The meeting between the West Bengal government and the agitating junior doctors got over after nearly two hours, after which both sides were in the process of finalizing the minutes of the meeting, sources said on Monday night. The delegation of doctors, which arrived at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence for the crucial talks at 6.20 pm, were inside and were working on the minutes of the meeting, sources said. After four unsuccessful bids to initiate a dialogue to resolve the more than a month-long deadlock, a delegation of 35 agitating junior doctors came for the meeting this evening. The meeting, which was originally scheduled at 5 pm, began around 6:50 pm and ended at around 9 PM. Meeting held at Mamata's Kalighat home The first round of talks between the West Bengal government and the agitating junior doctors is underway at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence to address the RG Kar impasse. After four unsuccessful bids to initiate a dialogue to resolve the deadlock, a delegation of agitating junior doctors arrived at her residence for the crucial talks on Monday evening. Escorted by a pilot police vehicle, around 30 medics arrived at Banerjee's residence at 6.20 pm. The meeting, which was originally scheduled at 5 pm, began around 7 pm and is still continuing. TV channels reporters that the doctors submitted a memorandum to the CM listing their demands. Ahead of the meeting, Banerjee, while speaking to a Bengali news channel, appealed to the junior doctors to end the cease work. "I would appeal to the junior doctors to come and sit for the talks. Every issue can be resolved through discussions. And we must strive to find a solution. There is a hearing on this case at the Supreme Court tomorrow (Tuesday), we are hopeful of finding a solution," she told News 18 Bangla. Previous attempts to resolve the issue got stuck due to the state government's rejection of the doctors' demand for live-streaming and video recordings of the meeting. The agitating medics later agreed to a compromise, now only asking to record the minutes of the meeting and receive a signed copy. The state government accepted this condition, with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant saying both parties will sign the minutes of the meeting and share copies for clarity. The state government also allowed the two stenographers, accompanying the agitating doctors, inside the venue to record the minutes of the meeting. The agitating doctors, however, have stuck to their demands. "We also want the issue to be resolved but not at the cost of any form of compromise on our five demands. We are going to the meeting to discuss all the issues with an open mind," an agitating doctor, who is present at the meeting, said before leaving for the talks. Meanwhile, the doctors continued their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan, the headquarters of the Health Department, for eight days and the 'cease work' for the 36th day seeking justice for the doctor who was raped-murdered at RG Kar Hospital and removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner and senior state health officials. Earlier in the day, the state government "for the fifth and the final time" invited the protesting doctors for talks to end the impasse, two days after the dialogue failed to take off over disagreement on live-streaming of the meeting. On Saturday, Banerjee made a surprise visit to the protest site and assured the doctors that their demands would be addressed. However, the proposed meeting fell through when the protesters claimed they were asked to leave "unceremoniously" after waiting for three hours at the gates of the CM's residence. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 September,2024 11:05 PM IST | Kolkata | PTIIndia on Monday strongly reacted to remarks by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the "suffering" of the Muslim community in the south Asian country, along with in Gaza and Myanmar. "We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. These are misinformed and unacceptable," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making observations about others," it added. The Iranian supreme leader made the remark about Indian Muslims in his message to the community, stressing unity, on the occasion of Prophet Mohammed’s birth anniversary. "The enemies of Islam have always tried to make us indifferent with regard to our shared identity as an Islamic Ummah. We cannot consider ourselves to be Muslims if we are oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in #Myanmar, #Gaza, #India, or any other place," he said in a post on his X handle. However, various Iranian media outlets did not mention India in reports about his comments purportedly made at a meeting with Sunni clerics across the country at the beginning of the "Islamic Unity Week" on Monday. This was not the first time that Iran's supreme leader has spoken about Indian Muslims. In August 2019, he had also commented on the revocation of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 September,2024 10:55 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the world's most powerful political leaders, will celebrate his birthday on September 17, 2024. His rise from humble origins to become India's Prime Minister is a narrative of tenacity, hard work, and exceptional leadership. As Modi approaches another year of age, it is an appropriate time to reflect on his fascinating political career and the important milestones that have moulded his leadership. PM Modi Birthday 2024: Humble Beginnings Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, a tiny village in Gujarat. His early life was distinguished by impoverished conditions, since his family ran a tea stall. As a child, Modi assisted his father in selling tea at a local train station, which he has frequently mentioned in speeches to connect with the average man. Modi showed an early desire to serve his country and its people. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a pracharak (campaigner) in his teens, laying the groundwork for his future political career. The RSS, a Hindu nationalist movement, influenced Modi's ideology and approach to governing. The RSS taught him discipline, leadership, and a deep sense of nationalism, all of which would influence his later political path. PM Modi Birthday 2024: Rise in Gujarat Politics Modi first entered mainstream politics in 1987, when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He soon ascended through the ranks, becoming the party's main organiser and strategist. His attempts to strengthen the BJP's position in Gujarat and other states gained him respect inside the party. Modi's organisational skills and ability to interact with grassroots people made him a respected leader. Modi's political career took a decisive turn in 2001 when he was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat. This was a difficult period for the state, which had recently suffered a severe earthquake. Modi's leadership during the recovery efforts, as well as his emphasis on economic development, transformed Gujarat into a shining example of success. His administration prioritised infrastructural development and industrial expansion, and improving the ease of doing business in the state. Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister lasted for over 12 years, during which Gujarat’s economy grew significantly. PM Modi Birthday 2024: Becoming the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's achievement as Gujarat's Chief Minister propelled him to national prominence. In 2014, Modi was chosen as the BJP's Prime Minister candidate, and his campaign centred on economic reform, good administration, and a vision of "Achhe Din" (better days) for all Indians. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP won a historic win, and Modi became India's 14th Prime Minister. As Prime Minister, Modi has launched a number of programs aimed at modernising India and boosting its worldwide stature. His government introduced initiatives such as "Swachh Bharat" (Clean India), "Make in India," and "Digital India," all of which aimed to promote cleanliness, manufacturing, and technological innovation. Modi emphasises economic growth, infrastructure, and foreign policy has earned him both praise and criticism, but his influence on Indian politics is undeniable.
16 September,2024 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP's Delhi president Virender Sachdeva on Monday said AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's decision to resign as chief minister was borne out of "compulsion" and not driven by "principle". Sachdeva also alleged that none of the Delhi government departments was free of corruption under Kejriwal's rule. Responding to Sachdeva, AAP alleged that the Delhi BJP chief did nothing but held press conferences and spread false propaganda against the party. Days after being released from Tihar jail on bail in the excise policy case, Kejriwal said on Sunday that he would resign within 48 hours and sought early polls in Delhi. The AAP national convenor vowed not to sit in the chief minister's chair till people gave him a "certificate of honesty". Firing a salvo at the Delhi chief minister, Sachdeva said, "The decision to resign was a compulsion for Arvind Kejriwal, not driven by principle. The Supreme Court has clearly pointed out that he cannot go to his office, cannot sign any file, then what choice did Kejriwal have?" Sachdeva asked. Kejriwal has tried to pass off this compulsion as dignity and the people of Delhi understand it, he claimed. "The chief minister is saying that he will go in public. I dare Kejriwal to come with me to the homes where families have lost their members. Does Kejriwal have the courage to visit the homes of those who died due to corruption, not cleaning drains and waterlogging?" he asked. Sachdeva also alleged that there was no department -- be it the Delhi Jal Board, the health and education departments -- where there was no corruption during the past 10 years. "The court sent you to jail due to your thefts and you will have to answer to the people of Delhi. As far as elections are concerned, don't wait till November, hold elections in October. The Delhi BJP is ready and the people of Delhi are also ready and they want to get rid of this corrupt chief minister as soon as possible," he alleged. Reacting to the allegations, AAP said Sachdeva should be ashamed. Even the Supreme Court remarked that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) functioned like a "caged parrot" under the BJP-ruled central government. The apex court also categorically noted that it appeared the CBI arrested Kejriwal only to prevent his release from jail after he got bail in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case, AAP said. Under the Union home minister's watch, investigative agencies have been weaponised with malice against Kejriwal and AAP leaders. The BJP should be ashamed and end its regressive politics of vendetta and do something constructive for the citizens, it added. Kejriwal on Sunday said he would hold a meeting of AAP MLAs in a couple of days and a party leader would take over as chief minister. The AAP supremo told party workers that he would become the chief minister and Manish Sisodia his deputy "only when people say we are honest". