General
Process to declare Ram Setu a national heritage monument underway: Centre to SC
The Central government on Thursday told the Supreme Court it was examining the issue in connection with declaring the Ram Setu a national heritage monument.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, asked petitioner Subramanian Swamy, a former Rajya Sabha member, to make a representation to the government, if he wants.
The bench, also comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala, said that Justice Narasimha will not be part of the proceedings as he had earlier appeared in the matter as counsel.
The top court noted that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the process is currently underway in the Ministry of Culture. “He states that the petitioner may submit additional communication if he may so wish,” the bench said.
The bench asked the Centre to take a decision on the issue and granted Swamy the liberty to move before it again if he is not satisfied.
The two-judge bench, comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Pardiwala, disposed of Swamy’s interim application on the issue.
During the hearing, Swamy said he does not want to meet anybody. “We are in the same party; it was there in our manifesto… I will come again,” he said. Mehta said the process is underway.
Swamy informed the top court that in 2019, the then Culture Minister Prahlad Patel had called a meeting on the issue and recommended declaring the Ram Setu as a national heritage monument.
He submitted: “The issue is that they have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”
On January 12, the Centre had told the Supreme Court it would file its response by February first week on a plea filed by Swamy seeking a direction to declare the Ram Setu a national heritage monument.
Swamy’s plea sought a direction to the Central government and the National Monument Authority to declare ‘Ram Setu’ as a monument of national importance. Ram Setu, which is also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island or Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka.
Swamy contended that the government has already accepted the existence of ‘Ram Setu’ and in 2017, a meeting was also convened to examine his demand, but things have not moved after that.
In April last year, a bench headed by the then Chief Justice S.A. Bobde had directed that the plea seeking National Heritage Status for Ram Setu be listed before the next Chief Justice of India.
The UPA government, in 2007, had proposed a Sethusamudram project. Under this project an 83-km-long deep-water channel was to be made by extensive dredging and removal of the limestone shoals, to link Mannar with Palk Strait. Swamy moved against this decision in the court and the government resorted to another plan to link Mannar with Palk Strait.
Maharashtra
Bollywood in the Crosshairs After Firing at Tiger Shroff; Legal Action Initiated Against Bishnoi Gang, Three Shooters Arrested

Mumbai: The Crime Branch has claimed to have solved the case involving a shooting incident targeting Tiger Shroff in the Juhu area of Mumbai. Addressing a press conference, Mumbai Crime Branch DCP Raj Tilak Roshan stated that two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle carried out the shooting. The Crime Branch received information that, following the incident, the shooters abandoned their Pulsar motorcycle at Andheri station and traveled by train toward Kota. The Crime Branch alerted the Kota police, who subsequently arrested three suspects. The police have now taken all three individuals into custody. Additionally, Anil Pandit had circulated a post online referencing the ‘Bishnoi gang,’ a matter that is currently under police investigation. Regarding the targeting of Bollywood figures by the Bishnoi gang, DCP Raj Tilak Roshan noted that action has been taken against the group—including in the earlier case involving the shooting incident at Salman Khan’s residence. In the current case, the Crime Branch has registered a case under charges of attempted murder and the Arms Act. Legal proceedings are also underway concerning the Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi gang, with efforts being made to secure the custody of Lawrence Bishnoi. The DCP explained that comprehensive information was provided to the Kota police, as Crime Branch teams had been actively pursuing the shooters. To date, no weapons have been recovered from the suspects. Authorities are currently verifying a post circulating on social media to determine whether it originated from the Bishnoi gang, and action is being taken against those involved. The suspects spent 10 to 15 minutes surveying the scene before carrying out the shooting. One of the suspects, 22-year-old Ritik (alias Roshan), has completed his education up to the 12th grade. None of the three suspects are minors; therefore, they will all be held in custody for further interrogation. Five rounds were fired. Prior to this incident, no complaints regarding threats against Tiger Shroff had been received; the police are investigating every aspect of the case and have already begun questioning the three suspects while they remain in custody. The three individuals—Ritik (alias Roshan), Rehan Rashiduddin, and Paul Singh—have been arrested. Rehan, who previously worked as a ‘Rapido’ (ride-hailing) driver in Mumbai, eventually became a shooter. The suspects were apprehended from the general compartment of a train; they were attempting to flee toward Delhi and Nepal. DCP Raj Tilak Roshan stated that, in light of their involvement in past shooting incidents and their ties to the Bishnoi gang, the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) has been invoked against these shooters.
Maharashtra
E-Office System Implemented in Mumbai Municipal Corporation; 14,000 Users to Be Integrated in Phases to Make Administration More Transparent and Efficient

