Maharashtra
Govt reforms, private partnerships behind Indian space industry growth in 2024: ISpA

New Delhi, Dec 24: Reforms made by the government coupled with private partnerships played a crucial role in the growth of India’s space industry in 2024, said the Indian Space Association (ISpA), noting that 2025 is poised to be a year of transformative developments.
Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General, ISpA stated that government reforms like the Foreign Direct Investment policy, the Rs 1,000 crore Venture Capitalist fund, and a thriving startup ecosystem, coupled with dynamic public-private collaborations propelled space sector growth.
“The Indian government’s continued focus on strategic policy reforms not only opens the door for significant private sector investment but also ensures that India stays at the forefront of global space innovation. With the continuous support from the government and the push for the public,” Bhatt said.
“The private space sector is witnessing a major growth in the startup ecosystem driven by favourable policy reforms like the liberal FDI policy announced this year,” he stated, adding that this will give the country “access to the latest tech advances and funds” both from Indian and global investors.
The FDI policy in the space sector was launched under the Indian Space Policy 2023 in March. It allows for 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route for satellite components and systems, up to 74 per cent for satellite manufacturing and operation, and 49 per cent for launch vehicles and spaceports.
In October, the Cabinet approved a Rs 1,000 crore VC Fund for the space sector, bolstering startups and private players.
It also approved Phase III of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) project, targeting the launch of 52 satellites to enhance surveillance. This involved the manufacturing of 31 satellites by the private sector, providing immense opportunities to the industry.
Further, the year also witnessed the laying of the foundation stone for India’s second spaceport in Kulasekharapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic launched India’s first private sub-metric high-resolution Earth Observation satellite in April.
In May, Agnikul Cosmos made history with the launch of “Agnibaan – SOrTeD,” the world’s first rocket powered by a fully 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic engine.
Funding for Indian space-tech startups reached $76.79 million in 2024, bringing total funding to $463.24 million to date. This includes Pixxel, GalaxEye, Dhruva Space, XDLink Labs, Piersight, and EtherialX.
Notably, this year, ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL, invited private firms to apply for the end-to-end manufacturing of the Launch Vehicle Mark-III, used in Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
IN-SPACe, under the Department of Space, also called for initial bids from domestic companies to design, build, and operate Earth Observation satellites. These initiatives mark the Centre’s push to become a key customer for India’s private space sector through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, transforming the space sector, Bhatt said.
Maharashtra
“Batti Gul protest” against Waqf Amendment Act today, strong appeal from scholars and Mashaikhs

Mumbai, April 30: A “Batti Gul Protest” will be observed today, April 30, in collaboration with Muslim religious, national and social organizations across the country. The aim of this protest is to oppose the controversial Waqf Amendment Act introduced by the government, which the Muslim leadership has termed as an attack on Waqf properties.
Famous Islamic leader and leader and head of Raza Academy, Alhaj Muhammad Saeed Noori, said in two words, “We will not accept the Waqf Amendment Act, which is currently under discussion in the Supreme Court, under any circumstances.”
An important meeting was held in this regard at Khanqah Sharh Bukhari, Govindi, in which the Ulema discussed the strategy to make the protest successful. Hazrat Pir Maulana Waliullah Sharifi appealed to the heads of all mosques, madrasas, khanqahs and universities across the country to stand united against this controversial act.
Hazrat Maulana Ijaz Ahmad Kashmiri said in an emotional tone, “There is an attempt to loot the waqf properties of Muslims. If we remain silent today, our future generations will not forgive us.”
Prominent scholars who attended the meeting included:
Hazrat Maulana Alauddin Rizvi
Hazrat Maulana Jahangir Al-Qadri
Hazrat Qari Muhammad Tawfiq Azmi Misbahi
Hazrat Maulana Rizwan Ahmad Alimi
Hazrat Qari Muhammad Saeed Ashrafi
Hazrat Maulana Tawakul Hussain Sharifi
Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ali Sanai
Hazrat Maulana Mahmood Ali Ashrafi
Hazrat Maulana Raziullah Sharifi
Hazrat Hafiz Junaid Raza Rashidi
Apart from this, Shahid Bhai, Mukhtar Bhai, Rizwan Bhai and other friends were also present.
The scholars emphasized that the waqf properties are the collective trust of Muslims and no government occupation or interference in them will be tolerated. The “Bati Gul Protest” conveyed a peaceful and effective message to the government that the Muslim people are ready to go to any extent to protect their religious, educational and charitable institutions.
Maharashtra
Pahalgam terrorist attack Samajwadi Party protest against communalism Action should be taken against those who spread hatred and Minister Nitish Rane Abu Asim Azmi

Mumbai: In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Samajwadi Party today organized a movement under the leadership of Mumbai/Maharashtra State President MLA Abu Asim Azmi at Azad Maidan Mumbai and demanded action against sectarians who are spoiling the social atmosphere by making hateful statements against the Muslim community.
Addressing the Jam Ghafir, Abu Asim Azmi said that we condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam but in such a sensitive context, the state minister is continuously making anti-Muslim statements and creating division between the two religions. Apart from this, Muslim hawkers were beaten up in Dadar and other parts of Mumbai. Due to which there has been a problem of law and order. Therefore, we demand strict action against Minister Nitish Rane and people like him who make statements against Muslims. According to the Supreme Court’s decision in the 2023 hate speech case, strict legal action should be taken against the guilty individuals and organizations, those who do not care about secularism, those who spread hatred, those who incite violence, those who give public threats, those who call for economic boycott, those who create division among people on the basis of religion, caste, region or language. The state, as per its duty, protects the fundamental rights and freedom of every citizen to do business, trade, and business. The state should protect the freedom and belief of every citizen, according to the articles of the Indian Constitution, there should be an environment of peace and justice in the state. It is demanded that the rule of law and justice should be established in the most transparent manner by implementing the law and by sternly admonishing the enemies of peace, law and constitution who violate the law.
The Samajwadi Party delegation submitted a protest request to Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Pansalkar. Hundreds of Samajwadi Party workers were present at that time, including Meraj Siddiqui, Yousuf Abrahani, Rahul Gaikwad, Kabir Maurya, Saeed Khan, Zeba Malik.
Maharashtra
Deven Bharti Appointed as Mumbai Police Commissioner Following Vivek Phansalkar’s Retirement

Mumbai, April 30, 2025: ( Kamar Ansari ) In a significant leadership transition, senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Deven Bharti has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Mumbai, succeeding Vivek Phansalkar, who retired today after nearly three years in the role.
Phansalkar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, took charge as Mumbai Police Commissioner on June 30, 2022, during a period of political change in Maharashtra. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the police force following a series of leadership changes. Prior to his appointment, the Mumbai Police saw a turbulent period with multiple commissioners serving brief terms .
Deven Bharti, a 1994-batch IPS officer, brings extensive experience to his new role. He previously served as Mumbai’s first Special Commissioner of Police, a position created in January 2023 to enhance administrative efficiency within the force . Bharti’s career includes key postings such as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), and head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Notably, he was involved in the investigations of major incidents, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks .
The appointment of Bharti as Commissioner is expected to bring continuity and a focus on law and order in Mumbai. His familiarity with the city’s challenges and his established rapport with various stakeholders position him to lead the force effectively.
As Mumbai navigates complex urban security dynamics, Bharti’s leadership will be pivotal in steering the police force to address emerging challenges and maintain public safety.
-
Crime3 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra7 months ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra7 months ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra7 months ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News7 months ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Crime7 months ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
-
Maharashtra6 months ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News7 months ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface