In a major boost to its military prowess, India has successfully flight-tested a long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha, an achievement that has put the country in a select group of nations having the weapon that can strike with extreme speed and evade most air defence systems, reported news agency PTI. The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted a flight trial of its long range hypersonic missile on 16th Nov 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha.Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry for successful flight… pic.twitter.com/wq7yM2YS9f — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) November 17, 2024 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the missile test on Saturday under the country's first long-range hypersonic mission as a "stupendous" achievement and a "historic moment". The hypersonic missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 km, an official readout said. "India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha," Singh said on 'X'. "This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies," he said. Generally, the hypersonic missiles, capable of carrying conventional explosives or nuclear warheads, can fly in the range of five times the speed of sound (Mach 5 which is roughly 1,220 km) per hour at sea level. However, some advanced versions of hypersonic missiles can even fly at the speed of over 15 mach. At present, Russia and China are way ahead in developing hypersonic missiles while the US is in the process of developing a range of such weapons under an ambitious programme. Several other countries, including France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Iran, and Israel, are also pursuing projects to develop hypersonic missile systems. Defence Minister Singh also congratulated the DRDO, the armed forces and the industry for the "stupendous" achievement. The defence ministry said the missile was tracked by various range systems, deployed in multiple domains, reported PTI. "The flight data obtained from down range ship stations confirmed the successful terminal maneuvers and impact with high degree of accuracy," it said in the readout, reported PTI. This missile has been indigenously developed by the laboratories of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile complex, Hyderabad along with various other DRDO laboratories and industry partners, reported PTI. The flight-trial was carried out in the presence of senior scientists of DRDO and officers of the armed forces, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
17 November,2024 12:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of its long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the missile test on Saturday under the country's first long-range hypersonic mission as a "stupendous" achievement and a "historic moment". "India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha," Singh said on 'X'. "This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies," he said. Here's all you need to know about the long-range hypersonic missile: This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1500km for all the Services of the Indian Armed Forces. The missile was tracked by various range systems, deployed in multiple domains. The flight data obtained from down-range ship stations confirmed the successful terminal manoeuvres and impact with a high degree of accuracy. Generally, the hypersonic missiles, capable of carrying conventional explosives or nuclear warheads, can fly in the range of five times the speed of sound (Mach 5 which is roughly 1,220 km) per hour at sea level. However, some advanced versions of hypersonic missiles can even fly at the speed of over 15 mach. This missile has been indigenously developed by the laboratories of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad along with various other DRDO laboratories and Industry Partners. The flight trial was carried out in the presence of senior scientists of DRDO and the Armed Forces. At present, Russia and China are way ahead in developing hypersonic missiles while the US is in the process of developing a range of such weapons under an ambitious programme. Several other countries, including France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Iran, and Israel, are also pursuing projects to develop hypersonic missile systems. (With inputs from Agencies)
17 November,2024 12:38 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Maharashtra elections 2024: Liquor, cash worth Rs 546.84 cr seized In the past month, the highest seizure of cash, liquor, and drugs in connection with the upcoming elections came from Mumbai’s suburbs—Rs 146.61 crore. Mumbai suburbs comprise 26 Assembly constituencies. Read more. Mumbai: Fiancée, family booked for man’s suicide on Facebook Live Two months after chartered accountant Sandeep Paswan died by suicide in Deonar after taking to Facebook Live to blame his fiancée and her family, the police registered an FIR against them. Paswan, 33, had accused them of mentally torturing him and making false accusations of molestation against him. The victim was a resident of Govandi. Read more. Mumbai: ‘Mom’ robs actor’s wife out of nearly Rs 1 lakh via texts A celebrity’s wife was cheated out of Rs 65,000 by unknown fraudsters who hacked her mother’s mobile phone and impersonated her to request money. The woman who works at a film production house, received a WhatsApp message from her mother’s number on November 15, requesting Rs 65,000. Read more. It’s a wrap for Rajkummar Rao’s first full-fledged actioner 'Maalik' with Manushi Chhillar Four releases in 2024 have kept Rajkummar Rao busy, but he is in no mood to slow down. Last week, the actor wrapped up the shoot of Maalik in Kanpur. What makes the Pulkit-directed film special for the leading man is that it marks his first out-and-out action entertainer. Read more. Mohinder Amarnath hits out in new book 'Fearless', next one set to be more explosive For years, this writer kept hearing about Mohinder Amarnath’s yet-to-be-released-autobiography. So, when news filtered through last week of his memoirs being finally published, it was unsurprising yet surprising. Mohinder, Jimmy or Jumbo to friends, is all set to release Fearless - A Memoir, written in collaboration with his brother Rajender. Sunday mid-day got elder Mohinder and youngest Rajender (nicknamed Johnny) to talk about their new book, published by Harper Collins. Read more.
