The decision by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to contest the upcoming civic polls in Maharashtra independently is a result of the party’s realisation that parting ways with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and aligning with the Congress in 2019 was a mistake, state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Saturday. Amid a blame game over the Maha Vikas Aghadi's defeat in the state assembly elections, key constituent Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) announced earlier in the day that it would fight the local elections solo. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut highlighted the lack of opportunities for workers within alliances and the need for organisational growth as key reasons for contesting independently, news agency PTI reported. "The Shiv Sena (UBT) has realised its blunder of choosing the Congress over BJP and Devendra Fadnavis in 2019. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has realised that the Congress' ideology cannot take it forward," Bawankule said. Thackeray had ended the decades-long alliance with BJP after the 2019 assembly polls, accusing the latter of breaking a promise to share the chief ministerial post. He subsequently formed an alliance with the Congress and then undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and served as chief minister from 2019 to 2022. The state BJP chief also mentioned that the Mahayuti will endeavour to encourage workers to contest the local body elections unitedly, PTI reported. "If one party, or an alliance with a shared ideology, is in power from the Centre down to the panchayat level, then every paisa earmarked for development reaches the grassroots from Delhi," Bawankule added. The BJP, the largest party in the Mahayuti, which also includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, will not be arrogant and will seek to accommodate allies in the local polls, he stated. Polls in several urban areas, including Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur, have been pending since early 2022. Regarding the state BJP's day-long convention on Sunday, Bawankule said that 15,000 delegates would attend, including 50 from each assembly constituency, PTI reported. "The convention is being held to prepare the cadre so that the welfare schemes of the Union and state governments reach beneficiaries at the grassroots level. The convention will be historic," he said. (With PTI inputs)
11 January,2025 09:46 PM IST | Shirdi | mid-day online correspondentGujarat has confirmed its fourth case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) after a nine-month-old tested positive in Ahmedabad, officials reported on Saturday. All the cases have emerged within a week, reported news agency PTI. The baby boy was admitted to a private hospital in the city on Monday after developing symptoms such as cold, cough, and difficulty breathing. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation noted that he had no history of foreign travel or other travel. On Friday, an eight-year-old boy from Sabarkantha district was identified as the third case patient of HMPV. Just two days prior, an 80-year-old man in Ahmedabad, who has asthma, also tested positive for the virus and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital. The first case in Gujarat was recorded on Monday, January 6, when a two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was diagnosed with the viral disease, which presents symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. He was later discharged after treatment. With the recent infant's infection, the state has now documented four cases of HMPV since Monday. HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, is part of the Paramyxoviridae family and is closely related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets released during coughing or sneezing and can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces or having direct contact with infected individuals. HMPV scare: No cause for concern, says Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar Amid concerns surrounding the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Wednesday reassured the public that the state health department is working efficiently in this matter and no one has to worry about it, reported news agency ANI. He reiterated that this variant of HMPV is not that strong and the nation has already dealt with problematic viruses like coronavirus. Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said, "We have mentioned this earlier too that this variant is not strong. We have dealt with problematic viruses like coronavirus. Our health department is working efficiently in this matter. No one has to worry..." Earlier on January 8, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official, Margaret Harris said that the rise observed in the number of common respiratory infections, is 'common' during winter and spring, reported ANI. (With agency inputs)