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 September,2024 10:47 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIFour people were killed in rain-related incidents over the past 24 hours in Uttar Pradesh, where major rivers are in spate, a report of the state relief commissioner's office said on Monday. In Barabanki, a government primary school was washed away by the surging Ghaghara-Saryu river on Monday. "Four persons have died due to rain-related incidents including that of drowning. One death each was reported in Etawah, Sharavasti, Sonbhadra and Fatehpur districts in the past 24 hours (from Sunday 6 pm to Monday 6 pm)," the report stated. According to the report, the Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Kachhla Bridge (Budaun), Ghazipur, and Ballia, while Sharda river is flowing above the danger mark in Palliakalan and Sharda Nagar (Lakhimpur Kheri), and the Ghaghra at Elgin Bridge (Barabanki), Ballia and Ayodhya. The state received 2.3 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, a government primary school in Kazipur village, Barabanki, was completely washed away by the surging Ghaghara-Saryu. The school, located in the floodplain of the Ghaghara-Saryu, was precariously situated and eventually succumbed to the river's relentless erosion, purported videos showed. The water level of the river has now reached 62 cm above the danger mark, exacerbating the situation in the low-lying Terai region, according to local officials. The river, which has been rising steadily due to relentless rainfall in the hilly regions and the release of 7.41 lakh cubic metres of water from Sharda and Girja barrages, has overwhelmed the area, submerging over 22 villages and causing widespread panic, they said. Shashikant Singh, Chief Engineer of the Flood Division in Barabanki, said, "The river is flowing 62 centimetres above the danger mark. Although the water level has stabilised, the situation remains critical." In response to the crisis, the administration has declared a high alert and is urging residents to move to higher ground, Singh added. Additional District Magistrate Arun Kumar said flood-affected areas are receiving continuous support, including food packets and ration kits, as the water levels begin to recede. Ongoing monitoring and relief operations are in place to assist the affected people, the officials said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 September,2024 10:47 PM IST | Lucknow | PTIShiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday said that the country needs new leadership the opposition INDIA bloc will form government "very soon", reported the PTI. Aaditya Thackeray said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA government at the Centre has failed to fulfill its promises it had vowed to implement in the first 100 days in office and asserted the country needs a new leadership. Aaditya Thackeray claimed the opposition INDIA alliance will form government "very soon", suggesting that the Narendra Modi-led dispensation will not survive its full term, according to the PTI. He was speaking to reporters after offering prayers and performing 'aarti' at Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganapati Mandal in Pune. Aaditya Thackeray on Monday performed the evening maha aarti at Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune, news agency ANI reported. The historic Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal was originally installed by freedom fighter Shrimant Bhausaheb in 1892. This year, the mandal celebrated its 133th year of public Ganeshotsav celebrations. "It (NDA government) has been an absolute failure. If you see the promises that were made in first 100 days by the Prime Minister or the NDA government, none of them have been fulfilled. Today, the country needs a new leadership, a new government, and the INDIA bloc will come with a new government very soon. Count how many times in these 100 days, the PM was abroad," he said, according to the PTI. #WATCH | Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, "If you see the promises that were made for the first 100 days by the PM or NDA- none of them have been fulfilled. The country needs a new leadership and government. The INDIA alliance will soon come up with a new… pic.twitter.com/eXYlURZ3Pw — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2024 The NDA government, which assumed office on June 9, has nothing to show in terms of achievements, the former state minister insisted. "This is basically a statement of these 100 days. What about inflation, what about unemployment, what about peace in Manipur, what about development? There is nothing to show," he said, the news agency reported on Monday. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
