Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, on his maiden visit to India, visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai yesterday and held discussions with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan.

During his visit, Koizumi was briefed on the roles, responsibilities and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. The briefing provided an overview of the Navy’s operational responsibilities and capabilities.

Koizumi also inspected the Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at Gaurav Stambh during his visit to the Western Naval Command.

The Japanese Defence Minister subsequently visited the indigenous warship INS Chennai as part of his visit.

The visit to the Western Naval Command marked a key engagement during Koizumi’s maiden visit to India, with discussions focused on the Indian Navy’s roles, responsibilities and operational capabilities.

A woman was arrested by Pune City Police after CCTV footage from Sasane Nagar showed her abusing the revered statue of Maharashtra's iconic leader, Shivaji Maharaj, amid traffic and shops in the area.

A woman abused and threw slippers at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Pune.

Locals caught her, other women blackened her face, and handed her over to the police. pic.twitter.com/tQY1tI5aRw

— Team Hindu United (@TeamHinduUnited) August 11, 2026

The woman, identified in posts as Ashwini Dagde, was seen in the footage near the statue as the incident unfolded. Nearby women quickly intervened after witnessing the act and marked her face and arms with purple ink as a crowd gathered at the spot.

The locals then handed the woman over to Pune City Police, who arrested her on serious charges. No further violence was reported at the scene following the intervention and arrest.

The incident has drawn attention to the deep regional pride associated with Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. It also echoes a similar statue attack reported in the area in 2024.

The CCTV footage and subsequent police action have brought the incident into focus, with the arrest marking the immediate legal response to the alleged act involving the Shivaji Maharaj statue.

Actress Kangana Ranaut once shared her personal experiences about the contrasting dating cultures of Delhi and Mumbai, revealing how different lifestyles and mindsets in the two cities shaped her understanding of relationships. In an old interview, she said her dating experiences in Delhi were completely different from what she encountered after moving to Mumbai, where the change felt like a “culture shock” for her.

Recalling her days in Delhi, Kangana said her experience there was very different. She revealed that she used to live with a group of around five to six girls and had several male friends and acquaintances around her. According to her, these boys would take them out and often pay for their expenses.

In a humorous manner, Kangana said that she and her friends would even treat these boys like their “drivers”. She explained that Delhi boys did not hesitate to take care of expenses during dates, including outings, food and other costs.

However, Kangana said the biggest change came when she moved to Mumbai. She revealed that the dating culture in Mumbai was completely different from Delhi. According to her, people in Mumbai followed the practice of splitting bills on dates, where both individuals pay their own share.

Kangana recalled being surprised when she first came across this approach. She said she was not used to paying her own bill during dates because of her experiences in Delhi. In a light-hearted way, she said that after coming to Mumbai, she realised that she would also have to contribute towards the date expenses.

The actress also mentioned her experience in Chandigarh, saying that it was similar to Delhi. She said that in Chandigarh too, she did not have to pay for dates, as boys generally took responsibility for the expenses.

Although Mumbai’s approach initially seemed unusual to her, Kangana later understood the perspective behind it. She acknowledged that sharing bills during dates was not wrong and said that people in Mumbai had a more practical approach and gave importance to equality in relationships.

Kangana’s old interview highlighted how dating habits and relationship expectations can vary across Indian cities. While Delhi and Chandigarh followed a more traditional approach where men usually paid during dates, Mumbai considered splitting bills a more common practice.

The actress shared these memories during an old episode of Curly Tales’ “Sunday Brunch” series. During the conversation, she also recalled her struggles before gaining recognition in Bollywood and shared several personal and interesting experiences from her early life.

On the work front, Kangana Ranaut was last seen in “Bharat Bhagya Vidhata”, which was released in theatres this year.

The Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench on Thursday convicted journalist Tarun Tejpal in the sexual assault case filed by his former junior colleague, overturning the acquittal order passed by the Mapusa Sessions Court. The division bench of Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar allowed the Goa government’s appeal and held Tejpal guilty in the case.

The Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench set aside the Sessions Court’s decision, which had acquitted Tarun Tejpal in the rape case registered in November 2013 based on a complaint filed by a junior colleague. Tejpal was present inside the courtroom when the High Court pronounced its verdict on Thursday. The court had reserved its order after completing the hearing and had directed Tejpal to remain present during the announcement of the judgment.

