News / Author / Dheeraj Bengrut

Dheeraj Bengrut

Articles by Dheeraj Bengrut

Cash on wheels: ATM facility planned on Deccan Queen Express

Central Railway to install an ATM on Deccan Queen Express after successful trial on Panchavati Express, enhancing passenger convenience.

On the Panchavati Express, the ATM has been installed inside an air-conditioned coach, repurposing an area previously used as a temporary pantry. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 21, 2025 06:46 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Security concerns raised over CCTV facility on SPPU campus

According to the varsity officials, ₹2 crore has been spent to cover the campus under CCTV surveillance

Meanwhile, senate member BB Sangade had recently advised the administration to repair non-functional CCTVs at the campus on priority. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 21, 2025 06:36 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

123 new PMPML buses withdrawn from service

As per the information given by the transport body, it had started phasing out old buses and procuring new, modern buses

As part of this initiative, 123 CNG buses with advanced technology and passenger-friendly features were acquired. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 19, 2025 06:26 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Redevelopment of Kedgaon, Lonand & Phaltan railway stations 100% complete

As per the information shared by the railways, Indian Railways has included a total 132 railway stations under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station’ scheme

The upgraded facilities include high-quality air-conditioned waiting rooms, clean restrooms, escalators for senior citizens, elevators, adequate lighting, modern reservation offices, station control rooms. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 19, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Karmalkar to lead panel to propose amendments to Universities Act

राज्य सरकारने महाराष्ट्र सार्वजनिक विद्यापीठ अधिनियम, 2016 मध्ये सुधारणा साठी नितीन कर्माळकर यांच्या नेतृत्वाखाली 9 सदस्यीय समितीची नियुक्ती केली.

Pune

Published on Apr 19, 2025 06:12 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Bike taxi policy framework to be ready in 15 days

According to state transport officials, the policy will formalise regulations for aggregator companies, fare structures, operational norms, and safety guidelines for passengers and riders

The final draft is expected to be ready within the next 15 days, clearing the way for the service to begin in select cities, officials said. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 18, 2025 06:12 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Making Hindi compulsory neither political nor meant to undermine Marathi: Rahul Rekhawar

As per a new decision announced through an ordinance issued by the school education department, students from class 1 onwards will now be required to study Hindi

According to the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024, Hindi will be a compulsory third language for classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi- and English- medium schools. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 18, 2025 06:08 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

After Chandrapur, another recruitment scam surfaces in Kolhapur

After recruitment scam involving 580 teaching and non-teaching staff being unearthed in Chandrapur, a similar con has surfaced in Kolhapur

Pune

Published on Apr 17, 2025 09:36 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut, Pune

13k reckless drivers on highways penalised

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, RTO can penalise drivers for violations like speeding, not wearing helmets or seat belts, insurance, jumping signals

Pune

Published on Apr 17, 2025 06:54 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Staff contribute to build Karve’s statue

The museum will house exhibits chronicling his life, personal belongings, and a curated collection of books written by or about Dhondo Keshav Karve

A key highlight of the event will be the official inauguration of the historic Karve Kutir — a 109-year-old structure within the campus. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 16, 2025 08:20 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Purandar farmers demand clarity on land acquisition for airport, boycott meetings called by district admin

Officials including Dr Kalyan Pandhare, district land acquisition coordinator; Varsha Landge, sub-divisional officer; and others were present at these meetings

Farmers from the villages of Khanwadi, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi and Pargaon boycotted the meetings organised by the district administration. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 16, 2025 05:50 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Black kites nesting on rooftops trigger panic among Bhavani Peth residents

So much so that some families have stopped accessing the rooftops of their buildings altogether, for fear of a sudden aerial onslaught

According to wildlife experts, this kind of aggressive behaviour is typical of black kites during nesting season as they are fiercely protective of their eggs. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 15, 2025 06:26 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Now an inspection of all schools under local self-governing bodies across Maha

Furthermore, Gosavi, has directed the formation of a state-level committee to oversee the review process

The committee is chaired by justice Anuja Prabhudessai, retired judge of the Bombay High Court; and will provide regular guidance and recommendations based on the inspections and evaluations. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 15, 2025 06:16 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Proposal for GIPE Nagpur campus to be dropped: SIS

P K Dwivedi, committee member and former president of SIS, confirmed the decision stating that the entire issue revolves around land in Nagpur which was being acquired for the GIPE campus

SIS president Damodar Sahoo (R) and trustee PK Dwivedi visited GIPE and paid respects to the bust of Gopal Krishna Gokhale. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 15, 2025 05:46 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Over 2 crore drop in ridership hits PMPML hard

