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Maharashtra

Aaditya Thackeray Demands Belgaum To Be Declared As Union Territory; Criticises Centre’s Inaction Over Dispute Region

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Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA, demanded that Belgaum should be recognised as a Union Territory. This comes to the light as Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray refused to be attend assembly gatherings highlighting the purported injustices faced by Marathi-speaking individuals in Belgavi city in Karnataka.

Aaditya Thackeray condemned the central and state governments for not resolving the Belgaum matter. Worli MLA urged the Prime Minister to step in and secure justice for the Marathi community in the area. Rejecting assembly gatherings, stressing the need for a swift resolution of the Belgaum dispute.

In an recent interview, Aaditya Thackeray addressed the years-long ongoing dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka over injustice faced by Marathi-speaking individuals of Belgaum in Karnataka and criticised lack of action by the centre government, requesting prime minister to take close action against injustice.

Previously, Shiv Sena (UBT) had asked the Karnataka government to allow the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) of Belgaum to hold a public gathering and permit leaders from Maharashtra to participate. For three straight years, the Karnataka government has denied MES the opportunity to conduct its convention in Belagavi, citing concerns over law and order, despite appeals to let Maharashtra leaders attend MES event. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have also accused Karnataka of increasing police presence at border posts, airports, and train stations to prevent their entry.

The MES, an organization for the Marathi-speaking population from the border areas of Karnataka, hosts a public event to promote their enduring request during the winter assembly session at the Vidhan Soudha in Belagavi — the secondary capital of the neighboring state.

Maharashtra-Karnataka Dispute Over Belgaum

The Belagavi, official name for Belgaum, border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra centers on historical demographic changes and linguistic identities. The Mahajan Commission placed to resolve the issue came up with recommendations in 1966 that failed to resolve the longstanding conflict over governance and territorial claims.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Rains: City On High Tide Alert; Waves Anticipated To Reach 14 Feet As IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall

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Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released a high tide warning for Mumbai from July 24 to July 27, forecasting tide heights exceeding 4.5 meters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert because of anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced a high tide alert for Mumbai from July 24 to July 27, expecting tide levels above 4.5 meters. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for anticipated heavy rainfall, forecasting extreme tides of 4.67 meters on July 26 and 4.60 meters on July 27.

The IMD predicts a predominantly overcast sky with heavy rainfall expected in some parts of Mumbai and nearby areas on July 24, accompanied by strong winds of 40 to 50 km/h, resulting in an orange alert for the city and a red alert for the Konkan region.

Tide Times For Today

on July 25, mostly cloudy skies with a chance of heavy rain. Tides: High at 12:40 PM (4.66 m) and low at 6:46 PM (1.40 m). Residents, especially those in low-lying and coastal regions, are urged to take precautions during high tide times because of potential flooding and waterlogging. Emergency responders are prepared as the city experiences increased monsoon conditions.

Between July 24 and 31, 2025, Mumbai will witness two high and low tides each day. The highest tides will occur at 4.66 meters on July 26th at 1:15 PM, while the lowest will be 3.71 meters on July 28th at 2:34 AM.

Low tides will mainly be under 1.73 meters, reaching a low of -0.3 meters on July 24th at 5:07 AM. The peak low tide will reach 1.73 meters on July 31st at 9:40 AM. Sunrise will transition from 6:13 AM to 6:15 AM, and sunset will vary from 7:14 PM to 7:17 PM.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra: MNS Workers Assault Attendant At Nanded Bus Stand For Refusing To Speak Marathi

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Nanded: In another instance of vigilantism over language, workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly assaulted a Hindi-speaking migrant worker at the state transport bus stand in Nanded on Wednesday. The attendant, posted outside the ladies’ toilet, was reportedly targeted for refusing to speak in Marathi when questioned by a local.

The incident came to light after multiple videos surfaced on social media. In one clip, a man is seen confronting the attendant for collecting Rs 5 from women for using the toilet, which is generally free. When asked to respond in Marathi, the attendant allegedly said, “I will not speak Marathi, do what you want to do.” The video was reportedly circulated among local MNS workers, including the party’s Nanded city chief.

Video Shows MNS Workers Assaulting Man

Soon after, another video showed a group of men wearing MNS scarves slapping and punching the attendant. They are heard berating him not only for refusing to speak Marathi but also accusing him of misbehaving with women and being rude.

Under pressure, the man was made to deliver a forced apology on camera, stating in Marathi: “I apologise to Marathi people and to Raj Thackeray. I will not repeat this mistake again.” Despite the videos going viral, no formal FIR had been registered till Wednesday evening.

Growing Incidents Of Violence Involving MNS Workers

This episode adds to a growing list of similar incidents involving MNS workers taking offense over language. Just earlier this month, MNS cadres had allegedly assaulted shopkeepers in Mira Road, Thane and Vikhroli for not speaking Marathi. The party has long positioned itself as a protector of Marathi identity, often using aggressive means.

Party chief Raj Thackeray had previously said he was “proud” of MNS workers for “defending Marathi pride,” while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had condemned such vigilantism. “No one has the right to assault someone for not speaking a particular language,” Fadnavis had said.

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Maharashtra

Supreme Court Stays Bombay High Court’s Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case

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New Delhi, July 24, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the Bombay High Court’s recent decision to acquit 12 men previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai suburban train bombings. The apex court, however, clarified that the accused will not need to return to jail while the legal process continues.

The move comes days after the Maharashtra government filed a challenge against the High Court’s ruling, expressing serious concern over the acquittal of all 12 individuals who had been found guilty nearly a decade earlier. The Supreme Court agreed to examine the appeal and put the acquittal order on hold until further notice.

Background of the Case

On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated bomb blasts targeted local trains on Mumbai’s Western Railway line during evening rush hour. The attacks resulted in the deaths of around 190 people and left over 800 injured. It was one of the deadliest terror strikes in India’s history.

In 2015, a special court convicted 12 men under anti-terror laws, sentencing five to death and the remaining to life imprisonment. However, the Bombay High Court overturned these convictions in July 2025, citing weak and unreliable evidence, inconsistencies in witness testimonies, and procedural lapses in the investigation.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

Responding to the state’s petition, the Supreme Court noted the seriousness of the matter and temporarily suspended the High Court’s decision. The court stated that although the acquittal order is stayed, the accused who had already been released will not be required to surrender at this stage.

Government’s Stand

The Maharashtra government described the High Court’s judgment as deeply concerning, arguing that the earlier trial had followed due process and that crucial evidence—such as confessions and material recovered—was improperly dismissed. The government urged the Supreme Court to uphold the original convictions in the interest of justice for the victims and their families.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court is expected to conduct a detailed review of the High Court’s findings and the prosecution’s evidence. The final verdict could have a significant impact on how terrorism-related cases are investigated and prosecuted in the future, especially with respect to the handling of confessional statements, forensic evidence, and procedural safeguards.

The case continues to be a matter of national attention due to its historical gravity and implications for the justice system. Families of the victims, legal experts, and civil rights advocates are all watching closely as the country’s top court re-evaluates one of India’s most complex terror cases.

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