The case is connected to allegations made by Tejpal’s former female colleague. She had accused him of sexually assaulting her inside a hotel lift during an event organised by Tehelka magazine in Goa on November 7-8, 2013.

After the Sessions Court acquitted Tejpal, the Goa government challenged the decision before the High Court. During the hearing, the state government argued that several findings of the trial court contained errors and that the court had applied standards not prescribed under law while assessing the complainant’s testimony.

The state argued that expecting a survivor of a sexual offence to behave in a particular manner could not be considered justified. The Goa government maintained that the trial court’s approach while evaluating the evidence was legally flawed.

During the High Court proceedings, the division bench of Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar examined the government’s appeal. The court was shown video clips from the hotel lift where the alleged incident had taken place. The clips were displayed only to the people present inside the courtroom.

Tejpal’s lawyer, senior advocate Abad Ponda, had highlighted alleged contradictions between the complainant’s statements during the investigation and those recorded before the court. Ponda argued that in her police complaint, the woman had mentioned experiencing two minutes of shock inside the lift.

Ponda further stated that the complainant had claimed Tejpal kept pressing the lift buttons to ensure that it continued moving. Referring to the video footage, he argued that the complainant had alleged she was pulled back inside the lift and assaulted, but the footage did not show such an occurrence.

The High Court’s decision marks a major development in the long-running legal proceedings arising from the 2013 allegations involving Tarun Tejpal and his former colleague.

Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh’s film ‘Wanted’ producer Jaswant Kumar has been arrested and sent to jail after the Sarnath Police of Varanasi arrested him from Mumbai. He has been accused of taking ₹78.20 lakh from Surendra Yadav, a resident of Chaubepur, Varanasi, for making the film and failing to return the investment amount along with the promised profit.

The Sarnath Police registered a case in April 2022 in connection with the alleged financial dispute. The action against Jaswant Kumar came nearly four years after the complaint was filed. The Bhojpuri film ‘Wanted’ was released in 2018.

According to Sarnath Police Station In-charge Pankaj Tripathi, Surendra Yadav, a resident of Rustampur (Chaubepur), had lodged the case alleging that a partnership notarial agreement was signed on October 9, 2017, between his brother Virendra Yadav’s firm M/s Shiva Film and TV House and Jaswant Kumar’s firm Shri J Soharta Production House, located in Itbahar (Gaur), Basti district, for producing the film.

As per the agreement between Surendra Yadav and Jaswant Kumar, the invested amount was to be returned along with profits earned from the film. Surendra Yadav and Virendra Yadav invested money for film production. Jaswant Kumar’s firm produced the Bhojpuri film ‘Wanted’, which was released in 2018. After the film’s release, Jaswant allegedly refused to return the money.

At present, the accused was residing at Veera Desai Road, Andheri, Mumbai. Since the bank account of Virendra Yadav’s firm was located at ICICI Bank in Pahadiya, Sarnath, the Sarnath Police initially refused to register the case in 2022 following the complaint. Later, on the order of the then Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), a case was registered, in which action has now been taken.

A police team from Varanasi travelled to Mumbai and arrested producer Jaswant Kumar. After his arrest, he was presented before the court, which granted his transit remand. The police then brought him to Varanasi on transit remand, following which he was sent to jail.

The team involved in the arrest included Station House Officer Pankaj Tripathi, Sub-Inspector Avanish Mishra, Head Constable Shivshankar Rai and Arvind Yadav.

According to media reports, police officials stated that Jaswant Kumar was not cooperating with the investigation and was repeatedly attempting to avoid legal action. Officials said he had been evading proceedings in the name of the investigation. Due to his absence and attempts to avoid the probe, the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him, after which police intensified the action.

A police team from Varanasi reached Mumbai after receiving information that Jaswant Kumar was present in the Veera Desai Road area of Andheri West. The team increased surveillance and arrested him. After the arrest, he was produced before the Andheri Court. Following the court’s approval of transit remand, police brought him back to Varanasi.

Pawan Singh’s action and romance-based Bhojpuri film ‘Wanted’ featured several prominent actors, including Nidhi Jha, Umesh Singh, Ayyaz Khan, Jaswinder Singh Jassi, Raju Singh, Mahi and Vijay Tripathi.

A 40-year-old man and his 14-year-old son were killed, while two others were injured after a knife attack in Mumbai’s Vikhroli area in the early hours of Thursday, police said.

The incident took place at Rahul Nagar in Vikhroli (West) under the jurisdiction of Parksite Police Station. The victims were identified as Sunil Vishwakarma and his son Shlok Vishwakarma. Both sustained serious injuries and were declared dead during treatment at Rajawadi Hospital.

Sunil Vishwakarma’s wife Anju Vishwakarma and their younger son Vivaan Vishwakarma also suffered knife injuries in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment.

According to the preliminary investigation, the attack followed a quarrel between family members after an objection was raised over loud music. Police said multiple members of the family were assaulted with fists, kicks and a knife during the altercation.

Two accused, Surendra Vishwakarma and Suraj Vishwakarma, have been detained by Parksite Police in connection with the incident.

The crime scene has been secured, and forensic teams are examining the spot. Police said legal procedures are underway, while investigators are working to establish the motive and reconstruct the complete sequence of events.

The investigation into the Vikhroli knife attack remains underway as police continue gathering evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries.

Silver prices in Mumbai remained unchanged on Thursday, August 6, after recording a rise in the previous session, with the precious metal holding steady at ₹240 per gram and ₹2,40,000 per kilogram.

According to today’s rates, retail silver prices stood at ₹240 per gram, with no change compared to Wednesday. Buyers purchasing larger quantities continued to pay ₹2,40,000 for 1 kilogram of silver, indicating that the market has paused after its recent upward movement.

Silver maintained Wednesday’s gains without witnessing any fresh rise or decline on Thursday. The stable movement comes after the metal recorded a ₹5 per gram increase on Wednesday, as prices remained at the new level with neither significant selling pressure nor enough buying momentum to push rates higher.

For consumers planning to purchase silver jewellery or utensils, the steady prices provide a period of stability before the next market movement. Investors, meanwhile, are closely watching whether the current pause remains temporary or develops into a longer sideways trend.

Mumbai Silver Rate Today:

1 gram silver is priced at ₹240 with no change.
10 grams of silver is priced at ₹2,400 with no change.
100 grams of silver is priced at ₹24,000 with no change.
1 kilogram of silver is priced at ₹2,40,000 with no change.

After Wednesday’s Jump, Silver Takes a Pause

The silver market remained calm on Thursday after its previous session’s rally. Following the ₹5 per gram increase on Wednesday, silver prices stayed firm at the higher level throughout the day.

There were no signs of heavy selling, but buying activity was also insufficient to trigger another price increase. The market remained stable as participants waited for fresh global signals before determining the next direction.

Silver Price in Mumbai:

The price of 1 gram of silver remained ₹240 on Thursday and Wednesday, showing no change.
The price of 8 grams remained ₹1,920 on both days.
The price of 10 grams remained ₹2,400.
The price of 100 grams remained ₹24,000.
The price of 1 kilogram remained ₹2,40,000.

What Would 10 Grams of Silver Jewellery Cost Today?

The quoted silver rate represents only the value of the metal. The final cost of silver jewellery also includes making charges and GST.

Based on 12% making charges and 3% GST, the estimated cost of 10 grams of silver jewellery is:

Silver value: ₹2,400
Making charges (12%): ₹288
GST (3%): ₹81
Estimated final amount: ₹2,769

The final price may vary depending on the jeweller, design, making charges and wastage.

10-Day Silver Price Trend:

On August 6, the price of 10 grams of silver was ₹2,400, 100 grams was ₹24,000 and 1 kilogram was ₹2,40,000 with no change.

On August 5, the price of 10 grams of silver was ₹2,400, 100 grams was ₹24,000 and 1 kilogram was ₹2,40,000, showing an increase of ₹5,000.

On August 4, August 3, August 2, August 1, July 31, July 30 and July 29, the price of 10 grams of silver remained ₹2,350, 100 grams remained ₹23,500 and 1 kilogram remained ₹2,35,000 with no change.

On July 28, the price of 10 grams of silver remained ₹2,350, 100 grams remained ₹23,500 and 1 kilogram remained ₹2,35,000, showing a decline of ₹5,000.

The 10-day trend shows that silver prices remained unchanged at ₹235 per gram for almost a week before Wednesday’s rise pushed the rate to ₹240 per gram. Thursday’s stability indicated that the market continued to hold the recent gains.