There has been a steady drop in daily commuters which has severely impacted the public transport body’s finances

Pune

Published on Apr 14, 2025 05:08 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Comprehensive traffic management plan for Pune-Solapur highway

According to the authorities, the plan will focus primarily on reducing traffic congestion which is often caused by densely populated villages, busy marketplaces, roadside eateries, and roundabouts that line the highway

Traffic congestion is most prominent in villages and junctions between Loni Kalbhor and Mohol. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 12, 2025 05:54 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Pune’s Gokhale Institute controversy: Milind Deshmukh removed from SIS secretary post

The Servants of India Society removed secretary Milind Deshmukh amid allegations of fund misuse, appointing president Damodar Sahoo as incharge until June 2025.

There are many issues going on between Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) and the SIS. In the light of repeated media coverage and narratives, the Council took the decision today. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on Apr 11, 2025 10:48 PM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Pune’s Gokhale Institute accuses SIS president of fund misuse, calls for probe into financial dealings

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Thursday, GIPE’s communication officer Parag Waghmare accused SIS president Damodar Sahoo of misusing government funds for a personal legal battle

he GIPE, a deemed university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, operates independently with SIS being its parent body. The institute has warned that any attempt to misuse its resources constitutes a violation of UGC norms and institutional autonomy. (HT FILE)

Pune

Published on Apr 11, 2025 06:32 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Action against 66K motorists in Pune for traffic violations in FY 2024-25

The violations include offences such as signal jumping, over-speeding, and failure to wear seat belts, among others

The RTO inspectors of the special squads have been patrolling high-risk zones and areas with a high incidence of traffic violations, using modern surveillance tools and techniques. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 10, 2025 10:36 PM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Soon, south-bound trains to depart from Pune’s Khadki railway station

After the railway board allocated funds of ₹35 crore the work gained momentum. The height of platform number 3 is currently being increased

Pune

Updated on Apr 10, 2025 10:34 PM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Pune’s Gokhale Institute controversy: SIS sectary Milind Deshmukh’s police custody extended till April 11

While demanding that Deshmukh’s police custody be extended, assistant public prosecutor (APP) Amar Nanaware submitted to the court: It is necessary to conduct a joint investigation with the accused and the concerned individuals regarding how the accused diverted funds from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics to the SIS in violation of UGC rules

Pune

Published on Apr 10, 2025 09:30 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Action to be taken against 21 YouTube channels after paper leak

State Education Department to ban 21 YouTube channels for leaking Class 9 PAT question paper; legal action initiated against them.

On April 8, during the PAT for the first language for class and 9, it was found that some YouTube channels had already leaked the question paper along with answer sheets. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 09, 2025 07:56 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

PAT no. 2 question paper leaked online ahead of exam, SCERT lodges FIR

PUNE: Grade 9 Marathi PAT question paper leaked online; SCERT files FIR against YouTube channels. Concerns rise over exam integrity and past breaches.

The question paper leak was traced to a video uploaded by a YouTube channel named ‘Tutor ADM’ providing step-by-step guidance on answering the grade 9 Marathi PAT paper. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 08, 2025 05:44 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Pune Motor Vehicle Court introduces e-filing system for traffic rule violation cases

This makes the Pune Motor Vehicle Court the first in the country to implement such a facility. From March 17 to April 7, a total of 3,560 cases have been filed through the e-filing system

Pune

Published on Apr 08, 2025 05:28 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

SIS committee to meet in Pune today after secretary’s arrest; police seize documents to trace money trail

SIS president Damodar Sahoo, who arrived in the city on Monday, said the committee will conduct an internal review of recent developments, particularly financial discrepancies

GIPE was set up by SIS in 1930 with the latter being considered parent body. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 08, 2025 05:26 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Increase in licences issued by Pune RTO in FY 2024-25

For the four-wheeler permanent licence test, applicants have to visit the IDTR test track at Bhosari Phata Chowk

The IDTR track comes under the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) and began operating since March 2015. (Hindustan Times)

Pune

Published on Apr 07, 2025 06:14 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Efforts underway to improve PMPML services: PMPML CMD Deepa Munde

The event saw active participation from commuters, who raised issues and suggestions regarding PMPML services

Munde assured that over 300 ageing buses will be phased out by the end of June, and 600 new buses will be added to the fleet. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 07, 2025 06:08 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

SIS withdraws Sanjeev Sanyal’s removal as GIPE Chancellor after public rebuttal

The Servants of India Society (SIS), the parent body of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), on Saturday, revoked its order removing Sanjeev Sanyal as Chancellor and urged him to continue in the role

