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Mumbai University senate polls: Aaditya’s first big solo test

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3 years ago

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Aaditya Thackeray will face his first test since the Shiv Sena split, at the start of next year as Yuva Sena head. This is because the Mumbai University senate poll will be held in January or February. The Yuva Sena has always dominated this election. It is learnt that former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has himself started preparing for it.

The Mumbai University has started the registration of new graduate voters and old voters are being re-registered. This will continue till December. There were around 65,000 voters in the last election which was held in 2018. According to sources, for this election, Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting of former corporators at his residence Matoshree. Sources claim he has asked them to work for the senate election and registration of voters. Meetings of party office-bearers from each vibhag were also held. Arvind Bhosle, spokesperson for the Thackeray-led party confirmed there was a meeting on Friday regarding the Senate election.

A former corporator who was present at the meeting said that the responsibility of registering graduate voters has been specially entrusted to the corporators and shakha pramukhs of the party. “They have good contacts in their ward. So they were entrusted with this responsibility. The party chief has also asked other office-bearers to contribute their time for this work,”
he said.

After the split in the party, the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena got a big setback in Thane. However, party leaders claim they are supported by voters there. “Even if there is less voting from Thane, it will be compensated from Mumbai as well as other districts like Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg,” said a party office-bearer.
The Shiv Sena’s youth wing, Yuva Sena, won 10 out of 10 seats in the 2018 Senate elections as compared to 2010, when it had won eight of 10 seats. Yuva Sena has been Aaditya’s pet body as he was launched into politics as its head at the party’s Dussehra rally in 2010 by his grandfather late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. For the Mumbai University senate elections, a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Congress student wing National Students Union of India has also started parallel registration process. The registration is going on from NSUI, but the main Congress has not yet participated in it, a Congress office-bearer said. “We are going to contest the elections. Voter registration has started for that,” said Youth Congress Mumbai President Zeeshan Siddiqui.

Yuva Sena leaders also said that the focus at present was only on registration. It is obvious that the Yuva Sena has been keeping a low profile as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his aides had claimed that political and administrative interference of a few Yuva Sena leaders during the MVA’s tenure had led to a lot of anger among the party’s rank and file. The Senate of the University is the watchdog of Mumbai University which has representatives of teachers, principals and the management. It is empowered to pass the university’s budget. Political observer Abhay Deshpande said that such elections are beneficial in attracting youth. It helps create the next generation of the main party. Another political observer said that if the Yuva Sena can maintain its dominance in this election, it will have a good effect on the morale of the party.

Leeladhar Bansod, deputy registrar of the Mumbai University, said, “The registration of voters—graduates—will continue online till December 13. After that, the draft list of voters will be published and suggestions and objections will be invited. After that the final list will be announced and the election programme declared.”

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) Fully Operational — A New Era of Urban Connectivity Begins

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14 hours ago

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October 17, 2025

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Mumbai, October 2025:
Mumbai has taken a major leap in public transportation with the full launch of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) — the city’s first underground metro corridor. Connecting the northern suburbs to South Mumbai, the 33.5-kilometre line aims to transform the way Mumbaikars commute, offering a fast, clean, and comfortable alternative to road and rail congestion.

Route and Connectivity

The Aqua Line runs from Aarey / JVLR in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south, covering 27 underground stations. The line passes through key business and residential areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Churchgate, CSMT, and Nariman Point.

One of its biggest highlights is direct connectivity to both terminals of Mumbai’s airport — the Domestic and International terminals — making airport travel smoother than ever before.

The entire north–south journey can now be completed in about 45 minutes, a major improvement over the two-hour average by road during peak traffic.

Station Highlights

Some of the prominent stations on the Aqua Line include:
Aarey / JVLR, Seepz, MIDC, Marol Naka, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 2, BKC, Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Haji Ali, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade.

Each station features modern facilities such as escalators, elevators, digital information screens, and air-conditioned platforms. Entry and exit points are designed for smooth passenger movement, including dedicated access for persons with disabilities.

Technology and Features

  • Fully underground corridor, ensuring minimal impact on road traffic.
  • 8-coach trains with advanced safety systems and automatic doors.
  • Platform screen doors at major stations for enhanced safety.
  • Real-time passenger information systems inside trains and stations.
  • CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and modern fire safety equipment.
  • Energy-efficient operations, regenerative braking, and noise reduction design.
  • Seamless ticketing system* with QR code tickets, smart cards, and mobile app payments.

