Mumbai: The All India Muslim Women’s Association organized a two-day seminar at the Saboo Siddik Musafir Khana in Mumbai to foster awareness among Muslim women and take significant steps toward their empowerment and self-reliance. During this gathering, women were apprised of matters concerning religion, worldly affairs, and current events. Addressing the assembly, Dr. Asma Zehra stated that the event was organized in response to the pressing need for awareness in these turbulent times; educational awareness, in particular, is crucial, so the seminar highlighted the true purpose and significance of education. The event saw the participation of female educators not only from Mumbai but also from across Maharashtra and other parts of the country. Dr. Zehra emphasized that education is what brings about awareness in our generations; thus, the seminar was held to enlighten young women and girls, familiarizing them with professional dynamics and societal roles. She noted that while the government attempts to marginalize minorities—pushing for new laws and the implementation of measures like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)—this very pressure has awakened the Muslim community. The government’s persistent targeting of Muslims has served to fully alert the community, making them vigilant and wary of every maneuver. The seminar aimed to promote education, foster self-reliance among women and girls, and raise awareness regarding women’s rights in society. Farid Shaikh, head of the Mumbai Peace Committee, played a leading role in this event. He stated that the objective of the seminar was to empower women and boost their morale; consequently, this two-day event was organized in Mumbai, drawing the participation of over 500 teachers, women from various fields, and prominent figures from across the country, ultimately proving to be a success.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and MLA Abu Asim Azmi, addressing a press conference at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, demanded an immediate halt to the action against slum structures exceeding a height of 14 feet. He stated that this policy aims to target slum areas such as Mankhurd-Govandi, Malad-Malwani, Kurla, and Saki Naka. He questioned why action is being taken against these residents when they are eligible to vote. Azmi also demanded action against the officials responsible for allowing these unauthorized constructions. He remarked that such policies are formulated specifically to target slums—particularly those inhabited by minorities—and urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to immediately stop this move. He noted that the BMC’s directive regarding the 14-foot height limit has created uncertainty and distress among residents, raising concerns about potential law-and-order issues; therefore, he urged the government to prioritize the rehabilitation of these slums before taking any further action. Speaking about the Election Commission and the FIR, Azmi has branded the Election Commissioner himself a fraudster and a thief, stating that the manner in which irregularities and misappropriation took place has now become evident; consequently, he has demanded the Election Commissioner’s arrest. Additionally, Azmi has called for immediate relief to drought-stricken districts, a formal declaration of drought in Maharashtra, and urgent financial and necessary assistance for farmers. He noted that the UP elections are approaching and announced plans to launch a campaign in Mumbai for natives of North India, while also urging them to participate in the UP elections.

Mumbai, Sep 26: In a major relief measure for the agrarian community, the MahaYuti‑led Maharashtra government on Saturday declared drought in 265 talukas across the state following an extensive review of the prevailing water deficit and crop conditions.

Reassuring affected agricultural households, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde affirmed that the administration will stand firmly behind farmers and ensure their festive season remains bright despite environmental hardship.

Following ground‑level inspections across affected districts by state ministers and reviews with the Agriculture and Revenue departments, an official Government Resolution (GR) was issued declaring drought under the Trigger‑1 framework.

DCM Shinde emphasised that the declaration is backed by an operational execution plan rather than remaining a cosmetic measure.

To alleviate financial distress on rural families, the state government has rolled out immediate relief mechanisms. Shinde said the state has waived land revenue levies, imposed immediate stays on loan recovery processes, and issued restructuring mandates for existing crop loans.

Orders have been passed to prevent disconnection of agricultural power pumps due to unpaid bills in drought‑hit regions, alongside energy tariff concessions. School and college examination fees for students from affected farm families have also been waived to prevent academic disruptions.

According to Shinde, norms under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have been relaxed to expand local employment opportunities. Drinking water tanker deployment, fodder supply arrangements for livestock, food grain security measures, and water conservation projects are being accelerated.

District Collectors have been instructed to conduct urgent, transparent assessments (panchnamas) of crop losses using GPS coordinates and high‑resolution geotagged photography. Financial compensation packages tied to direct crop damage will be distributed under a separate GR once these field evaluations are finalised.

Highlighting ongoing support, Shinde noted that Rs 10,115 crore has already been disbursed to over 12.58 lakh verified farmers under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme.

Urging farmers not to lose hope or take drastic measures, he reiterated that the Mahayuti government remains committed to supporting the agricultural sector through every stage of the crisis.