Sahoo further said that he had consulted with fellow trustees, who were unanimous in their view that the earlier removal letter ought to be withdrawn with immediate effect. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 06, 2025 06:58 AM IST

ByNadeem Inamdar, Dheeraj Bengrut

Removal of Sanyal arbitrary and unjust: GIPE VC Prof Shankar Das

In its letter after the removal of Sanyal, the Servants of India Society (SIS) president Damodar Sahoo blamed Sanyal and cited the institute’s decline

GIPE VC (interim) Professor Shankar Das (in pic) spoke with HT and gave his thoughts on the developments. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 05, 2025 06:44 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Gokhale Institute’s fall from grace: NAAC exposes deeper crisis

This steep decline in accreditation—after having secured an ‘A+’ with 97.4 out of 100 in 2004 and ‘A’ with a CGPA of 3.07 out of 4 in 2016—has not occurred in isolation

It is the result of a series of governance failures, leadership turmoil, and administrative missteps that have plagued GIPE over the past few years. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 05, 2025 06:42 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Dheeraj Bengrut

Central Railway to install an ATM on Deccan Queen Express after successful trial on Panchavati Express, enhancing passenger convenience.

According to the varsity officials, ₹2 crore has been spent to cover the campus under CCTV surveillance

As per the information given by the transport body, it had started phasing out old buses and procuring new, modern buses

As per the information shared by the railways, Indian Railways has included a total 132 railway stations under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station’ scheme

According to state transport officials, the policy will formalise regulations for aggregator companies, fare structures, operational norms, and safety guidelines for passengers and riders

As per a new decision announced through an ordinance issued by the school education department, students from class 1 onwards will now be required to study Hindi

After recruitment scam involving 580 teaching and non-teaching staff being unearthed in Chandrapur, a similar con has surfaced in Kolhapur

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, RTO can penalise drivers for violations like speeding, not wearing helmets or seat belts, insurance, jumping signals

The museum will house exhibits chronicling his life, personal belongings, and a curated collection of books written by or about Dhondo Keshav Karve

Officials including Dr Kalyan Pandhare, district land acquisition coordinator; Varsha Landge, sub-divisional officer; and others were present at these meetings

So much so that some families have stopped accessing the rooftops of their buildings altogether, for fear of a sudden aerial onslaught

Furthermore, Gosavi, has directed the formation of a state-level committee to oversee the review process

P K Dwivedi, committee member and former president of SIS, confirmed the decision stating that the entire issue revolves around land in Nagpur which was being acquired for the GIPE campus

There has been a steady drop in daily commuters which has severely impacted the public transport body’s finances

According to the authorities, the plan will focus primarily on reducing traffic congestion which is often caused by densely populated villages, busy marketplaces, roadside eateries, and roundabouts that line the highway

The Servants of India Society removed secretary Milind Deshmukh amid allegations of fund misuse, appointing president Damodar Sahoo as incharge until June 2025.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Thursday, GIPE’s communication officer Parag Waghmare accused SIS president Damodar Sahoo of misusing government funds for a personal legal battle

The violations include offences such as signal jumping, over-speeding, and failure to wear seat belts, among others

After the railway board allocated funds of ₹35 crore the work gained momentum. The height of platform number 3 is currently being increased

State Education Department to ban 21 YouTube channels for leaking Class 9 PAT question paper; legal action initiated against them.

PUNE: Grade 9 Marathi PAT question paper leaked online; SCERT files FIR against YouTube channels. Concerns rise over exam integrity and past breaches.

This makes the Pune Motor Vehicle Court the first in the country to implement such a facility. From March 17 to April 7, a total of 3,560 cases have been filed through the e-filing system

SIS president Damodar Sahoo, who arrived in the city on Monday, said the committee will conduct an internal review of recent developments, particularly financial discrepancies

For the four-wheeler permanent licence test, applicants have to visit the IDTR test track at Bhosari Phata Chowk

The event saw active participation from commuters, who raised issues and suggestions regarding PMPML services

The Servants of India Society (SIS), the parent body of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), on Saturday, revoked its order removing Sanjeev Sanyal as Chancellor and urged him to continue in the role

In its letter after the removal of Sanyal, the Servants of India Society (SIS) president Damodar Sahoo blamed Sanyal and cited the institute’s decline

This steep decline in accreditation—after having secured an ‘A+’ with 97.4 out of 100 in 2004 and ‘A’ with a CGPA of 3.07 out of 4 in 2016—has not occurred in isolation

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like