MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s push to make tourism more women-led is gathering momentum, with over 900 women entrepreneurs securing loans worth Rs 72.49 crore under the state’s ‘Aai’ tourism policy, aimed at boosting women’s participation in the sector.Launched by the Government of Maharashtra to expand women’s role in tourism businesses and travel services, the policy has already attracted 4,200 applications from across the state. Of these, 3,292 letters of intent have been issued, signalling strong interest among women keen to start ventures ranging from homestays and agro-tourism projects to cafés and travel services.The initiative provides interest-free loans of up to Rs15 lakh, along with an interest reimbursement facility for up to seven years. So far, the government has sanctioned Rs 1.67 crore towards interest reimbursement for beneficiaries.Officials said the scheme has received the strongest response from the Konkan, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Nashik divisions — regions that already attract large numbers of tourists and have significant potential for small tourism enterprises.The policy rests on five pillars: encouraging women’s entrepreneurship in tourism, building women-friendly tourism infrastructure, enhancing safety for women travellers, offering customised services and concessions for women tourists, and promoting tourism growth across the state.Under the scheme, up to 10 tourism-related enterprises run by women in each taluka can receive interest support on bank loans of up to Rs15 lakh. The interest subsidy — capped at 12% and up to Rs4.5 lakh — is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account for a maximum of seven years or until the loan is repaid.To qualify, the tourism business must be owned and operated by a woman and registered with the state Directorate of Tourism. In the case of tour and travel agencies, at least half of the employees must be women.Beyond financial support, the policy also aims to make tourism safer and more inclusive for women travellers. Women employees in tourism businesses — including tour guides, drivers and tour operators — will be covered under government insurance schemes, with the state paying the premium for the first five years.Women tourists will also receive incentives such as a 20% discount on tourism circuits organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. They will also get a 50% discount on online bookings at MTDC resorts on 23 specific days each year, including 1–8 March to mark International Women’s Day.Special packages are also planned for women travellers, including women-only city tours, adventure trips, trekking expeditions, and tours designed for senior women citizens and women with disabilities.The policy also includes provisions to support women’s self-help groups by providing stalls at MTDC properties to sell handicrafts, local artwork and food products. Additional facilities such as childcare services for travellers with young children and rooms closer to lifts for elderly or differently-abled women are also part of the plan.Tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai said the policy goes beyond financial incentives. “Women in tourism are stepping forward not only as participants but also as entrepreneurs creating new employment opportunities,” he said, adding that the initiative would strengthen both rural and urban tourism economies.Principal secretary (tourism) Sanjay Khandare said the scheme is helping bring financial empowerment to women while encouraging more women to travel.Tourism director B. N. Patil said the policy is expected to accelerate growth in the sector by expanding women-led enterprises across tourism value chains.Officials say the programme could significantly reshape Maharashtra’s tourism ecosystem by bringing more women into leadership roles — from running homestays in scenic rural destinations to operating travel services in urban hubs — while also making the state a more welcoming destination for women travellers.

The United States and Israel are discussing the possibility of deploying special forces inside Iran to secure the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as the conflict with Tehran deepens, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Axios.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, US president Donald Trump did not rule out the idea of sending ground troops into Iran, though he indicated that such a move would only be considered under exceptional circumstances.Click here for live updates“At some point maybe we will. That would be a great thing,” Trump said when asked about securing Iran’s nuclear material. “Right now we’re just decimating them, but we haven’t gone after it. We wouldn’t do it now. Maybe we will do it later.”

Focus on uranium stockpile

Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has been one of Trump’s stated objectives in the war. Central to that concern is Iran’s estimated 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which experts say could be converted to weapons-grade material within weeks.