Fares and Timings

The fare structure has been designed to stay affordable and distance-based:

Distance (in km)Fare (₹)
0 – 3 km10
3 – 12 km20
12 – 18 km30
18 – 24 km40
24 – 30 km50
30 – 36 km60
36 – 42 km70
Beyond 42 km80

Metro services operate from 5:55 AM to 10:30 PM, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours to ensure minimal waiting time.

Benefits for the City

  • Time Saving: Travel from the northern suburbs to South Mumbai in less than an hour.
  • Reduced Traffic: Expected to ease road congestion and lessen dependence on private vehicles.
  • Environmental Impact: Cleaner, electric transit reduces carbon emissions.
  • Economic Growth: Improved access to commercial hubs like BKC, Fort, and Nariman Point will support business and real estate growth.
  • Passenger Comfort: Air-conditioned coaches, smooth rides, and high safety standards enhance the commuting experience.

A Step Toward a Smarter Mumbai

With Metro Line-3 now fully operational, Mumbai moves closer to a truly integrated transport network, connecting its suburban rail, metro, and bus systems. The Aqua Line is more than just a transport project — it’s a symbol of progress, promising faster, greener, and more efficient mobility for millions of daily commuters.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti public darbar on October 21 postponed due to Diwali

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15 hours ago

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October 17, 2025

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Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Janta Awami Darbar will not be held in the backdrop of Diwali. Please note that due to the Diwali festival, Tuesday’s meeting with Mumbaikars has been postponed to October 21, 2025.

Citizens are requested to meet the Police Commissioner on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM with their complaints and suggestions.

No prior permission is required for this. This message has been shared by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on X.

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Maharashtra

SpiceJet connects Indian pilgrims to Najaf with new non-stop flights

Published

15 hours ago

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October 17, 2025

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Non-stop services from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to begin October 18, 2025

Gurugram, October 17, 2025:
India’s leading airline SpiceJet has announced the launch of special non-stop flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to the holy city of Najaf, Iraq — one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across the world.

With this launch, SpiceJet becomes the only Indian airline to operate direct flights to Najaf, offering Indian pilgrims a faster, smoother, and more comfortable travel experience by eliminating long layovers and complex connecting routes.

Flight Commencement Schedule

  • Mumbai to Najaf: Starting October 18, 2025
  • Ahmedabad to Najaf: Starting October 19, 2025

These flights will provide a seamless connection for devotees travelling from India to Najaf, ensuring that their spiritual journey is convenient, time-saving, and comfortable.

Najaf – A Centre of Faith and Spirituality

Najaf holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is home to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), one of Islam’s most revered sites. Every year, millions of Indian pilgrims visit Najaf to pay homage, seek blessings, and strengthen their spiritual connection.

In addition to the shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), Najaf offers a wealth of historical and spiritual landmarks, including:

  • Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery
  • Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Islamic history
  • The Great Najaf Seminary, a renowned center of Shia religious learning

Najaf’s close proximity to Karbala and Kufa further enhances its spiritual importance, making it a central destination for pilgrims from across the world.

SpiceJet’s Strategic Expansion

This new service forms part of SpiceJet’s broader expansion strategy, under which the airline is significantly enhancing its fleet size, operational reach, and international connectivity.

SpiceJet aims to double its operational fleet and triple its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) by December 2025. As part of this growth plan, the airline will introduce new routes, increase flight frequencies, and add several attractive domestic and international destinations to its network.

Statement from SpiceJet

Mr. Debojyoti Mahapatra, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said:

“For millions of devout Indians, the journey to Najaf is one of the most important pilgrimages of their lives.
We are proud that SpiceJet is the only Indian airline offering direct flights to this holy city.
Through these non-stop flights, we are not merely providing connectivity — we are honouring a sacred journey by making it simpler, safer, and more comfortable.”

Future Outlook

Initially, these flights to Najaf are being launched as special services, but SpiceJet is considering the possibility of making Najaf a regular scheduled destination in the near future to meet the growing year-round travel demand.

About SpiceJet

SpiceJet Limited is one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, known for its extensive domestic and international network, customer-centric service, and affordable travel options. The airline continues to expand strategically, focusing on enhancing connectivity to key religious, leisure, and business destinations across the globe.

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