BJP, Cong indulge in bypoll fued; Ajit Pawar rues hasty talks

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has criticised political parties for discussing the possibility of a bypoll election following the death of Pune Member of Parliament (MP) Girish Bapat. While parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have fuelled the possibility of such an election, Pawar called it "inconsiderate" to be discussing politics so soon after Bapat's death. Meanwhile, BJP state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule hoped that an uncontested election would be allowed, but senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that his party intended to contest the byelection.

Shivaji’s legacy in national curriculum

Maharashtra's education minister proposed including Chhatrapati Shivaji's history in national curriculum, which was accepted by the Union education minister. The move aims to educate students nationwide about the 17th-century Maratha warrior king's legacy and contributions.

Delhi cancels leaves of officials and doctors until further notice

Delhi government cancels leaves for officials and doctors due to heightened security tensions with Pakistan. Police increase night patrols and traffic regulation in the capital, maintaining vigilance across the city.

Bulldozer runs over six-year-old in Pune; driver held

In Pune, a bulldozer ran over a six-year-old boy near his mother's kiosk while she was away. The child was declared dead. The 26-year-old driver, Rahul Yadav, was arrested for rash and negligent driving.

HC seeks Centre’s response to firm’s plea to allow human trials of cancer vaccine

Bombay High Court issued notice to drug regulator over a Nashik-based cancer research firm's plea to conduct human trials for Per-C-Vax, challenging CDSCO's rejection of their vaccine trial application under clinical trial rules.

HC contemplates committee for conservation of Thane flamingo sanctuary

Bombay High Court considers forming a committee to monitor conservation of Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, focusing on expanding eco-sensitive zones, banning aquaculture, regulating activities, and protecting the habitat's ecological integrity.

Pune police custody of four in Mercedes accident case extended by 2 days

Four men arrested in a fatal Mercedes accident in Pune have their police custody extended by two days. The speeding car killed one youth and injured another on May 3, with all accused allegedly intoxicated during the incident.

Relief for residents as PMRDA to build its own STPs in its jurisdiction

PMRDA plans to build its own sewage treatment plants (STPs) in its jurisdiction, aiming to improve sanitation for residents. A project management consultant will assess population needs and guide STP placement in rapidly growing areas like Hinjewadi and Wagholi.

Over 50,000 housing projects registered with MahaRERA; highest in India

Maharashtra's MahaRERA registered 50,162 housing projects, the highest in India, representing 35% of national housing projects. The milestone reflects expanding real estate development across the state, particularly in regions like Konkan and Pune.

Discom SDO suspended for non-performance

Haryana energy minister Anil Vij recommended suspending Avneet Bhardwaj, SDO at DHBVNL Farrukhnagar, for non-performance. The suspension was immediate, with the officer required to report to Hisar office and receive subsistence allowance.

Two premium housing societies in Pune allegedly found polluting Ramnadi River

Two premium housing societies in Pune are accused of polluting Ramnadi River by releasing untreated sewage. MPCB initiated action, local gram panchayats issued notices, and residents demand accountability for environmental and health hazards.

Pune railway division earns ₹62 crore in revenue from ticket cancellations

The Pune division of Central Railway reported a revenue of ?62.7 crore from ticket cancellations in the financial year 2024-25, a 24% increase from ?50.48 crore in 2023-24. The rise is attributed to last-minute cancellations, with policies criticized for excessive fees. Passengers are urged to reconsider booking practices amid concerns over fairness in ticketing and refund policies.

Kartarpur Corridor shut from India’s side indefinitely, Pak keeps doors open

India has indefinitely closed the Kartarpur Corridor, halting Sikh pilgrimages to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, following heightened tensions after a recent terror attack. While India has ceased pilgrimages, Pakistan maintains the corridor is open, emphasizing its role as a symbol of peace. This corridor, inaugurated in 2019, allows visa-free access for Indian devotees.

BSF suspends Beating Retreat ceremony indefinitely

The Border Security Force (BSF) has suspended Beating Retreat ceremonies at Punjab's border checkposts with Pakistan due to safety concerns amid rising tensions. The daily flag-lowering will continue, but public access is restricted. This decision follows previous reductions in ceremonial displays after recent security incidents. The BSF aims to ensure the safety and security of visitors.

Pune: Summer rush throws train schedules off track; 48 services affected in April

In Pune, 48 trains faced delays or rescheduling in April due to summer holiday traffic, affecting thousands of travelers. Services like Jhelum Express and Azad Hind Express were notably impacted, with some trains arriving over two hours late. Railway officials cited increased congestion and limited track capacity as reasons for the disruptions, acknowledging the challenges during peak travel seasons.

Friends lost, families destroyed: Pak shelling tears through Poonch

Intense cross-border shelling by the Pakistani army in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in 13 deaths, including four children, and numerous injuries. The violence escalated following Indian airstrikes on terror infrastructures in Pakistan. Most residents have fled the area, leaving the town deserted. Local leaders are demanding compensation for victims' families and support for the injured.