Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP government in Maharashtra, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for its handling of recent violent incidents in Nagpur. Thackeray drew a troubling parallel between Maharashtra and the violence-stricken state of Manipur, suggesting that the state is on a similar path.

In a press conference, Thackeray questioned the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) regarding its lack of response to spreading rumours of impending violence. “Why did the CMO not react when reports of unrest started circulating? The Chief Minister and the Home Department should be the first to know about such threats. Did they have no information? It seems like the BJP is intent on turning Maharashtra into the next Manipur,” he contended.

He also took the opportunity to discuss economic progress, comparing India unfavourably to Vietnam, which, despite being smaller and less populous, has a thriving electronics sector. Thackeray lamented the ongoing violence in Manipur since 2023, questioning the prospects for investment and tourism under such conditions.

“While violence persists in Manipur, Maharashtra risks experiencing a similar fate. We must consider the progress countries like Vietnam have made, showcasing what we could achieve if we were not mired in conflict. The BJP seems bent on dividing our nation along lines of caste and religion,” he remarked.

The violence in Nagpur, which has led to curfews and increased tensions, was characterized by Chief Minister Fadnavis as “a well-planned attack.” He attributed the unrest to protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, which were sparked by rumours of the desecration of religious items. “No one has the right to disrupt law and order,” he declared.

Fadnavis reported several injuries among police officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police attacked with an axe. Prohibitory orders were enacted in 11 police stations, and multiple FIRs were recorded in response to the incidents. “We will not tolerate attacks on law enforcement officials,” he stated firmly.

As tensions continued to escalate, the Maharashtra assembly witnessed protests from opposition leaders, demanding action regarding Aurangzeb’s tomb, which they see as a catalyst for recent violence. Both sides exchanged heated accusations, with the ruling alliance branding individuals who glorify Aurangzeb as “traitors.”

BJP MLA Pravin Datke also visited the affected neighbourhoods, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the violence, and noting targeted attacks on specific shops and stalls.

In light of the unrest, a curfew has been implemented in various parts of Nagpur under the authority of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, aimed at restoring order amidst the rising tensions. This curfew will remain enforced until further notice, affecting numerous police station jurisdictions across the city.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has announced the results of the Joint Admissions Test for M.Sc. (JAM) 2025 on March 18. Candidates who appeared for the exam can check their scorecards by visiting the official website jam2025.iitd.ac.in.

To access their results, students must use their enrollment ID, email ID, and password, followed by solving a Captcha code. According to the official notice, qualified candidates can download their scorecards between March 24 and July 31. The scorecard will also display the All India Rank (AIR) of each candidate.

Steps to check IIT JAM 2025 results

Visit the IIT JAM 2025 official website

Click on the ‘JAM 2025 result declared’ link

Open the JOAPS portal

Enter Enrollment ID / Email ID and password

Solve the arithmetic expression and enter the result

Click on ‘Submit’

View and download the scorecard

Admission process and important dates

The admission process for IIT JAM 2025 will begin on March 26, 2025, through the JOAPS portal. Candidates can submit their applications until April 9, 2025.

The list of candidates in the invalid category will be published on May 8, 2025.

The first admission list will be released on May 26, 2025, and selected candidates must pay the seat booking fee by May 30.

The withdrawal option will be available from June 7 to July 7, 2025.

A maximum of four admission rounds will be conducted to fill the available seats.

IIT JAM 2025: Exam overview and seat availability

IIT JAM scores are used for admission to various postgraduate programs, including: M.Sc, M.Sc. (Tech), M.S. (Research), M.Sc.-M.Tech. Dual Degree, Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D, M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree

Over 2,000 seats will be allotted based on JAM 2025 scores. The examination was conducted across 100 cities in India and covered seven specializations including Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics and Physics.

A merit list will be prepared for each test paper, depending on the available seats in each category.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, extending an invitation for her to visit India as she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore finally departed the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX capsule on Tuesday after being in orbit for nine months.

In the letter, shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X, Modi expressed the nation’s pride and prayers for Williams’ safe return. “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and the success of your mission,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Modi also fondly recalled his meeting with Williams and her late father, Deepak Pandya, during his 2016 visit to the United States. “Ms. Bonnie Pandya must be eagerly awaiting your return, and I am sure Late Deepakbhai’s blessings are with you. After your return, we look forward to welcoming you to India. It will be an honour for the nation to host one of its most illustrious daughters,” he added.

Williams and Wilmore, along with two other crew members, undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. New York time on Tuesday. Their Dragon capsule is expected to travel through space, re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, and splash down off the Florida coast around 6 p.m. local time.

In his letter, Modi highlighted how 1.4 billion Indians celebrate Williams’ perseverance and contributions to space exploration. He mentioned that during his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, he had inquired about her well-being, reflecting India’s deep admiration for her achievements.

Sunita Williams, whose father Deepak Pandya was born in Jhulasan, a small village in Gujarat, before moving to the United States, has always maintained a strong connection to her Indian roots. Though she grew up in America, her Indian heritage has been a significant part of her identity, influencing her values and experiences.

Williams has often spoken warmly about her cultural ties to India. During one of her space missions, she carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, an idol of Lord Ganesha, and sacred Ganga Jal—a touching tribute to her heritage.