Rani Mukerji Maharashtra State Film Awards honour marked her 30 years in cinema as she received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. Her Marathi speech, Mumbai memories and tribute to Maharashtra became key highlights.   Rani Mukerji honoured at Maharashtra State Film Awards Rani Mukerji added another memorable achievement to her celebrated career after receiving the Raj Kapoor Special C

Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in an attack near a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13. Police detained the alleged attacker, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into the incident. Hospital Update After Nanded Attack

The French pilot China spy case has gained attention after former French Navy aviator Pierre-Henri Chuet was placed under investigation over alleged espionage links, undisclosed China visits, military pilot training and his earlier Rafale fighter controversy. Pierre-Henri Chuet Investigation The Frenc

France will allow Ukraine to manufacture French-designed missiles and precision-guided bombs under a new bilateral defence roadmap. The agreement also covers radars, next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems and 16 Rafale fighter jets, significantly expanding Paris’ long-term military partnership with Kyiv. France grants Ukraine missile production licences French President Emmanuel Macron announced the roadmap after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a gathering of Ukraine’s allies in Paris on Monday, July 13. Macron said the plan would implement defence commitments agreed in principle between the two countries in November. Under the arrangement, Ukraine will receive licences to produce SCALP long-range cruise missiles, Aster air defence interceptor missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided air-to-ground bombs. It marks the first time France has authorised the production of these weapons inside Ukraine. Local production could help Ukraine rebuild weapons stocks more quickly and reduce its reliance on deliveries from foreign factories. However, the agreement’s impact will depend on financing, industrial capacity, component supplies and the security of Ukrainian manufacturing sites. Rafale jets and SAMP-T systems strengthen air power Macron confirmed that Ukraine had ordered 16 Rafale fighter jets, with the aircraft expected to become operational between 2028 and 2029. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel is expected to begin before the jets enter service. The Rafale acquisition will support Ukraine’s longer-term effort to modernise its air force alongside existing Western aircraft. The delivery schedule means the jets are primarily intended to strengthen Ukraine’s future defence structure rather than provide an immediate battlefield solution. Kyiv has also ordered next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems. France plans to complete deliveries of the current version before supplying the upgraded systems and additional Aster interceptor missiles. France to transfer radars and air defence technology The defence roadmap includes the transfer of radar systems designed to improve Ukraine’s ability to detect incoming aircraft, drones and missiles. These systems will complement the SAMP-T network and other air defence platforms already used by Ukrainian forces. The new arrangement shifts French support beyond direct weapons deliveries toward licensed production, technical cooperation and domestic defence manufacturing. Ukraine could gain greater control over maintenance and replenishment, while French companies deepen their role in rebuilding the country’s military industry. Allies plan exercises near Ukraine Macron also said Ukraine’s allies would begin military exercises in neighbouring countries. The drills are intended to prepare forces that could support a proposed multinational security mission after a ceasefire with Russia takes effect. At the Paris meeting, Ukraine and nine European countries also announced a coalition aimed at developing stronger protection against ballistic missiles. The initiative seeks to combine Ukraine’s battlefield experience with European defence technology and industrial resources. The latest commitments show France moving from short-term military assistance toward a broader strategy involving production licences, aircraft, missile defence and future force development. Their success will depend on whether the roadmap produces weapons and operational capability quickly enough to meet Ukraine’s evolving security needs.

  Maharashtra leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Sharad Pawar have renewed efforts over the Karnataka border dispute, promising faster Supreme Court hearings, senior legal support and financial assistance for Marathi-speaking residents facing cases in border areas. Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar unite over Karnataka border dispute Maharashtra’s government and senior political leaders have renewed their push on the long-running Maha

Controversy Over Exclusion of Deputy CM The inauguration of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Navi Mumbai International Airport has ignited political tensions within the MahaYuti alliance. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the guardian minister of Thane district, was conspicuously absent from the event. Leaders of Shinde Sena, including Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, condemned the exclusi

Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most iconic waterfalls, spans the border of New York, USA, and Ontario, Canada. The landmark features three distinct waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—along the Niagara River. Formed about 12,000 years ago after the last Ice Age, the falls are a powerful symbol of natural force. With a height of 167 feet and an average flow rate of 85,000 cubic feet per second, Niagara Falls showcases immense water power while attracting

Drone Strike Sparks Fire at Barakah Nuclear Plant A drone strike on May 17,2026 ignited a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, officials confirmed, with no injuries reported and no impact on radiation levels. The incident occurred at an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter in the Al Dhafra Region. Precautionary measures were immediately implemented, and authorities assured that a

