The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Pune as the city is witnessing unseasonal heavy rain, lightning, and hailstorms across several parts of the city on Thursday afternoon, causing waterlogging and disrupting daily life. After a sharp rise in temperatures earlier in the day, a sudden weather shift brought intense showers to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad around 2:30 pm, catching commuters and pedestrians off guard during peak hours. Many were seen scrambling for shelter as the downpour intensified. Areas including Sinhagad Road, Dhankawadi, Katraj, Hadapsar, Lohegaon, Baner, Bibwewadi, and Kharadi reported rainfall accompanied by hailstones, leading to chaos and traffic disruptions. Several localities also experienced waterlogging due to the heavy showers. As per reports, the weather pattern has become increasingly erratic, with hot afternoons followed by sudden evening rains, giving a monsoon-like feel in early April. IMD issues orange alert for Pune According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune is likely to see a slight rise in maximum and minimum temperatures over the next two days. However, skies are expected to remain partly to overcast, with chances of light rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms in the evening. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the city. The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms across several parts of Maharashtra, excluding Mumbai, on Thursday and Friday. An orange alert has been issued for districts including Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Beed, Jalna, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday. Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for the entire Vidarbha region, western Maharashtra, and parts of Konkan, excluding Palghar, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur. For Friday, an orange alert has been sounded for Parbhani and Hingoli, while Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, Beed, and Jalna remain on alert. Weather in Mumbai Meanwhile, Mumbai on Thursday morning woke up to clear skies with the IMD predicting temperatures likely to touch 32 degrees Celsius on April 2. The weather was expected to remain largely pleasant across Mumbai on Thursday with the minimum temperature likely to settle at approximately 26 degrees Celsius, the IMD said in its morning weather bulletin. AQI in Mumbai Mumbai’s air quality has gradually improved over the week. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Thursday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 09:05 am and stood at 60. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 91 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 76 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 56 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 55 (Satisfactory) Deonar: 99 (Satisfactory) Colaba: 63 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 74 on Thursday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 57 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 68 was also in 'Satisfactory' category.
02 April,2026 04:32 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on judicial officers in Malda, alleging a larger political conspiracy aimed at destabilising the state ahead of Assembly elections, reported news agency PTI. Addressing public rallies in Sagardighi and Suti, Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to incite unrest and create conditions for the imposition of President’s Rule in West Bengal, reported PTI. CM Alleges Larger Political Conspiracy Banerjee claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was orchestrating a “blueprint” to fuel instability in the state. She urged people not to fall into what she described as a deliberate attempt to provoke communal tension and violence, reported PTI. According to her, the unrest linked to the Malda incident was being used to tarnish the image of West Bengal and justify extraordinary political intervention. Condemns Attack on Judicial Officers The Chief Minister condemned the gherao of judicial officers during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stressing that while citizens have the right to protest, any form of aggression against judicial authorities is unacceptable, reported PTI. She reiterated that maintaining law and order and respecting institutions must remain a priority, even during periods of political tension. Criticism of Election Commission’s Role Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission of India, accusing it of failing to ensure the safety of judicial officers despite being in control of the administrative machinery during the election period, reported PTI. She claimed that key administrative powers had been taken away from the state government following the announcement of elections, making the Election Commission responsible for maintaining security. Supreme Court Orders Independent Probe The controversy escalated after the Supreme Court of India took serious note of the Malda incident, describing it as a failure of the state administration. The court directed that an independent probe be conducted by central agencies and instructed authorities to ensure adequate deployment of forces at sensitive locations. The court also emphasised the need to protect officials involved in the electoral revision process. Claims of Voter Deletion Raise Political Tensions Banerjee alleged that large-scale deletion of voter names was taking place across the state, affecting minorities, economically weaker sections and other vulnerable groups. She claimed that even in her Bhabanipur constituency, thousands of names had been removed from electoral rolls, reported PTI. The voter revision exercise has emerged as a major political flashpoint ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with the ruling party accusing opponents of attempting to influence electoral outcomes. Appeal for Calm Amid Rising Political Heat Despite her sharp criticism, Banerjee repeatedly appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid reacting to provocations. She emphasised that political battles should be fought democratically through elections rather than through violence or unrest, reported PTI. The developments have intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with both the ruling party and the opposition trading allegations as the state moves closer to a crucial electoral contest. (With inputs from PTI)
