Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should be merged with India, and warned that if it fails to happen, the country will have to fight more wars, reported the PTI. Athawale's statement comes after recent India-Pakistan tensions. Hailing India's 'Operation Sindoor', he said the Indian Army has taught Pakistan a lesson. Addressing a press conference, the Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief said, "India has hit Pakistan hard. The ceasefire is for a few days now. But our army has taught a lesson and we have killed over a 100 terrorists in Pakistan. It is not the case that the operation has stopped after the mediation of US President Donal Trump. India has put forth a proposal that Pakistan should hand over the PoK (to India) and stop terror activities," according to the PTI. No third party has the right to compromise on the case (of Kashmir) and India's stand is that a bullet will be answered by a bullet, the Minister of State for Social Justice said. "I have told earlier in Parliament also that the PoK should be part of India. If Pakistan does not hand it over, we will have to fight more wars to get it back," he said, as per the PTI. Ramdas Athawale urged the opposition parties not play politics over the issue by demanding the proof of action against Pakistan. When asked about the possibility of a reunion between estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, Athawale said, "I don't think they will come together as they have differences. If they come together, Congress will not accept Raj Thackeray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)," the news agency reported on Thursday. He also appealed to Dalit leaders to come together on a single platform for the welfare of the community. "If that happens, I will not care for my ministerial post," the president of the Republic Party of India (Athawale) said. Replying to a query about Maharashtra Social Justice Minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat's allegations of diversion of funds from his department, Athawale said, "This kind of fund diversion should not happen. The Karnataka government has such a rule that the funds allocated for the poor should not be diverted. A similar law should be framed in Maharashtra," the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
15 May,2025 11:09 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan on cessation of hostilities, it was decided to continue the confidence building measures to reduce the alertness level, Indian officials said on Thursday. The clarification came after Pakistan military said the understanding on ending the hostilities has been extended until May 18. "Further to the understanding between the two DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations) on May 10, it has been decided to continue the confidence building measures so as to reduce the alertness level," an Indian Army official said. "As situation develops further, we shall intimate you," he 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
15 May,2025 09:45 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Supreme Court on Thursday criticised Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media about Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, saying the minister must speak with "responsibility". A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustus George Masih said a person holding a constitutional office should be responsible when this country is going through such a situation, and has to know what he is saying. The bench also agreed to hear Shah's plea against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's May 14 order, which ordered the registration of an FIR against him for his remarks against Sofiya Qureshi. The High Court took suo moto cognizance of the controversial statement of the minister and ordered police to register FIR against the minister. The counsel of Shah mentioned the plea for an early hearing today before the bench seeking a stay on the FIR. At the outset, CJI asked "What kind of statement are you making? Such a person holding a constitutional office should be responsible..." "When this country is going through such a situation... He has to know what he is saying. Just because you are a minister...," said Justice Gavai. Shah's counsel told the bench that he had recorded his apology, and the statement was widely misunderstood. Media has over hyped the statement of the minister, counsel said while seeking stay on the FIR that was registered against him following the High Court order. The top court, however, declined to grant any stay on the FIR and posted the matter for hearing on Friday. "We will hear it tomorrow. You know who you are. We know nothing will happen. Just because you are a minister," added the bench. Taking suo moto cognisance of the controversial statement of the minister, the High Court on Wednesday ordered police to register FIR against him. On Wednesday, an FIR was registered against him under sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) after the High Court order. Office of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in a post on X, had said, "Following the order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Chief Minister has given instructions to take action regarding the statement of Cabinet Minister Vijay Shah." The High Court had said that if the FIR is not registered by Wednesday evening, the court may contemplate proceeding against the Director General of Police of the State for contempt of the order. The controversy arose after a video clip of Shah's speech went viral on social media. In his clarification, Shah said his comments were taken out of context and were meant to praise Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's bravery. Speaking to ANI over the row, the minister said, "My entire background is from the military. Many of my family members were martyred and were in the military... Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is above my real sister, who performed the national religion and took revenge on those people. She (Sofiya Qureshi) is more important than my real sister. I had nothing in my mind; if something slipped out of the excitement and hurt someone, then I would like to apologise from the heart. Not once, but I apologise ten times." 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