August Performance So Far:

Silver was priced at ₹235 per gram on August 1 and reached ₹240 per gram on August 6. The highest price recorded in August was ₹240 on August 5 and August 6, while the lowest price was ₹235 between August 1 and August 4. The monthly trend stands at a gain of 2.13%.

Silver’s performance in August has remained steady, with limited movement during the first four days before Wednesday’s rally changed the trend. Thursday’s session maintained the positive movement as prices remained unchanged.

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Why Do Silver Prices Change Every Day?

Silver prices are influenced by multiple factors beyond jewellery demand. The metal is widely used in industries including electronics, solar energy, electric vehicles and healthcare, making industrial demand an important factor affecting prices.

Global precious metal prices, currency fluctuations, inflation expectations and geopolitical events also influence silver rates. Since both industrial users and investors contribute to demand, silver prices can respond quickly to market developments.

Conclusion

Silver prices in Mumbai remained stable on Thursday, August 6, at ₹240 per gram and ₹2,40,000 per kilogram after Wednesday’s rally. The metal continued to hold its recent gains as the market awaited fresh global cues and changes in industrial demand that could influence the next movement in silver prices.

Mumbai is likely to witness a generally cloudy sky with moderate chances of rainfall across the city and suburbs on Thursday, August 6, according to the latest weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As per the IMD forecast, the Island City is most likely to experience intermittent moderate showers throughout the day, while cloudy conditions are expected to continue over Mumbai and adjoining suburban areas.

Rainfall recorded across Mumbai during the 24-hour period from 8 pm on August 5 to 8 am on August 6 remained comparatively low. The Island City recorded an average rainfall of 11.95 mm, while the Eastern Suburbs received 11.84 mm and the Western Suburbs recorded 12.63 mm of rainfall during the same period.

Authorities have advised commuters to remain updated on weather conditions, especially during high tide hours, as moderate rainfall may result in waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, Mumbai’s seven lakes, which supply drinking water to the city, collectively held 12,84,608 million litres of water, accounting for 88.76 per cent of their total live storage capacity, as of 6 am on Thursday, August 6, according to the Hydraulic Engineer's Department at the Bhandup Master Control Centre.

The current water stock remains higher than the same period last year, when the reservoirs contained 12,91,577 million litres, or 89.27 per cent of the total capacity. However, the lake levels are lower compared to 2024, when the reservoirs held 13,03,580 million litres, accounting for 90.07 per cent of the total live storage.

Among the seven reservoirs, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi continued to remain at 100 per cent live storage capacity, while Tansa stood at 99.42 per cent.

Middle Vaitarna recorded 91.99 per cent storage, Bhatsa, Mumbai’s largest reservoir, stood at 86.28 per cent, while Upper Vaitarna remained the lowest-filled lake with 78.83 per cent storage.

The current storage levels in individual lakes are as follows: Upper Vaitarna recorded 1,78,970 million litres (80.53 per cent), Modak Sagar recorded 1,28,925 million litres (100 per cent), Tansa recorded 1,44,240 million litres (99.14 per cent), Middle Vaitarna recorded 1,78,035 million litres (91.05 per cent), Bhatsa recorded 6,18,694 million litres (87.64 per cent), Vihar recorded 27,698 million litres (100 per cent), and Tulsi recorded 8,046 million litres (100 per cent).

Heavy showers continued across the lake catchment areas over the past 24 hours, with Tansa receiving the highest rainfall of 51 mm.

With moderate rainfall expected and water levels in the city’s reservoirs closely monitored, authorities continue to keep a watch on weather conditions and possible impacts on daily movement across Mumbai.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will fast-track the revocation of suspended food business licences to ensure that establishments complying with food safety regulations do not face unnecessary delays or suffer extensive financial losses, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said.

Responding to a question raised by mid-day.com during a press conference at the FDA headquarters in Bandra, Mumbai, on Wednesday, Mundhe said that while the administration has been rapidly suspending licences of restaurants, hotels, eateries, and other food establishments found violating food safety norms, the process of revoking those suspensions will also be accelerated.

"Of course, we are fast-tracking the revocation process as well," Mundhe said.

Explaining the revised mechanism, Mundhe stated that after a food business licence is suspended, the operator must file an appeal before the FDA Commissioner within 15 days. Earlier, an inspection was ordered only after the hearing, which often resulted in delays. To eliminate this time-consuming process, Mundhe introduced a new system.

