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Enemy changing with time, Centre keeping close watch: Mandaviya on Covid situation

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said in the Lok Sabha the Centre was keeping an eye on the global Covid situation following the recent surge in cases in China and other countries, and since the enemy was changing with time there was a need to continue a collective fight.

The 2 per cent random sampling of all international passengers was being considered at all international airports to minimise the risk of ingress of any new variant into the country, health minister informed the House.

“In last few days, we have seen an increasing trajectory of Covid-19 cases across the world. India on the other hand has shown a continued decreasing trajectory of cases since last one year. Presently, 153 new cases on an average are being reported daily across the country, but globally approximately 5.87 lakh new cases are still being reported on an average on a daily basis. A large number of cases are being reported in countries, including Japan, the US, South Korea, France, Greece, Italy. There are also media reports of a high number of cases and deaths being reported from China since the last few days,” the health minister informed the House.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to monitor Covid-19 and in view of the reported surge in cases from across the world, the Union Ministry of Health has been monitoring the global situation, the challenge posed by multiple variants of Covid-19 and undertaking required public health measures,” he said.

Besides regular technical support, through the National Health Mission, State Disaster Response Fund, Emergency COVID Response packages, and Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, funding support has also been provided to support states in their efforts to manage Covid-19, Mandaviya added further.

On the vaccination campaign against the Covid pandemic, the health minister said that we have already administered a record number of 220.02 crore doses across the country. This has covered 90 per cent of the eligible population with two doses, including administration of 22.35 crore precaution doses.

On specific interventions to manage the ongoing challenge, he briefed the House that states have been advised to focus on heightened surveillance within the community and to undertake requisite control and containment measures. States have also been advised to increase the whole genome sequencing of all positive cases for timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and facilitate undertaking required public health measures, he said.

“In view of upcoming festivals and New Year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness within the community on adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour which includes use of masks, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, besides following physical distancing. States should ensure that the coverage of precaution doses for Covid-19 vaccination should increase and required awareness for the same is undertaken within the community,” Mandaviya told the House.

“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India would continue to focus on strategic principles of ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour’ for management of Covid-19. The government is committed to undertake all required measures towards managing this ongoing pandemic,” said Mandaviya, requesting all MPs to help spread community awareness that the pandemic is still not over and need to remain alert and undertake required precautions besides vaccination.

Maharashtra

Man Arrested for Illegally Bringing Ganja from Odisha and Selling It in Mumbai.

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Mumbai: During a patrol, the Ghatkopar Unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell detained an individual standing near the garden outside Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station—close to the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road bridge in Tilak Nagar, Chembur (East), Mumbai—on suspicion of selling narcotics.

Upon searching him, 22.960 kg of ‘ganja’ (cannabis) was recovered from his possession. He was subsequently arrested, and a case was registered against him under Sections 8(c) and 20(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Interrogation revealed that the accused had brought the contraband from the state of Odisha to Mumbai for sale. The arrested individual has been identified as Manish Kumar Baijnath Chaudhary, aged 25.
A total of 22.960 kg of ganja, valued at approximately ₹11,48,000, was seized from the accused.

This successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deven Bharti, along with Anil Kumbhare, Krishnakant Upadhyay, and DCP Purnima Chougule-Shringi.

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Maharashtra

Mayor Launches ‘Flex-Free Mumbai’ Campaign by Personally Removing Unauthorized Banners from His Electoral Constituency.

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Mumbai: First Citizen, Mayor Ritu Tawde, has once again demonstrated that instead of merely making announcements or issuing directives, one should set an example through practical action. The Mayor recently announced a special campaign titled “Flex-free Mumbai for 365 days” (following the ten-day Ganeshotsav festival) to remove unauthorized flex banners, posters, and stickers from across the city. She has also appealed to all political parties to cooperate with this initiative.

In this regard, Mayor Ritu Tawde personally took to the streets in her constituency today (October 14, 2026) to launch the campaign.

Mayor Ritu Tawde personally removed unauthorized advertising hoardings, banners, and posters installed at Jhulelal Chowk (Vikrant Circle) and Garodia Nagar—busy areas in Ghatkopar (East) falling under the ‘N’ Ward of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. All unauthorized hoardings in the vicinity were immediately removed. Furthermore, the Mayor instructed officials to ensure that no new unauthorized hoardings are erected in the future.

