More than 100,000 drivers in Maharashtra have reportedly learned Marathi, highlighting the growing focus on language proficiency among the state’s driving workforce.

However, not all of those who have learned the language have been tested or formally certified, creating a gap between language training and official certification.

The development comes amid Maharashtra’s wider efforts to promote Marathi-language proficiency among drivers and improve communication with passengers and commuters.

The numbers raise questions about how many drivers have completed the required testing process, how certification is being implemented and what the next steps will be for those who remain uncertified.

Maharashtra: Passengers question need for Marathi mandate in multilingual city 

A family dispute over a mobile phone ended in unimaginable tragedy in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. After an argument with his parents, a teenager climbed Khavda Hill and allegedly threatened to jump. For nearly three hours, his parents, villagers, police and fire officials tried to persuade him to come down. As rescuers prepared a safety net, the situation took a devastating turn. The boy and his father fell from the hill during a final rescue attempt, while the mother, witnessing the tragedy, also lost her life moments later. Police are investigating the exact sequence of events.


Maharashtra Horror: Family Dispute Ends In Fatal Hilltop Fall In Maharashtra 

Maharashtra is considering tighter curbs on social media speech, with the state government exploring an amendment to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that could make online defamation a criminal offence. A high-level committee led by the Maharashtra DGP is examining ways to tackle unverified, defamatory and potentially harmful digital posts, reviving debate over free speech and criminal liability online.


Maharashtra weighs tougher Social Media regulations under BNS

Maharashtra is considering tighter curbs on social media speech, with the state government exploring an amendment to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that could make online defamation a criminal offence. A high-level committee led by the Maharashtra DGP is examining ways to tackle unverified, defamatory and potentially harmful digital posts, reviving debate over free speech and criminal liability online.

Maharashtra considering tighter regulation of social media speech

Maharashtra's FDA has intensified its crackdown on loose and repeatedly reused cooking oil, warning consumers and food businesses to follow food-safety rules. Authorities are also checking oil packaging, labelling, storage and disposal practices across the state.

Maharashtra FDA cracks down on loose oil, reused cooking oil

A fresh controversy is brewing over Maharashtra’s draft Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Reports suggest forms for around 2.07 crore voters have been collected, while forms for another 2.08 crore voters remain uncollected. Officials cite voters being absent, deceased or having shifted residences. 


2.08 crore Maharashtra voters may be left out of draft SIR

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their advertisement for a pan masala brand. The regulator alleged that the campaign amounts to surrogate advertising for a product currently banned in the state.


Maharashtra FDA crackdown: Shah Rukh Khan & Ajay Devgn receive FDA notices

More than 100,000 drivers in Maharashtra have reportedly learned Marathi, highlighting the growing focus on language proficiency among the state’s driving workforce.

However, not all of those who have learned the language have been tested or formally certified, creating a gap between language training and official certification.

The development comes amid Maharashtra’s wider efforts to promote Marathi-language proficiency among drivers and improve communication with passengers and commuters.

The numbers raise questions about how many drivers have completed the required testing process, how certification is being implemented and what the next steps will be for those who remain uncertified.


Maharashtra: basic Marathi compulsory for rickshaw, auto & cab drivers 

Maharashtra has made Marathi language training mandatory for app based cab drivers, including those working with Ola, Uber and Rapido. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik says there will be no exemptions, with verification drives and stricter action planned after August 18 against drivers who fail to comply.


Race against time for Maharashtra drivers to get basic language certificate

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down on major food chains, suspending the licenses of four Domino's Pizza outlets (including three in Mumbai and one in Satara) following extensive statewide inspections. Authorities uncovered severe hygiene lapses, poor pest control, and non-compliance with FSSAI regulations.


Maharashtra food safety crackdown: FDA revokes license of Domino's; outlets found to be non-compliant

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe speaks about the state’s food safety crackdown, stressing that public health, not individual credit, is the priority. From inspections and digital systems to consumer awareness, he explains why enforcement must be institutional, why ex-officials cannot shield violators, and why consumers must look beyond price and expiry dates. He also clarifies that not every food business is a violator.


FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe highlights key food safety concerns on WION

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down hard on the booming quick-commerce sector, suspending the food license of a Blinkit dark store in Malad West, Mumbai.


Maharashtra food safety crackdown: FDA raids uncover hygiene lapses at quick commerce store

Led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the Maharashtra FDA has conducted more than 1,100 surprise inspections and raids across the state. The crackdown targeted unhygienic food practices, adulterated milk, fake paneer and unlicensed kitchens at hotels, restaurants and institutional canteens.

Maharashtra: New FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe conducts mass inspections

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi as discussions intensify over key political and governance issues. According to sources, the meeting is expected to cover the situation following recent student protests, developments in Maharashtra, and matters concerning NDA allies.

The interaction comes amid significant political developments within Shiv Sena and speculation surrounding a possible Cabinet expansion. Discussions on development projects in constituencies represented by Shiv Sena MPs may also feature during the meeting.


Eknath Shinde to meet pm modi in Delhi | Cabinet expansion, Maharashtra issues on agenda

Doctors across Maharashtra have announced a 24-hour strike on August 4 against the state government's proposal to grant Maharashtra Medical Council registration to homeopathy practitioners who complete the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP). The protest, led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and supported by MARD, ASMI and other medical bodies, is expected to impact non-emergency healthcare services across the state.

Maharashtra Medical Council row triggers doctors' strike

The fallout from the NEET paper leak controversy continues to reshape India's examination system, with Maharashtra establishing 23 special fast-track courts to handle 203 pending exam malpractice cases.

The newly created courts will hear cases involving paper leaks, recruitment examination fraud, HSC examination cheating, and other forms of examination malpractice. The move follows widespread outrage over the NEET paper leak and aims to ensure faster justice in cases affecting millions of students.

The Bombay High Court has directed the special courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of filing the chargesheet, significantly accelerating the judicial process.

The development comes after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent. The amended law introduces stricter punishments, including five to ten years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for those using unfair means. For service providers involved in examination fraud, the maximum fine has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, while the debarment period has been doubled from four years to eight years.

NEET Paper Leak Fallout | Maharashtra Sets Up 23 Fast-Track Courts To Hear 203 Exam Fraud Cases

At least nine people have been killed after the four-storey Kohinoor Building collapsed in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, late Thursday night.A major multi-agency rescue operation is currently underway to pull survivors from the debris.

Mumbai: Four-storey building collapses in Bhiwandi, eight killed

India's teacher shortage has come under sharp focus after fresh data presented in Parliament revealed that more than 1.08 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. According to the Union Minister of State for Education, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand and Maharashtra. While the national pupil-teacher ratio appears favorable on paper, the latest figures expose significant regional disparities in teacher availability.