Mumbai – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is implementing an ‘E-Office’ system to make its administrative operations more dynamic, transparent, and efficient through the effective use of modern technology. This system will facilitate the digitalization of various administrative processes, including the management of official files, correspondence, and the processing of proposals. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide stated that the system will be rolled out across the entire corporation in a phased manner, encompassing approximately 14,000 users. This initiative is expected to reduce paper consumption and render the decision-making process smoother, faster, and more transparent.
On October 17, 2026, a monthly review meeting involving various BMC departments was held at the ‘Command and Control Centre’ in Worli. During the meeting, preparations for the implementation of the ‘E-Office’ system—including technical infrastructure, training requirements, and administrative planning—were reviewed. Ashwini Bhide addressed the meeting in this regard.
The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) Dr. M. Devender Singh, and Deputy Commissioner (Commissioner’s Office) Prashant Gaikwad. Additionally, all Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and heads of various departments were also present.
Digitalization of Administrative Affairs via ‘e-Office’
Providing information about the ‘e-Office’ system, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide explained that ‘e-Office’ is an office management system developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). In accordance with a government resolution issued by the Government of Maharashtra, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the implementation of this system. The ‘e-Office’ system will enable the execution of administrative tasks digitally, thereby reducing reliance on paper-based files. Processes such as recording notes (note sheets), drafting documents, submitting proposals, and granting approvals can now be completed online, following a defined workflow. Consequently, this will not only accelerate the pace of work but also ensure transparency and accountability within administrative procedures.
Managing File Movement and Monitoring Pending Matters
The ‘e-Office’ system facilitates the creation and management of electronic files, as well as their routing to the relevant officers or departments. It allows for the systematic recording of inward and outward correspondence, the integration of scanned documents into the system, and the tracking of subsequent actions taken. Furthermore, the system enables the approval of notes, drafts, and orders through the use of digital signatures. Furthermore, it enables the monitoring of file movement, pending cases, decisions taken, and official correspondence. The ability to save and archive electronic records—along with the existence of a centralized repository for documents—makes information management highly organized and efficient. Phased Onboarding of 14,000 Users.
The implementation of the e-Office system across the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will take place in phases. This process will involve approximately 14,000 users, with specific roles and responsibilities defined at every level to ensure the effective use of the system. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide stated that a circular has been issued regarding the re-implementation of the e-Office system and its effective application in administrative affairs.
Focus on Training, Technical Facilities, and Digital Signatures
To ensure the effective implementation of the e-Office system, the Information Technology Department will conduct ‘Train-the-Trainer’ sessions for nodal officers. A central help desk will be established to resolve any technical issues that may arise during the use of the system. Additionally, a core team—led by the heads of the respective departments—will be formed to oversee the implementation process.
Emphasis is being placed on providing the necessary computing facilities and technical infrastructure, as well as ensuring that the relevant officers and staff receive appropriate training. Ms. Bhade stated that ‘Digital Signature Certificates’ (DSC) have been provided to the officers authorized to sign documents. She further explained that the effective implementation of the ‘e-Office’ system will promote digital operations within the BMC administration. This will expedite office tasks, reduce paper usage, and make the decision-making process more transparent and accountable.
Maharashtra
Man Arrested for Illegally Bringing Ganja from Odisha and Selling It in Mumbai.

Mumbai: During a patrol, the Ghatkopar Unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell detained an individual standing near the garden outside Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station—close to the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road bridge in Tilak Nagar, Chembur (East), Mumbai—on suspicion of selling narcotics.
Upon searching him, 22.960 kg of ‘ganja’ (cannabis) was recovered from his possession. He was subsequently arrested, and a case was registered against him under Sections 8(c) and 20(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Interrogation revealed that the accused had brought the contraband from the state of Odisha to Mumbai for sale. The arrested individual has been identified as Manish Kumar Baijnath Chaudhary, aged 25.
A total of 22.960 kg of ganja, valued at approximately ₹11,48,000, was seized from the accused.
This successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deven Bharti, along with Anil Kumbhare, Krishnakant Upadhyay, and DCP Purnima Chougule-Shringi.
-
Crime4 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra2 years agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News2 years agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News2 years agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime2 years agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
