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Thursday,06-November-2025
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Maharashtra

Maha onion, cotton, soybean farmers in doldrums, MVA protests outside Assembly

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 The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of Congress-Nationalist Congress Party-Shiv Sena (UBT) protested outside the Assembly here on Tuesday on the plight of the farmers demanding a fair price for the farm produce, especially onion, cotton and soybean cultivators.

Many of the opposition leaders and MLAs came sporting garlands of ‘onion’ mock ‘selling’ basket-loads of the vegetable to draw the state government’s attention to their situation in view of the sudden drop in procurement prices.

Inside the Assembly, NCP’s Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar raised the issue and said the farmer is in dire straits and the house must drop everything else to discuss their woes.

“We have already informed the government how a cheque of Rs 2 was given to an onion producer in Barshi (Solapur) for his stock, which is a mockery. The government should immediately intervene and direct organisations like the NAFED to purchase the agro-produce plus coordinate with the Centre to resolve the issue,” Pawar urged.

He emphasised that the farmers must be given the right prices for their produce since Maharashtra is India’s largest onion growing state with 33 per cent share, and the state leads in exports owing to the good quality of the vegetable produced here.

“However, presently, the price is barely Rs 500-600/quintal that has disappointed the farmers and led to widespread protests like roadblocks, dharnas, marches, etc. Besides, even those cultivating cotton, soybeans, gram, grapes are also suffering huge financial losses as they are unable to recover even the production costs,” said Pawar.

He called for restarting the Onion Export Promotion Scheme and procuring onions through NAFED and Marketing Federations in the state

Outside the Assembly, several opposition MLAs raised slogans, displayed placards and banners in support of the onion farmers, and condemned the indiscriminate caning of the peasants protesting peacefully in Buldhana.

They pointed out how a farmers leader Ravikant Tupkar has threatened to self-immolate himself if the demands of the agriculturists are not met, while Pawar moved an adjournment motion inside the House demanding a probe against the caning incident.

The opposition MLAs like Amol Mitkari, Bhaskar Jadhav, Chhagan Bhujbal, Yashomati Thakur and others pointed out that farmers have been agitating for compensation for crop losses in heavy rains, crop insurance, etc, but nothing has been given so far.

Half the farmers in the state cultivate soybean, which is around 40 per cent of the total national production, and the average cost is around Rs 5,783/quintal, but they are getting barely Rs 5,000/quintal.

Similarly, the production costs for cotton is around Rs 8,180/quintal, but the current market rate is around Rs 8,000/quintal and keeps fluctuating, demanding a fair price for their produce.

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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Maharashtra

Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC arrests drug dealer Akbar Khao in major operation

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Mumbai: Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC Ghatkopar has claimed to have arrested drug dealer Mohammad Shafi Sheikh alias Akbar Khao on charges of drug trafficking. MCOCA was applied to him in the police station for drug trafficking and he was released on bail. Despite this, he used to supply drugs. ANC had arrested an accused in a drug case. During his investigation, it was revealed that Akbar Khao was a fugitive in this case. His details were known and clues were found. He is hiding in Odisha, after which the police arrested him from Raj Gangapur Sundergarh. A total of 15 cases have been registered against Akbar Khao, including NDPS Act and various crimes. Two NDPS Act cases are registered in VB Nagar. ANC has 2 NDPS drug trafficking cases, a total of 18 cases have been registered. The ANC has arrested two accused in this case and also seized drugs worth Rs 12 crore. This operation was carried out by ANC DCP Nunath Dhole on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.

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Maharashtra

State ready for Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat Mahayuti elections: Chief Minister Fadnavis

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In the Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat elections in Mumbai state, Mahayuti will contest the election as a united front and even where there is no electoral consensus in Mahayuti, there will be a friendly contest and it is hoped that the people of the state will trust Mahayuti in these elections. This claim has been made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. No formula for the distribution of seats in Mahayuti has been decided so far for the local body elections. However, where the alliance party and the BJP are strong, a formula for a solo contest has been decided, just like the talk of Eknath Shinde in Thana and BJP’s solo contest in Pune is common.

Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray and said that it is his job to insult him. If he is visiting the state, it is a good thing, but the people know everything and they will restore faith in Mahayuti in the elections. He said that the Election Commission has announced the elections. Uddhav Thackeray and the opposition want to postpone the elections, so they are alleging irregularities and rigging in the voting list. However, the Supreme Court has issued instructions to hold the elections soon, so it is not possible to postpone or delay the elections. Fadnavis expressed confidence that he has faith in the people. This time too, the people will agree with Mahayuti. Therefore, the opposition wants to postpone and postpone the elections, while Mahayuti is ready for the elections.

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