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Maharashtra

Fresh political buzz as Raj Thackeray goes to meet Fadnavis

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 Fresh political speculation was ignited after an hour-long meeting between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, of the BJP, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray here on Monday.

The meeting took place at the Deputy Chief Minister’s residence, nearly six weeks after Fadnavis went to Raj Thackeray’s home Shivtirth in Dadar on July 15, in what was described as a courtesy call.

Monday’s tete-a-tete came a week after the MNS chief bounced back into action after convalescing nearly three months following a hip surgery.

He addressed a meeting of party workers on August 23, and then went to Pune to launch the party’s membership campaign and other programmes.

The latest meet on Monday is considered crucial in view of the upcoming civic elections in the state and BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), controlled by the opposition Shiv Sena for nearly three decades.

Though Raj Thackeray and Fadnavis have stopped short of announcing a formal alliance, a possible tie-up or seat sharing is not ruled out, even as top central BJP leaders like national President J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to visit Mumbai during the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival starting from August 31.

The Shiv Sena led by ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray is also planning to make a strong bid to retain its hold over the country’ biggest and richest civic body, despite Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Nationalist Congress Party and Congress, losing power at the state-level on June 29.

The Sena has just cobbled up an alliance with the Maratha group, Sambhaji Brigade, and on Monday, prominent Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Uddhav Kadam joined the party in the presence of Uddhav Thackeray.

The breakaway Sena rebels faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the BJP plan to give a tough fight to the Shiv Sena in the civic elections not only in Mumbai but also in Thane and other major cities.

Incidentally, the MNS’ lone MLA had supported the BJP in the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council last June after which the Shiv Sena faced a rebellion leading to the collapse of the MVA government.

Maharashtra

UAE Restricts Entry and Transit for Iranian Passport Holders Amid Rising Regional Tensions

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The United Arab Emirates has introduced new travel restrictions affecting Iranian passport holders, barring them from entering the country or transiting through its airports. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and evolving security concerns in the Middle East.

According to the latest directives reflected across airline systems, Iranian citizens are currently unable to book flights to the UAE or use major transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi for onward international travel. The restriction has been implemented through airline policies and visa controls, effectively limiting access for most travelers holding Iranian passports.

While the measure appears broad, certain exceptions are believed to be in place. Individuals holding long-term residency permits, special visas, or those with specific professional or familial ties to the UAE may still be permitted entry, subject to additional scrutiny and approvals.

Authorities have not officially described the restriction as permanent, suggesting it may be a temporary response to ongoing geopolitical developments in the region. Analysts view the move as part of a broader pattern of precautionary steps being taken by Gulf countries in light of shifting security dynamics.

The decision is expected to impact travel plans for many Iranian nationals, particularly those who rely on the UAE as a major international transit hub. Airlines are advising affected passengers to review their travel eligibility and consider alternative routes until further notice.

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest updates before making any arrangements involving transit through the UAE.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Traffic Police takes action against self-styled VIP, seizes lights and sirens of 8 vehicles, recommends cancellation of registration by Traffic Department

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Mumbai: Traffic Police has cracked down on self-styled VIPs and taken action against vehicles using VIP cultural flash lights and sirens without any permission. In this, action was taken against such vehicles and lights that were used to install lights on vehicles to prove themselves as VIPs. Under a special campaign, on April 1 and 2, the police took action against those who forcibly installed red, blue, yellow and yellow dim light flash lights on vehicles in the city. During this, action was taken against 8 vehicles, several lights were seized and fines were also taken under the Motor Vehicle Act. In this action, it has been made clear that if someone installs dim light on private vehicles, his vehicle will be deregistered and an additional fine will be imposed and the traffic department will recommend the deregistration of the vehicle to the RTO. The traffic police have appealed to the citizens that if they see a private vehicle with a red light only a flashlight, they can complain about it to the traffic police or the X Twitter handle. These vehicles create disruption in traffic, after which the traffic department has taken this action. This action will now continue in Mumbai city.

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Maharashtra

Mayor Ritu Tawde: The burden of patient services on Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar is high, delays in the reconstruction work of the hospital will not be tolerated

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Mumbai: The Seth V.C. Gandhi and M.A. Vora Municipal Corporation General Hospital i.e. Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar (East) is undergoing reconstruction. Under this, a building with a capacity of about 600 beds is proposed to be constructed in the first phase. In this regard, Mayor Ritu Tawde visited the project site today (April 2, 2026) and inspected it.

Corporator Dharmesh Giri, Medical Superintendent of Rajwadi Hospital Dr. Bharti Rajulwala, Deputy Chief Engineer, Hospital Infrastructure Cell Mr. Manoj Rane, Assistant Commissioner (Additional Charge) of N Department Maruti Pawar and all the concerned officers were present on the occasion.

Giving preliminary information, Deputy Chief Engineer Rane said that the building to be constructed under Rajwadi Hospital Redevelopment Phase-I will have a lower basement, basement, ground floor and 10 floors. This building with a capacity of 600 beds will have all the latest medical facilities. A construction area of ​​about 33,179 square meters will be available for this. The foundation stone of the Phase-I building was laid in December 2025. He said that the construction work will start immediately after getting the permission regarding minor minerals and radar. He clarified that after the completion of the first phase of the building, the entire hospital will be shifted to it and the second building will be constructed in the next phase. Mayor Ritu Tawde expressed displeasure that even after four months of laying the foundation stone, the actual construction work has not started. Wherever the administration is facing difficulties, the matters should be brought to the notice of the seniors. Also, such problems can be resolved with the cooperation of public representatives. The Mayor strongly advised that it is the contractor’s job to obtain all the necessary permits and no delay in the actual work will be tolerated. The construction work of the building should start next week. While the construction work is in progress, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that patients in the neighboring hospital are not disturbed by construction noise, dust, etc. Mayor Tawde also directed that a detailed presentation be made about the redevelopment of the hospital in a joint meeting to be held at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters.

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