The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
1 Rajya Sabha seat, 3 rivals: How Maharashtra poll tests MVA unity
1 Rajya Sabha seat, 3 rivals: How Maharashtra poll tests MVA unity
Maharashtra gears up for Rajya Sabha polls on March 16 with seven seats at stake. Ruling Mahayuti claims six with 235 MLAs, leaving one for opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). In a test of unity and alliance ground with giants like Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackrey in race will MVA stand?
Maharashtra prepares for Rajya Sabha elections for a total of seven seats on March 16. While ruling, Mahayuti commands six uncontested seats with 235 MLAs, leaving one for the Mahavikas Agadi.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) holds 46 MLAs, enough for one seat, but faces internal rivalry with three allies staking claims. The one seat, three contestants will test the MVA unity.
Simple elections have turned into an internal bond test for the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT).
The NCP (SP) wants its veteran leader, Sharad Pawar, for the seat. At 84, this would mark his record eighth Rajya Sabha term, reviving his national stature to boost the party's revival post-split.
While the Shiv Sena (UBT) pushes for its candidate, citing 20 MLAs—the largest in the MVA bloc, with Sanjay Raut publicly cited loyalty to the INDIA bloc and backed Uddhav Thackrey as the appropriate candidate, pressing on his expiring MLC term needing replacement.
The congress, with 16 MLAs, avoids aggressive claims but seeks trade-offs, like MVA support in upcoming MLC elections or local body polls. They prioritise alliance math over rushing a candidate, watching talks unfold.
Earlier, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal publicly demanded the Rajya Sabha seat, citing the necessity to fight the BJP in unity.
While he also stressed the MVA unity and said the decision will emerge after discussions. “Regarding the Rajya Sabha seat, earlier we had contested as alliance partners. Last time, the NCP got more seats. Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi had come together to elect members. Our four members are now completing their terms. As Congress in the Maha Vikas Aghadi, we demand that the Rajya Sabha seat be given to us. It is necessary to fight unitedly against the BJP. This is a state subject. We do not know who is saying what. There should be a broad discussion on this. So far, no discussion has taken place within the Maha Vikas Aghadi regarding the Rajya Sabha seat. Once discussions happen, a solution will emerge. As Maha Vikas Aghadi, we will sit together and take a decision acceptable to all”, said Sakpal.
With Maharashtra's 288-member Assembly, the BJP holds 131 MLAs, taking the majority; Shiv Sena has 57, and NCP with 40, which is enough for the ruling Mahayuti alliance to secure six Rajya Sabha seats unopposed.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) has 20 MLAs, Congress 16, and NCP (SP) 10, letting MVA hit the 37 first-preference votes needed for one seat if they stay united.
Among the retiring faces is NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, his daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule said Wednesday that party workers want "Pawar saheb" back in the Rajya Sabha.
"Jayant Patil and Shashikant Shinde will talk to Uddhav Thackeray and Congress leaders," she added. "I'll speak to Congress in Delhi if needed. We will reach a consensus”, according to a report by the Indian Express.
NCP (SP) leaders also believe that Sharad Pawar's recent hospitalisation and brief pause in political activity won't delay his Rajya Sabha nomination decision indefinitely.
While pushing hard for the Shiv Sena (UBT), party leader Sanjay Raut, Rajya Sabha MP, said Sharad Pawar's intent to return to the Upper House deserves serious consideration.
However, party MLA Aaditya Thackeray insisted the seat belongs to Sena (UBT) based on their MLA numbers.
"Our two Rajya Sabha seats matter politically," Thackeray said. "In 2020, we gave one to NCP. Now it should be ours." He noted that MPs Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi have consistently raised key issues.
Thackeray framed the polls as a "fight to protect the Constitution, against ‘Adanisation’, Dharavi sale, and attempts to sell Mumbai and Maharashtra." He added that Sena (UBT)'s steady INDIA bloc role strengthens their claim.
Thackeray's stance limits quiet compromise among MVA allies. According to the Indian Express, some Sena (UBT) leaders also suggest Uddhav Thackeray’s entry in the Rajya Sabha as his MLC term ends in May, though no formal proposal exists yet. This shows their push for a strong Parliament presence.
The Congress, on the other hand, plays cautiously, maintaining itself as the uniter of the MVA. With Congress President Sakpal’s claims congress seeks its revival but also waits for alliance partners reponse first, calling for a collective decision putitng the alliance at first.
Some sources also claim that Congress might support senior Pawar’s candidature and seek broader engagement in the MLC elections.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Vinod Tawde, Ramdas Athawale In Race As Maharashtra BJP Sends Rajya Sabha Names To Delhi Rajya Sabha polls jolt Congress in Telangana as BRS chief KCR plans to field candidate MMK & MDMK hold seat sharing talks with DMK Lok Sabha Speaker forms cross-party groups to engage 60+ nations CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on NDA seat-sharing for Assam polls Election Commission announces Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats on March 16 37 Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs across 10 states Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reaches Dhaka for Tarique Rahman's swearing-in cere BJP secures Karimnagar Mayoral seat as Kolagani Srinivas takes charge Lok Sabha to take up no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians". Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction
5 hours ago
The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons
5 hours ago
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
5 hours ago
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
5 hours ago
Kerala Congress (M), BDJS announce names of 12 candidates eachKerala Congress (M) and BDJS announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls, including KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani from Pala and 12 others from BDJS. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
5 hours ago
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
![London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/chelsea-fined-and-faces-supended-transfer-ban-by-premier-league.webp?height=520)
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago
