Situated on the banks of River Godavari and to the north of state capital Mumbai, Nashik is an ancient city and the fourth largest city in the northern region of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Looking from a historical perspective, Nashik has mythological, social and cultural importance attached to it. Considered one of the holiest places across the world, Nashik is well-known for being one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites and host of the iconic Sinhastha Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years).
The city is also one of the fastest-growing cities in India as it is a major industrial center in the automobile hub. It houses companies like Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mahindra Ugine Steel, Atlas Copco, Shalimar Paints, United Spirits Ltd. and more. Bestowed with the title of ‘Wine capital of India’, 90 percent of the total wine production in India comes from the Nashik Valley and more than half of India's vineyards and wineries are located here. The city also hosts several wine festivals in the harvest season such as India Grape Harvest and SulaFest.
In addition to this, Nashik has a rich cultural heritage as it houses Trirashmi Caves which is worldwide famous. The city is also home to the Statue of Ahimsa, a 108 ft. idol of the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdev carved in monolithic stone at Mangi Tungi. Interestingly, it is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest Jain idol in the world. Other religious sites, massive Kumbh Mela, rath yatras, highlight the religious importance of the place.
In an interview with India Today, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Chairman Siddhesh Kadam discussed the environmental impact of data centers, loudspeaker regulations during festivals, and incidents of violence against healthcare workers. Addressing concerns over upcoming data centers in residential areas, Kadam stated that MPCB is collaborating with IIT Mumbai to formulate a comprehensive policy and operating guidelines regarding siting criteria, buffer zones, water sourcing, energy usage, heat generation, and noise control. On the use of high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festival seasons, Kadam urged citizens to avoid western sound systems and return to traditional cultural practices such as Puneri Dhol, Nashik Dhol, and Koli brass bands. He remarked, "We should celebrate these festivals in our own traditional way, rather than adopting the Western cultures of having these loudspeakers, laser lights and the DJ system." Furthermore, Kadam condemned assaults on medical personnel, asserting that no individual may take the law into their hands and all offenders will face legal action.
Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale highlighted concerns over the prioritization of public funds, drawing a comparison between the budget allocated for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and the financial resources available for government schools. Speaking about the closure of Marathi-medium schools, Justice Varale noted that allocating even 0.1 percent of the projected 32,000 to 34,000 crore rupees Kumbh Mela expenditure—approximately 32 crore rupees—could have prevented the shutdown of around 100 to 125 Marathi-medium schools. He expressed concern regarding shrinking education budgets despite a rise in student enrollment, pointing to poor infrastructure and safety issues in rural and government institutions, including ashramshalas. Responding to the comments, reporter Anisha Mathur noted that statements made by judges at private events hold no legal bearing on the government. She further referenced prior court scrutiny where state governments cited budget constraints when questioned on underfunding for child protection, education, and women safety schemes, emphasizing that education accounts for less than 13 percent of the annual budget.
Onion prices have witnessed a sharp surge across major Indian cities, reaching up to ₹60 to ₹70 per kilogram in retail markets and bringing distress to consumers. The price hike follows a recent increase in sugar, milk, cooking oil, and vegetable costs, leading to a political attack by the Congress party against the central government over rising household expenditures. In response, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced plans to release buffer onion stock through the Kanda Express initiative at a subsidized rate of ₹35 per kilo in select consuming centers. Official authorities also noted potential market speculation and cartelization, highlighting higher mandi rates in Nashik compared to Delhi. Field reports from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad reveal widespread consumer concern as wholesale and retail traders attribute the sudden price escalation to supply chain disruptions and unseasonal rain damages. The situation has forced buyers to cut back on essential kitchen staples while waiting for government interventions to stabilize market rates.
Onion prices have surged across India, touching ₹60 to ₹70 per kilogram in retail markets across major consuming centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The price hike within a single week has severely impacted household budgets and local businesses, following earlier price rises in essential commodities such as sugar, milk, and cooking oil. In response to the inflation, the opposition Congress targeted the central government over rising living costs. To cool down prices, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stated that onion buffer stocks would be released through Kanda Express in major consuming centres and sold at a subsidized rate of ₹35 per kilogram. The government also indicated possible cartelization and speculation as mandi prices in Nashik were reported to be higher than those in Delhi. Meanwhile, traders warn that persistent supply disruptions could push retail prices further up to ₹100 per kilogram in the coming weeks if market conditions do not improve.
