Kalpesh Mhamunkar

Shiv Sena has launched ‘Mission Gen Z' to understand the aspirations and concerns of Gen Z, Gen Alpha and other young people. More than 250 elected representatives aged 20-30 attended a Mumbai interaction camp, discussing employment, education, sports, skills and technology. Their suggestions will be conveyed to the government for possible policy action.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar has directed departments and agencies to coordinate efforts to resolve long-pending civic issues in Pune's Chakan industrial belt. The government has set deadlines for pothole repairs, parking solutions, waste management, security deployment and action against encroachments.

At least 114 tourists from Maharashtra are estimated to be stranded in flood-hit Nepal, with 53 confirmed safe so far. The state government is coordinating with the Centre, travel agencies and district administrations to trace others amid disrupted communication networks. A 24-hour helpline has been activated for assistance.

The Maharashtra government has given non-Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers one year to learn basic Marathi. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the extension after driver organisations sought more time. No action will be taken during the period, he said. The groups will arrange Marathi classes and training to help commercial vehicle operators meet the language requirement.

The Maharashtra government has launched a statewide inspection drive to prevent sugar hoarding, artificial shortages and price rises. Traders and distributors face a 30-day stock limit and a 4,000-quintal cap, while large industrial consumers can hold only 15 days' stock. Weekly portal declarations and physical checks will continue until November 30, 2026.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed Ganesh mandals to follow food safety norms while distributing prasad during Ganeshotsav 2026. He asked organisers to ensure hygiene and prevent adulteration by following FDA guidelines. At a law and order meeting, he also reviewed permissions, road conditions, immersion routes, loudspeaker rules and safety measures for the festival.

Maharashtra authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the fire at Amravati District Women's Hospital's SNCU that killed three newborn babies on August 24. Minister Meghna Bordikar and MLA Pratap Adsad inspected the site and assured strict action against those responsible. Officials also reviewed the condition of 36 newborns admitted at nearby private hospitals after the incident.

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹23.33 crore in relief for 17,245 farmers whose crops were damaged by floods, excessive rainfall, cyclones and hailstorms. The aid covers 11,207.79 hectares across the state. Relief Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said payments will be made through DBT and instructed banks not to deduct any amount towards old loans.

Maharashtra is coordinating with the Centre and authorities in Nepal and China to bring back tourists stranded in Kathmandu and Saga. Tourists from Raigad, Nagpur, Ahilyanagar and other districts have been reported safe. Groups are using alternative routes, while district administrations continue monitoring travel arrangements for their return.

The Centre has raised subsidies on certified pulse seeds, offering up to 100% assistance for newer tur, urad and lentil varieties, capped at Rs 12,000 per quintal. Gram and other pulses will receive 75% subsidy up to Rs 6,000 per quintal. The revised guidelines take effect from August 28, 2026.