The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), has successfully reached a seat-sharing understanding for 15 out of 17 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. While a major breakthrough has been achieved, the alliance is currently witnessing a stalemate over Nashik and Nanded, as multiple constituent partners assert their presence in these regions.

According to sources, the distribution plan was designed to prevent internal rifts by respecting the geographic and organizational strongholds of each party.

Congress secures maximum share of seats

Under the initial draft layout, Congress has come out as the largest stakeholder with seven seats in its quota. The party has been assigned constituencies across northern Maharashtra, western Maharashtra, and Vidarbha, where its ground-level network remains sturdy.

The locations likely allocated to Congress feature Solapur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Dharashiv, Amravati, and Ahilyanagar. To gear up for the electoral challenge, state party president Harshvardhan Sapkal has already designated senior leaders to observe and coordinate at the constituency level.

Five seats assigned to Uddhav Thackeray faction

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has been allotted five seats under the proposed arrangement, focusing its reach on the Konkan region and Marathwada. The seats projected for the party encompass Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalgaon, Hingoli, Raigad, and Parbhani.

Concurrently, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction is expected to field its candidates from three constituencies: Thane, Pune, and the joint Satara-Sangli seat. Even though Thane has been known as a core stronghold of the traditional Shiv Sena, evolving dynamics inside state politics led to this assignment during discussions.

Stalemate over two key constituencies

Despite finding common ground on most locations, Nashik and Nanded continue to be sources of disagreement. Media reports show that both Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) want the Nashik seat, pointing to their local machinery. On the other hand, Nanded has traditionally stayed a bastion for Congress, but shifting political landscapes have led to claims from alliance partners too.

Leaders from the opposition have stressed that their core objective is to challenge the ruling Mahayuti coalition and prevent votes from splitting through friendly contests. Senior members are expected to hold more rounds of talks over the coming days to untangle the deadlock.

Ruling alliance formula takes shape

Sources close to the matter suggest that the ruling Mahayuti coalition has also neared completion of its election blueprint. Under their anticipated plan, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction might contest Pune and Raigad, whereas the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is tipped to take over Nashik, Thane, Parbhani, and Yavatmal. The remaining council seats are expected to be contested by the BJP.

Political experts are keeping a sharp watch on prospective inner rebellion inside the ruling camp, especially in regions like Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where disgruntled figures might look to explore options alongside independent candidates.

Tata Motors has officially launched the 2026 Tiago facelift in India, introducing a comprehensive design overhaul, a heavily updated cabin, and a substantially longer feature list. The updated hatchback enters the market at a starting price of Rs 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom) and is being offered across six distinct variants, stretching up to Rs 8.55 lakh for the top-tier trim.

Sharper and edgier exterior design

Moving away from the familiar rounded contours of the outgoing model, the 2026 vehicle adopts a much sharper and edgier form language. The front fascia is headlined by sleek rectangular LED headlamps integrated with eyebrow-style LED daytime running lights (DRLs), giving the car a more modern and premium aesthetic. Media reports indicate that the traditional chrome strip across the grille has been removed to create a cleaner look.

The front bumper undergoes a complete redesign, featuring enlarged air intakes alongside pixel-style LED fog lamps nestled within prominent black surrounds. While the side profile retains the silhouette of its predecessor, the addition of black cladding around the wheel arches introduces a subtle, rugged touch. The hatchback is available in six unique body color options: Varanasi Vibrance, Pangong Pulse, Sobo Surge, Pristine White, Pure Gray, and Daytona Gray.

Revamped cabin and segment-first premium upgrades

Inside, the cabin receives significant alterations aimed at elevating the overall user experience. The older all-black layout is replaced by a sophisticated dual-tone light grey and black color theme that makes the interior space appear more airy and expansive. Gloss-black accents are applied generously across the center console, steering wheel, and door trims.

A major highlight inside the vehicle is the inclusion of a standalone, free-standing digital driver’s display, which replaces the older analogue instrument setup. Additionally, the center console features dual wireless phone chargers—making it a standout option within this vehicle segment.

Enhanced tech, comfort, and safety features

The updated hatchback comes equipped with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Comfort and utility are enhanced via a chunky steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls, a 4-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, Type-C charging ports, ambient lighting, and auto-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs).

In terms of technology and safety, a major segment-first addition comes in the form of a 360-degree camera system utilizing cameras on the front bumper and ORVMs. This setup is further augmented by a blind view monitor. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Proven powertrain options

The mechanical performance of the vehicle continues to rely on its reliable engine configurations. Buyers can choose between a standard 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor generating 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque, or a bi-fuel petrol+CNG option producing 86 PS in petrol mode and 73.4 PS / 95 Nm when running on CNG. Transmission duties are handled by either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which is available across both the petrol and CNG variants.

Delhi-NCR has finally received a breather from the intense heatwave conditions, as strong winds, thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall swept across parts of the region. According to the weather department, the shift is linked to changing atmospheric conditions, with more unstable weather expected in the coming days.

Rain and thunderstorms ease severe heat conditions

Several parts of Delhi and adjoining NCR cities witnessed rain showers and dust storms, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature after days of scorching heat. Gusty winds accompanied the weather change, with some areas reporting wind speeds strong enough to disrupt daily movement and transport activity.

The sudden weather shift provided temporary relief to residents who had been facing extreme daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-40s Celsius during the peak of the heatwave spell.

IMD forecasts continued weather volatility

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this relief may not be short-lived. A western disturbance and moisture incursion are expected to keep weather conditions unstable across northwest India, including Delhi-NCR.

Forecasts suggest the possibility of more thunderstorms, dust storms, and intermittent rainfall over the next few days. Some regions may also witness hailstorms and strong surface winds, indicating highly variable weather conditions.

Temperature likely to drop further

Meteorological updates suggest that maximum temperatures may gradually ease by a few degrees as rain and cloud cover persist. In some forecasts, a drop of around 2–3°C is expected, offering partial respite from the prolonged heatwave conditions.

However, officials have cautioned that heatwave-like conditions may still persist in short intervals, depending on local atmospheric shifts.

Advisory for residents

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of thunderstorms and strong winds, as these conditions can lead to reduced visibility, traffic disruptions, and temporary power fluctuations.

People have been urged to stay updated with official weather alerts, avoid unnecessary travel during intense storm activity, and take precautions against lightning and gusty winds.