11 January,2025 07:16 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentAn eight-year-old boy from Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district has contracted human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, taking the number of cases in the state to three, an official said on Friday. The boy, who belongs to a family of farm labourers from Prantij taluka, was found positive for HMPV in a test run by a private laboratory but health authorities had sent his blood samples to a government lab for confirmation, he said. The child, who is currently admitted to a private hospital in Himmatnagar town, had been considered a suspected HMPV case until now. Doctors at the hospital said that the boy was on a ventilator. 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
11 January,2025 06:31 PM IST | Himatnagar | AgenciesRailway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) will remain in its current location and will not be relocated for the forthcoming Pune-Nashik railway project, reported news agency PTI. He emphasised that the only viable solution is to alter the alignment of the railway project. The GMRT is situated in Khodad village near Narayangaon, approximately 60 km from Pune, off the Pune-Nashik Highway. Researchers have voiced concerns about potential disruptions to the facility's operations following the Centre's in-principle approval of the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project. In response to these concerns, NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe recently suggested relocating the GMRT to facilitate the railway project. "GMRT, located between Nashik and Pune, was a challenge for the project. It's not the telescope for India, but it also belongs to 23 countries. We will have to make all these countries agree to shift telescopes. Shifting means weakening the most powerful facility of scientific research in India. That is why we decided not to shift GMRT from its current location," Vaishnaw stated at a press conference at C-DAC, Pune. He further mentioned that the only remaining option is to adjust the alignment of the proposed railway route. "If we see the area and go towards the Arabian Sea in the west, we have ghats. If we move there, the project will get difficult. The other side is between the Manmad-Ahilyanagar route. The Manmad, Ahilyanagar -Daund route is already there. There is an option of a parallel alignment along this route," he explained. Vaishnaw also pointed out the second option, which involves the Nashik-Shirdi-Ahilyanagar-Pune high-speed route, stating, "On these two options, the team is working and we will have results soon." He reassured that the GMRT will remain undisturbed, highlighting its significance as a great heritage for the nation, while also ensuring the Pune-Nashik railway project will proceed. Samruddhi Highway's 76 km stretch to open by February, connecting Mumbai to Nagpur Good news for motorists heading towards Nasik and Nagpur from Mumbai and Thane: The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Samruddhi Highway, connecting Igatpuri to Amane near Bhiwandi, is expected to be opened to traffic by the end of February. Amane village, where the Samruddhi Highway will begin, is located 53 kilometres from Mumbai. An MSRDC official stated, "The work on the 76-kilometre stretch, which will link Igatpuri to Amane, is 99 per cent complete. The final stretch had to be constructed through challenging terrain, and it includes 16 bridges and five tunnels. By the end of February, we will apply the final touches, allowing motorists to travel non-stop from Amane in Bhiwandi to Nagpur." (With inputs from PTI)
11 January,2025 05:23 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentMinority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju embarked on a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday to sign a bilateral agreement for the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, during which India is seeking an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims, news agency PTI reported. Rijiju is scheduled to meet Saudi Arabian Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah on Monday, and the two leaders are expected to sign the bilateral agreement. "I look forward to visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sign the bilateral agreement on Hajj 2025 and strengthen the people-to-people ties between our two great nations," Rijiju said in a post on X. Rijiju will also meet Saleh Al Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, to discuss the Hajj 2025 flight operations and pilgrimage-related bus and train services, PTI reported. The minister will visit the Jeddah Hajj Terminal, used by Indian pilgrims, where the government has set up dedicated office space for facilitation. Some Indian pilgrims also transit through Jeddah Airport Terminal One, which is connected to a high-speed rail service. India’s Hajj 2025 quota has been fixed by Saudi Arabia at 1,75,025 pilgrims, with the Indian government seeking an additional 10,000 quota for this year’s pilgrimage, PTI reported. Rijiju will also travel to Madina, where he will visit the Quba and Qublatain mosques. During his visit, the minister is scheduled to meet Prince Khalid Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to King Salman, Governor of Makkah Region, and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, as well as Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz al Saud, the Governor of Madina. Of the total Hajj pilgrims' quota allocated to India, 70 per cent will be managed by the Hajj Committee of India, with the remaining 30 per cent going to private Hajj group organisers, according to the government’s Hajj Policy for 2025. In 2024, the Hajj Committee of India was allotted 80 per cent, while private organisers received 20 per cent of the quota. In the 2024 Hajj policy, priority was given to applicants aged 70 and above, followed by women travelling without mehrams, and then the general category. The new policy prioritises 65 plus applicants, followed by women without mehrams and then the general category. (With PTI inputs)