Officers and staff from the Shops and Establishments (Licensing) Department, Maintenance Department, Encroachment Removal Department, and other relevant departments were present during the campaign.

Through her actions, the Mayor has set a new precedent for public representatives in Mumbai. This initiative demonstrated that when public representatives take the lead in curbing factors that mar the city’s beauty, it significantly facilitates the administration’s work. The efforts of the Municipal Corporation administration received a major boost when the Mayor herself took to the streets. …undertook the task of removing unauthorized flex banners, posters, and stickers.

To permanently rid Mumbai of the menace of plastic, flex materials, and unauthorized hoardings, Mayor Ritu Tawde has written to the municipal corporation administration, directing the strict implementation of a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy. To expand the reach of this campaign and foster unity across political lines, the Mayor is personally sending letters to the heads and leaders of all political parties. The policy entails stringent measures, such as mandating a QR code system for authorized hoardings (advertising boards), blacklisting printers and agencies that produce unauthorized signage, and ensuring the resolution of citizens’ complaints within a maximum of 72 hours.

Conveying her message during the campaign, Mayor Ritu Tawde stated that just as an example of environmental conservation was set during the Ganesh Utsav festival by prioritizing eco-friendly clay idols, it is the duty of every citizen and public representative to keep Mumbai free from plastic and flex waste throughout the year. The Mayor has appealed to public representatives from all parties, social activists, organizations, and citizens to support this campaign by taking similar initiatives in their respective areas to uphold Mumbai’s aesthetic appeal and civic discipline.

Mumbai’s citizens have welcomed this eco-friendly initiative by the Mayor, who launched the effort from her own municipal ward.

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Maharashtra

Eknath Shinde Calls Rahul Gandhi’s Supreme Court March a Black Day in India’s History, Alleges INDIA Bloc Is Part of a Foreign Conspiracy.

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The ‘INDIA’ alliance organized a march to the Supreme Court in Delhi, attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Members of Parliament from the alliance. Following this protest, it appears that the ‘INDIA’ alliance has adopted an aggressive stance. Commenting on the protest, Eknath Shinde remarked that yesterday was a ‘black day’ in the country’s history. He observed that the Constitution and the constitutional institutions established by Babasaheb were trampled upon. An unprecedented event occurred where a march to the Supreme Court was undertaken to exert pressure. Condemning the actions of Rahul Gandhi and the ‘INDIA’ alliance, he stated that no amount of condemnation would be enough. While acknowledging their right to protest in a democracy, he questioned the method of leading a march merely to file a petition. He emphasized that they should apologize for attacking India’s judicial system. Claiming that they are actively working to destroy the Constitution and strangle democracy, he added that the current situation poses a danger to the country. He expressed suspicion regarding the involvement of foreign forces, suggesting it could be part of an international conspiracy. Eknath Shinde said, “It is extremely unfortunate that they are pushing the country towards chaos; this is dangerous for the nation.” He added that since they cannot win elections or defeat the Prime Minister, they are resorting to such tactics. Shinde also leveled serious allegations, stating that the opposition is undermining the country’s freedom. Attempts are being made by foreign powers to destabilize the country. He emphasized the need to consistently speak out against their anti-national mindset. They operate under the conviction that they will not come to power at the Centre; this very thought drives their daily actions. It was the opposition itself that once attempted to destroy the Constitution. Referring to the Emergency, Shinde asked: if an Emergency were in place today, would protests even reach the Supreme Court? Nowadays, everyone is free to express their views. Is the current situation an Emergency, or was that the Emergency? Back then, everything was shut down. Is it right to march towards the judiciary and insult it? They talk about ‘breaking India’ and protest while threatening to leave the country. They know their demands are flawed; they are aware they will not get justice because their demands are baseless. They had protested against the increase in voter turnout. Now, if names are removed from the voter list, they protest—even though ‘Form 6’ exists to ensure no injustice occurs. It was merely a drama staged by ‘immature’ (shortsighted) people, all for the sake of gaining power. This is an insult to Lord Shiva; they lack wisdom. If the ‘third eye’ were to open, the ‘INDIA’ alliance would be wiped out. When people gather, they simply step out of their homes; they do not have to travel far—they find a ready-made platform and join in. They simply want to speak out against Modi. They claim that Modi has rendered them unemployed, so what other option do they have but to protest?

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