities at the Gen Z-themed Post Office include free Wi-Fi, cafeteria-style seating, a mini library, a music corner, curated philately products and a Parcel Gyan Post to educate customers about parcel and logistics services. All services will be delivered through fully digital, QR-based systems. Discounts on parcels The post office will also provide Aadhaar enrolment and update services, as well as guidance on Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) schemes, it said. To encourage student participation, India Post is offering a 10 per cent discount on Speed Post services and a 5 per cent discount for bulk parcel customers. Traditional post office into a vibrant community space The officials said that the inauguration ceremony will be attended by Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra and Goa Circle, and Kaiya Arora, Director of Postal Services, Mumbai Region. The event will also be held in the presence of the Registrar of IIT Bombay, along with India Post officials, staff members and the IIT Bombay community. By transforming the traditional post office into a vibrant community space, India Post aims to balance its rich heritage with innovation, said the officials.
17 December,2025 09:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Wednesday approved a series of far-reaching regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying market regulations, lowering transaction costs and improving cost transparency, measures that are expected to boost investor participation across mutual funds, equity and debt markets. At its board meeting held in Mumbai, SEBI Chairman underlined the need for simplifying regulatory language and improving ease of understanding, particularly while reviewing stock broker regulations. In line with this approach, the Board approved the replacement of the nearly three-decade-old SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 1992 with a new, streamlined framework that focuses on clarity, removal of redundant provisions and ease of compliance. A major reform announced by the Board relates to mutual fund expenses. The market regulator approved a comprehensive overhaul of the Mutual Fund Expense Ratio framework, including a reduction in base expense ratio limits across categories. The revised framework excludes statutory and regulatory levies, such as the Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), stamp duty, SEBI fees, and exchange charges, from the base expense ratio. These levies will now be charged strictly on actuals, over and above permissible limits, significantly improving cost transparency for investors. The Board also rationalised brokerage limits charged to mutual fund schemes. In the cash market segment, the effective brokerage cap has been reduced from the earlier level of 12 basis points (bps), which included statutory levies, to approximately 8.59 bps net of levies, and further brought down to lower exclusive caps. Similarly, in the derivatives segment, brokerage has been cut from an effective 5 bps to about 3.89 bps net of levies, with sharper exclusive limits now prescribed. These steps are expected to directly lower transaction costs for mutual fund investors and improve overall scheme efficiency. In another significant move aimed at deepening the corporate bond market, SEBI approved amendments allowing debt issuers to offer incentives in public issues to select categories of investors. Issuers of non-convertible securities will now be permitted to provide incentives such as additional interest or issue price discounts to categories including senior citizens, women, armed forces personnel, retail individual investors and other categories as may be specified. The reforms are expected to enhance cost transparency, reduce frictional costs and encourage broader participation in mutual fund and debt markets. The measures also reinforce SEBI's broader objective of balancing investor protection with ease of doing business, while strengthening confidence in India's capital markets.
17 December,2025 09:43 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIDutch Foreign Minister David Weel on Tuesday met Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and discussed opportunities for cooperation in trade, economy, infrastructure and industrial development in the state. The meeting was held at the CM’s official residence, ‘Varsha’. Industries Department Secretary P Anbalgan, Secretary and Chief of Protocol Dr Rajesh Gawande, Investment and Policy Advisor to the CM Kaustubh Dhawse, and Maharashtra Maritime Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pradeep P were present for the meeting. The Dutch delegation included Ambassador Morrissa Gerards and Consul General Nabil Taouati. During the meeting, both the sides explored potential collaboration across key sectors in Maharashtra, including trade, economic development, infrastructure and industry. CM Fadnavis said the state government is promoting the adoption of international-standard technologies and noted that participation from the Netherlands could help develop several sectors, including fisheries. Foreign Minister Weel highlighted the Netherlands’ contribution to research and development in high-technology and innovative initiatives, particularly in systems and materials, advanced machinery, electronics and allied fields. Brookfield to invest USD 1 billion to build Asia's largest GCC in Mumbai: CM Fadnavis Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on December 12 announced that global asset manager Brookfield is set to invest over USD 1 billion (around Rs 9,000 crore) to build a major Global Capability Centre (GCC) facility in the state. He said that a formal agreement will be signed soon, as discussions between the government and Brookfield have already outlined a clear plan. CM Fadnavis also stated the massive employment impact of the project, stating, “One single project will create 45,000 jobs.” According to a statement from Brookfield, the company has partnered with BS Sharma for the development. The project is being executed under an agreement with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The GCC will come up on a six-acre site in Mumbai's Powai area, featuring 20 lakh sq ft of lettable space by 2029. Brookfield said that the facility will be the largest in Asia, and it has already secured a 20-year lease with a major multinational bank. All power needs for the new GCC will be met through green and renewable energy sources.