1 Lakh Schools, One Teacher Each? Parliament Data Exposes India's Teacher Crisis | GRAVITAS 

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched the&nbsp;'Drug-Free Mumbai'&nbsp;campaign, calling for a public movement against narcotics as authorities seek to tackle both drug abuse and organised trafficking in India's financial capital.The campaign aims to combine stricter law enforcement with community participation, awareness drives and early intervention programmes. Schools, colleges, housing societies and workplaces across Mumbai will be encouraged to organise anti-drug awareness activities, while citizens are being urged to take an online pledge supporting a drug-free city.Launching the initiative, Fadnavis said the fight against narcotics cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone and requires active participation from society, particularly to protect young people from substance abuse.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-marathon-runner-s-organs-save-four-lives-after-fatal-road-crash-1785424488464">Pune marathon runner’s organs save four lives after fatal road crash</a><h3>Why Mumbai is vulnerable</h3>Mumbai has long been considered one of India's most vulnerable cities to narcotics trafficking because of its strategic location on the Arabian Sea, one of the country's busiest ports, an international airport, and extensive logistics and transport networks that connect it with global trade routes.According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), South Asia lies along major heroin trafficking routes originating from Afghanistan's "Golden Crescent", while synthetic drugs are increasingly being manufactured and trafficked across the region.&nbsp;Mumbai's position as India's commercial capital makes it both a transit point and a consumer market for international and domestic drug syndicates.<h3>Enforcement agencies intensify crackdown</h3>In recent years, agencies including the&nbsp;Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai Police, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force have significantly stepped up enforcement.According to the Maharashtra government, the NCB's Mumbai Zonal Unit has seized narcotics worth more than ₹150 crore and arrested over 300 drug peddlers&nbsp;in recent operations.The crackdown has also led to major seizures across the Mumbai metropolitan region. In one operation in 2025, the NCB and local police seized&nbsp;ketamine worth nearly ₹89 crore&nbsp;from an illegal manufacturing facility in the Mumbai region.Authorities have also begun using tougher organised crime laws against drug syndicates. In 2025, Mumbai Police invoked the&nbsp;Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA)&nbsp;in a narcotics case for the first time after the law was expanded to cover organised drug trafficking.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-junk-food-ban-schools-50-metres-fda-rules-1785331995644">Maharashtra bans junk food sales near schools, mandates FSSAI licences for canteens</a><h3>Beyond policing</h3>Officials say enforcement alone cannot eliminate the drug menace. The new campaign places equal emphasis on prevention, education and rehabilitation.Under the initiative, awareness programmes will be conducted in educational institutions and residential communities to educate citizens about the health risks, legal consequences and social impact of drug abuse.&nbsp;The campaign also encourages families and local communities to identify vulnerable individuals early and support rehabilitation efforts.The campaign forms part of Maharashtra's broader strategy to reduce both the supply of illegal narcotics and the demand for drugs through sustained public engagement, with the message:&nbsp;"Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life." &nbsp;

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' campaign, combining stricter enforcement, public awareness and rehabilitation to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' campaign, calling for a public movement against narcotics as authorities seek to tackle both drug abuse and organised trafficking in India's financial capital. The campaign aims to combine stricter law enforcement with community participation, awareness drives and early intervention programmes. Schools, colleges, housing societies and workplaces across Mumbai will be encouraged to organise anti-drug awareness activities, while citizens are being urged to take an online pledge supporting a drug-free city. Launching the initiative, Fadnavis said the fight against narcotics cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone and requires active participation from society, particularly to protect young people from substance abuse. Also Read: Pune marathon runner’s organs save four lives after fatal road crash Why Mumbai is vulnerable Mumbai has long been considered one of India's most vulnerable cities to narcotics trafficking because of its strategic location on the Arabian Sea, one of the country's busiest ports, an international airport, and extensive logistics and transport networks that connect it with global trade routes. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), South Asia lies along major heroin trafficking routes originating from Afghanistan's "Golden Crescent", while synthetic drugs are increasingly being manufactured and trafficked across the region. Mumbai's position as India's commercial capital makes it both a transit point and a consumer market for international and domestic drug syndicates. Enforcement agencies intensify crackdown In recent years, agencies including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai Police, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force have significantly stepped up enforcement. According to the Maharashtra government, the NCB's Mumbai Zonal Unit has seized narcotics worth more than ₹150 crore and arrested over 300 drug peddlers in recent operations. The crackdown has also led to major seizures across the Mumbai metropolitan region. In one operation in 2025, the NCB and local police seized ketamine worth nearly ₹89 crore from an illegal manufacturing facility in the Mumbai region. Authorities have also begun using tougher organised crime laws against drug syndicates. In 2025, Mumbai Police invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in a narcotics case for the first time after the law was expanded to cover organised drug trafficking. Also Read: Maharashtra bans junk food sales near schools, mandates FSSAI licences for canteens Beyond policing Officials say enforcement alone cannot eliminate the drug menace. The new campaign places equal emphasis on prevention, education and rehabilitation. Under the initiative, awareness programmes will be conducted in educational institutions and residential communities to educate citizens about the health risks, legal consequences and social impact of drug abuse. The campaign also encourages families and local communities to identify vulnerable individuals early and support rehabilitation efforts. The campaign forms part of Maharashtra's broader strategy to reduce both the supply of illegal narcotics and the demand for drugs through sustained public engagement, with the message: "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life."

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' campaign, combining stricter enforcement, public awareness and rehabilitation to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

Mumbai launches 'Drug-Free Mumbai' campaign as Maharashtra steps up fight against narcotics

India's education system is under fresh scrutiny after the Central Government revealed that more than 1 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. Responding to a question in Parliament, the Ministry of Education disclosed that 1,08,043 schools currently operate with only a single teacher, highlighting the scale of teacher shortages in several states.