According to Axios, US and Israeli officials have discussed sending special operations units to secure the material later in the war, once Iran’s military capabilities are further degraded. Any such mission would likely require American or Israeli troops to enter Iranian territory and navigate heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities.It remains unclear whether the operation would be conducted by US forces, Israeli troops or a joint team.At a congressional briefing earlier this week, US secretary of state Marco Rubio suggested that physically securing the uranium could become necessary. “People are going to have to go and get it,” he said, without specifying who would carry out the mission.

Options under discussion

A US official told the news outlet that the administration has explored two main approaches: removing the enriched uranium from Iran entirely or sending nuclear experts to dilute it on-site so it can no longer be used for weapons.Such an operation could involve special operations units working alongside nuclear scientists, potentially including experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).“The first question is, where is it? The second question is, how do we get to it and how do we get physical control?” a US official said while outlining the operational challenge.“And then, it would be a decision of the president and the Department of War, CIA, as to whether we wanted to physically transport it or dilute it on premises.”

Underground facilities

US and Israeli officials believe most of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is located in underground tunnels at the nuclear facility in Isfahan, with the rest split between Fordow and Natanz.Strikes carried out by the US and Israel earlier in the conflict reportedly buried parts of the uranium stockpile under rubble and destroyed most of Iran’s centrifuges, with officials saying there is currently no evidence that enrichment has resumed.Some of the early strikes also appeared aimed at sealing entrances to the sites, likely to prevent the material from being moved.

Kharg Island also on cards

Beyond nuclear facilities, Axios reported that officials in Washington have also discussed the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, a strategic oil terminal that handles about 90% of Iran’s crude exports.Taking control of the island could deal a significant blow to Iran’s energy revenues and restrict its ability to fund military operations.

Not a large ground invasion

Despite discussions about deploying troops, officials emphasised that any operation under consideration would likely be limited in scope.NBC News reported that Trump had discussed sending a small contingent of US troops to Iran for specific strategic missions.“Boots on the ground for Trump is not the same as what it means for the media,” a senior US official told Axios.“Small special ops raids, not a big force going in,” another source said.“What has been discussed hasn’t been thought of in terms of boots on the ground,” a third source added. “People think Fallujah. That’s not what has been discussed.”White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said Trump continues to keep his options open. “The president wisely keeps all options available to him open, and does not rule things out,” she told Axios.

Strategic stakes

The enriched uranium remains one of the most sensitive issues in the conflict. Officials say that if Iran’s entire stockpile were enriched to 90% purity, it could potentially produce material for around 11 nuclear bombs.For the Trump administration and its allies, ensuring the material cannot be weaponised has become a key strategic objective as the war with Iran continues.

Aaron Rodgers, the NFL legend, has kept his wife, Brittani, out of the spotlight for close to a year now.A few days ago, as Aaron Rodgers opened up about his married life, he also called out all his ex girlfriends, including Danica Patrick, for invading his privacy and speaking about him in public. Amid this, it seems she has lost her job at Sky Sports.

Aaron Rodgers’ ex girlfriend, Danica Patrick, undergoes a major change in her life amid his controversial remarks against her

A few hours ago, Sky Sports released its broadcating lineup and fans were shocked to see the former NASCAR driver, Danica Patrick’s name missing from the list.While this has sparked panic among fans, many have also linked it to Aaron Rodgers’ controversial remarks against all his ex girlfriends.For the unversed, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ star player, Aaron Rodgers recently made an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show where he made comments against his ex girlfriends.Aaron Rodgers said, “I dealt with clinically bipolar. I dealt with depressed relevance-seeking…”The 41 year old NFL icon added, “I dealt with people that wanted to search out other possibilities before they could commit to me and then they go on TV talking about how I ruined their lives and all this s***…”The Pittsburgh Steelers’ star player continued, “I just want to say, ‘Move on with your life. Stop lying about me. Just move on with your life and be happy.’”