17 December,2025 09:06 PM IST | MumbaiA fire broke out at the entry point of the Mumbai Coastal Road on Wednesday evening, officials said, adding that following the incident the traffic has been diverted. According to the officials, Mumbai Coastal Road's northbound entry point was temporarily closed after a fire broke out at the spot. "The reason for the blaze is suspected to be due to a short circuit," said an official. Authorities confirmed that the fire caused safety concerns, prompting them to shut the road for immediate action. Motorists heading north have been diverted via Babulnath-Pedder Road towards Haji Ali. Traffic police have advised commuters to follow the diversion and expect delays. कोस्टल रोड बोगद्याच्या उत्तरवाहिनी प्रवेशद्वारा वर शॉर्ट सर्किट मुळे आग लागल्याने उत्तरवाहिनी बंद करण्यात आली असून सदरचा मार्ग तात्पुरत्या स्वरूपात बाबुलनाथ पेड्डर रोड मार्गे हाजीअली करीत वळवण्यात आला आहे . #MTPTrafficUpdate — Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) December 17, 2025 Firefighters responded promptly to control the blaze, and no injuries so far have been reported in the incident. About an hour later, the Mumbai Traffic Police, in a post on X said that the vehicular movement was brought normal on the route. Two injured in gas cylinder blast at Mumbai's Mankhurd Meanwhile, in a different incident, two people sustained burn injuries after a gas cylinder blast in a chawl at Mankhurd area of the city on Tuesday evening, civic officials earlier said. According to the officials, the blast took place in a room of a chawl located on 30 Feet Road in Janata Nagar area of Mandala. The explosion damaged a portion of the roof of the affected room, officials said. The incident was reported to the Mumbai Fire Brigade at around 6.50 pm. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), local residents acted swiftly and shifted the injured persons to LTMG (Sion) Hospital before emergency services arrived. Doctors later confirmed that both victims were admitted to the burn ward for further treatment. The injured have been identified as Prithwipal Jaspal, 40, who suffered around 30 per cent burns to his face, hands and chest and Rajesh Khichad (25), who sustained about 25 per cent burns to his face, hand and leg. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, Adani Energy, and local ward staff were rushed to the spot following the incident. The situation was brought under control, and no further danger was reported. Officials said the exact cause of the gas cylinder blast was being investigated.
17 December,2025 08:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe air quality in Mumbai has shown a notable improvement this year compared to the same period last year, according to official data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Last year, from December 1 to 16, the city’s air quality index (AQI) ranged between 158 and 167, while during the same period in 2025, the AQI remained in a range of 105 to 138. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Avinash Dhakne has attributed the improving AQI levels to the sustained measures taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He urged citizens to refer only to the official CPCB data for air quality monitoring, available on https://cpcb.nic.in as well as the ‘SAMEER’ mobile app, to avoid misinformation. Measures taken by Mumbai civic body The BMC has been implementing a range of multi-level interventions to improve air quality across the city, which include: Deep cleaning of roads using water tankers at 376 locations between December 1–16 Spraying with misting machines at 253 locations Issuing ‘show-cause’ notices to construction sites violating guidelines in 353 cases Issuing ‘stop-work notices’ in 121 cases. These efforts have contributed to an improvement in air quality, which currently falls in the moderate category, said Avinash Kate, deputy commissioner of environment and climate change, BMC. Daily AQI comparison (December 1–16) Date 2025 AQI 2024 AQI Dec 1 105 167 Dec 2 126 174 Dec 3 128 129 Dec 4 138 139 Dec 5 124 154 Dec 6 116 148 Dec 7 113 126 Dec 8 120 125 Dec 9 115 112 Dec 10 101 131 Dec 11 105 139 Dec 12 112 137 Dec 13 115 128 Dec 14 131 134 Dec 15 122 159 Dec 16 113 158 Citizens urged to cooperate Authorities have again appealed to citizens to avoid burning waste or engaging in similar activities that increase pollution. Compliance with the civic corporation and CPCB guidelines is essential to sustain the positive trend in air quality and ensure a healthier environment in Mumbai, the BMC said. On Wednesday, the city’s AQI remained moderate at 129, as per the SAMEER app. Experts have advised that people with respiratory or heart conditions, including asthma, may experience mild discomfort.