According to the official data, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. At the other end of the spectrum, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Ladakh, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Kerala reported the fewest such schools.

Teacher Shortage Exposed: Over 1 Lakh Schools Run by a Single Teacher

The Maharashtra FDA has introduced new guidelines aimed at restricting the sale of junk food near schools to promote healthier eating habits among students. The initiative seeks to reduce children's access to foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats while encouraging nutritious alternatives in and around educational institutions. The move is part of broader public health efforts to combat childhood obesity, improve nutrition, and create a healthier school environment across the state.

Maharashtra FDA launches new guidelines: Government to prohibit sale of junk food near schools

Mumbai:&nbsp;In a sweeping move to promote healthier eating habits among children, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a series of measures that prohibit the sale, advertisement and free distribution of junk food within a 50-metre radius of schools&nbsp;across the state.The new directive targets foods classified as High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS), including packaged chips, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, chocolates, confectionery, instant snacks and other ultra-processed food products that are widely consumed by schoolchildren.Announcing the order, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe&nbsp;said the initiative is aimed at creating a healthier food environment around schools and addressing the growing burden of childhood obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases linked to unhealthy diets.<h3>What's new?</h3>Under the revised guidelines:<ul><li>No HFSS food or beverages&nbsp;can be sold within 50 metres&nbsp;of any school.</li><li>Vendors are barred from advertising or promoting junk food&nbsp;near school premises.</li><li>Companies and retailers cannot distribute free samples&nbsp;or promotional food products around schools.</li><li>Every school canteen must obtain a valid FSSAI licence or registration, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.</li><li>Schools have been directed to encourage healthier food choices, including fresh fruits, milk, buttermilk, sprouts, traditional Indian snacks and balanced meals in place of processed food.</li></ul>The FDA has also instructed schools to strengthen nutrition awareness among students and parents while discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods on campus.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-founder-abhijeet-dipke-returns-to-maharashtra-receives-grand-welcome-in-hometown-1785331898055">CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke returns to Maharashtra, receives grand welcome in hometown</a><h3>Enforcement and penalties</h3>The Maharashtra FDA said it will conduct regular inspections&nbsp;of schools, canteens and food vendors operating nearby to ensure compliance with the new norms. Violators could face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, including penalties, suspension or cancellation of food licences, depending on the nature of the violation.<h3>Part of a wider food safety campaign</h3>The junk food restrictions are part of Maharashtra's broader push to improve food safety standards across educational institutions.The FDA has also announced plans to:<ul><li>Train teachers and school authorities on food safety practices.</li><li>Increase monitoring of food sold inside and around schools.</li><li>Crack down on the sale of tobacco and other prohibited products near educational institutions.</li><li>Tighten surveillance of packaged foods and beverages marketed to children.</li><li>Promote awareness about healthy eating habits from an early age.</li></ul>The latest order follows a series of food safety enforcement drives carried out by the Maharashtra FDA in recent months, including action against food adulteration, misleading food labels and unsafe food products.<h3>Why it matters</h3>According to health experts, children are consuming increasing quantities of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.By restricting the availability and marketing of junk food around schools while improving the quality of food served inside campuses, the Maharashtra government hopes to encourage healthier eating habits among students and reduce long-term health risks.The initiative also aligns with recommendations from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and public health experts, who have repeatedly called for stricter regulation of junk food in and around schools to protect children's health.

Maharashtra has banned the sale, advertising and free distribution of junk food within 50 metres of schools to promote healthy eating and curb childhood obesity.