02 April,2026 04:23 PM IST | Suti/Sagardighi | mid-day online correspondentThe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has appointed Ashok Kumar Mittal as its new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha in a significant organisational reshuffle. The move signals a shift in the party’s parliamentary strategy, particularly with a stronger focus on its Punjab leadership, reported news agency IANS. Party communicates change to Rajya Sabha secretariat Sources confirmed that the party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has formally written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to implement the leadership change in the Upper House. The communication seeks recognition of Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader, effectively ending Raghav Chadha’s tenure in the role, reported IANS. Additionally, the party has reportedly requested the Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to the outgoing deputy leader, indicating a clear and immediate transition. Sanjay Singh continues as leader in Upper House Sanjay Singh will continue as the party’s leader in the Rajya Sabha and also serves as the chairperson of its parliamentary party. The leadership restructuring appears aimed at recalibrating responsibilities within the party’s Upper House representation, reported IANS. Punjab representation gains prominence The decision to elevate Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, underscores the growing importance of the state within AAP’s national political framework. Punjab remains the only state where the party currently holds power, and its representation in the Rajya Sabha is substantial, reported IANS. Out of AAP’s 10 members in the Upper House, seven are from Punjab, including Raghav Chadha, Rajinder Gupta, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Sandeep Kumar Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh and Sant Balbir Singh. The remaining MPs from Delhi are Swati Maliwal, Narain Dass Gupta and Sanjay Singh. Signs of internal strain surface Raghav Chadha’s removal comes amid reports of strained relations between the MP and the party leadership. While neither side has publicly acknowledged any discord, political circles have been abuzz with speculation regarding internal differences. Despite the change, Chadha has remained active in raising public interest issues in Parliament over the past several months. However, the leadership reshuffle suggests a possible recalibration of roles within the party. Speculation over political realignment The development has also fuelled speculation about potential shifts in political alignments ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in Punjab. Observers believe the leadership change could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate the party’s base in the state. Previous internal discord adds context The reshuffle follows earlier tensions within the party involving Swati Maliwal, who had publicly expressed dissatisfaction after a dispute with the leadership. Despite the episode, she continues to serve as a Rajya Sabha MP. Strategic reset ahead of key political battles With this move, AAP appears to be undertaking a strategic reset within its parliamentary ranks. By promoting a Punjab-based leader to a key position in the Rajya Sabha, the party is signalling its intent to strengthen its political footing in the state while streamlining leadership dynamics at the national level. (With inputs from IANS)
02 April,2026 03:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday strongly criticised the Central government over the proposed legislation concerning Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), calling it “discriminatory” and vowing to repeal it if his party returns to power. Congress Slams Bill as ‘Institutional Injustice’ Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government is attempting to institutionalise discrimination against CAPF personnel through the proposed law. He stated that the bill undermines the morale and career progression of personnel serving in forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police. According to him, the legislation perpetuates long-standing concerns about inequity in leadership opportunities within paramilitary forces. Claims of Denied Opportunity to Speak in Parliament The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha also claimed that he was denied the opportunity to speak on the bill in Parliament. He said he had requested adjustments to the schedule as he was on a pre-planned visit to Assam, but the government did not accommodate the request. He alleged that the timing of the bill’s introduction was deliberate and intended to prevent a full debate on the issue. Leadership Structure of CAPFs Under Scrutiny Gandhi highlighted concerns regarding the leadership structure within CAPFs, stating that top positions are largely occupied by officers from the Indian Police Service through deputation. He argued that this limits career advancement for personnel who have risen through the ranks within the forces. Referring to his interaction with an injured officer, he said many personnel feel that their service and sacrifices are not adequately recognised in terms of promotions and leadership roles. Congress Promises Policy Reversal Reiterating his party’s stance, Gandhi assured CAPF personnel that Congress would repeal the legislation if it comes to power. He emphasised that those serving on the frontlines of national security should have equal opportunities to lead their respective forces. He added that morale among security personnel is directly linked to national security, and policies perceived as unfair could have wider implications. Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha Amid Opposition Protest The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was recently passed in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote amid a walkout by Opposition members. The bill is now listed for consideration in the Lok Sabha. Debate Over Deputation and Supreme Court Context The proposed legislation outlines provisions for appointing Indian Police Service officers to senior positions in CAPFs through deputation. This comes despite earlier judicial observations suggesting a gradual reduction in such deputations and a review of cadre structures. The issue continues to generate political debate, with Opposition parties raising concerns over fairness, representation and institutional balance within India’s security forces.