17 November,2024 10:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStudents at Jawaharlal Nehru University, including engineering and management, will study traditional Indian knowledge as part of a newly-introduced elective course, according to varsity sources. The course will be offered across all schools and centres, with each department customising the content to suit its specific field. “Indian Knowledge Traditions” (IKT) refer to indigenous systems of knowledge developed in India over centuries, covering areas like Vedic sciences, ancient engineering, traditional medicine and philosophical texts. The University Grants Commission has been advocating for the inclusion of IKT in academic curricula as part of its efforts to acquaint students with India’s intellectual heritage and values. At JNU, engineering students will study traditional practices of engineering, while management students may delve into ancient economic and administrative systems under the new course, the source said. Schools and centres will design syllabi tailored to their disciplines, ensuring relevance for students. 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
17 November,2024 08:18 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to investigate the fire that broke out in the children’s ward of Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmibai Medical College. The committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the fire and determining whether any negligence was involved. The government has also requested a report within seven days. The committee will be chaired by the director general of medical education and training, with the other members being the director (health) of medical health services, the additional director of electricity of medical health services, and an officer nominated by the director general of fire services. An order issued by Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary of Medical Health, has asked the committee to investigate the primary cause of the fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. The committee will also provide recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future. “The committee will submit its investigation report to the government within seven days,” the order stated. The fire, which broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday, claimed the lives of at least 10 children and left 16 others critically injured. 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
17 November,2024 08:16 AM IST | Lucknow | AgenciesAll security forces deployed in Manipur have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace in the state as the security scenario remained “fragile” in the past few days, the Union Home Ministry said on Saturday. A fresh cycle of violence erupted in Manipur last Monday after 11 suspected militants, who allegedly attacked a police station and adjoining CRPF camp with sophisticated weapons in Manipur’s Jiribam district, were killed in an exchange of fire. A day later, six civilians, including women and children were abducted by armed militants from the same district. The Home Ministry said strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. It said important cases have been handed over to the NIA for effective investigation. “The security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace. Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities,” it said. The Union Home Ministry requested the people to maintain peace, not believe in rumours and cooperate with the security forces to maintain law and order in the state. The ethnically diverse Jiribam, which was largely untouched by the clashes in Imphal Valley and the adjoining hills, witnessed violence after the mutilated body of a farmer was found in a field in June this year. Seeing the fragile situation, the Centre reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur’s six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam on Thursday. “The security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days. Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order,” the ministry said on Saturday. The police station areas where AFSPA has been reimposed are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur. 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
17 November,2024 08:00 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Press Council of India (PCI) marked the National Press Day 2024 with a special event held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. The event was attended by Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr L Murugan, PCI Chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, and veteran journalist Kundan Ramanlal Vyas. The dignitaries reflected on India’s dynamic media ecosystem and discussed the challenges faced by the press. Vaishnaw, the chief guest and keynote speaker, who attended the event virtually, spoke about India’s vibrant media landscape, highlighting that the country is home to more than 35,000 registered newspapers, numerous news channels, and a rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. He credited investments in 4G and 5G networks for positioning India as a global leader in digital connectivity, with the lowest data prices in the world. However, the minister also pointed to four key challenges affecting the media and press in the digital age: Fake news and misinformation Vaishnaw said the dangers posed