17 December,2025 08:32 PM IST | MumbaiThe Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has made significant progress on infrastructure works at Badlapur railway station to enhance commuter safety, improve passenger amenities, and support the proposed 3rd and 4th railway lines between Kalyan and Badlapur, an official statement said. Several key facilities have already been commissioned to improve passenger movement and control trespassing. These include a 330-metre-long home platform, opened in February 2024, a 6-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at the Karjat end, opened in December 2022, connecting all platforms for east-west access and two new 12-metre-wide FOBs, opened in March and June 2025. Construction is ongoing for an elevated deck connecting both 12-metre-wide FOBs over platforms 1 and 2. A major portion of the deck was commissioned in March 2025, and the remaining section is now under construction following the removal of an old middle FOB, the official statement said. Recent milestone During a six-hour night block from 13-14 December 2025, MRVC successfully launched all 17 remaining girders, including major cross girders, for the elevated deck. The work involved 40 personnel, a 150-tonne crane, and two 15-tonne Faranas. Despite congested site conditions, the work was completed safely and efficiently, the official statement said. Passenger facilities in progress MRVC is gradually improving passenger convenience across platforms: - Platform 1: Four staircases and one escalator operational; one lift and an additional escalator planned. - Platform 2: Three staircases and two escalators functional; one lift and one more staircase to follow. - Platform 3: Three staircases operational; two escalators to be added within 30-40 days, with a lift and two more escalators later. Additional facilities, such as a new booking office and public toilet at the Kalyan end of Platform 1, are expected to be completed in six to seven months. Future plans MRVC also plans to build another 6-metre-wide FOB at the Kalyan end, connecting public skywalks for seamless commuter movement. A new skywalk, elevated booking office, station building, and circulating area are planned as part of the 3rd and 4th line works, the statement said. All ongoing works are scheduled for completion within 5-6 months, with additional line-related projects to be finished alongside the commissioning of the new railway lines, it said.
17 December,2025 08:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Maharashtra gears up for civic elections, key urban bodies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are set to go to the polls together on January 15, 2026. The MMR, comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and parts of Raigad district, has nine municipal corporations, making the upcoming elections crucial for urban governance in the region. Mumbai, the state capital, remains the largest civic body in MMR. The city has a population of 12.44 million spread across 6,328 sq km. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a budget of Rs 74,427 crore for the 2025–26 financial year. Its previous elected term ended in 2022, and the civic body has 227 corporator seats. The Thane Municipal Corporation governs a population of 1.84 million over an area of 147 sq km. For FY 2025–26, it has proposed a budget of Rs 85,645 crore. The corporation’s last elected term ended in 2020, and it has 131 seats. Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation serves a population of 1.12 million across 109 sq km. Its proposed budget for FY 2025–26 stands at Rs 85,684 crore. The previous term concluded in 2020, and the civic body has 111 seats. Panvel Municipal Corporation, covering 110 sq km, has a population of about 5.09 lakh. Its budget for FY 2025–26 is Rs 83,873 crore. The last term ended in 2022, and the corporation has 78 seats. Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation governs 1.52 million residents over 67 sq km. It has proposed a budget of Rs 83,361 crore for FY 2025–26. The previous term ended in 2022, and the civic body comprises 122 seats. Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation serves a population of 5.06 lakh across 28 sq km. Its budget for FY 2025–26 is Rs 7,988 crore. The previous term concluded in 2022, and it has 78 seats. Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation covers 26 sq km and has a population of 7.09 lakh. Its proposed budget for FY 2025–26 is Rs 1,097 crore. The last elected term ended in 2022, and the corporation has 90 seats. Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation governs a population of 8.09 lakh across 79 sq km. It has proposed a budget of Rs 72,694 crore for FY 2025–26. The previous term ended in 2022, and the civic body has 95 seats.
