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Saudi Arabia Denies Plans to Lift 73-Year-Old Alcohol Ban

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Riyadh, May 27, 2025: The Saudi government has denied recent media reports claiming that the Kingdom plans to lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales by 2026. A senior Saudi official clarified that alcohol remains strictly prohibited for Muslims in the country and that the Kingdom continues to uphold Islamic principles.

Speculation arose following reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia, as part of its Vision 2030 reforms and in preparation for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, was planning to allow regulated alcohol sales in luxury hotels, resorts, and diplomatic zones—potentially at around 600 locations nationwide.

However, the official rejected these claims, stating that the ban on alcohol, in place since 1952, applies to both citizens and foreign nationals. He reaffirmed that there are no plans to lift the ban and emphasized the country’s commitment to preserving its religious and cultural traditions while moving forward with economic and tourism-related reforms.

In January 2024, a shop in Riyadh was granted permission to sell alcohol exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats under strict regulations. This move was seen as a measure to curb the black market and illegal importation of alcohol, rather than a step toward general legalization.

In February 2025, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, confirmed that alcohol would not be allowed during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that while the Kingdom welcomes visitors, it will do so within the framework of its cultural values and will not compromise them.

While a few exceptions have been made under controlled conditions, the long-standing ban on alcohol remains firmly in place, with no official plans to reverse it. Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its economic diversification goals under Vision 2030 while maintaining its religious and cultural identity.

Maharashtra

Mumbai BMC issues directions to Municipal Commissioner Gagrani to deal with flood situation

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Mumbai: In view of the situation created by the continuous and heavy rains in Mumbai for two days, Municipal Commissioner and Administrative Manager Bhushan Gagrani today reviewed the monsoon works of the Municipal Corporation. At that time, he gave various instructions to the officers. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar, all the concerned Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and concerned officers were present in the meeting held at the Municipal Corporation headquarters.

Municipal Commissioner Gagrani said that this year the monsoon arrived in Mumbai fifteen days earlier than every year. It is a fact that the works of the Municipal Corporation have been affected to some extent due to the heavy rains in the beginning. Especially, the work of removing silt from drains has been hampered. However, to ensure that the pace of monsoon works is not slowed down under any circumstances, appropriate amendments should be made in the previous planning and necessary changes should be made. The Municipal Commissioner said that the work of desilting rivers and canals should be completed in the next eight to ten days.

This year, a total of 414 pumping sets have been planned to be installed in low-lying and very low-lying areas as well as in all possible places where water can accumulate during heavy rains. Accordingly, it should be ensured that the process of installation of pumping sets (pump sets) is completed at all places. The process of setting up and operating the pumping system should be completed in the next 24 hours. To check that the system is working smoothly, it should be properly tested. Follow-up should be done in coordination at the necessary levels to complete the entire process. The contractors have been given letters of expediency to acquire 10 sets of mobile pumps mounted on vehicles on lease. These sets will be available within eight days. Gagrani also said that this system can be used in case of emergency.

He further said that utmost care should be taken that rainwater does not accumulate in extremely low-lying and low-lying areas. If water accumulates due to heavy rain, efforts should be made to ensure its early drainage. The new places where rainwater has accumulated, the Assistant Commissioner of the concerned administrative department and the Deputy Commissioner of the circle should inspect these places. The reasons for the formation of such new places should be found. Gagrani advised that the steps to be taken at these places should be decided and the problem of water accumulation should be resolved.

Flood control gates should be installed in timely and proper manner at relief centers like Haji Ali, Lovegrove, Britannia etc. They should be opened and closed every two hours and the Emergency Management Room should be informed that they are in good condition. The remaining work of concreting the roads should be completed at an accelerated pace. The incomplete roads should be completed permanently and made traffic-ready. In addition, road blocks (barricades) and other materials should be removed from the roads within 24 hours and transported to the warehouses. It should be ensured that vehicles do not obstruct the roads in any way. Similarly, the work of felling trees should be completed on time, etc., Municipal Commissioner Gagrani directed.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Airport motorcycle and car collide, video of rider riding on bonnet goes viral, traffic police action, case registered against accused

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Mumbai: After a collision between a car and a motorcycle near Mumbai Airport, a car driver put a motorcyclist on the bonnet of the car, endangering his life, after which the police have registered a case on the complaint of the motorcyclist and started an investigation.

After the collision between the car and the motorcycle, the local crowd stopped the car and during this, an argument broke out between the motorcyclist and the car driver and suddenly the car driver ran over the motorcyclist and put him on the bonnet and drove the car. After this video went viral, the police registered a case and released the accused after giving a notice. The police have started an investigation in this matter. Regarding the incident, the Airport Police Station Mumbai has registered an offence 61/2025 under sections 281,125,1126(2),115(2),352 BNS r/w sec 184 mvact. A case has been registered against the accused Bhim Prasad Giani Mahto, aged 24, resident of Vartak Nagar and a notice has been issued to him.

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Maharashtra

Cyclone Shakti Alert: IMD Warns of Heavy Rain and Rough Seas Along East Coast

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Mumbai, May 28, 2025: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for the eastern coast of India, as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. If it forms, the cyclone will be named ‘Shakti’.

According to the IMD, the depression currently lies over the central Bay of Bengal and is moving in a northwesterly direction. It is expected to make landfall along the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh by the evening of May 29, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Wind speeds could reach 75–85 km/h, with gusts up to 95 km/h. Coastal regions have been warned of rough seas and the possibility of localized flooding.

In preparation for the potential cyclone, the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been placed on high alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and coastal villages are being kept under close watch for any signs of distress.

Impact on West Bengal and Maharashtra

The weather system may also influence conditions in West Bengal, with heavy rainfall expected in southern districts, including Kolkata, over the next few days. The monsoon may advance into North Bengal by Friday, the IMD said.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai and surrounding areas, the cyclone is unlikely to have a direct impact but may cause light to moderate showers, with a possibility of heavy rainfall in isolated spots. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Mumbai as a precautionary measure.

Public Advisory:

  • Stay tuned to updates from the IMD and local authorities.
  • Avoid travel to coastal areas until further notice.
  • In case of emergency, contact the National Disaster Helpline at 1070.

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