Maharashtra
IAS Puja Khedkar Used OBC Quota To Get Admission In MBBS; ‘She Didn’t Submit Disability Certificate’, Claims College Director

The trainee IAS officer, Puja Khedkar, who is at the center of a controversy involving alleged misuse of power and violation of the appointment rules, secured admission to an MBBS college using the OBC non-creamy layer quota, reports showed on Monday.
Khedkar was admitted to Pune’s Kashibai Navale Medical College under the OBC Nomadic Tribe-3 category, reserved for the Vanjari community.
At the time of her admission, her father was a serving bureaucrat in Maharashtra. Reports suggest that Khedkar’s admission was through the private college’s entrance examination, bypassing her Common Entrance Test (CET) score.
However, Arvind Bhore, the director of Kashibai Navale Medical College, contested this claim, stating that Khedkar was admitted in 2007 through the CET. Bhore also noted that she had submitted the necessary certificates, along with a medical fitness certificate that did not mention any disability.
The scrutiny of Khedkar’s non-creamy OBC status and her Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) certificate intensified after she allegedly demanded a separate cabin and staff during her posting in Pune, which led to her abrupt transfer to Washim district.
In August 2022, Khedkar applied for a PwBD certificate in Pune, but the medical board denied her request.
It was reported that the board found it “not possible” to issue the certificate after examining her.
Khedkar’s father defends legitimacy of her disability certificate
Khedkar’s father, retired bureaucrat Dilip Khedkar, defended the legitimacy of the disability certificate, stating that Puja suffers from vision impairment exceeding 40 per cent, meeting the criteria for disability.
He further claimed that a panel of medical experts verified her disabilities before issuing the certificate.
Khedkar mentioned that his daughter has a certain category of mental illness, which was also verified by medical professionals before the disability certificate was granted.
Pune police unable to track down Khedkar’s parents
Meanwhile, Police have been unable to trace Khedkar’s parents as a land dispute case was registered against them after a video of her mother threatening a farmer with a pistol in Pune district went viral.
As per reports, a team of Pune Rural police visited the bungalow of Manorama and Dilip Khedkar in the Baner area of the city on Monday morning. But it was unable to enter the premises as there was no response, and doors were locked from the inside.
The police are conducting searches in Pune and other areas to find the controversial trainee IAS officer’s parents.
An FIR was registered against the Khedkar couple and five others after a video showing Manorama allegedly threatening some persons with a gun over a land dispute emerged.
“A case has been registered at Paud police station. But the Khedkars have not visited the police station for inquiry and have turned off their mobile phones. Our teams are looking for them. Once found, they will be questioned, and legal action will be taken against them,” an official told.
The Khedkars and five others have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including section 323 (dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property) and the Arms Act.
The case was registered days after a video surfaced on social media, which showed Manorama, accompanied by her security guards, engaged in a heated argument with some people with a pistol in her hand in Dhadwali village in Pune’s Mulshi tehsil. The police are looking for others involved in the incident, including the guards, seen in the video.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) Fully Operational — A New Era of Urban Connectivity Begins