02 April,2026 03:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA police officer in Maharashtra’s Akola district has been arrested following serious allegations of misconduct involving a woman in custody, triggering public outrage and swift departmental action, reported news agency IANS. Allegations Surface from Within Police Custody The incident took place at the Civil Lines police station in Akola, where a woman was lodged after being arrested by cyber police in connection with an alleged fraud case involving Rs 80 lakh. She had been produced before a court and remanded to four days of police custody, reported IANS. During this period, the woman alleged that an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) demanded sexual favours from her while she was under detention. The accusation has raised serious concerns about the safety and rights of individuals in police custody, reported IANS. Complaint Escalated by Woman Officer According to officials, the woman reported the incident to a female police officer at the station. The matter was promptly escalated to senior authorities. Upon receiving the complaint, a senior officer visited the police station and took immediate cognisance of the situation, reprimanding the accused ASI, reported IANS. The woman subsequently filed a formal complaint, leading to the registration of a case against the officer at the same police station. Swift Action: Suspension and Arrest Following the complaint, the police department moved quickly to suspend the accused officer pending investigation. A search operation was launched, and the ASI was later apprehended by the local crime branch the same night, reported IANS. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken in accordance with the law, and that the investigation will be conducted impartially. Incident Triggers Public Outrage The seriousness of the allegations has sparked concern among citizens and drawn attention to issues of accountability within law enforcement agencies. The case has also reignited discussions on the need for stronger safeguards for individuals, especially women, in police custody. Senior officials have reiterated that any form of misconduct by police personnel will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly. Similar Case Reported Earlier in Uttar Pradesh In a separate incident reported on March 21 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a police constable was suspended and booked for allegedly making inappropriate demands to a 25-year-old rape survivor, reported IANS. The accused, identified as Imran Khan, was posted at the Quarsi police station and allegedly asked the survivor to meet him in a hotel room and engage in sexual relations in exchange for action on her complaint. The survivor recorded phone conversations as evidence and approached senior officials, reported IANS. Following her complaint, Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun ordered the constable’s suspension and directed that a case be registered against him. Call for Stronger Oversight Both incidents have underscored the urgent need for stricter monitoring mechanisms and accountability within police systems to prevent abuse of power and ensure justice for victims. Authorities have indicated that internal reviews and corrective measures may be strengthened in light of such cases. (With inputs from IANS)
02 April,2026 01:40 PM IST | Akola | mid-day online correspondentThe Central government has announced a temporary exemption on customs duty for select petrochemical products in a bid to stabilise domestic supply and shield industries from rising global disruptions triggered by the ongoing crisis in West Asia. The relief measure, which will remain in effect until June 30, is aimed at easing cost pressures across multiple sectors dependent on petrochemical inputs, reported news agency PTI. Duty Exemption to Support Supply Stability In an official statement, the Ministry of Finance said the decision was taken in response to disruptions in global supply chains caused by escalating tensions in West Asia. The exemption is intended to ensure uninterrupted availability of critical petrochemical feedstock required for industrial production, reported PTI. The government described the move as a “temporary and targeted relief” designed to maintain supply stability, reduce input costs for downstream industries and prevent inflationary pressure on finished goods. Wide Range of Industries to Benefit The exemption is expected to provide significant relief to industries that rely heavily on petrochemical intermediates. Key sectors set to benefit include plastics, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive components and other manufacturing segments, reported PTI. By lowering the cost of raw materials, the government aims to support industrial output and minimise the cascading impact of global price volatility on domestic markets. List of Petrochemical Products Covered The customs duty waiver applies to several critical petrochemical products, including Methanol, Anhydrous ammonia, Toluene, Styrene, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Vinyl chloride monomer, Polybutadiene, Styrene-butadiene and Unsaturated polyester resins, reported PTI. These inputs are widely used across industrial applications, making their availability crucial for maintaining production cycles and preventing supply bottlenecks. Global Crisis Triggers Supply Concerns The move comes amid growing concerns over disruptions in shipping routes and supply chains due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India, being a major importer of fertilisers and petroleum products, is particularly vulnerable to such