16 September,2024 09:58 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentFormer Jammu-Kashmir Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the strings of alliance between Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Sheikh Abdul Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami were dancing to someone else's tunes, the PTI reported. Omar Abdullah claimed that the two parties were being remotely pulled to take on his party, the National Conference (NC), the PTI reported on Monday. As per the news agency, while speaking to reporters in Pulwama district, Omar Abdullah said, "Their strings are connected somewhere else, they get their orders from them and they dance to their tunes.” While reacting to AIP entering the alliance with the former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami contesting the polls as independent candidates, PTI quoted Abdullah saying, "They have been fielded to take on the National Conference. We have no issues, we will fight them.” When asked how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims 30,000 people were expected for the Jammu-Kashmir election rally in Srinagar to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Conference vice-president told the PTI, "How difficult is it to gather 30,000 people by using money? The PM has addressed a rally earlier as well by gathering government employees. Don't show me the rallies, show me the votes. I do not think it will translate into votes. Let the BJP win one seat from the Kashmir valley, then we can talk." Omar Abdullah said BJP has nothing to show for its six-year direct rule in Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI. "They do not have anything else to sell to the people. If they had done something for the people, they would have presented their report card. When a fail is written in the report card, they have to say something else," he said when asked about BJP's charge of dynastic rule. "Our campaign has been good... people's participation in NC events was high and we are hopeful that a good part of the votes will go to our party candidates and they will win," Omar Abdullah said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 09:16 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentAs the streets of West Bengal's Kolkata are being swept by protests and rallies demanding justice for the Kolkata rape-murder case victim, the agitation was on Monday joined by hundreds of teachers, reported news agency PTI. After the body of a 31-year-old medic of RG Kar hospital was found in the seminar room of the state-run hospital on August 9, Kolkata has witnessed unusual public protests, said PTI. Angshuman Nag, one of the teachers who was part of the protest said, "she (the victim) is like our daughter. We call for the accurate punishment, criticise efforts to hide evidence and are appalled that the investigating agencies are yet to identify all those responsible for this heinous crime,"as per the PTI. He added, "We do not belong to any political party or organisation. We have gathered on our own to voice the protest of ordinary citizens."Senior doctors such as Narayan Bandyopadhyay and hundreds of people, formed a human chain at Sinthir More in the northern part of the city Kolkata, demanding justice for the medic. To create a safe environment for women and to demand justice for the victim, people from various sections of the society have organised several rallies, cited PTI. Meanwhile, the first round of talks between the West Bengal government and the agitating junior doctors is underway at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence to address the RG Kar impasse. After four unsuccessful bids to initiate a dialogue to resolve the deadlock, a delegation of agitating junior doctors arrived at her residence for the crucial talks on Monday evening. Escorted by a pilot police vehicle, around 30 medics arrived at Banerjee's residence at 6.20 pm. The meeting, which was originally scheduled at 5 pm, began around 7 pm and is still continuing, according to the PTI. TV channels reporters that the doctors submitted a memorandum to the CM listing their demands. Ex-principal of RG Kar gave ‘deceptive answers’ Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, was found to be "deceptive" while answering important questions during his polygraph test and layered voice analysis in the Kolkata rape-murder case probe, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials said. CBI arrested Ghosh on September 2 in connection with financial irregularities at the hospital. The central probe agency added charges of evidence tampering against him on September 15. During the investigation into the Kolkata rape-murder case, Ghosh was subjected to layered voice analysis and polygraph test, news agency PTI reported. According to a report from Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), New Delhi, his version has been found to be "deceptive on certain important issues" relating to this case, officers privy to the developments said. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 08:38 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday alleged that certain individuals "filled with hate and negativity" are defaming the country, news agency PTI reported. His remark comes amid a political row over the statements made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi abroad on reservations and other issues. PM Modi was addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad, where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various projects worth Rs 8,000 crore, including the flagging off of Bhuj-Ahmedabad Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, the first Vande Bharat metro service, and five Vande Bharat express trains. Without taking any names, PM Modi said the Opposition can cross any limits for appeasement politics. "When every Indian is striving to take the country forward, some filled with negativity want to destroy the unity and integrity of the country. They want to divide (do tukde, tukde of) the country. Those filled with hate are not leaving any chance to defame India and Gujarat," he alleged. PM Modi also took on the Congress over the poll tie-up with the National Conference. "You have heard that they want to bring back Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to bring back two Constitutions and two laws in Jammu and Kashmir," PM Modi, adding that he was insulted, jeered, and mocked by the Opposition in the past 100 days of his third term as PM, but he focused on finishing the government's development agenda during this period. "People were surprised by my silence," the prime minister said. He said he has decided to "sacrifice" himself for the people. "If I live, I live for you, if I struggle, I struggle for you, and if I sacrifice myself, it will be for you," he added. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Gandhi of making "anti-reservation" remarks in the US and termed the statements as "treason". Gandhi, while speaking at the Georgetown University in Washington DC, had alleged that the Lok Sabha elections were not fought on the same footing. "The Election Commission was doing what they wanted. The entire campaign was structured so that Mr Modi could carry out his agenda across the country, with different designs for different states," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had claimed. (With PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 07:22 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentAs many as three wagons of a goods train derailed in the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday, the officials said, according to the ANI. The restoration work at the tracks was underway, a railway official said. The train was en route to Itrasi from Bhopal and the incident occurred between Misrod and Mandideep railway stations. Railway Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Bhopal Division, Naval Agarwal said, "Three wagons of a goods train going from Bhopal to Itarsi, derailed between Misrod and Mandideep railway stations. Restoration work is underway, and the team is present on site," as per the PTI. Train movements were reportedly said to be unaffected as the incident took place on a three-line section, he added. Further details are awaited. Central Railway services disrupted after snag in AC train's pantograph near Thane Meanwhile, in an another incident, the services on the Down Fast line of Central Railway's suburban network in Mumbai were affected for nearly an hour on Monday afternoon after a technical snag in the pantograph of an air-conditioned train, an official said, according to the PTI. The incident took place between Mumbra and Diva stations beyond Thane in Maharashtra, the officials said. "The Dadar-Badlapur AC local was detained on the Down Fast line (corridor taking trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) towards Thane and beyond) after a snag in its pantograph at 12:10 pm. It was rectified at 12:50 pm. Two local trains following this AC local got stranded due to this incident," a Central Railway spokesperson said, as per the PTI. A pantograph, mounted on the roof of a train, draws power from overhead equipment. Meanwhile the commuters claimed that the fast Mumbai local trains were delayed by 20-30 minutes, resulting in crowding. The passengers also claimed that some services were cancelled following a technical snag in the pantograph of an air-conditioned train, as per the PTI. The Central Railway operates 66 AC locals in a day with cumulative ridership of 78,000. It operates more than 1,800 daily suburban services in the city and neighbouring areas of Mumbai. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 06:19 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentAround 74 roads, including National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet road) connecting Chandigarh and Shimla, were closed following Himachal Pradesh rains, the officials said on Monday, reported the PTI. The local meteorological centre has issued a 'yellow' alert for thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas of six districts of the state on Wednesday. According to the PTI, a massive landslide in the afternoon closed NH-5 near Kumarhatti in Solan district, the officials said, adding that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officers and police are on-site, working to clear the debris and reopen the road. According to the officials, there were no casualties, as no vehicles were passing through the affected area during the landslide. Videos of retaining walls collapsing on the national highway have gone viral on social media. Mild snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, signalling the onset of winter, as per the PTI. According to the news agency, intermittent rain continued across the state, with Bilaspur receiving the highest rainfall of 100.8 mm since Sunday evening, the weather data showed. Other areas that recorded significant rainfall included Kufri (35 mm), Kasauli (28 mm ), Neri (26.5 mm), Karsog and Gohar (24 mm each), Baijnath (23.2 mm), Sundernagar (13.8 mm) and Chamba (11.5 mm). As of Monday morning, 39 roads were closed in Shimla, 10 in Kangra, nine in Mandi, seven in Kullu, five in Sirmaur, three in Lahaul-Spiti, and one in Kinnaur, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Five power supply schemes were also disrupted, the SEOC added, the PTI reported. Five power supply schemes have also been disrupted in the state, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). The rain deficit during the ongoing monsoon season from June 1 till September 15 stands at 18 per cent, with the state receiving 567.2 mm rainfall against an average of 692.1 mm. According to officials, 171 people have died in rain-related incidents since the onset of monsoon in the state on June 27 till Sunday, while 30 are still missing. The state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,327 crore, they said. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 05:52 PM IST | Shimla | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