Mumbai, October 2025:
Mumbai has taken a major leap in public transportation with the full launch of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) — the city’s first underground metro corridor. Connecting the northern suburbs to South Mumbai, the 33.5-kilometre line aims to transform the way Mumbaikars commute, offering a fast, clean, and comfortable alternative to road and rail congestion.
Route and Connectivity
The Aqua Line runs from Aarey / JVLR in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south, covering 27 underground stations. The line passes through key business and residential areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Churchgate, CSMT, and Nariman Point.
One of its biggest highlights is direct connectivity to both terminals of Mumbai’s airport — the Domestic and International terminals — making airport travel smoother than ever before.
The entire north–south journey can now be completed in about 45 minutes, a major improvement over the two-hour average by road during peak traffic.
Station Highlights
Some of the prominent stations on the Aqua Line include:
Aarey / JVLR, Seepz, MIDC, Marol Naka, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 2, BKC, Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Haji Ali, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade.
Each station features modern facilities such as escalators, elevators, digital information screens, and air-conditioned platforms. Entry and exit points are designed for smooth passenger movement, including dedicated access for persons with disabilities.
Technology and Features
- Fully underground corridor, ensuring minimal impact on road traffic.
- 8-coach trains with advanced safety systems and automatic doors.
- Platform screen doors at major stations for enhanced safety.
- Real-time passenger information systems inside trains and stations.
- CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and modern fire safety equipment.
- Energy-efficient operations, regenerative braking, and noise reduction design.
- Seamless ticketing system* with QR code tickets, smart cards, and mobile app payments.
Fares and Timings
The fare structure has been designed to stay affordable and distance-based:
Distance (in km) | Fare (₹) |
---|---|
0 – 3 km | 10 |
3 – 12 km | 20 |
12 – 18 km | 30 |
18 – 24 km | 40 |
24 – 30 km | 50 |
30 – 36 km | 60 |
36 – 42 km | 70 |
Beyond 42 km | 80 |
Metro services operate from 5:55 AM to 10:30 PM, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours to ensure minimal waiting time.
Benefits for the City
- Time Saving: Travel from the northern suburbs to South Mumbai in less than an hour.
- Reduced Traffic: Expected to ease road congestion and lessen dependence on private vehicles.
- Environmental Impact: Cleaner, electric transit reduces carbon emissions.
- Economic Growth: Improved access to commercial hubs like BKC, Fort, and Nariman Point will support business and real estate growth.
- Passenger Comfort: Air-conditioned coaches, smooth rides, and high safety standards enhance the commuting experience.
A Step Toward a Smarter Mumbai
With Metro Line-3 now fully operational, Mumbai moves closer to a truly integrated transport network, connecting its suburban rail, metro, and bus systems. The Aqua Line is more than just a transport project — it’s a symbol of progress, promising faster, greener, and more efficient mobility for millions of daily commuters.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti public darbar on October 21 postponed due to Diwali

Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Janta Awami Darbar will not be held in the backdrop of Diwali. Please note that due to the Diwali festival, Tuesday’s meeting with Mumbaikars has been postponed to October 21, 2025.
Citizens are requested to meet the Police Commissioner on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM with their complaints and suggestions.
No prior permission is required for this. This message has been shared by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on X.
Maharashtra
SpiceJet connects Indian pilgrims to Najaf with new non-stop flights

Non-stop services from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to begin October 18, 2025
Gurugram, October 17, 2025:
India’s leading airline SpiceJet has announced the launch of special non-stop flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to the holy city of Najaf, Iraq — one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across the world.
With this launch, SpiceJet becomes the only Indian airline to operate direct flights to Najaf, offering Indian pilgrims a faster, smoother, and more comfortable travel experience by eliminating long layovers and complex connecting routes.
Flight Commencement Schedule
- Mumbai to Najaf: Starting October 18, 2025
- Ahmedabad to Najaf: Starting October 19, 2025
These flights will provide a seamless connection for devotees travelling from India to Najaf, ensuring that their spiritual journey is convenient, time-saving, and comfortable.
Najaf – A Centre of Faith and Spirituality
Najaf holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is home to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), one of Islam’s most revered sites. Every year, millions of Indian pilgrims visit Najaf to pay homage, seek blessings, and strengthen their spiritual connection.
In addition to the shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), Najaf offers a wealth of historical and spiritual landmarks, including:
- Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery
- Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Islamic history
- The Great Najaf Seminary, a renowned center of Shia religious learning
Najaf’s close proximity to Karbala and Kufa further enhances its spiritual importance, making it a central destination for pilgrims from across the world.
SpiceJet’s Strategic Expansion
This new service forms part of SpiceJet’s broader expansion strategy, under which the airline is significantly enhancing its fleet size, operational reach, and international connectivity.
SpiceJet aims to double its operational fleet and triple its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) by December 2025. As part of this growth plan, the airline will introduce new routes, increase flight frequencies, and add several attractive domestic and international destinations to its network.
Statement from SpiceJet
Mr. Debojyoti Mahapatra, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said:
“For millions of devout Indians, the journey to Najaf is one of the most important pilgrimages of their lives.
We are proud that SpiceJet is the only Indian airline offering direct flights to this holy city.
Through these non-stop flights, we are not merely providing connectivity — we are honouring a sacred journey by making it simpler, safer, and more comfortable.”
Future Outlook
Initially, these flights to Najaf are being launched as special services, but SpiceJet is considering the possibility of making Najaf a regular scheduled destination in the near future to meet the growing year-round travel demand.
About SpiceJet
SpiceJet Limited is one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, known for its extensive domestic and international network, customer-centric service, and affordable travel options. The airline continues to expand strategically, focusing on enhancing connectivity to key religious, leisure, and business destinations across the globe.
-
Crime3 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra1 year ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra1 year ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra1 year ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News1 year ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra11 months ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News1 year ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime1 year ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report