by fake news undermines public trust and threatens democracy. He questioned the adequacy of the 'Safe Harbor' provisions, introduced in the 1990s to shield digital platforms from being held accountable for user-generated content. “Shouldn’t platforms operating in a context as complex as India adopt a different set of responsibilities?” Vaishnaw questioned, underlining the need for a new framework that ensures accountability and protects the social fabric of the nation. Fair compensation for content creators The shift from traditional to digital media has financially impacted conventional media, which has invested heavily in journalistic integrity. Vaishnaw highlighted the asymmetry in bargaining power between digital platforms and traditional media outlets. “The efforts made by conventional media in creating content need to be fairly and suitably compensated,” he remarked. Algorithmic bias Algorithms on digital platforms, designed to maximise engagement, often promote sensational or divisive narratives. Vaishnaw pointed out the social consequences of such biases, especially in a diverse country like India, and urged platforms to find solutions that account for the impact their algorithms have on society. Impact of AI on Intellectual Property Rights The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised concerns about the rights and recognition of original content creators. Vaishnaw questioned how AI models, which generate content based on vast datasets, affect intellectual property rights. “Are the original creators being compensated or acknowledged for their work?” he asked, highlighting both the ethical and economic challenges posed by AI advancements. In his address, Vaishnaw called for open debates and collaborative efforts to tackle these issues and preserve the media's role as a pillar of democracy, contributing to the vision of a prosperous 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. While speaking at the event, Dr Murugan stressed on the importance of responsible journalism. He cautioned that fake news spreads “faster than a virus” and posed a serious threat to national integrity. Dr Murugan noted that smartphones have turned individuals into potential content creators and called for increased regulation to combat misinformation while balancing freedom of speech with responsibility. He also praised the government's initiatives, including the establishment of a Fact Check Unit within the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to counter false narratives. Meanwhile, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, highlighted various government initiatives to support journalists, including accreditation, health and welfare schemes, and capacity-building programmes, while emphasising on the need for a fair, transparent, and sustainable press ecosystem that upholds "journalism as a beacon of truth", a platform for diverse voices, and a catalyst for positive societal change. Justice Desai discussed the challenges brought about by the expansion of digital media, blogs, and podcasts. She stressed the importance of ensuring timely and accurate news dissemination, particularly in the digital era while praising the PCI’s efforts to promote ethical journalism through initiatives such as the National Awards of Excellence, which this year recognised 15 journalists for their contributions. She also highlighted the PCI’s role in maintaining public trust and integrity in journalism.
16 November,2024 10:25 PM IST | New DelhiThe Delhi air pollution crisis worsened on Saturday with many areas coming in the "severe" category, even as authorities intensified their efforts by imposing penalties totalling around Rs 5.85 crore on the first day of anti-pollution measures under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), news agency PTI reported. The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm, stood at 417, making it the worst in the country. On Friday, the AQI level was 396. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air in the "severe" category poses risks to healthy individuals and severely impacts those with existing health conditions. According to PTI, of the 39 monitoring stations in the national capital, the data shared by CPCB showed that all except for Sri Aurobindo Marg reported air quality in the "severe" category, with AQI levels above 400. After Delhi, Jind in Haryana recorded the second-worst air quality with a reading of 394, while Bahadurgarh, also in Haryana, ranked third with a reading of 388. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe', and above 450 'severe plus'. Rs 4.85-crore fines collected from motorists in Delhi without PUC certificates As the third stage of GRAP came into force on Friday, authorities intensified action against violators with teams from the traffic police, transport department, and other agencies issuing fines, PTI reported. On Friday alone, the Delhi Traffic Police issued around 550 challans for violations, including a ban on Bharat Stage (BS)-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, imposing a fine of more than Rs 1 crore on the first day of restrictions. A penalty of Rs 20,000 is imposed on those violating this rule. Diesel and petrol inter-state buses, except for BS-VI diesel buses, are also banned from entering the national capital amid the Delhi air pollution crisis. The police also cracked down on vehicles without Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), issuing fines to 4,855 vehicles, totalling Rs 4.85 crore. A fine of Rs 10,000 is imposed on motorists without a valid PUCC. During an inspection of buses at the Kashmiri Gate inter-state bus terminal on Saturday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled neighbouring states were exacerbating air pollution in the capital by sending BS-IV diesel buses despite the ban. "The BJP governments are deliberately sending diesel buses to Delhi, which is prohibited under the current guidelines, to worsen air pollution," Rai said, pointing to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In response, Rai announced that a total of 84 enforcement teams from the Transport Department and 280 teams from the Traffic Police had been mobilised to ensure strict adherence to the ban. 