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Hotel Owners Stage Silent Protest In Navi Mumbai Against Excise Duty Hike and VAT Changes

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Navi Mumbai: Members of the Navi Mumbai Hotel Owners Association staged a silent protest on Monday, July 14, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Vashi. The protest targeted the Maharashtra Government over the recent hike in excise duty, the abolition of VAT exemptions, and several other pending issues.

In a coordinated move, over 20,000 bars across Maharashtra shut operations on July 14 as part of a statewide bandh called by the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (AHAR). The bandh is a protest against what AHAR terms the government’s “relentless and unjust” tax hikes on the hospitality sector, an industry valued at Rs 1.5 lakh crore and now, according to AHAR.

The protest follows several ignored appeals from the industry, leaving AHAR with no choice but to take what it describes as an extreme yet necessary step for survival, as reported.

AHAR is objecting to multiple policy changes, including a VAT on liquor increased from 5 per cent to 10 per cent, a 15 per cent hike in annual licence fees, and a staggering 60 per cent rise in excise duty within just one year. The bandh is a reaction to what AHAR calls a “triple tax tsunami” that has hit the industry in less than a year.

The president of the AHAR, Sudhakar Shetty, mentioned that, “The entire hospitality sector in Maharashtra is bleeding. Our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. On July 14, every bar and permit room in the state will be shut in protest.” Also added that members across Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Konkan have confirmed full participation.

These cumulative tax increases, paired with ongoing post-COVID recovery struggles, have made operations unviable for many businesses. AHAR has warned that these conditions could lead to widespread closures of small and mid-sized establishments, triggering job losses and a potential rise in illegal liquor smuggling from neighbouring states.

“This is not just an economic blow; it is a death blow to an industry that contributes significantly to employment and state taxes,” said Shetty. “These draconian hikes are the final nail in the coffin. From excise renewal fees to VAT and excise duty, our survival is at stake. If the government does not roll back these hikes, we fear mass closures and irreversible damage to Maharashtra’s hospitality landscape.”

Maharashtra

Govandi is changing: Successful Talent of Govandi Festival filled with children’s artistic talents

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Govandi: With the aim of changing the negative image of Govandi, notorious for drug addiction and crime, and providing a bright future for the children here, the Abu Asim Azmi Foundation, led by local MLA Abu Asim Azmi, has taken a big step. The foundation recently successfully organized the “Talent of Govandi Festival”, which was going on for the past one month.

The festival organized various competitions related to education, sports, skills and talents. Thousands of children from Govandi, Mankhurd, and Shivaji Nagar enthusiastically participated in more than 17 competitions, including singing, dancing, drawing, speech, mehndi, recitation, naat, handicrafts, rangoli, carom, boxing, cricket, volleyball, badminton, karate and poetry. The children performed brilliantly by showcasing their talents and hard work. The new and hidden talents of Govandi were introduced not only locally but also internationally. On this occasion, those IAS officers who added to the glory of Govandi were also honored. MLA Abu Asim Azmi, motivational speakers Sir Awadh Ojha and Sana Khan, and social media influencer Faizo among other dignitaries were present at the event. All of them encouraged the children and gave them prizes. The main objective of the festival was to encourage children to stay away from drugs and choose a better life and make their future bright, through which the talents of the children of Govindi were introduced to the whole world.

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Maharashtra

Accused wanted in Madhya Pradesh murder arrested after 7 years from Dhoni

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Mumbai: Paidhoni Police Station has traced the accused who was absconding for 7 years in a murder case in Madhya Pradesh and handed him over to the Madhya Pradesh Police. 6 November
‎From Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, Police Sub-Inspector Rishabh Singh Baghel, Dilip Kaul of Barhi Police Station informed Paidhoni Police that a case has been registered under sections 302, 294, 323, 324, 506, 147, 148 of the Indian Penal Code at Barhi Police Station, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. The accused in this case is wanted for the last 7 years and is still hiding in the limits of Paidhoni Police Station in Mumbai, help has been sought from the police to trace him. This was informed to Hon. After which the higher officers were informed about this and the above wanted accused was searched and he was detained from the footpath near Balgi Hotel, P.D. Melo Road, Masjid Bunder East, Mumbai. Later he was brought to the Paidhoni Police Station and interrogated regarding the crime. Since there was evidence of his involvement in the crime, the said accused was handed over to the police team at the above police station, district. Katni and they took him to the Barhi Police Station. Where further investigation is underway. The accused has been identified as Raja Ram Ramadhar Tiwari, 35 years old. With the cooperation of the Mumbai Police, the Madhya Pradesh Police solved the case and the wanted accused has been arrested on charges of murder.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

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Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.

The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.

Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.

Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.

Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.

As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”

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