disruptions, reported PTI. Global crude oil prices have surged sharply following military escalations involving the United States and Israel against Iran, with retaliatory actions further intensifying the crisis. Prices have reportedly risen by nearly 50 per cent since late February, adding pressure on energy-importing economies like India. Earlier Measures to Cushion Impact The government has already taken steps to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on consumers. Last week, it reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre. Additionally, export duties were imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to manage domestic availability, reported PTI. Currently, excise duty on petrol stands at Rs 3 per litre, while diesel has been brought down to zero, reflecting the government’s effort to balance fiscal considerations with consumer relief. Focus on Containing Inflation and Ensuring Availability Officials said the latest customs duty exemption is part of a broader strategy to manage inflationary risks and ensure that industries continue to function without disruption. By maintaining a steady supply of essential petrochemical inputs, the government aims to protect both manufacturers and consumers from the ripple effects of global geopolitical tensions, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 April,2026 01:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday highlighted concerns with the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), stressing the need for better support for armed forces personnel, reported the PTI. He said that during a recent interaction with injured veterans at a ‘Jansansad’, several issues related to healthcare access were brought to his attention. "They highlighted serious deficiencies within the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), such as delays in reimbursement, shortages of medicines, hospitals refusing treatment, or being dropped from the scheme due to the non-payment of outstanding dues," Gandhi said in a Facebook post in Hindi. Key issues in ECHS Gandhi noted that over 72 lakh ex-servicemen and their families rely on ECHS for medical care. Despite its importance, he said the scheme continues to face multiple operational problems. These include delayed reimbursements, shortage of essential medicines, and instances where hospitals either deny treatment or are removed from the panel due to pending dues, according to the PTI. He also criticised the government’s response in Parliament, stating that it failed to provide clear data on outstanding payments or reasons for delays. “The government possesses no information regarding the outstanding dues,” he said, reported PTI. Funding and tax concerns Referring to a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Gandhi claimed that the scheme is not receiving adequate funding. He questioned why sufficient budgetary allocations have not been made for veterans’ healthcare. He also raised concerns about provisions in the Finance Bill, saying that disability pensions could be taxed in certain cases if a soldier continues in service. According to him, such measures risk “penalising those soldiers who continue to serve the nation.” Gandhi stressed that the government must do more for ex-servicemen. "Our brave armed forces sacrifice everything for the country. The government should, at the very least, accord them the respect and support they truly deserve," he said in Lok Sabha. Government’s response In response, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said the ECHS offers cashless and capless healthcare through a wide network of polyclinics and empanelled hospitals, which has expanded in recent years. Addressing the issue of delays, Seth explained that the processing of medical bills is a “dynamic and time taking process”. Bills generated towards the end of a financial year are often cleared in the next, leading to cyclical carry-forward liabilities. He added that growing expenditure and occasional fund flow constraints can affect payment timelines, but efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted services as per PTI. On disability pensions, the minister clarified that income tax is not being deducted in compliance with a Supreme Court order. He further explained that exemptions for disability pensions have been retained under the new Income Tax framework to continue earlier benefits. (With PTI Inputs)
02 April,2026 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDefence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that there is "no dearth of fuel or gas in the country" and India was ready to deal with any energy crisis resulting out of the West Asia conflict, reported news agency PTI. Navy escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz Singh, speaking at a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, said that Indian Navy ships were safely escorting the country's tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The elections to the Kerala Assembly, which has 140 seats, will be held on April 9. The defence minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using his diplomatic skills to protect Indian interests in the Gulf region, reported PTI. "We are closely monitoring the state of affairs in West Asia and are prepared to deal with any situation," he said, reported PTI. Urges voters to back BJP in Kerala Assembly polls Singh, during his speech, urged everyone to choose the BJP in the assembly polls as it was the correct political party to bring changes to the state, as it came with "Modiyude guarantees" (Modi's guarantees), reported PTI. "His leadership is like 24-carat gold -- it is tried and tested," he