State News West India

Maharashtra Hikes Liquor Duty, Prices Set to Rise

By BPN News Desk June 11, 2025

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a significant increase in excise duty on liquor, a move expected to generate an additional ₹14,000 crore annually for the state’s coffers. This development is likely to impact retail prices, leading to higher costs for consumers across the state. Excise Duty Hike Clears Cabinet Nod The cabinet has sanctioned […]

State News West India

ECI Rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Match-Fixing’ Allegations in Maharashtra Polls

By BPN News Desk June 7, 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly denied Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that the Maharashtra Assembly elections were “match-fixed” in favor of the ruling party. Terming the accusations “completely absurd” and “unsubstantiated,” the ECI said the electoral process was conducted in a free, fair, and

State News West India

Maharashtra Raises Daily Wages for Beggars After 61 Years

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

In a long-overdue decision, the Maharashtra government has increased the wages paid to residents of state-run beggars’ homes from a token ₹5 per month to a more substantial ₹40 per day. This wage hike comes 61 years after the last revision, signaling a renewed commitment to rehabilitating and empowering marginalized individuals. The previous compensation, unchanged […]

State News West India

Maharashtra Farmers Advised to Delay Sowing Amid Heat and Monsoon Delay

By BPN News Desk June 2, 2025

As the state of Maharashtra reels under scorching heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh advisory asking farmers to postpone the sowing of kharif crops. The department has made it clear that monsoon rains are unlikely to begin before June 10, pushing back the usual agricultural schedule in several districts. Maharashtra Monsoon […]

State News West India

Centre Permits Maharashtra CM’s Relief Fund to Accept Foreign Donations

By BPN News Desk June 1, 2025

In a significant policy development, the Central Government has granted approval for the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to receive foreign contributions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). This authorization enables the state to accept donations from international sources, bolstering its capacity to respond to emergencies and support welfare

State News West India

Maharashtra to Restore Savarkar’s Revoked Barrister Degree

By BPN News Desk May 28, 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a new initiative to seek the restoration of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s barrister degree, which was revoked by British authorities during the colonial era. Speaking at a function held at Mumbai University, Fadnavis emphasized the symbolic and historical importance of correcting what he described as an unjust punitive

State News West India

Mumbai on Red Alert as Record May Rainfall Triggers Flooding

By BPN News Desk May 27, 2025

Mumbai is facing unprecedented rainfall in the last week of May, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the city. This has resulted in massive traffic disruptions, flooded streets, and damage to critical infrastructure, catching residents and authorities off guard. Record Rainfall Breaks Century-Old Mark On May 26, 2025, Mumbai […]

State News West India

Monsoon Arrives Early in Maharashtra, Raising Agricultural Concerns

By BPN News Desk May 26, 2025

The southwest monsoon has officially reached Maharashtra on May 25, 2025—ten days ahead of schedule—marking its earliest onset in over three decades. This rare development has prompted both relief from the summer heat and concern among agricultural experts, who warn of possible disruptions to seasonal crop cycles. Unprecedented Early Onset According to the India

State News West India

Seven Maharashtra Districts Drive 54% of State’s GSDP

By BPN News Desk May 26, 2025

A new government report has brought to light a stark economic imbalance in Maharashtra, where just seven districts contribute 54% of the state’s total Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The data underscores deep regional disparities in wealth creation and resource distribution within the state, which is often hailed as India’s financial powerhouse. Maharashtra GSDP

State News West India

Maharashtra Grants ‘Permanent Guest’ Status to CJI Gavai

By BPN News Desk May 21, 2025

In a formal response to concerns raised by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud’s predecessor, CJI B R Gavai, the Maharashtra government has granted him “permanent state guest” status. The move comes in the wake of protocol lapses during Gavai’s first official visit to Mumbai as the Chief Justice of India, during which key […]