Gold worth Rs 29 lakh, concealed as metal buttons of apparel, has been seized from the possession of an Indian male passenger at the Delhi airport, the customs department said on Tuesday. The accused was intercepted after his arrival from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the International airport in Delhi on Monday. "Through spot profiling techniques, customs officers flagged the passenger at the Green Channel exit. Upon X-ray scanning of the baggage, suspicious images were noticed, according to the PTI. "While the passenger cleared the DFMD (door frame metal detector) without triggering any alarms, a detailed manual inspection of the baggage revealed 201 silver-coated rings appearing to be made of gold, ingeniously concealed as metal buttons of apparel," the customs department said in a post on X. 🚨 Gold Buttons in Ladies Dresses - Smuggling Attempt Foiled at IGI Airport! ✈️Customs officers at IGI Airport, New Delhi intercepted an Indian national male passenger attempting to smuggle concealed gold on 6th January 2025.🎯 Flight Details: Traveling from Jeddah to New… pic.twitter.com/qlVjM7Ocrd — Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) January 7, 2025 The concealed metal rings, confirmed to be 24 carat gold, weighed a total of 379 grams valued about Rs 29 lakh, it said. In another case, a male passenger was intercepted after his arrival from Jeddah. "The passenger underwent screening through a DFMD, which did not detect any metallic items on the person (no beep was heard). However, during an X-ray examination of the baggage, suspicious images were noticed," the customs said in another post. Upon detailed manual examination of the passenger's baggage, it was found that eight cylindrical pieces of yellow metal, suspected to be gold, were concealed inside an electric iron, it said. "Eight (08) cylindrical pieces of yellow metal, suspected to be gold, were concealed inside an electric iron. The total weight of the recovered metal was 600 grams," said an official. The total weight of the recovered metal was valued at Rs 46.80 lakh approximately, the customs said. The recovered items were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway, the officials said on Tuesday. (with PTI inputs)
07 January,2025 08:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn 18-year-old girl who fell into a 540-foot-deep borewell and was rescued after more than 33 hours in Gujarat's Kutch district was declared dead at a hospital on Tuesday, officials said. The girl fell into the borewell at Kanderai village in Bhuj taluka around 6.30 am on Monday and was stuck at a depth of 490 feet, prompting the administration to launch a multi-agency rescue operation. According to officials, the borewell had a diameter of one foot, and the fact that she was grown up and stuck deep into it made the rescue efforts difficult. The teenager was brought out at around 4 pm. "Unfortunately, the girl could not survive and was declared dead by doctors at GK General Hospital in Bhuj," said AB Jadav, assistant collector and SDM, Bhuj. The official said the teen was brought out using a "hook technique", wherein L and J-shaped hooks were lowered into the borewell, fitted on two sides and pressure was applied from below to pull her up. An official from the state water supply and sewerage board said the girl was rescued using a makeshift contraption. "We prepared a makeshift contraption with the help of local drillers. Multiple agencies were involved in the rescue operation," he said. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Border Security Force (BSF) were involved in the rescue operation along with the fire department personnel of the Bhuj municipality, local emergency response team, police and officials of the local administration. 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
07 January,2025 07:36 PM IST | Bhuj (Gujarat) | PTIA couple was found dead in Nagpur on Tuesday, police said, adding that they suspect it to be a case of suicide. The man was 56 years old while his wife was aged 45. Their bodies were recovered from their house in the Martin Nagar locality in the morning, an officer said, adding that it was the couple's 28th wedding anniversary. According to news agency PTI, the police said that the couple was undergoing financial difficulties and was childless. The officer said the couple recorded a video on their mobile phone before taking the extreme step, posted it on social media and sent it to their relatives. The couple's relatives discovered their body, he said, adding that a case of accidental death has been registered. Nashik couple dies by suicide days before son's wedding A couple, in their 50s, allegedly died by suicide in the Tilakwadi area of Nashik, police said on Tuesday. The man was 58-years-old while his wife was aged 55. They died early on Monday, a few days before their younger son's wedding, an police officer said. The couple lived their two sons and the elder son's wife, news agency PTI reported. On Sunday evening, the couple had dinner with their relatives. The elder son and his wife were out of town. When the younger son returned home, he found his parents unconscious, the officer said. The couple was rushed to a hospital, where they were declared dead around 2 am on Monday, PTI reported. No suicide note has been found and Sarkarwada Police are conducting further probe, the officer said. (With PTI inputs)
07 January,2025 07:28 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Tuesday granted till March 31 interim bail to jailed self-styled godman Asaram in a 2013 rape case observing he had various ailments and needed treatment. A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal directed 86-year-old Asaram not to meet his followers in a group post release. "We have also taken note of the medical records pertaining to the petitioner and the fact that he was given periodical treatment outside the prison. Hence, we deem it fit to grant bail to the petitioner on medical ground till March 31, 2025.... subject to the condition that the petitioner shall not meet his followers in a group," it said. Asaram, however, would remain in jail as he faces another rape case in Jodhpur. The court said it won't consider the plea on merits, but only the medical grounds. "There shall be three security personnel in the form of police officers to be present in the vicinity of the petitioner. We make it clear that the police personnel will not interfere with the petitioner's medical treatment, his meeting with any individual and in a normal or lawful conduct," the bench said. Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for Asaram, submitted his client's health condition was precarious. Asaram, he said, was taken in and out of prison on more than thirteen occasions for medical treatment, and even the Rajasthan High Court granted him parole after taking into consideration his condition. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state government, opposed the grant of bail and said though the ailment and his age were not in dispute, Asaram could be treated inside the prison. Mehta said three witnesses in the case were killed and said Asaram had the potential, capacity and finances to tamper with the evidence. "He is in the last leg. Whatever may be the nature of the offence when it comes to the health of the convict, the concern is of the state and well as this court," said the top court. A sessions court in January, 2023, convicted Asaram in the 2013 rape case, filed by a woman who was living in his ashram near Gandhinagar at the time of the crime. The Gujarat High Court on August 29 rejected Asaram's plea for the suspension of life imprisonment in the case. Refusing to suspend the sentence and grant him bail, the high court observed no case for relief was made out. It said his contentions about possible delay in the disposal of his appeal, age and the medical conditions were not relevant to the grant the relief. The court also considered the alleged murder of two boys at his Sabarmati ashram besides the attacks on witnesses and the relatives of victims. Asaram's plea said he was a victim of conspiracy, and the allegations of rape were false. The plea said the trial court erred in accepting the survivor's explanation for a delay of 12 years in lodging the complaint. He is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan in another rape case. 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
07 January,2025 07:27 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAs many as 20 dogs died and 11 were injured after allegedly being thrown from a bridge by unidentified persons in Sangareddy district of Telangana, police said on Tuesday. Volunteers from an animal welfare organisation lodged a complaint, stating that the dogs were dumped from a bridge near Eddumailaram village. The incident was reported on January 4. A police official at Indrakaran police station said a case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS, and an investigation is underway. Police are also probing whether the dogs were killed elsewhere and later dumped from the bridge. A post-mortem was conducted on the 20 dead dogs, and samples have been sent to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) to determine if the animals were poisoned, police added. The police further stated that out of the 31 dogs, 20 were found dead, while 11 injured dogs were handed over to the organisation and shifted to a shelter in Nagole. The investigation is on. 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
07 January,2025 06:36 PM IST | Hyderabad | PTIProtesters of a local organisation on Tuesday staged 'Chakka Jam' or road blockades in Maharashtra's Latur district to protest the Beed sarpanch murder, reported the PTI. The protest was held at five places in Latur city, and at Mahalangra, Chakur Nitpur, Borgaon Kale, Budhoda, Ausa, Ahmadpur and Mahapur in Latur district of Maharashtra, as per the PTI. The 'Sarvpakshiya Nagrik Manch' (all-party citizens forum) had called for blockade from 10 am to 4 pm, but the agitation was called off by 1 pm in the city due to the police's intervention. Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog in neighbouring Beed district, was abducted and brutally murdered on December 9. According to the PTI, during the agitation, protesters shouted slogans against the state government's alleged apathy in the matter and demanded the ouster of Maharashtra ministers Dhananjay Munde and Pankaja Munde if they were found to have links to the murder. Dhananjay Munde, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party headed by deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is under fire as Munde's close aide Walmik Karad was arrested in an extortion case related to the murder. Deshmukh was allegedly killed for trying to thwart the bid to extort money from a windmill company. Both Dhananjay and his cousin and BJP leader Pankaja Munde are legislators from Beed. "If the government failed to take strict action, a protest will be staged in Parali in front of Dhananjay Munde's residence," said Uday Gaware, one of the agitators, the news agency reported. The protesters submitted a memorandum of demands to district officials here. The demands included the arrest of all the accused, protection and financial aid of Rs 50 lakh for the Deshmukh family, protection for the witnesses, and narco tests for the accused. They also demanded financial aid of Rs 50 lakh for the kin of Somnath Suryavanshi who died in custody after being arrested over a violent protest against the vandalisation of the Constitution's replica in Parbhani city. Meanwhile, Bajrang Sonawane, the NCP (SP) MP from Beed, said if the arrested accused in the Deshmukh murder case were not providing information to the police, "they should be handed over to the public." "It is unfortunate that this incident (murder) took place on December 9, but still one accused is absconding," he told reporters in Beed city. (with PTI inputs)
07 January,2025 05:12 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentA lawyer on Tuesday moved the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court, urging to take cognisance of concerns over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and direct the Maharashtra government to take proactive measures, reported the PTI. Advocate Shreerang Bhandarkar, in his plea, said the high court had in 2020 taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a similar action is now required amid the growing global and regional concerns surrounding the HMPV. The high court is likely to hear the application on January 10. Bhandarkar had appeared as amicus curiae (appointed by the court for assistance) in the Covid-19 plea. In August 2020, the Nagpur bench had taken suo motu cognisance of the pandemic and had passed a slew of directions to the state government. "The recent increase in reported cases of HMPV underscores the need for vigilance, preparedness and proactive public health measures," the application stated, according to the PTI. It urged the high court to direct the state health department to intensify HMPV surveillance, testing and reporting and to establish a task force on emerging respiratory viruses. The plea also sought the court to direct the government to launch public health awareness campaigns focusing on HMPV symptoms, transmission and prevention, the news agency reported. There are currently five confirmed cases of HMPV in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Meanwhile, the Centre has advised states to step up surveillance for respiratory illnesses including ILI and SARI, and spread awareness about the prevention of transmission of the human metapneumovirus amid the HMPV outbreak, as per the PTI. The Centre's advisory comes after as many as five cases were detected in India. