Tag: Pune

Sports

Diana Pundole to Make History as the First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari Internationally

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian motorsport is set to witness a historic moment as Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, becomes the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally. Beginning November 2025, she will take part in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, driving the powerful Ferrari 296 Challenge — a track-only, high-performance machine from the legendary Italian marque.

The championship will run from November 2025 to April 2026, featuring races across some of the most iconic Formula One circuits in the Middle East — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

“It’s truly an incredible honour,” said Pundole. “Being part of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East as the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me but for women in Indian motorsport. I hope it encourages more women to pursue their passion for racing.”

Pundole began her racing journey in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program, where she quickly stood out for her competitive spirit and multiple podium finishes. Since then, she has continued to make her mark in Indian motorsport, earning respect for her discipline and technical skill behind the wheel.

Now, her participation in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East represents a major milestone for Indian women in racing — and a proud moment for the country’s growing motorsport community.

With her signature blend of determination and talent, Diana Pundole is not only racing a Ferrari — she’s racing into history.

Business

Asia’s Largest Hospital to Rise in Pune, Named After Lata Mangeshkar

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In a historic decision, the Maharashtra government has announced the construction of Asia’s largest hospital in Pune, dedicated to the legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

The upcoming facility aims to provide state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and world-class healthcare services, catering to millions of patients from across India and beyond. It will also stand as a lasting tribute to the “Nightingale of India,” whose voice touched hearts across generations.

Officials highlighted that the hospital will:

  • Offer cutting-edge medical treatment and advanced healthcare facilities.
  • Serve as a hub for medical research, innovation, and training.
  • Provide affordable and accessible healthcare to people across social and economic backgrounds.
  • Contribute to Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a leader in healthcare infrastructure.

By naming this ambitious project after Lata Mangeshkar, the government seeks to immortalize her contributions to Indian culture while creating a healthcare institution that echoes her spirit of service and inspiration.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s healthcare system and honoring one of its most iconic legends.

Human Interest

From Student to Guest Lecturer: Siddesh Shripad Naik Inspires Future Leaders at MIT School of Government, Pune, Maharashtra

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North Goa Zilla Panchayat elected representative Siddesh Shripad Naik recently took the podium at MIT School of Government in Pune, Maharashtra, sharing his experience and insights on the structure and functioning of Zilla Panchayats.

Naik, who began his journey as a student himself, reflected on his progression to becoming a public representative and guest lecturer. During the interactive session, he highlighted the responsibilities, challenges, and strategic importance of Panchayat governance, offering students a comprehensive understanding of local administration.

The session fostered an engaging environment, encouraging students to actively participate and ask questions about the functioning of governance at the grassroots level. Naik expressed his honor in contributing to civic education and inspiring young leaders.

“This experience was truly special. Sharing insights with such an engaged audience reinforces the importance of understanding governance from the ground up,” Naik stated.

The lecture is part of MIT School of Government in Pune, Maharashtra’s ongoing efforts to expose students to practical insights from current leaders, blending academic learning with real-world governance experience.

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FLY91 Adds Extra Flights on Pune-Sindhudurg Route to Meet Ganesh Chaturthi Travel Demand

Tanisha Cardozo

As Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin to light up homes and hearts across Maharashtra, regional airline FLY91 is stepping up to ensure smooth travel for thousands. The Goa-based airline has announced additional flights on its increasingly popular Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune route to cater to the sharp spike in passenger demand during the festive period.

The new flights will operate on August 24, 29, 31, and September 5 and 7, offering greater flexibility and travel options for families heading back to their native places for the Ganpati festivities.

“Ganesh Chaturthi is a special time for our customers, with many travelling to be with family and friends,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91. “By adding extra flights on our Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune route, we aim to give passengers greater flexibility and more options during this festive period.”

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of Maharashtra’s biggest festivals, sees a massive influx of travelers from cities back to their hometowns. Sindhudurg, known for its rich cultural heritage and coastal beauty, becomes a key travel hub during this time.

This move follows FLY91’s earlier additions to its schedule during the Independence Day long weekend, where it added flights on August 14, 15, and 18 on both the Pune-Goa-Pune and Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune sectors. These strategic enhancements underscore the airline’s agility in responding to peak travel demands.

Headquartered in Goa, FLY91 is focused on enhancing regional connectivity, especially linking tier 2 and tier 3 cities. With eight domestic destinations currently in its network, the airline connects four key cities in Maharashtra alone: Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, and Pune.

Human Interest

Pune Woman Wins ₹9.1 Lakh for Sleeping 9 Hours a Day for 60 Days

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In an inspiring and unusual win, Pooja, a resident of Pune, bagged ₹9.1 lakh after winning a unique sleep-based challenge organized by a mattress company to promote awareness about the importance of healthy sleep.

The challenge was simple in theory but required serious discipline: sleep for an average of 9 hours per day for 60 continuous days—without significant interruptions or disturbances. Out of over one lakh participants from across India, only 15 made it to the final stage, and Pooja outperformed them all with the highest score.

The contest aimed to emphasize how sleep is not a luxury but a key pillar of health. Quality sleep contributes to better immunity, improved memory, sharper concentration, and mental well-being. Pooja’s consistency, focus, and perfectly maintained sleep schedule over the two-month period made her stand out from the rest.

Speaking after her win, Pooja said, “This experience taught me how much good sleep affects everything—from mood to energy. It wasn’t easy, but it changed my lifestyle for the better.”

The contest organisers noted that participants were monitored through wearable devices to ensure accuracy. Daily check-ins, sleep tracking apps, and periodic health updates were part of the strict criteria to qualify.

The competition gained traction on social media as a “dream job,” and Pooja’s story is now making waves for being a reminder that rest and routine are as important as hustle and hard work.

So next time someone says you’re sleeping too much—tell them it could be a ₹9.1 lakh idea!