"As soon as I receive an appeal, I immediately appoint an officer to re-inspect the establishment concerned and submit a report. This expedites the entire process because by the time the hearing takes place, the inspection report is already on my table. This removes one time-consuming stage," he said.

According to Mundhe, during the hearing, if an establishment is found to have complied with food safety norms and corrected the deficiencies, suspended enterprises are provided a stay order, allowing them to continue operations as usual.

However, he clarified that licences cannot be restored immediately after an appeal is filed.

When asked whether the FDA has sufficient manpower to manage both the increasing number of licence suspensions and the subsequent revocation process, Mundhe said the department is committed to ensuring that cases do not accumulate.

"I will ensure that cases don't pile up and that we provide a proper fast-tracking process for every complaint," he said.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra FDA has announced a one-year ban on the production, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of analogue (non-dairy) paneer across the state. The order, issued by Mundhe under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, came into immediate effect on Tuesday.

The decision followed a statewide laboratory analysis of paneer samples collected between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Out of the 308 samples tested, 109 samples, accounting for 35.4 per cent, failed to meet the prescribed food safety standards.

Among the failed samples, 79 were categorised as substandard, while 30 were declared unsafe for human consumption.

While addressing the media on the ban, Mundhe stated that inspections conducted between May 25 and July 31 resulted in 3,137 inspections of food establishments across Maharashtra. During the enforcement drive, officials issued 764 improvement notices and suspended 165 food business licences.

According to an official statement, the FDA has seized more than 28.66 lakh kg of food products worth around Rs 55.72 crore in the past one month, highlighting the scale of the ongoing food safety enforcement action across the state.

Gold prices in India witnessed a sharp increase today, with rates climbing across all major cities. The price of 8 grams of 24-carat gold also recorded a rise compared to the previous day, reflecting a broad upward movement in gold rates.

Gold prices in India today stood at ₹13,775 for 1 gram of 22-carat gold, marking an increase of ₹265, while the price of 8 grams of 22-carat gold reached ₹1,10,200 after rising by ₹2,120.

In Mumbai, the price of 22-carat gold was ₹13,775 per gram, up by ₹265, and ₹1,10,200 for 8 grams, up by ₹2,120. The 24-carat gold rate stood at ₹14,464 per gram after an increase of ₹275, while 8 grams was priced at ₹1,15,712, recording a rise of ₹2,224.

In Chennai, 22-carat gold was priced at ₹13,450 per gram, increasing by ₹270, while 8 grams was available at ₹1,10,000 after a rise of ₹2,160. The 24-carat gold rate reached ₹14,438 per gram, up by ₹284, and ₹1,15,504 for 8 grams, up by ₹2,272.

Hyderabad also recorded higher gold rates, with 22-carat gold priced at ₹13,750 per gram, an increase of ₹270, and ₹1,10,000 for 8 grams, up by ₹2,160. The 24-carat gold price stood at ₹14,438 per gram, rising by ₹284, while 8 grams was priced at ₹1,15,504, up by ₹2,272.

In Delhi, the 22-carat gold rate was ₹13,825 per gram, increasing by ₹265, and ₹1,10,600 for 8 grams, up by ₹680. The price of 24-carat gold reached ₹14,516 per gram after a rise of ₹278, while 8 grams was priced at ₹1,16,128, recording an increase of ₹2,224.

Ahmedabad recorded a 22-carat gold price of ₹13,829 per gram, up by ₹265, while 8 grams was priced at ₹1,07,792 after an increase of ₹680. The 24-carat gold rate stood at ₹14,520 per gram, rising by ₹278, and ₹1,16,160 for 8 grams, up by ₹2,224.

In Bengaluru, 22-carat gold was priced at ₹13,835 per gram, increasing by ₹278, while 8 grams reached ₹1,16,216 after a rise of ₹2,210. The 24-carat gold price stood at ₹14,525 per gram, up by ₹278, and ₹1,13,232 for 8 grams, recording an increase of ₹2,224.

Kolkata witnessed 22-carat gold prices at ₹13,875 per gram, up by ₹265, while 8 grams was priced at ₹1,11,000 after rising by ₹2,120. The 24-carat gold rate reached ₹14,569 per gram, increasing by ₹278, and ₹1,16,552 for 8 grams, up by ₹2,224.

Gold rates across major Indian cities recorded significant increases today, with both 22-carat and 24-carat gold prices showing upward movement compared to the previous day.

