Latest news with #Urdu-speaking
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Lokrajya Urdu magazine discontinued, SP MLA urges CM to resume publication
Mumbai: The Urdu edition of the state govt's Lokrajya magazine has been discontinued. Raising concerns over this, Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , urging him to resume its publication. In his letter, Shaikh urged the CM to direct the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) to restart the Urdu edition to cater to Urdu-speaking readers across Maharashtra. The Lokrajya magazine, first published in Marathi in 1947, was later released in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Urdu. According to Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) data, Lokrajya is one of the most widely read govt magazines in the country. "However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urdu edition was discontinued from April 2020. There are 75 lakh Urdu speakers in state. Urdu is the ninth most spoken language in India and is not limited to any one religion—it's a Hindustani language," said Shaikh. Citing the legacy of Urdu journalism in the freedom movement and its contribution to Bollywood, Shaikh noted that around 25 dailies are published in Urdu in Maharashtra. "The Urdu edition of Lokrajya served as a crucial source of information on govt schemes and policy decisions," said Shaikh. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
Time Business News
12-07-2025
- Time Business News
Medina Hotel to Medina Airport: Your Complete Guide
Leaving Medina—the city of the Prophet ﷺ—is always an emotional moment for pilgrims and travelers. Whether you're heading to your next destination or returning home, your ride from your Medina hotel to Medina Airport should be smooth, simple, and worry-free. Let's guide you through every step so your final moments in this blessed city are filled with peace, not stress. Distance and Travel TimeHow Far Is Medina Airport from the City Center? Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) is located roughly 15 to 20 kilometers from the central hotel areas near Masjid al-Nabawi. Travel Time Based on Hotel Location Expect a journey of 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your hotel's exact location. Best Transportation OptionsPrivate Taxis Easily available and convenient. Most hotels have taxis waiting nearby, or you can hail one from the street. Ride-Hailing Apps (Careem, Uber) Popular in Medina and often cheaper than hotel-arranged transport. These services also allow you to track the car and fare estimate. Hotel-Arranged Transfers Many 3 to 5-star hotels offer airport shuttles—either included in your stay or for an additional fee. Public Transportation Not recommended for pilgrims with luggage or time constraints. Buses are limited and may not be available near your hotel. Why Choose a Private Taxi or Umrah CabComfort and Privacy Ideal for families, elderly pilgrims, or those with a lot of luggage. Air-conditioned and spacious rides add comfort. Timely Pickup Most professional services arrive on time and drop you off well before your flight. Ideal for Early or Late Flights Private cabs are available 24/7, unlike some shared or public options. Booking Your RideOnline Booking Services Use websites or apps for scheduling a pickup in advance. Choose based on ratings, pricing, and vehicle types. Phone Reservations Many companies offer bookings via WhatsApp or a quick call, especially for English/Urdu-speaking travelers. Booking Through Hotel Reception Hotel staff can arrange reliable taxis for you with fixed fares and trusted drivers. Travel Tips for a Smooth TripLeave Early to Avoid Delays Plan to leave at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight, especially during busy hours or prayer times. Confirm Your Terminal MED has both domestic and international terminals—check your airline and terminal in advance. Keep ID and Passport Ready Have your passport, visa, and airline ticket easily accessible when you reach the airport. Average Fare from Medina Hotel to Medina AirportTaxi and Private Cab Costs Expect to pay SAR 50 to SAR 100, depending on the type of service and time of day. Fare Differences Based on Distance Hotels closer to the airport (e.g., outside the Haram zone) will naturally cost less. Tips for Budget Travelers Use ride-sharing apps for fare transparency Travel with friends or family to split costs Avoid last-minute bookings that often carry surcharges What to Expect During the RideRoad Conditions in Medina Smooth and well-maintained highways ensure a comfortable trip. Traffic Patterns Around Prayer Times Plan to leave after Salah or well before Adhan, especially in the central Haram area, where traffic can get dense. Safety and Peace of MindChoosing Licensed Services Always verify the cab has proper license and markings. Avoid unmarked or suspicious vehicles. Women and Family-Safe Options Some services specialize in family and female travelers with respectful, trained drivers. Extra Services You Can RequestChild Seats If you're traveling with kids, ask the service in advance for child seats (extra fee