17 December,2025 07:15 PM IST | MumbaiMumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad and anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania on Wednesday demanded the immediate removal of Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate from the state cabinet after a sessions court upheld his conviction in a cheating and forgery case. Gaikwad accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of protecting the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader despite the court confirming his two-year jail sentence in a case dating back to 1995. ‘Arrogance of power’: Gaikwad Gaikwad said Kokate’s continuation as a minister reflected the “arrogance of power” and questioned whether the state government was deliberately turning a blind eye to the court order. She also alleged that the ruling alliance was following double standards while dealing with convictions of opposition leaders and those in power. In a post on social media platform X, Gaikwad asked why swift action is taken against opposition leaders but not against ministers in the government. “Action is taken within 24 hours when opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Sunil Kedar are convicted. Why is a different yardstick being applied in Kokate’s case?” she wrote. Damania questions Manikrao Kokate’s reported admission at hospital Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania on Sunday questioned Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate’s reported admission to a Mumbai hospital. In a post on social media platform X, Damania referred to Kokate as an "economically weak" minister and raised doubts about how he accessed treatment at a premium hospital. She further pointed to details mentioned in Kokate’s election affidavit, stating that it declares assets worth Rs 48.35 crore, and remarked sarcastically on the claim of economic vulnerability. आर्थिक दुर्बल मंत्री माणिकराव कोकाटे हे श्रीमंतांच्या लिलावती रुग्णालयात कसे काय दाखल झाले? बरं ह्या आर्थिक दुर्बल कोकटेंच्या निवडणुकीच्या प्रतिज्ञापत्रात फक्त ४८.३५ कोटीची संपत्ती आहे. किती आर्थिक दुर्बल आणि गरीब आहेत हे. — Mrs Anjali Damania (@anjali_damania) December 17, 2025 Her comments have triggered fresh political reactions online, with opposition voices amplifying questions around public representatives’ declarations of assets and access to elite healthcare facilities. There has been no official response from Kokate at the time of reporting. Minister absent from cabinet meet Kokate was not present at the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, though no official reason was given for his absence. Gaikwad said the rule of law was being compromised for political convenience and reiterated her demand for Kokate’s immediate dismissal from the cabinet. Court upheld conviction In a major setback for Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a court in Nashik on Tuesday upheld the two-year prison sentence awarded to him in a cheating and forgery case dating back to 1995, reported the PTI. The case relates to the alleged submission of fake documents to obtain flats under the state government’s quota. A magistrate’s court had on February 20 convicted Kokate and his brother Vijay Kokate, sentencing both to two years’ imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000 each. On Tuesday, Nashik District and Sessions Court Judge P M Badar upheld the jail term awarded by the magistrate’s court. The judge observed that the flat obtained by Kokate was not as per prescribed norms and that the state government had been deceived in the process, according to the PTI. Earlier, on February 20, a magistrate’s court had convicted Kokate and his brother Vijay for submitting false documents to obtain government quota flats. (with PTI inputs)
17 December,2025 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved the promulgation of an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, making the decision of the election returning officer on nomination papers final in district council and panchayat samiti elections. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The amendment seeks to ensure that elections to zilla parishads and panchayat samitis are conducted within stipulated timelines, as prolonged legal proceedings have been causing delays. Under the existing provision in Section 14(2) of the Act, candidates whose nomination papers were accepted or rejected could file appeals before district courts. However, such appeals often remained pending for varying periods across districts, leading to delays in the election process. The State Election Commission had proposed the removal of this provision to enable timely conduct of elections. Following this, the Cabinet approved the issuance of the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, empowering the state government to frame rules for such elections and declaring the decision of the Returning Officer on nomination papers as final. Cabinet approves panel to curb encroachments at state-protected monuments In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of a state-level committee under the chairmanship of the Cultural Affairs Minister to prevent and remove encroachments at state-protected monuments, on the lines of existing measures for forts. The decision expands the scope of a government resolution issued on January 20, 2025, which dealt with the removal of encroachments on forts, to now include state-protected monuments. The Maharashtra Cabinet has cleared the constitution of a state-level committee to oversee the removal of existing encroachments and prevent future ones at forts and protected monuments across Maharashtra. Apart from the Cultural Affairs Minister as chairperson, the committee will include the Revenue Minister, Rural Development Minister, Tourism Minister, Public Works Minister, Forest Minister, Ports and Development Minister, along with senior officials such as secretaries, principal secretaries or additional chief secretaries of the concerned departments. The cabinet also approved the inclusion of four special invitee members in the state-level committee and four non-official members in district-level committees. These members must be experts in forts and monuments, or individuals and organisations working in the field of heritage conservation and preservation. At the district level, the responsibility of removing encroachments at forts and state-protected monuments will rest with the district collectors, who will carry out the action in coordination with departments owning the land. Expenditure for such activities will be met from the District Planning and Development Fund, the Cabinet decision stated.
17 December,2025 05:25 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