15 May,2025 06:03 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Supreme Court on Thursday instructed the Centre to establish dedicated POCSO courts on a “top priority basis” to exclusively handle cases involving sexual offences against children. A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and P B Varale noted that the lack of sufficient exclusive courts for POCSO cases has led to delays, preventing trials from being completed within the timelines mandated by the law, reported news agency PTI. "It is therefore expected that the union of India and the state governments shall take appropriate steps to sensitise the officials associated with the investigation of POCSO cases, and also to create dedicated courts to try POCSO cases on a top priority basis," the bench said, reported PTI. The top court further directed the filing of charge sheets within the mandatory period stipulated in law, besides completing trials within the prescribed time frame. The apex court noted while majority states, with the funding from the Centre, complied with the directions for setting up exclusive courts for POCSO cases, in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, and a few other states, more POCSO courts were required given the pendency of such cases. According to PTI, the top court had previously directed senior advocate and amicus curiae V Giri and senior advocate Uttara Babbar to submit state-wise details on the status of POCSO courts. The apex court was hearing a petition underlining the "alarming rise in the number of reported child rape incidents" in a suo motu case. The top court asked states to set up two designated courts in districts where the number of pending cases of child abuse under the POCSO Act was more than 300. It made it clear that its July 2019 direction to set up one court in each district with more than 100 FIRs under POCSO Act meant a designated court would only deal with such cases under the law. President Murmu invokes Article 143; questions Supreme Court's opinion on deadline ruling on state Bills In a firm rebuttal to the Supreme Court's April 8 verdict, which imposed deadlines on the Governor and the President for deciding on state Bills in the Tamil Nadu government versus Governor case, President Murmu has questioned the validity of such a ruling, emphasising that the Constitution does not prescribe any such time frames. The President's response highlights that Article 200 of the Constitution of India delineates the powers of the Governor and the procedures for granting or withholding assent to Bills, as well as reserving a Bill for the President's consideration. However, Article 200 does not specify any timeline for the Governor to exercise these constitutional options. Similarly, Article 201 outlines the President's authority and process for assenting to or withholding assent from Bills, but it does not impose any deadlines or procedures for the exercise of these constitutional powers. (With PTI inputs)
15 May,2025 05:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSeven wagons of a goods train carrying coal from Jalgaon to Surat derailed at around 2:18 pm on Thursday near Amalner station in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, officials said. They said that the seven wagons that derailed include one locomotive. The wagons came off the tracks while the train was moving from the loop line to the main line towards Surat, they said. Following the derailment, both the UP and DN railway lines have been blocked, disrupting train traffic in the region. A coal-laden goods train travelling from Jalgaon to Surat derailed near Amalner station, disrupting both UP and DN railway lines. Seven wagons and a locomotive derailed while shifting from the loop line to the main line. The train was headed to GNC near Gandhinagar.… pic.twitter.com/gFJ5Angckz — Mid Day (@mid_day) May 15, 2025 "At 14:18 hrs, one goods train coming from Jalgaon side and going towards Surat side carrying coal for GNC (near Gandhinagar) derailed by 07 wagons including one locomotive while passing from loop to main line towards Surat side of Amalner station. Both UP and DN lines are held up. Accident Relief Trains have been ordered from Nandurbar, Udhna and Bhusawal. Senior officers are at site, and restoration works are underway. No injury or harm to any person has been reported and efforts are underway to restore operations at the earliest," a railway spokesperson said. Further details are awaited.
15 May,2025 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA female leopard (Panthera pardus) cub, approximately 4 months old, was rescued and safely released back into the wild after she accidentally fell into a 30-foot-deep open well in Ghangaldare village, located in the Junnar Forest Range of Pune district in Maharashtra. The incident took place in a forested area, prompting swift action from the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS. Residents of Ghangaldare village in Junnar taluka came across the leopard cub trapped and perched on a small ledge above the water inside an open well on the village outskirts. Acknowledging the emergency, the villagers immediately contacted the forest department, which, in turn, called Wildlife SOS for assistance. A three-person rescue team from Wildlife SOS, along with a team from the Junnar Forest Division, quickly arrived at the location, equipped to handle the sensitive situation. Due to the cub's young age and the natural topography of the terrain, the team decided against using a cage trap, which could have caused further distress to the animal. Instead, the rescuers employed a creative and non-invasive approach by constructing a temporary stairway out of sturdy branches and logs. Despite some reluctance initially, the cub began climbing the natural structure. Upon reaching the top, she darted back into the dense forest, reuniting with her natural habitat. Dr. Avinash Visalkar, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS, stated, “Open wells pose a serious risk of injury to animals that fall in. When we reached the location, the leopard cub was clearly distressed, but thankfully, she was unharmed and in good health.” Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Junnar Forest Division, also commented, “This successful rescue displays seamless coordination between the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS. Our shared commitment to protecting wildlife continues to make a real difference in the region.” Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “This rescue highlights the power of local vigilance and collaboration in saving wildlife. Open wells remain a significant threat to animals in forested regions, and we’re grateful for the quick thinking of the villagers and the forest department’s commitment to action.”