may apply). Assistance with Luggage Most cab drivers are helpful and can assist with loading/unloading luggage. Multilingual Drivers Some services offer English or Urdu-speaking drivers, making communication easier for international guests. Environmentally Friendly OptionsHybrid or Electric Cabs in Medina Some cab services now offer eco-friendly vehicles for sustainable travel—great if you're environmentally conscious. Making the Most of Your Final Moments in MedinaDuas Before Departure Recite duas for travel and reflect on your time spent near the Prophet's ﷺ resting place. Reflecting on the Spiritual Journey This final ride is your chance to reflect, make dhikr, and thank Allah for granting you the honor of visiting this holy city. Conclusion Traveling from your Medina hotel to Medina Airport doesn't have to be stressful. With the right planning and a reliable cab service, you can enjoy a peaceful and convenient transfer that respects both your time and your spiritual journey. Book in advance, leave early, and keep your focus on the blessings you've received rather than logistical worries. FAQs How far is Medina Airport from the city? Around 15–20 km from central hotel areas. Travel time is usually 20–30 minutes. Is it better to book a cab in advance? Yes. Pre-booking avoids last-minute stress and ensures availability—especially for early flights. What time should I leave for my flight? Leave at least 2–3 hours before your scheduled departure time, depending on traffic and distance. Can I get a cab early in the morning? Yes. Many cab services operate 24/7, ideal for dawn or midnight departures. Are taxis in Medina safe? Absolutely, especially if you use licensed or hotel-arranged cab services. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP MP's ‘enter Bihar-UP' dare to Thackerays triggers row
Guwahati/Mumbai: BJP 's Jharkhand MP Nishikant Dubey targeted Uddhav and Raj Thackeray on Monday over the Hindi row and attacks on non-Marathi speakers, saying if the Thackerays go to Bihar, UP or TN, they will be "thrashed repeatedly" ("tumko patak patak ke maarenge"). Dubey added, "You people (Maharashtra) are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have? If you are brave enough to beat up Hindi speakers, you should also beat up those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu." His remarks drew criticism from the Thackerays & state minister from BJP Ashish Shelar. tnn & agencies Criticising BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's comments on Thackerays, state minister Ashish Shelar said no one should question the work done by the Marathi population. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai While Uddhav Thackeray referred to Dubey as a "hyena" and Aaditya said the comments were "straight out of BJP's playbook to create controversies when there are none, and divide and rule", Shelar said in the legislative assembly, "Some MP from Jharkhand has made comments about the work of Marathi people. I won't name him. The Mahayuti and BJP are very clear that the MP can say anything that fits in the law but must not question the deeds of Marathi people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The whole nation knows our contribution to GDP, we made the first film in the country and also the first navy in the country. So no one can question the contribution of the Marathi manoos. Marathi people don't live on alms given by anyone." Shelar said he wasn't naming the MP as he wasn't a member of the assembly and was not present in the House. "If you are such a big 'boss', come out of Maharashtra," Dubey dared the Thackerays. "We all respect Marathi and the people of Maharashtra, who fought for India's independence," Dubey told agencies, but accused Raj and Uddhav of playing politics ahead of BMC elections. "The BMC election is due, hence Raj and Uddhav are doing cheap politics. If they have courage, they should go to Mahim and beat any Hindi or Urdu-speaking people in front of Mahim dargah," he said. Earlier, in a post on X on Sunday, Dubey had written, "Those who beat Hindi-speaking people in Mumbai, if you have the guts, try beating Urdu-speaking people in Maharashtra. Even a dog becomes a lion in its own house, right? Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the lion." Aaditya Thackeray said, "Dubey is not the face of north Indians. He represents the BJP. These remarks were made with a political intent to divide Marathi and Hindi-speaking people." He said people from different states come to Maharashtra to fulfil their dreams and are living amicably. "They do their business here happily. But some elements want Maharashtra to burn for their selfish political agendas," he alleged. He said the Shiv Sena (UBT) was not against the Hindi language but against the move to impose the language on Maharashtra. Dubey's remarks also drew sharp reactions from Borivli BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay and NCP (SP)'s Rohit Pawar. "Making statements against Marathi language or culture is condemnable," Upadhyay said. Pawar accused Dubey of "focusing on Bihar elections and trying to create a Hindu-Muslim division."
