A woman and a 13-year-old girl tourist drowned, while three other children are missing after being swept away at a waterfall near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Pune. The incident occurred due to increased water flow caused by continuous rainfall in the region.
Maharashtra’s budget has allocated funds for climate change mitigation, particularly through a large-scale bamboo plantation program. The scheme aims to combat climate change impacts like biodiversity loss, drought, and rising temperatures, with funding split between the central and state governments. Bamboo will be planted on private and tribal lands, as well as along highways and in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a new pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens of all religions, aiming to help them fulfill their religious aspirations. He also vowed to make Maharashtra drug-free, emphasizing a crackdown on drug suppliers and businesses.
A senior BJP leader from Maharashtra, Suresh Dhas, has publicly blamed the alliance with Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction for the BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. He claims the alliance was unpopular and that BJP workers were disaffected by the sudden inclusion of the NCP. Dhas’ statement comes amid growing discontent within the BJP about the NCP alliance, with other leaders also expressing similar sentiments.
The Maharashtra government has announced a reduction in Value-Added Tax (VAT) on fuel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, leading to a price decrease for petrol and diesel. The decision, announced during the state budget presentation, is expected to come into effect from July 1st. This move, costing the state ₹200 crore, aims to provide relief to residents and comes ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The budget also includes other key announcements like financial assistance for women, farmers, and healthcare improvements.
Following viral videos of alleged drug use by youth in Pune, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has demolished several illegal bars and pubs in the city. The action comes after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a crackdown on drug activity in Thane and Mira-Bhayander.
The first day of the Maharashtra legislature session saw opposition members from the Maha Vikas Aghadi protest against issues like NEET irregularities and farmer concerns. The BJP-led government, however, countered these allegations, claiming the opposition is creating false narratives.
Two cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune, Maharashtra, marking the first instances of the virus in the city this year. A 46-year-old doctor and his teenage daughter tested positive for the virus. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken precautionary measures, including fumigation, to prevent the spread of the virus and issued an advisory to citizens to keep their surroundings clean.
As voting commenced on Wednesday for the biennial elections to four seats of the Maharashtra legislative council in Mumbai, Konkan, and Nashik regions, these areas are observing a dry day. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the state excise department to enforce three dry days affecting Mumbai, Konkan, and Nashik divisions. Liquor sales and services are prohibited from 6 PM on June 24 until 6 PM on June 26 and on the day of counting, July 1. The move has drawn criticism from some liquor shop and bar owners, who view it as indicative of mistrust towards the educated and limited voter base participating in these elections. The ECI’s directive is expected to result in a loss of around ₹100 crore in excise revenue per day.
A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus crashed into a tree near Sahajpur Phata in Yavat village, Pune district, injuring around 25 passengers. Three to four passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a hospital.