A brutal incident in Pune has triggered massive protests and political reactions after a minor girl was allegedly raped and murdered, with authorities assuring fast-track justice and strict action. A horrific crime came to light on the night of April 25, 2026, when a three-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered in a village in Pune district. According to Pune Rural Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill, the accused is a 65-year-old man who lived in the same neighbourhood as the victim. He reportedly lured the child before committing the crime. Police acted swiftly after receiving information and arrested the accused within an hour. Preliminary investigations also revealed that the accused had a criminal background, with two similar cases registered against him, including a case under the POCSO Act in 2015. The shocking incident led to widespread outrage among locals. On May 2, 2026 (Saturday), hundreds of people staged protests and blocked the Pune–Bengaluru highway, causing heavy traffic congestion. The protests continued on May 3, 2026 (Sunday), with demonstrators demanding capital punishment for the accused. Shiv Sena women workers also joined the protests, with leader Sarika Pawar stating that the crime was beyond tolerance and that justice must be delivered quickly on a fast-track basis. The victim’s family expressed deep grief and anger, making a strong appeal that no political leaders should visit their home until justice is served. The girl’s father said that the family would only meet anyone after the accused is awarded the death penalty. Several political leaders reacted strongly to the incident. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni described the case as extremely tragic and supported the demand for capital punishment. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar highlighted that the accused had been jailed twice earlier and called for stricter laws like the Shakti Act to prevent such crimes. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the government, alleging lapses in law and order. Amid growing tension, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that the case would be handled on a fast-track basis and that the government would push for the death penalty for the accused. He confirmed that he personally spoke to the victim’s father and gave a written assurance that the case would be expedited. Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising six officers, including two women, to probe the case thoroughly. The accused has been remanded to police custody till May 7, 2026 by a Judicial Magistrate First Class Court in Pune. Security was also deployed at the Vaikunth Dham Crematorium during the victim’s last rites, and Officials stated that all necessary legal provisions are being put in place to ensure the investigation and trial are completed in record time, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the strong demand for justice.

Streaming giant Netflix is set to release RAFA, a highly anticipated documentary series centered on tennis legend Rafael Nadal, with its global premiere scheduled for May 29. The newly revealed posters highlight themes of endurance, physical limits, and emotional resilience, offering a raw glimpse into the

Maharashtra has approved a ₹10,000 crore AI policy to build advanced infrastructure, boost startups, create jobs, and position the state as a leader in ethical artificial intelligence. The Maharashtra government has approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy with a proposed investment of ₹10,000 crore, marking a major push toward building advanced digital infrastructure in the state. The policy, cleared on Wednesday, aims to establish 6 AI Exc

In a significant development, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a series of administrative and infrastructural reforms, including the creation of a new department dedicated to Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The decision, part of the state’s "Viksit Maharashtra" vision, aims to accelerate the integration of emerging technologies and streamline public services. A central part of this initiative is the fo

In a recent development, actor Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya have officially ended their four-year marriage. The Bandra Family Court in Mumbai granted the couple a mutual divorce, marking the formal end of their relationship. The decision comes after Motwani approached the court seeking a separation by mutual consent, with no claims for alimony or streedhan, which is quite unusual in celebrity divorces. Represented by advocate Adnan Shaikh, Motwani revealed during

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has issued a stark warning about the narrowing window for diplomacy between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the urgent need for an agreement to prevent further military escalation. His remarks come as concerns grow over Iran’s enriched nuclear material, which he said remains largely intact despite US strikes on key facilities last year. Speaking in an interview with French broadcaster TF1, Grossi stressed tha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated bilateral ties to a new level by signing more than 20 agreements across defence, artificial intelligence, trade, skilling, health and critical technologies during high-level talks in Mumbai. The agreements were announced during President Macron’s three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19, where he is also attending the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Addressing a joint press conference, Prime Minister Na

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to begin a three-day visit to India on Tuesday, with high-level discussions expected to focus on artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion-dollar agreement involving Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets. The visit underscores the growing India-France relations and reflects both countries’ efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership across defence, technology, and economic sectors. Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte

The Defence Procurement Board has cleared a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter aircraft, marking a major step forward in India’s effort to strengthen its air combat capabilities. The clearance, granted after an initial examination of the case, advances one of the Indian Air Force’s most significant modernisation plans aimed at addressing long-standing operational gaps and preparing for future security challenges. The proposal is intended to narrow the difference b

Hamas has announced that it will hand over the bodies of two more Israeli hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal with Israel. The group’s military wing stated that the bodies will be transferred at 10:00 PM local time after being recovered in the Gaza Strip earlier in the day. This development comes amid rising tensions following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to close the Rafah Crossing indefinitely, citing Hamas’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the

Chandrababu Naidu, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, has officially been declared the richest CM in India with a net worth of ₹931 crore. While political opponents, particularly the YCP, are attempting to paint this as suspicious wealth, the truth lies in his long-standing entrepreneurial journey and business achievements rather than any illegal activity. Heritage Foods, founded by Naidu in 1992 with a modest

A tourist bus carrying 54 passengers, including several Indian nationals, crashed Friday evening on a highway near Pembroke, about 25 miles east of Buffalo, New York. Authorities confirmed that five people were killed while many others sustained injuries, some of whom required immediate air evacuation. The passengers, who were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin, were returning to New York City after a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s mo