Mint
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Priyanka Chaturvedi hits back at Nishikant Dubey for slamming Raj Thackeray amid Hindi-Marathi row: ‘Who made him…'
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday responded to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nishikant Dubey's comments against MNS chief Raj Thackeray amid the Hindi vs Marathi row. Chaturvedi, the Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, wondered if Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis agreed with the party leader's 'disparaging' comments about the hard-working people of the state. 'Who made him the gatekeeper of Hindi? Who made him the tax keeper of India? Who made him the spokesperson of industrialists? Who made him the decision maker of what other party leaders should be doing?' Chaturvedi asked in a post on X, quoting Dubey's comments. Dubey said: 'Those who beat Hindi-speaking people in Mumbai, if you have the guts, try beating Urdu-speaking people in Maharashtra. Even a dog becomes a lion in its own house, right? Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the lion.' In her response, Chauturvedi asked, 'Does Devendra Fadnavisji agree with their party MP's language with regards to people of Maharashtra and his disparaging comments about hard-working people of the state?' Earlier on Sunday, Dubey took to X and compared Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP-SCP to terror accused Salauddin, Maulana Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim. 'In Mumbai, what is the difference between Shiv Sena Uddhav, MNS Raj Thackeray, and NCP Pawar Sahab, and those who drove Kashmiri Hindus out of Kashmir, like Salauddin, Maulana Masood Azhar, and Dawood Ibrahim, who committed atrocities against Hindus in Mumbai? One committed atrocity for being Hindu, while the others are committing atrocities because of Hindi?' Dubey wrote. In another X post, Dubey wrote, 'Those who beat Hindi-speaking people in Mumbai, if you have the guts, try beating Urdu-speaking people in Maharashtra. Even a dog becomes a lion in its own house, right? Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the lion.' 'Does Devendra Fadnavisji agree to Ashish Shelar comparing Marathi Hindus to terrorists of Pahalgam?' Chaturvedi asked. On Sunday, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar compared the agony of the Pahalgam terror attack, where Hindus were killed in the name of religion, and those getting 'beaten up' in the name of language. He said that these incidents were distressing for him. 'All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here, they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the language they speak. Such cases create a disturbance,' Shelar said. These remarks by BJP leaders come after incidents of violence and vandalism were reported in the state amid the ongoing Hindi-Marathi controversy. Five workers of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were arrested in connection with the vandalism at entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's office in Worli, police said on Saturday. A case has been registered against them under Sections 223, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 191(3), and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Who made him the gatekeeper of Hindi? Who made him the tax keeper of India?
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘If you're such a big boss, step out of Maharashtra, come to Bihar, UP': BJP MP dares Thackeray cousins
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray over recent incidents in Maharashtra where individuals from Hindi-speaking regions were reportedly assaulted for not conversing in Marathi. Speaking to news agency ANI, Dubey strongly condemned the alleged violence and challenged the Thackeray cousins to step outside Maharashtra and attempt similar actions in other parts of the country. 'Come to UP, Bihar or Tamil Nadu. Tumhe patak-patak ke maarenge (people will thrash you black and blue),' Dubey said, referring to the Thackerays' remarks targeting individuals from Hindi-speaking backgrounds working in Maharashtra. Dubey further dared them to 'go to Mahim dargah and try and assault any Urdu or Urdu-speaking person,' ANI reported. Addressing Raj Thackeray's controversial instruction to his party workers, "beat but don't make a video." Dubey said, 'You people are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have? If you have the courage to beat Hindi-speaking people, then you should also beat those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu. If you are such a big 'boss', step out of Maharashtra and come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Tamil Nadu tumko patak patak ke maarenge.' He further said, 'We all respect Marathi and the people of Maharashtra, who fought for India's independence. The BMC election is coming, and that's why Raj and Uddhav are doing cheap politics. If they have courage, they should go to Mahim and beat any Hindi or Urdu-speaking people in front of Mahim dargah.'