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday chaired a virtual meeting with states and union territories to take stock of respiratory illnesses and HMPV cases in the country and public health measures for their management, a health ministry statement said, reported the PTI. The meeting was attended by Health Research Department Secretary Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel, experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, (IDSP), Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and State Surveillance Units of IDSP, a health ministry statement said. The meeting was held amid reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China and on a day when five cases of HMPV were confirmed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups. (with PTI inputs)
07 January,2025 03:50 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Election Commission will on Tuesday announce the schedule for polls to the Delhi Assembly elections. The Commission has convened a press conference at 2 pm on Tuesday to announce the election schedule. The Commission has invited media personnel from across the country to attend the event, which will provide the much-awaited details regarding the election dates and other logistical aspects of the Delhi assembly elections. The term of the 70-member Assembly ends on February 23, and elections have to held before that to constitute a new House. Delhi has traditionally seen Delhi Assembly elections in a single phase. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eight seats. Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that a "Large-Scale" fraud in voter addition and deletions in the New Delhi Assembly seat is taking place. In a post on X, Kejriwal cited a letter from Chief Minister Atishi sent to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer. "Large-scale fraud taking place in voter additions and deletions in the New Delhi assembly. Delhi CM Atishi ji writes this letter to CEC presenting evidence and seeking time to meet," he said. CM Atishi, in her letter to the Delhi CEO, said, "I am writing to urgently draw your attention towards a significant surge in voter addition and deletion applications in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency over the past few days. "She mentioned that from October 29, 2024, to January 2, 2025, a total of 13,276 Form-6 were received. "From October 29 to January 2, 6,166 Form-7 were received," CM Atishi said. "Total no of votes, as per draft electoral rolls published after summary revision on 29 October 2024, is 1,06,873. Number of votes sought to be deleted is 6,166, which is 5.77 per cent of total votes," she added. The Delhi CM, in her letter, said that as per various rules, if the number of deletions sought is more than 2 percent of total votes, then the Election Registration Officer (ERO) will personally verify each deletion request. In its counter response, BJP Delhi president Virendraa Sachdeva accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh of threatening the election officer and called for action against them. This came after the New Delhi District Election Officer wrote a letter to Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer on the issue of AAP leaders' allegations related to voter deletion in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency area. Sachdeva further alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha are involved in the conspiracy to murder democracy. (With inputs from Agencies)
07 January,2025 03:21 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAfter three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasized that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat, reported news agency ANI. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka's Bengaluru, and another case was reported in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. These cases were detected as part of ongoing surveillance efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country. Nadda reassured the public that health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any health challenges. In a video statement, the Health Minister said that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation, reported ANI. "Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001... HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months," Nadda said, reported ANI. He also mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) keeping track of developments and ensuring the country's preparedness to handle any emerging health challenges. "The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken cognizance of the situation and will share its report with us shortly. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed, and no surge in any common respiratory viral pathogens has been observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation," Nadda said, reported ANI. "The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," he added. In Karnataka, Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasised that the HMPV cases are mild and similar to influenza-like illnesses, reported ANI. Speaking to the media, he said the HMPV cases detected in Bengaluru are not connected to the HMPV cases in China, adding that there is no serious situation emerging from the virus. Karnataka government officials said that the HMPV cases in Bengaluru are mild, with no further testing required at this stage. "There is nothing to worry about. People need not panic; these are mild cases. Among both the children (who were detected with HMPV), one has been discharged, and the other is also doing well. It is a mild form of the common cold. The government is closely monitoring this. Our state medical education and health department have issued advisories. No testing is required as of now," State Minister for Medical Education, Dr Sharan Prakash said, reported ANI. BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said that this new virus is causing some concern among the people. "The Government of