contended. Highlights India’s progress in shipbuilding sector Addressing the Veer Sainik Samman in Thiruvananthapuram, a tribute dedicated to brave ex-servicemen, the Defence Minister declared that India is making significant strides in the global shipbuilding sector, reported PTI. He highlighted that while the country is adopting modern shipbuilding methods, it is simultaneously utilising ancient Indian maritime techniques. Emphasising this progress, he noted that the completion of an indigenously built aircraft carrier in Cochin places India among a select group of nations with such advanced capabilities, reported PTI. "Ships from India, sailing via Kerala, once conducted trade spanning from the Roman Empire all the way to Cambodia and Indonesia.This exchange was not merely commercial; it was also a cultural exchange. Kerala has historically served as a major global hub for trade...While India is adopting modern shipbuilding methods, it is also simultaneously utilizing the techniques employed in the construction of ancient Indian vessels..India is making significant strides in the global shipbuilding sector...An indigenously built aircraft carrier has been completed in Cochin. Only a select few nations in the world possess such a capability...By 2047, we aspire to transform the Indian Navy into the most formidable naval force in the world," said Singh, reported PTI. Defence exports rise, India shifts from importer to exporter In addition to the progress in shipbuilding, the Defence Minister noted a significant shift in India's defence strategy, stating that while the country previously relied on imports to meet its weaponry needs, it has now become a prominent exporter. He emphasised that defence exports have witnessed a steady increase compared to last year, with the total now standing at Rs 38,500 crore. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
02 April,2026 01:06 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underlined the mantra "Nagrik Devo Bhav" and highlighted the importance of citizen-centric public service, while inaugurating Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026. Addressing the inaugural session through video conferencing, PM Modi said, "It is essential to update public services as the country advances in this changing world. Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah is an important link in this attempt. The main mantra of the principle of governance we are working on is 'Nagrik Devo Bhav'." He congratulated people for their participation in the event, stating, "Many congratulations and best wishes to all of you of Karmayogi Sadhana Week. In this era of the 21st century, rapidly changing systems, a rapidly changing world, and our India advancing at the same pace between them. For this, it is necessary to continuously update public service in accordance with the times." The Prime Minister noted that Karmayogi Sadhana Week serves as a critical initiative for enhancing the capability of every government employee. "Karmayogi Sadhana Week is an important link in that very endeavour. You are all familiar with the fact that the principle of governance we are advancing today is fundamentally guided by the mantra 'Citizen is God'. With the spirit embodied in this mantra, the focus today is on making public service more capable and more sensitive towards citizens," he said. The PM also urged officials to focus on strengthening their own capacities rather than limiting others, adding, "Another major principle of success is to enlarge your own line rather than shortening others'. In our country, since independence, many kinds of institutions have been working with different focuses. But there was a need for an institution whose focus is capacity building, which enhances the capability of every employee, every karma yogi working in the government." In a first-of-its-kind national initiative, the Capacity Building Commission launched Sadhana Saptah, 2026, from April 2-8, marking one of the largest collaborative capacity building efforts across India's civil services ecosystem. The initiative coincides with two important milestones: the Foundation Day of the Capacity Building Commission and the completion of five years of Mission Karmayogi, an official release from Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions read. Sadhana Saptah stands for Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement. The initiative will bring together Central Ministries, Departments and Organisations (MDOs), States and Union Territories, and over 250 Civil Services Training Institutions (CSTIs) in a shared national capacity building effort. Civil servants across the country will participate in structured capacity-building programmes designed to build competencies required for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. For the first time, capacity building activities across ministries, states, and training institutions are being aligned within a common thematic framework. While earlier efforts focused primarily on individual ministries or departments, Sadhana Saptah expands participation across the broader civil services ecosystem, creating a shared learning movement at a national scale, a release read. From North to South, civil servants across levels, from early career officers to senior leadership, will engage with common themes that support responsive, citizen-centric governance. The week is anchored around the Three Sutras: Technology, Tradition and Tangible Outcomes. Learning activities include webinars, workshops, Samuhik Charcha sessions, and curated courses on the iGOT Karmayogi platform, available in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, a release added.