'Stubble burning was the main contributor to the Delhi air pollution crisis' Additionally, a stringent ban on construction and demolition activities has been imposed, along with the suspension of mining-related activities and daily water sprinkling on major roads. Schools for classes up to 5 will shift to online mode after the weekend. The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages based on air quality: Stage 1 for "poor" air quality (AQI ranging from 201 to 300), Stage 2 for "very poor" air quality (AQI from 301 to 400), Stage 3 for "severe" air quality (AQI from 401 to 450), and Stage 4 for "severe plus" air quality (AQI above 450). Meanwhile, old age homes across the city are intensifying measures to protect the elderly, including strict restrictions on outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, mandatory mask use, and keeping oxygen cylinders on standby for emergencies. According to the Centre's Decision Support System for Air Quality Management, stubble burning was the main contributor to the Delhi air pollution crisis on Thursday, accounting for 37% of the total pollution. Vehicular emissions contributed approximately 12% to the overall pollution. The prominent pollutant was PM2.5, according to the CPCB. PM2.5 refers to fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less—about the width of a human hair. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. (With PTI inputs)
16 November,2024 08:34 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde, while speaking at a campaign rally in the Guhagar constituency ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, on Saturday claimed that industries had left the state under the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government owing to lack of support. However, he said the situation had been reversed under his administration. “Maharashtra has regained its top position in the country and now accounts for 52 per cent of the total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow. Industries left the state because of the Maha Vikas Aghadi as they did not get support [from the government] but we are being blamed for it. You [the MVA] show what you did in two-and-a-half years. I am ready to give an account of industries that came to the state and the ones that are operational. Let people know the truth,” he added. Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government, claimed that in his regime, the state has attracted investments worth Rs 5 lakh crore. He also responded to the opposition's claims of large-scale investment projects being diverted to Gujarat under the Mahayuti government. According to news agency PTI, Shinde, while addressing concerns over the controversial Barsu refinery project in the district, clarified that it was approved during the MVA government’s tenure. However, he assured that the project would not proceed without the consent of the people or be implemented forcefully. CM Shinde also took aim at his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray and accused him of compromising the ideals of the party’s founder, Bal Thackeray, for the chief minister's position. “Eknath Shinde saved the Shiv Sena and its bow-and-arrow symbol. You sat next to those who abused Balasaheb,” he said. Shinde’s rebellion in June 2022, which led to the split of Shiv Sena, resulted in the fall of the Thackeray-led government. In contrast, Shinde now presented his government as one that gives, rather than takes away. “My government is one that gives, not one that takes away. The manifesto of our ruling coalition is just a trailer,” he said, vowing to stand firm against any investigation into his government’s welfare schemes. “I am ready to go to jail for the schemes launched by my government,” he added, responding to Opposition calls for an inquiry into his government’s initiatives. According to PTI, Shinde promised a slew of welfare measures, including the waiver of farm loans, the recruitment of 25,000 women into the police force to combat crimes against women, and a tough stance on perpetrators of such crimes. “Those involved in crimes against women will be hanged,” he declared. Additionally, Shinde assured that 25 lakh jobs would be created over the next five years under his government, PTI reported. (With PTI inputs)