Retail onion prices have surged sharply across the national capital, touching ₹60 to ₹70 per kilogram in local retail markets and subsidized outlets within a single week. The sudden spike following rising sugar prices has triggered political attacks from the Congress party, which criticized the central government over the inflating costs of daily essentials like milk, cooking oil, and fruits. In response, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stated that the government is mobilizing onion supplies through the Kanda Express and releasing buffer stocks in mandis across five major consuming centers. The government plans to sell buffer onions at a subsidized rate of ₹35 per kilogram while suspecting possible cartelization and speculation due to Nashik mandi prices exceeding those in Delhi. Meanwhile, local vendors and consumers reported a severe impact on household budgets, even as farmers highlighted rising production and fertilizer costs.
Retail onion prices have increased by 45 percent compared to last year and 19 percent from the previous month, triggering a political clash ahead of the festive season. The Congress party slammed the central government over skyrocketing price rise and took an 'achhe din' jibe. In response, the government clarified that onion prices experience a typical seasonal increase during August and September due to festive demand, weather, and supply chain conditions. Asserting that onion availability in the country remains sufficient, the government announced it is releasing onions in controlled quantities from buffer stocks to curb price fluctuations, with transportation and release starting from Nashik on August 24.
A truck carrying gravel to fill roadwork-related potholes got stuck in a newly dug section of Nashik's Gangapur Road, with the incident captured on video. The truck was carrying material to fill trenches created during the recent construction of a stormwater drainage line connecting the colony road. However, the road reportedly caved in beneath the vehicle, causing the truck to slide backwards into the pit and leaving its front wheels suspended in the air. The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the condition of the road and ongoing repair work.
A family from Maharashtra's Nashik was chased and attacked by a group of locals near Bhavali Waterfall, a popular tourist spot close to Igatpuri, after confronting them over the alleged harassment of a woman. According to the family, the attackers assaulted them with wooden sticks and iron rods, vandalised their car, and chased them for nearly 10-15 kilometres. A case has been registered at the Igatpuri and Ambad police stations, and Nashik Rural and Nashik City police are jointly investigating the incident.
A 17-year-old girl died shortly after receiving a routine tetanus and diphtheria (TD) vaccine at a vaccination camp in Nashik, Maharashtra.
India's examination system faces scrutiny following controversies involving the NEET-UG paper leak, CBSE's digital evaluation processes, and civil services papers.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the alleged kingpin of the NEET undergraduate paper leak case in Pune.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) undergraduate examination has been cancelled following a widespread paper leak, prompting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026 has been cancelled following a widespread paper leak involving a multi-state organised network. Investigations reveal the paper circulated fifteen days prior to the exam, leading the Central Bureau of Investigation to take over the probe.
The National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 medical entrance examination following widespread allegations of a paper leak.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG examination, which impacts over 2.2 million medical aspirants, following widespread allegations of a paper leak.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh addressed the cancellation of the NEET examination following allegations of a paper leak.
The investigation into the NEET UG paper leak has expanded to Nashik, Maharashtra. Based on information from the Rajasthan Police, the Nashik Crime Branch detained a suspect from the Indira Nagar area.
The United States Navy intercepted and disabled the Iranian-flagged merchant vessel M/V Touska in the North Arabian Sea after it violated a naval blockade.
A dumper truck in Nashik rammed into multiple vehicles. The incident occurred around 1 PM on Saturday, April 18. Several four-wheelers and two-wheelers were badly damaged in the collision. The woman riding a two-wheeler died on the spot. Several others were injured and have been admitted to a nearby private hospital for treatment. The police have taken the dumper driver into custody and further investigation is underway.
A massive political showdown erupted in Parliament on Thursday over women's reservation and its linkage to the upcoming census and delimitation exercise.