Mayor Ritu Tawde has directed the withdrawal of a Rs 2.9-crore tender issued for extensive improvement works around her official residence at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla after strong objections from opposition parties.

The civic administration formally cancelled the tender on Wednesday evening, 5 August, following criticism over the proposed project. The controversy emerged after the tender came soon after the recent renovation of the 6,000-sq ft heritage bungalow.

The proposed works included installation of bio-absorbent noise barrier panels along ES Patanwala Road, re-laying of interlocking paver blocks after sewer, storm-water drain and utility line works, construction of underground and overhead water tanks, a container-based conference hall with interiors and furniture, internal works for servant and security rooms, along with related mechanical and electrical works.

Tawde rejected claims that the tender was related to the mayor's bungalow and clarified that the project involved the wider premises surrounding her residence.

"The tender mentioned the heritage bungalow, and named it in such a way due to which a wrong impression was created and I had to face unnecessary criticism," she said, alleging that a "fake narrative" was being spread.

In her statement, Tawde said, "The mayor has no information whatsoever regarding this tender, nor is there any reason for them to be aware of it. The mayor has not requested these works. It is specifically emphasised that the proposed works are not inside the Mayor's bungalow."

The withdrawal of the tender came after opposition parties raised objections over the nature and timing of the proposed improvements around the mayor's official residence. The civic administration's decision to scrap the tender has now brought the project under renewed public and political scrutiny.

Maharashtra’s decision to keep vada pav, samosas and other fried snacks away from school gates has drawn strong support from doctors, who have described the move as one of the more serious public health initiatives in recent years rather than another government order likely to disappear into paperwork.

Dr Rahul Verma, Director of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, called the decision a “genuinely significant” step, highlighting the importance of reducing children’s exposure to unhealthy food choices.

“This year, we have adopted a mission-mode approach to implement food safety regulations and balanced diet norms in every school across Maharashtra. This will ensure stricter implementation. Every food business operator (FBO) must be licensed, display the required boards and appoint supervisors and health ambassadors. In addition, the sale of HFSS (high fat, sugar and salt) food items within a 50-metre radius of schools is prohibited. High-fat and high-sugar food items are not allowed,” Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Tukaram Mundhe told media outlets today.

He added, “Guidelines for a balanced diet have already been issued by the National Institute of Nutrition, and based on these, the FSSAI introduced regulations in 2020. From this year, these rules will be implemented strictly. We have prepared for this over the past couple of months and have already trained nearly 5,000 teachers. More training will be provided wherever required.”

Doctors said the initiative goes beyond simply restricting junk food sales. Dr Datta Nirgude, Consultant Physician, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, told TOI Health that prevention involves creating healthier food environments.

“At the time the program understood that prevention is not only about refusing junk food. Actions like requiring FSSAI licenses for school canteens, checking regularly and promoting choices, like fruits, pulses and whole grains help build an environment that encourages better eating habits,” Dr Nirgude said.

Dr Verma pointed to the extensive reach of the order, which covers over 1.08 lakh schools and roughly two crore children across Maharashtra. The initiative applies to children ranging from 22 months of age to Class 12, making it a statewide measure covering students from preschool to board examination levels.

According to Dr Verma, the significance of the move lies in addressing both availability and normalization, which he identified as two major factors influencing childhood obesity. While children are often told that junk food is unhealthy, the presence of fried snacks near schools can make such foods appear like an everyday normal choice.

He explained that school environments play a major role in shaping eating habits because children spend six to seven hours a day in schools, five days a week, for several years. When greasy, fried and sugar-loaded snacks are easily available and treated as routine, they can become the standard food choices children grow up with. Reducing this constant exposure around schools could influence how healthier eating habits develop among students.

The move has also received appreciation from the All India Parents Association Maharashtra, which posted on X: “Welcome Move @Tukaram_IndIAS we Appreciate the Mission Clean hygienic Nutrition Vitamins food for Childrens across All Schools In Maharashtra... Keep Going.”

Doctors also highlighted that the government action is not limited to a ban on specific food items. Dr Verma said the combination of mandatory FSSAI licensing, regular inspections and promotion of healthier food options such as fruits, pulses and whole grains provides a broader regulatory framework.

The initiative, supported by stricter implementation measures and teacher training, aims to create healthier food practices across Maharashtra’s schools by changing the environment in which children make daily food choices.