Danica Patrick has stayed away from responding to Aaron Rodgers’ controversial comments about their relationship

Though Aaron Rodgers did not specifically name Danica Patrick in his controversial comments, fans have now linked her getting fired from Sky Sports to his remarks.For the unversed, three of Aaron Rodgers’ ex girlfriends, actresses Olivia Munn and Shailene Woodley, and the former NASCAR legend Danica Patrick, have gone public with the way the NFL icon allegedly treated them and the pain they have felt.This has happened at different times in the last few years but the NFL legend, Aaron Rodgers, has always maintained his distance from their comments in public.At this point in time, neither of Aaron Rodgers’ ex girlfriends has responded to his controversial comments about their statements.For now, it seems the Pittsburgh Steelers’ star player, Aaron Rodgers, is pretty happy and content in his married life as he continues to seek privacy for his wife, Brittani.

‘Welcome to the Jungle’, the third ‘Welcome’ hit, is down to its last song shoot before a June 26 theater release. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwallah brings back Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, and Paresh Rawal as fresh, funny villains for maximum laughs, perfect for cinemas craving comedy.

‘Welcome 4’ sees ‘Welcome’ trio return

As reported in Mid-day, the beloved trio Uday Shetty, Majnu Bhai, and Dr Ghungroo from the 2007 ‘Welcome’ and 2015 ‘Welcome Back’ smash hits are gearing up for ‘Welcome 4’. Firoz and his team of writers have been writing the script for ‘Welcome 4’. It is in the advanced stages now. Expect Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, and Paresh Rawal to reprise their roles. Rawal will also feature in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, but he will play a different character, not Dr. Ghungroo. The scripting of ‘Welcome 4’ is being done so that these three characters will be woven organically into the plot. The story will be completely different.

‘Welcome 4’ will feature new villains

Earlier ‘Welcome’ movies starred the late Feroz Khan and Naseeruddin Shah as antagonists. Reportedly, the makers of the fourth film are keen to introduce new villains. ‘Welcome 4’ will have more than one lovable don known more for comic capers and timing than for underworld deeds. Top leading actors are in talks for these roles. It falls under the universe of genres that includes humour, glamour, and action.

‘Welcome’ franchise comedy universe

The ‘Welcome’ franchise is a popular comedy film series produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala and directed by Anees Bazmee. It started with the 2007 blockbuster ‘Welcome’, which centred on Dubai‑based don Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar) and his foster brother Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor) trying to marry off Uday’s sister while hiding their criminal past. The film featured a star cast including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Mallika Sherawat, and the late Feroz Khan in his final role. The series continued with ‘Welcome Back’ (2015), which shifted the setting but brought back Uday, Majnu Bhai, and Dr. Ghungroo (Paresh Rawal) in another crime‑and‑comedy setup aimed at family audiences, featuring over‑the‑top action with comic‑style villains instead of dark gangsters.

Few know Nepean Sea Road as Lady Laxmibai Jagmohandas Marg or that Thane’s Smt Gladys Alvares Marg was renamed. Of Mumbai’s 2,000 km of roads, under 150 km honour women, per BMC data. Exclude goddesses and famous figures, and fewer than 300 remain. This Women’s Day, Sharmila Ganesan Ram traces real trailblazers.Pandita Ramabai Marg, GamdeviNow part of heritage walks, the street linking Nana Chowk to Marine Drive honours Pandita Ramabai, whom historian Uma Chakravarti called “the most controversial Indian woman of her times.” Born Rama Dongre in 1858, orphaned at 16, she mastered Sanskrit and earned the titles Pandita and Saraswati. Widowed young after marrying outside caste, she later converted to Christianity. Founder of Arya Mahila Samaj, she wrote The High-Caste Hindu Woman (1887) in the US and founded Sharada Sadan, a shelter that imparted vocational training and education to widows, in 1889 in Bombay. A century later in 1989, Harvey Road–leading to the sea–was renamed for this woman who swam against the tide