15 May,2025 04:54 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentCongress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday strongly criticised the Bihar Police for allegedly preventing Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, from attending an event at Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, reported the ANI. She termed the act shameful, condemnable. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi wrote, "Stopping the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who was going to interact with the students under the 'Shiksha Nyay Samvad' program at Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, is a very shameful, condemnable and cowardly act. " दरभंगा के अंबेडकर हॉस्टल में 'शिक्षा न्याय संवाद' कार्यक्रम के तहत छात्रों से संवाद करने जा रहे नेता प्रतिपक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी जी को रोकना अत्यंत शर्मनाक, निंदनीय एवं कायराना कृत्य है। तानाशाही पर उतारू JDU-BJP गठबंधन की सरकार को यह बताना चाहिए कि क्या बिहार में नेता प्रतिपक्ष… — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) May 15, 2025 People of Bihar would not tolerate the ‘dictatorship’ of the NDA government in the state, she added. "The JDU-BJP coalition government, which is bent on dictatorship, should tell whether it is a crime for the Leader of Opposition to go to Bihar or is it a crime to raise the voice of Dalits, backward, deprived and poor? The people of Bihar, the land of justice and revolution, will not tolerate this dictatorship," she said, according to the ANI. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the central government opposes democracy, the Constitution, and minorities after being stopped by the Bihar Police while he was traveling to the Ambedkar hostel in Darbhanga. "The Bihar Police tried to stop me. But they could not stop me because your power (minority community) is watching over me. We told PM Narendra Modi that you have to conduct census... Under your pressure, PM Narendra Modi announced caste census in the country. Scared of your pressure, he placed the Constitution on his forehead. But their government is against democracy, the Constitution, and the minorities. This is the government of Adani-Ambani and not yours," Rahul Gandhi said, addressing the gathering in Darbhanga, as per ANI. He said, "I guarantee that the moment our government forms in India and in Bihar, and implements everything that you deserve." Further in a post on X, Rahul Gandhi questioned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar when the dialogue became a "crime in the state." He wrote, "NDA's "Double Engine Dhokebaaz Sarkaar" in Bihar is preventing me from interacting with Dalit and backward students in Ambedkar Hostel. Since when has dialogue become a crime? Nitish ji, what are you afraid of? Do you want to hide the state of education and social justice in Bihar? India is a democracy, it is run by the Constitution, not by dictatorship! No one can stop us from raising our voice for social justice and education." Rahul Gandhi is in Bihar to inaugurate 'Shiksha Nyay Samvad' in Darbhanga today. The Darbhanga District Administration allegedly attempted to stop Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP and the leader of the Lok Sabha's (LoP) program at the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, as part of the Bihar Congress's previous protests against the NDA administration. (with ANI inputs)
15 May,2025 03:56 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Election Commission of India held a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener, Arvind Kejriwal and senior party leaders at Nirvachan Sadan in the national capital on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. From the AAP, party leaders Raghav Chadha and Saurabh Bhardwaj joined in the discussions. The meeting is in continuation of the interactions being held by ECI with the Presidents of various national and state political parties. "These interactions provide for a long-felt need of constructive discussions which enable National and State Party Presidents to share their suggestions and concerns directly with the Commission," the Election Commission of India stated in a press release. The release further stated that the initiative aligns with the Commission's broader vision of further strengthening the electoral process in accordance with the existing legal framework with all stakeholders. The Commission had earlier met with the delegations of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), led by the Party President Mayawati, on May 6; the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by the Party President Jagat Prakash Nadda, on May 8, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), MA Baby on May 10 and the Party President of the National People's Party, Conrad Sangma on May 13. Earlier, a total of 4,719 all-party meetings have been conducted, including 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3879 by EROs, engaging over 28,000 representatives of various political parties. On May 1, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced three new initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls. These measures are in line with the initiatives as envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Gyanesh Kumar, during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), in the presence of Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi in March this year, as per an ECI release ECI is also set to redesign Voter Information Slips to make them more user-friendly and informative. 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
