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Monkeypox may not be limited to gay, bisexual men, can spread to others: WHO

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 Monkeypox infections may not be limited among men who have sex with men, as seen currently, but may spread beyond the community, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned.

Men who have sex with men are currently deemed at highest risk of infection. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine last week, which looked at infections across 16 countries between April and June, found that 98 per cent of cases were in gay or bisexual men.

According to Dr. Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer at the WHO, there is little evidence to suggest that the disease will remain confined to gay and bisexual communities, NBC reported.

More severe cases could become apparent if the virus spreads to more immunologically vulnerable groups like young children, pregnant women and the immunocompromised, Smallwood was quoted as saying.

She cautioned against complacency in the rapidly escalating monkeypox outbreak, which has so far caused more than 16,000 cases in about 75 countries and five deaths in Africa.

“At the moment, cases continue to be reported among men who have sex with men for the most part, but we should not expect that to remain as such,” Smallwood said.

“If it does spread to other groups, particularly to people who are vulnerable to severe monkeypox disease, which we know there are certain groups that are more prone to severe illness, then we might see increased public health impact,” she added.

It is not uncommon for a virus outbreak to start in one particular group or setting before spreading more widely in the general population, Smallwood said, noting that health authorities could take cues from the early findings.

“This really might be the canary in the mine that’s alerting us to a new disease threat that could spread to other groups,” she continued.

While several countries have already stepped up vaccination programmes for people most at risk, the vaccines are designed primarily for treating smallpox, said Smallwood adding more information is needed to determine their efficacy as the monkeypox virus continues to spread.

“We don’t have full information on how effective and how efficacious these vaccines are against monkeypox,” she said.

The WHO has activated its highest alert level for the escalating outbreak, declaring the virus a public health emergency of international concern.

This would now draw more attention to the outbreak and, as a consequence, research on vaccines and other modes of treatment, Smallwood said.

Maharashtra

Mumbai: Successful seminar by All India Muslim Women to create awareness among Muslim women

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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.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Fear of demolition drive on slums from October 1

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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.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Property Cell and Crime Branch conduct major operation, four more arrested in MPSC Drug Inspector exam question paper leak case

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) conducted a screening test on March 22, 2026, for 154 posts of Drug Inspector (Group B) under the Food and Drug Administration cadre across six examination centers in Maharashtra. A case was registered at the Cuffe Parade Police Station regarding the breach of the examination paper’s confidentiality and the unauthorized leaking of the question set for financial gain.

The Special Investigation Team of the Property Cell, Crime Branch, Mumbai, is investigating the matter. Based on a technical investigation, two candidates who obtained the question paper through illegal means have been arrested, along with two intermediaries.

The investigation revealed that copies of the question sets selected by experts were prepared in the MPSC’s confidential room and subsequently leaked illegally for financial gain. Previously, Under Secretary Abhijit Landge, Assistant Room Officers Vishweshwar Nakte and Gopal Marathe, Kautilya Academy Director Pravin Patil, intermediaries Amrit Patil and Lokesh (alias Gaurav) Patil, and candidate Rituja Patil had been arrested in connection with this case. Further investigation led to the arrest of candidates Sajid Sandhe (Sangli) and Vijay Kangar (Buldhana)—who had obtained question sets through illegal means—as well as Sandeep Khalte and Bhairunath Kadam (Navi Mumbai), who acted as intermediaries; they were arrested on September 22, 2026, by the Special Investigation Team of the Crime Branch’s Property Cell.
With this action, the total number of accused arrested in the case has reached 11.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Krishnakant Upadhyay, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Raj Tilak Roshan.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Sadanand Rane and Police Inspector-in-Charge Mangesh Desai led the investigation, with police officers from the branch playing a pivotal role in the inquiry.

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