Smt Sakarbai Barku Patil Marg, MulundThree JCBs now greet you at this small, semi-circular stretch in Mulund (W), a connector between the Tehsildar’s and rationing offices off Sarojini Naidu Road. Named in 2021, the road honours Sakarbai Barku Patil aka “Jiji”. Born into a family of freedom fighters in 1924, Sakarbai learnt to read by tracing letters in sand. She urged girls to study, balanced work and motherhood, and fed the needy. A nearby garden bears her husband’s name.Lady Jamsetjee Road, MahimBefore 1845, crossing from Mahim to Bandra during monsoon was perilous; ferries often capsized. In 1841 alone, up to 20 boats overturned. Avabai Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy — Lady Jamsetjee — donated over Rs 1 lakh, plus Rs 40,000, to the British govt to build a causeway on one condition: no toll would be charged. In April 1848, the Mahim Causeway opened to the thunder of four six-pounder guns, linking Bandra to Mahim. Used by both the rich and the poor, Lady Jamsetjee road, stretching from Dadar’s Sena Bhavan to the Mahim Causeway, reminds that public good can outlive self interest

Laxmibai Kelkar Marg, SIONPopularly known as “Mausiji”, Laxmibai Kelkar founded the Rashtra Sevika Samiti in 1936. After meeting KB Hedgewar—a physician who founded the RSS in 1925—to propose a women’s wing, she was urged to form an autonomous body aligned in ideology but distinct in structure. Launched in Wardha on Vijayadashami with 100 members, it grew to 40,000 by the 1970s. A mother of eight, Kelkar led until her death in 1978. Today, a bustling street in Sion bearing her name is known for hosting traditional ‘Gondhal’ performancesDR Kashibai Navrange Marg, GamdeviOnce Alexandra Road, this stretch behind August Kranti Maidan honours Dr Kashibai Navrange, a pioneer of women’s healthcare in 20th-century Bombay. Born in 1858, she was among the city’s first Indian women doctors and the first to open a private clinic. A Wilson College graduate, she earned her Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery in 1907 and soon established a dispensary in Bhuleshwar, offering women the elusive comfort of being treated by a female doctor. She later founded a maternity hospital, launched a Milk Fund for expectant and lactating mothers, taught home nursing to married women across caste lines and even began vocational training for women. After the 1934 Bihar earthquake, Dr Navrange led women doctors into purdah households. Renamed after her death in 1946, the Gamdevi road–housing a prominent girls’ school and a women’s hostel –bears her imprint

NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Sunday carried out a demolition drive, razing the illegal portions of a house linked to one of the accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash case, in which a 26-year-old man was killed, police sources said.Heavy police and paramilitary forces were deployed in the area to maintain law and order during the operation.Sources said civic officials arrived at the locality with bulldozers and demolished only the illegally constructed sections of the structure, not the entire house.

The MCD officials were not available for their comments.On March 4, Tarun (26) was killed in a clash between his family and their neighbours in the JJ Colony area, police said. The violence erupted after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family splashed onto a woman from the neighbouring family.

According to police, the two families had known each other for nearly five decades and had frequent disputes over issues such as parking and garbage disposal.So far, police have arrested six persons and apprehended a minor in connection with the case. Charges of murder and provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been added to the FIR.The accused have been identified as Umardeen (49), Jummadeen (36), Kamruddin (36), Mustaque (46), Muzzafar (25), Tahir (18) and a minor.Maan Singh, the victim’s relative, had earlier called for justice. He said, “We want the Yogi (Uttar Pradesh chief minister) bulldozer model to be used. Their unauthorised houses should be demolished and all illegal extensions removed.” The incident triggered tensions in the area, with an angry mob vandalising several vehicles and setting some on fire on Friday, prompting heavy deployment of police forces.Deputy commissioner of police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh stated, ‘In continuation of the arrests earlier made in the case, eighth accused – Imran @ Bunty, aged 38 years, has also been arrested.Also, as per the statements of deceased Tarun’s family, stringent provisions of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act have been invoked.’(With agency inputs)