16 November,2024 07:34 PM IST | Ratnagiri | mid-day online correspondentWith the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress accusing each other’s senior leaders of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) implemented ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 and Jharkhand polls, the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday sought responses from both the chiefs: JP Nadda and Mallikarjun Kharge. According to news agency ANI, the EC has asked both the party presidents to comment on the complaints lodged against their respective star campaigners, attaching the complaints in its communication to them. The BJP had filed a complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while the opposition party had raised concerns about the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leader Amit Shah. EC has asked both Nadda and Kharge to provide their formal responses by 1 pm on Monday. The commission also reminded the party leaders of its previous advisory issued during the May 2024 Lok Sabha elections, urging all political parties to ensure that star campaigners and leaders adhere to public decorum and comply with the MCC during election campaigns, ANI reported. In a letter to Congress President Kharge, the EC referred to a complaint from the BJP, dated November 11, which alleged that Congress's star campaigners had violated the MCC during the ongoing election campaigns in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The letter directed Kharge to send his comments by the specified deadline. A similar letter was sent to BJP President Nadda in response to the complaint filed by Congress. On November 11, the BJP lodged a complaint with EC, accusing Gandhi of making "inflammatory" statements, including his claim that the ruling party aimed to "destroy the Constitution." Union Minister and BJP leader Arjun Ram Meghwal explained that the BJP delegation had met with the Chief Election Commissioner to raise the issue, claiming that Gandhi’s remarks were divisive and aimed at stoking tensions between states, ANI reported. On November 13, Congress filed a complaint with the EC against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of making divisive and false statements during their campaign speeches in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said the party had asked the EC to investigate the BJP for electoral violations. Ramesh also highlighted that in his speeches, Modi made accusations against prominent Congress leaders, including former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, claiming they were opposed to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Meanwhile, Amit Shah’s remarks allegedly accused the Congress and its allies of being opposed to these communities and promoting terrorism in the country. The first phase of voting in the Jharkhand Assembly elections concluded on November 15, with elections held in 43 of the 81 seats. The remaining 38 seats in Jharkhand and all the 288 seats in Maharashtra will go to the polls on November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23. (With ANI inputs)
16 November,2024 06:37 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSenior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of making Parliament a "hostage" by blocking discussions, and claimed that it was Rahul Gandhi who forced the Narendra Modi government to engage with the opposition and hear the voices of all parties. According to news agency PTI, Surjewala was responding to comments made earlier in the day by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who had said, "The standard of debates in the Lok Sabha has gone down since Rahul Gandhi's arrival." In his response, Surjewala stated, "The BJP made Parliament hostage, and there were no discussions. However, after Rahul Gandhi became the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, he compelled the government to allow debates and hear the voice of every party. This may be giving Rijiju a stomach ache." Surjewala was addressing a press conference in Nagpur ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, reported PTI. While addressing the media, the Congress leader also took potshots at the state and central governments over the plight of soybean farmers in Maharashtra. He claimed that soybean farmers were facing a loss of Rs 24,000 crore this season, accusing both the Narendra Modi government and the Mahayuti alliance — led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde — of causing this crisis. "Maharashtra is the leading producer of soybean, but the Modi government declared a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 4,892 per quintal, while farmers are only receiving Rs 3,000-3,500 on average," he said, adding that this meant farmers were losing Rs 1,892 per quintal. According to PTI, Surjewala also criticised the Mahayuti government for its handling of the soybean crisis. "The Maharashtra government had written to the Agriculture Cost Price Commission, stating that the cost of production for soybean was Rs 6,039, yet the Modi government set the MSP at Rs 4,892. This shows the government's failure to protect farmers," he said. "The DNA of the BJP, the Modi government, and the Mahayuti is anti-farmer," Surjewala declared. "Farmers will not forgive them for looting them, destroying their livelihoods, and decimating their profession." The Mahayuti coalition consists of the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) includes Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). The Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20, with the results to be announced three days later. (With PTI inputs)
16 November,2024 05:22 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