India has given a lot of clarifications regarding it. The state government should take precautions, such as providing masks, gloves and sanitation for health workers," he said, reported ANI. In Gujarat, a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan tested positive for HMPV in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reassured the public, saying there is "no need to panic" and that the state government is following precautionary measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported ANI. "This (HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan's Dungarpur to Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad. We are following the dos and don'ts that were used during COVID, and SOPs will be issued by the state government," Minister Patel said in a statement. The two-month-old child has been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Later, doctors at the hospital said that the child, who had been admitted on December 24 with cold, cough, flu-like symptoms, along with mild breathing difficulty, was treated, including in the ICU. "As of now, the child is absolutely alright and ready for discharge... The child was found HMPV positive in our report. This is not a COVID-like virus," said Dr Nirav Patel, a doctor at the hospital, reported ANI. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that no HMPV cases have been reported in Mumbai, urging citizens to take necessary precautions. HMPV is a respiratory virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses. However, there has been no unusual surge in cases in India. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 03:17 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Assembly elections 2025 will be held on February 5 and the votes counted on February 8, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Tuesday. The last date to file nominations is January 17 and the scrutiny of nominations will be done by January 18. Candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations till January 20. "It is a single-phase election. We have deliberately kept polling on a Wednesday so more people come out to vote¿ like we did in Maharashtra," Kumar said at a press conference. While announcing the schedule of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar rejected claims by opposition parties about the voting machines being compromised. Courts have ruled on 42 occasions that EVMs are not hackable and allegations of tampering are totally baseless, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said. Announcing the schedule of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, the CEC advised the public against "jhooth ke gubbare" (spreading lies). "EVMs are commissioned only seven to eight days before polling day and candidates are kept informed through their agents at every step. Courts have ruled on 42 occasions that EVMs are not hackable... allegations of tampering with the machines are totally baseless," Kumar said addressing a press conference. The CEC reiterated that it is impossible to change voter turnout data and a misconceived narrative is being spread about an increase in voting after 5 pm. "Disclosure is our main pillar, detailed guidelines and datasets are available on our website," he said. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that India will soon create a new record of one billion-plus voters. Kumar said 2024 was the year of elections globally when two-third of the world's population in democracies voted in different polls. "We also had elections in eight states and UTs. There was a good atmosphere, new records were set in the Lok Sabha elections in terms of voting percentage, people's participation, women's participation...," the chief election commissioner (CEC) said. "Electoral rolls were released yesterday. We are crossing 99 crore voters... We are going to be a nation of one billion voters very soon, which will be another record in voting," Kumar said. "After the declaration of SSR (special summary revision) by Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, which will be declaring SSR results today, we will be crossing 99 crore voters for the first time," the CEC said, adding, "Number of women voters is also going to be around 48 crore."
07 January,2025 03:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid growing concern about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed the present situation of respiratory illnesses in the country and the status of public health measures for its management, reported news agency ANI. During the meeting, she reassured that there is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. Health Secretary Srivastava also advised the state governments to strengthen awareness among the masses regarding preventive measures. States have also been advised to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance, reported ANI. Five cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India, of which two were found in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad and two suspected cases in Nagpur. "Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a meeting with States/UTs in a virtual mode yesterday to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases following media reports of surge in HMPV cases in China, and the public health measures for their management," as per a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare release, reported ANI. The meeting was attended by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Dr (Prof) Atul Goel, DGHS; Health Secretaries and officials of States, experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, NIV and State Surveillance Units of IDSP. "During the meeting, it was reiterated that the data from IDSP does not indicate any unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases anywhere in the country. This is also corroborated by the ICMR sentinel surveillance data," the release read, reported ANI. Union Health Secretary emphasised that there is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. She advised states to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance. She reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months. She also stated that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases. "Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own. It was informed that adequate diagnostic facilities are available with the ICMR-VRDL laboratories," the release read, reported ANI. The states were advised to enhance IEC and awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 02:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