02 April,2026 12:35 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIA recent statement by Jain monk Acharya Nayan Padmasagar has sparked widespread debate and criticism in Maharashtra. Speaking at a Jain community event in Mumbai, the monk claimed that Maharani Tararani, the legendary Maratha queen who fought against Aurangzeb, belonged to the Jain community. Historians, political leaders, and civil society have described the remarks as a distortion of history. What exactly did Acharya Nay Padmasagar say? During the event, the monk made the following claimed that that Tararani, the wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, was born “to destroy Aurangzeb” and described her as a Jain queen. In his exact statement, "When Muhammad Ghori invaded the country, a Jain queen of Mewar drew her sword. After that, for many years, no one dared to raise an eye on our country. Taking up the sword to protect traditions and culture is called religion. Vikramaditya helped free the entire India. Aurangzeb captured and mistreated Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. At that time, another Jain queen was born, and she was Tararani." He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India became truly independent under his leadership and highlighting Modi’s work on the Ram temple as a gift to Hindus. Historical facts about Maharani Tararani However, historical records present a different narrative about Maharani Tararani. She was the daughter of Humbirrao Mohite, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha empire, and belonged to the Mohite clan. Tararani married Chhatrapati Rajaram I in 1682 at the age of eight, becoming the daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After the deaths of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rajaram Maharaj, Tararani led the Marathas in their fight against Aurangzeb for nearly 25 years.Trained from a young age in archery, sword fighting and diplomacy, she had witnessed numerous battles with the Mughals and later established the Kolhapur throne. Her contributions are widely recognized as a symbol of Maratha leadership and resistance. Reactions from the public and community The statement by Acharya Nay Padmasagar has drawn strong reactions from civil society and community leaders. Subhash Talekar, president of the Mumbai Dabewala Association, expressed protest while respecting the monk, stating that monks should preach and give good teachings but should not attempt to alter Maratha history. He emphasised that the Maratha community had fought for Hindavi Swarajya with courage and that historically there is no connection between the Marathas and the Jain community regarding Tararani. Talekar urged Acharya Nay Padmasagar to withdraw his statement and express regret. While, Sanjay Raut, member of the Rajya Sabha and Shiv Sena (UBT) also took to X asking why the ruling leaders who parade themselves as Marathas remain silent about the controversial statement. काय सुरू आहे महाराष्ट्रात?शिवरायांचे राज्य इतके नपुसंक का झाले आहे?एक जैन मुनी उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे यांच्या समोर सांगतात की महाराणी ताराराणी जैन धर्मीय होत्या!औरंगजेबाशी झुंज देणाऱ्या वीरांगना ताराराणींचे धर्मांतर करण्याचा अधिकार याना दिला कोणी?ताराराणी शिवरायांचे… pic.twitter.com/UaNX3BzKus — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) April 1, 2026 Why the controversy matters Maharani Tararani is one of the most important figures in Maratha history, celebrated for her leadership, courage, and resistance against the Mughals. Claims about her belonging to a different community are seen as a distortion of history. Misrepresenting such historical figures can inflame community sentiments and create unnecessary social debate.
02 April,2026 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that India's annual defence exports touched an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking an over 62 per cent growth over the previous fiscal. As reported by news agency PTI, the "big jump" in the defence exports reflected the growing "global trust" in India's indigenous defence capabilities. Union Defence Minister Singh further, while taking it to social media, also added that the country is "scripting an impressive defence exports success story". Singh said, "India's defence exports have touched a new all-time high with a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. It marks a robust 62.66 per cent growth over the previous fiscal," as cited by PTI. "This big jump of Rs 14,802 crore in defence exports reflects the growing global trust in India's indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength," the defence minister further added. With DPSUs (defence public sector undertakings) contributing 54.84 per cent and private industry 45.16 per cent, this milestone showcases the power of a collaborative and self-reliant defence ecosystem, he said. India's defence exports in 2024-25 were Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25. It was Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24. Rajnath Singh reviews India’s defence preparedness Earlier, on March 24, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also chaired a high-level meeting to review India’s security environment and defence preparedness in light of rapidly evolving global and regional developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia, reported news agency ANI. The crucial meeting was attended by senior defence and military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi, and Chief of Naval Staff Dinesh K Tripathi. Also present was Defence Research and Development Organisation Chairman Samir Kamat, along with other senior officials from the defence establishment. The discussions focused on assessing India’s readiness across all three armed forces and reviewing strategic contingencies in view of the current geopolitical tensions. Iran attacks Kuwait: tanker off Qatar In a different scenario, Iran on Wednesday hit an oil tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait’s airport while airstrikes battered Tehran. US President Donald Trump has said he could walk away from the war once he felt confident Iran would not be able to build a nuclear weapon, even if Tehran does not agree to a ceasefire.
02 April,2026 11:11 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1775115694374_d.png "Rahul Gandhi flags gaps in ex-servicemen healthcare scheme. File Pic")
-1775113344399_d.png "PM Modi virtually addresses the 'Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah. PIC/PTI")
-1775026748383_d.png "Maharani Tararani. Representational pic")