15 May,2025 03:23 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIParents of 32 students, allegedly expelled by Delhi Public School, Dwarka, over a fee hike dispute, have approached the Delhi High Court seeking their children's reinstatement. In their plea, they claim the school repeatedly ignored written reminders and complaints to the Directorate of Education (DoE), deliberately refraining from debiting cheques submitted for the approved fees while refusing to accept payments for subsequent months. The parents allege that the school has arbitrarily and coercively removed 32 minor students from its rolls without prior notice or reasonable justification, violating both the Court's order and the fundamental principles of natural justice. Many of these students are currently in Class X, having already completed the pre-registration process for their board examinations while in Class IX. The timing of their expulsion, in the middle of an academic year, is particularly damaging, jeopardizing their education and emotional well-being. Parents alleged that the children were ill-treated and were threatened by the bouncers, and then were kept in a bus for two hours, and then finally dropped off at home. Plea further stated that on 14.05.2025, more bouncers, including lady bouncers, were deployed, and it is shocking that neither the police officials nor any other person in the administration is willing to help, as they say that the matter is sub-judice. The parents filed their plea in response to the school's challenge against a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) directive issued on July 18, 2024. The commission had instructed the police to lodge an FIR against the school, citing complaints of student expulsions, the public disclosure of their names on the school's website, and an incident where a female student was allegedly denied assistance during menstruation. The Delhi High Court later stayed on this order on July 30. Last month, the Delhi High Court strongly criticised this school for allegedly confining students in the library and preventing them from attending classes due to unpaid fees. The court condemned the school's actions as "shabby and inhuman," stating that it appeared to operate more like a "money-making machine" than an educational institution. Describing the treatment of students as a form of "torture," the judge indicated that the principal could potentially face criminal prosecution. 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
15 May,2025 02:25 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Supreme Court on Thursday said it will take up on May 20 the issue of considering interim relief on pleas challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for those challenging the validity of the law, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to file their written notes by Monday. "We will be considering the issue of interim relief only on Tuesday," the CJI said while adjourning the hearing on the pleas. The bench was told by the lawyers from both sides that the judges may need some more time to go through the pleadings. In the meanwhile, the law officer said that in any case, there is a subsisting assurance of the Centre that no waqf properties, including those established by waqf by user, would be denotified. Earlier, the law officer had also assured that no appointments to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards would be made under the new law. The bench said it will not consider any plea seeking a stay of provisions of the earlier 1995 Waqf law when the matters are taken up on May 20. Former CJI Sanjiv Khanna, whose bench was hearing the matter, demitted office on May 13, and the matters were transferred to the bench headed by Justice Gavai. On April 25, the central ministry of minority affairs filed a preliminary 1,332-page affidavit defending the amended Waqf Act of 2025 and opposed any "blanket stay" by the court on a "law having presumption of constitutionality passed by Parliament". The Centre urged the top court to dismiss the pleas challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, pointing out a "mischievous false narrative" surrounding certain provisions. The Centre notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 after it got President Droupadi Murmu's assent on April 5. 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
15 May,2025 02:02 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIOn Thursday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Srinagar and met with the Armed Forces, praising them for their successful Operation Sindoor. The Raksha Mantri criticised Pakistan's management of nuclear weapons and questioned the world whether nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such a "rogue" nation like Pakistan. "The world knows that our army's aim is accurate and when they hit the target, they leave the counting to the enemies. How strong is India's pledge against terrorism today, it can be known from the fact that we did not even care about their nuclear blackmail. The whole world has seen how irresponsibly Pakistan has threatened India. Today, from the land of Srinagar, I want to raise this question: whether nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation. I believe that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," Rajnath Singh stated, reported ANI. The Defence Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for their role in the success of Operation Sindoor. Rajnath Singh also commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their "anger" towards Pakistan and terrorism. "The entire country is proud of what you did during Operation Sindoor under the able leadership and guidance of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. I may be your Defence Minister, but before that, I am a citizen of India. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have expressed their anger towards Pakistan and terrorism with complete unity. I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I have come to feel the energy that has destroyed the enemy. The way you destroyed the Pakistani posts and weavers across the border, the enemy can never forget that", Rajnath Singh stated, reported news agency ANI. The Union Minister began his address with the chant of "Bharat Mata ki Jay" and paid his tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives while battling against terrorism, reported news agency ANI. "First of all, I would like to bow to the supreme sacrifice of the brave jawans while they fought terrorism and terrorists. I pay respect to their memory. I also pay respect to the innocent civilians who were killed in Pahalgam. I also salute the valour of the injured soldiers and pray to God that they may recover at the earliest", the Defence Minister noted, reported ANI. Earlier, Rajnath Singh inspected the shells which were dropped in Jammu and Kashmir during cross-border shelling from Pakistan. The Defence Minister's visit to Srinagar follows the Prime Minister's visit to the Adampur Air base on Tuesday, according to ANI. (With ANI inputs)
15 May,2025 01:55 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
