Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Saudi Arabia Denies Plans to Lift 73-Year-Old Alcohol Ban
Riyadh, May 27, 2025: The Saudi government has denied recent media reports claiming that the Kingdom plans to lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales by 2026. A senior Saudi official clarified that alcohol remains strictly prohibited for Muslims in the country and that the Kingdom continues to uphold Islamic principles.
Speculation arose following reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia, as part of its Vision 2030 reforms and in preparation for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, was planning to allow regulated alcohol sales in luxury hotels, resorts, and diplomatic zones—potentially at around 600 locations nationwide.
However, the official rejected these claims, stating that the ban on alcohol, in place since 1952, applies to both citizens and foreign nationals. He reaffirmed that there are no plans to lift the ban and emphasized the country’s commitment to preserving its religious and cultural traditions while moving forward with economic and tourism-related reforms.
In January 2024, a shop in Riyadh was granted permission to sell alcohol exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats under strict regulations. This move was seen as a measure to curb the black market and illegal importation of alcohol, rather than a step toward general legalization.
In February 2025, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, confirmed that alcohol would not be allowed during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that while the Kingdom welcomes visitors, it will do so within the framework of its cultural values and will not compromise them.
While a few exceptions have been made under controlled conditions, the long-standing ban on alcohol remains firmly in place, with no official plans to reverse it. Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its economic diversification goals under Vision 2030 while maintaining its religious and cultural identity.
Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Bihar election results restore people’s confidence in NDA: MP Shrikant Shinde

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader and MP Shrikant Shinde expressed happiness over the NDA’s victory in the Bihar elections and said that the historic victory in the Bihar elections is a testament to the unwavering faith of the people under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The people of Bihar have completely rejected the forces that foster corruption, anarchy and jungle raj. The people have chosen Mangal Raj, not jungle raj. The Congress and its allies, which relied on the politics of caste and appeasement, have been completely defeated. The Congress’s fall to single digits exposes the bitter truth that Rahul Gandhi’s politics has no impact in a large and conscious state. His caste, communal card and whatever narrative he has created have all failed miserably. The poor, the backward, women, youth, farmers and workers of Bihar have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the NDA. This public trust is a decisive affirmation of Nitish Kumar’s clean image, good governance and people-oriented politics. No matter how many attacks the opposition makes, the people have chosen the path of stability, security and development.
The wave of massive government formation in Bihar proves that India wants change, but the change must be from anarchy to stability, from corruption to accountability, from jungle raj to good governance. And this change can only be delivered by the NDA.
It is unfortunate that the Leader of the Opposition tried to derail the election on an issue like SIR and tried to damage the reputation of a prestigious institution like the Election Commission. The people of Bihar have completely rejected this irresponsible politics. They have chosen democracy, not chaos.
Bihar has given a clear, unambiguous and historic message that NDA is the future. Congress and its allies deserve to lead, govern or have the trust of the people.
I congratulate the people and voters of Bihar. I wish the new NDA government in Bihar all the best for its future work and journey.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra drug racket exposed from MP police station, 4 arrested

Mumbai: Police Crime Branch has claimed to have busted a drug smuggling gang in Maharashtra from Madhya Pradesh MC and arrested four accused involved in it from MP. All four are accused of running a drug racket in Maharashtra. On November 3, Imran alias Babu Khan (38), Waqas Abdul Rab Khan (30), Taqdeen Rafiq Khan (30), Kamlesh Ajay Chavan (23) from Nowpara were reported to have supplied drugs from Madhya Pradesh and sold them in Maharashtra. After this, the police arrested all four and seized more than one kg of MD, which is said to be worth more than Rs 2 crore, from their possession. This was informed by the DCP Crime Branch Amar Singh Jadhav here. He said that a big drug racket has been busted and there is a possibility of more arrests.
Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Gautam Adani Meets Sharad Pawar at Family Wedding Ceremony; CM Fadnavis Also Present

Lonavala: Prominent industrialist Gautam Adani and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar once again shared the stage, drawing attention to their cordial relations. The two were seen together at the wedding ceremony of IPS officer Pravin Ramrao Pawar’s daughter and Prashant Nilawar’s son, held recently in Maharashtra.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, top bureaucrats, and political leaders from across parties.
The meeting between Adani and Pawar sparked interest in political circles, as both leaders were seen engaging in warm conversation and exchanging greetings. Their friendly interaction comes amid ongoing political developments in Maharashtra, where alliances and relations between leaders often draw public scrutiny.
Despite political differences, Sharad Pawar is known for maintaining cordial ties across the business and political spectrum. Similarly, Gautam Adani’s appearance at the event highlighted his personal and professional connections with several prominent figures in the state.
The ceremony remained a grand affair, marked by the presence of influential personalities, reflecting the strong social and political networks that connect Maharashtra’s top leadership.
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