Maharashtra Politics & Governance

TISS postpones its 86th convocation

1 August 2026

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) postponed its 86th convocation, scheduled for 2 August, citing unforeseen circumstances and the safety and welfare of attendees. The institute said it would share a revised date and further information later.

Key Facts

• TISS was founded in 1936 and is Asia’s oldest institute for professional social work education.

Maharashtra announces 30% allowance above basic pay for Anti-Narcotics Task Force staff

1 August 2026

Maharashtra decided to give officers and employees of its Anti-Narcotics Task Force an allowance 30% above basic pay. Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar announced the decision; the report did not specify when the allowance would take effect.

Maharashtra orders ₹500-crore first-phase plan for Akkalkot temple area

1 August 2026

Maharashtra directed the preparation of a ₹500-crore first-phase development plan for the Swami Samarth temple area in Akkalkot. MHADA was appointed special planning authority, and the proposed corridor includes improvements to the temple surroundings, visitor facilities, transport and parking, pedestrian routes, sanitation and accommodation.

Key Facts

• Swami Samarth’s ashram in Akkalkot is a popular pilgrimage site.

Railways plan faster work on Khar Road–Bandra flyover

1 August 2026

Western Railway planned to accelerate work on the Khar Road–Bandra railway flyover, a key part of the Mumbai Central–Borivali sixth-line project, from three months to about 45 days. The plan involves using modern technology and taking railway blocks in the coming days, which could affect some Harbour line local services.

The 30.04-km sixth line is intended to ease pressure from rising passenger numbers, improve local train schedules and provide a separate route for long-distance trains.

Key Facts

• Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation executes suburban-rail projects and seeks to separate local trains from main-line passenger and freight traffic.

Maharashtra extends crop insurance application deadline to 10 August

2 August 2026

Maharashtra extended the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana application deadline from 31 July to 10 August 2026 after farmers faced technical difficulties applying in time. The Agriculture Department urged eligible farmers to apply before the revised deadline.

Applications could be made through Maha e-Seva centres, Common Service Centres, banks or the authorised online portal. The scheme covers crop losses caused by natural calamities, pests and diseases.

Key Facts

• PMFBY aims to stabilise farmers’ income through crop-failure insurance; notified crops and areas determine eligibility.

Versova–Bandra Sea Link reported 32% complete; opening planned for 2028

2 August 2026

The 9.8-km Versova–Bandra Sea Link was reported to be about 32% complete, with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation planning to open it to traffic by 2028. The project includes connectors at Bandra, Otters Club, Juhu Koliwada and Versova.

The sea link is part of a planned 169-km Mumbai ring-road network and is intended to improve travel across the western suburbs and wider Mumbai region.

Key Facts

• The sea link is part of Mumbai’s Coastal Road and is expected to ease congestion on the Western Express Highway and suburban railway.

President assents to Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill

2 August 2026

The President assented to Maharashtra’s Freedom of Religion Bill, and the report stated that it had consequently become law in the state. The reported provisions prescribe up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh for conversion through force, threats, deception or inducement.

The report also describes a requirement for a person seeking voluntary conversion to submit a written application to the competent authority 60 days in advance.

BMC orders ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign for Mumbai footpaths

3 August 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation ordered its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign to remove unauthorised vendors and other encroachments from Mumbai footpaths. The first phase covers 320 km of footpaths; assistant commissioners are to check progress daily, with additional municipal commissioners conducting reviews every 15 days.

Key Facts

• BMC administers Mumbai’s civic infrastructure and services, including roads and drainage.

CSMT installs LED displays for train information

3 August 2026

Central Railway installed IP-based LED video displays at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to provide information on long-distance trains, including numbers, timings and platforms. Linked to the National Train Enquiry System, the displays update express-train status every five minutes and show information in Marathi, Hindi and English.

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