Mumbai: In a sweeping move to promote healthier eating habits among children, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a series of measures that prohibit the sale, advertisement and free distribution of junk food within a 50-metre radius of schools across the state. The new directive targets foods classified as High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS), including packaged chips, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, chocolates, confectionery, instant snacks and other ultra-processed food products that are widely consumed by schoolchildren. Announcing the order, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the initiative is aimed at creating a healthier food environment around schools and addressing the growing burden of childhood obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases linked to unhealthy diets. What's new? Under the revised guidelines: No HFSS food or beverages can be sold within 50 metres of any school. Vendors are barred from advertising or promoting junk food near school premises. Companies and retailers cannot distribute free samples or promotional food products around schools. Every school canteen must obtain a valid FSSAI licence or registration, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Schools have been directed to encourage healthier food choices, including fresh fruits, milk, buttermilk, sprouts, traditional Indian snacks and balanced meals in place of processed food. The FDA has also instructed schools to strengthen nutrition awareness among students and parents while discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods on campus. Also Read: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke returns to Maharashtra, receives grand welcome in hometown Enforcement and penalties The Maharashtra FDA said it will conduct regular inspections of schools, canteens and food vendors operating nearby to ensure compliance with the new norms. Violators could face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, including penalties, suspension or cancellation of food licences, depending on the nature of the violation. Part of a wider food safety campaign The junk food restrictions are part of Maharashtra's broader push to improve food safety standards across educational institutions. The FDA has also announced plans to: Train teachers and school authorities on food safety practices. Increase monitoring of food sold inside and around schools. Crack down on the sale of tobacco and other prohibited products near educational institutions. Tighten surveillance of packaged foods and beverages marketed to children. Promote awareness about healthy eating habits from an early age. The latest order follows a series of food safety enforcement drives carried out by the Maharashtra FDA in recent months, including action against food adulteration, misleading food labels and unsafe food products. Why it matters According to health experts, children are consuming increasing quantities of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. By restricting the availability and marketing of junk food around schools while improving the quality of food served inside campuses, the Maharashtra government hopes to encourage healthier eating habits among students and reduce long-term health risks. The initiative also aligns with recommendations from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and public health experts, who have repeatedly called for stricter regulation of junk food in and around schools to protect children's health.

Maharashtra has banned the sale, advertising and free distribution of junk food within 50 metres of schools to promote healthy eating and curb childhood obesity.

Maharashtra bans junk food sales near schools, mandates FSSAI licences for canteens

The NEET paper leak protest movement has reached Mumbai, with demonstrators gathering at Shivaji Park to demand accountability and reforms in the examination system. The protest comes amid growing nationwide outrage over alleged irregularities in competitive exams.

NEET protests in Mumbai's Shivaji Park

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Maharashtra: Passengers question need for Marathi mandate in multilingual city

Maharashtra Horror: Family Dispute Ends In Fatal Hilltop Fall In Maharashtra

Maharashtra weighs tougher Social Media regulations under BNS

Maharashtra considering tighter regulation of social media speech

Maharashtra FDA cracks down on loose oil, reused cooking oil

2.08 crore Maharashtra voters may be left out of draft SIR

Maharashtra FDA crackdown: Shah Rukh Khan & Ajay Devgn receive FDA notices

Maharashtra: basic Marathi compulsory for rickshaw, auto & cab drivers

Race against time for Maharashtra drivers to get basic language certificate

Maharashtra food safety crackdown: FDA revokes license of Domino's; outlets found to be non-compliant

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe highlights key food safety concerns on WION

Maharashtra food safety crackdown: FDA raids uncover hygiene lapses at quick commerce store

Maharashtra: New FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe conducts mass inspections

Maharashtra: New FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe conducts mass inspections

Eknath Shinde to meet pm modi in Delhi | Cabinet expansion, Maharashtra issues on agenda

Maharashtra Medical Council row triggers doctors' strike

NEET Paper Leak Fallout | Maharashtra Sets Up 23 Fast-Track Courts To Hear 203 Exam Fraud Cases

Mumbai: Four-storey building collapses in Bhiwandi, eight killed

1 Lakh Schools, One Teacher Each? Parliament Data Exposes India's Teacher Crisis | GRAVITAS

Mumbai launches 'Drug-Free Mumbai' campaign to fight narcotics menace

Teacher Shortage Exposed: Over 1 Lakh Schools Run by a Single Teacher

Maharashtra FDA launches new guidelines: Government to prohibit sale of junk food near schools

Maharashtra bans junk food sales within 50 metres of schools: What changes

NEET protests in Mumbai's Shivaji Park