11 January,2025 04:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Delhi government's excise policy has revealed a revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the state exchequer, news agency ANI reported. The report highlighted several issues, including deviations from the objectives of the Delhi Excise Policy, a lack of transparency in pricing, and violations in issuing licences, which were not penalised. Of the Rs 2,026-crore loss to the state exchequer, Rs 890 crore resulted from the government's failure to re-tender surrendered licences before the conclusion of the policy period, according to the report. Additionally, exemptions granted to zonal licences led to a loss of Rs 941 crore, ANI reported. "The Department was issuing licences without checking various requirements relating to Excise Rules and Terms and Conditions for the issue of different types of licences. It was observed that licences were issued without ensuring solvency, submission of audited financial statements, submission of data regarding sales and wholesale price declared in other states and across the year, verification of criminal antecedents from the competent authority etc.," the executive summary of the CAG report read. The report stated that the loss to the exchequer was primarily owing to sub-optimal implementation, which resulted in a failure to achieve the objectives of the Delhi Excise Policy, ANI reported. The report also alleges that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders benefited from kickbacks. Key findings in the report highlight the revenue loss in crores and the ignoring of expert panel recommendations by the Group of Ministers (GoMs). It also noted that, despite complaints, all entities were allowed to bid and licences were issued without proper scrutiny. Furthermore, violations in the issuance of licences were not penalised. Delhi Excise Policy case: Cabinet, LG not consulted over important approvals "Further, selective adherence of various Rules and Regulations while issuing Licences is non-compliance of procedures and responsibility should be fixed for violations of the same," the report read. The report's findings also allege that the cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) were not consulted over important approvals and changes. In what the report claims to be a breach of procedural norms, excise rules were not presented before the legislative assembly for ratification. The report also emphasised the lack of transparency in the pricing of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), observing that the discretion granted to the L1 licensee (Manufacturer and Wholesaler) allowed them to manipulate liquor prices to their own advantage by increasing the Ex-Distillery Price (EDP). "Pricing of liquor was important to ensure optimal excise revenue collection. Excise Department allowed discretion to L1 licensee (Manufacturer and Wholesaler) to declare its Ex-Distillery Price (EDP), for liquor priced above a certain level. All the price components after manufacture, including profit of manufacturer, were added thereafter. Audit observed varying EDP in various States for liquor supplied by same manufacturer unit. Further, this discretion allowed L1 licensee to manipulate prices of liquor to its own advantage, through increase in EDP," the report read. "Analysis of pricing and sale of a few brands revealed that discretionary EDP led to a decline in sales and consequent loss in excise revenue. As the costing details were not sought to ascertain the reasonability of EDP, there was a risk of L1 licensee getting compensated by the profits hidden in increased EDP," it added. The report further noted that a waiver of Rs 144 crore was granted to zonal licences based on COVID-19 restrictions, leading to additional revenue loss. This occurred despite the tender document stating that any commercial risk would lie with the licencees, with no provision for "force majeure." An additional Rs 27 crore was lost due to incorrect collection of security deposits. (With ANI inputs)
11 January,2025 03:44 PM IST | 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. 1st anniversary celebrations of Ram Lalla idol consecration ceremony begin in Ayodhya The first anniversary celebrations of the Ram Lalla idol consecration ceremony at the Ram temple here started on Saturday with a large number of devotees reaching the holy city to take part in various events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya temple. Indian economy likely to be 'a little weaker' in 2025: IMF MD The Indian economy is expected to be "a little weaker" in 2025 despite steady global growth, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has said. Mumbai metro lines 7 and 2A receive CCRS nod for full-speed operations In a significant milestone for Mumbai's metro network, the Chief Commissioner of Rail Safety (CCRS), New Delhi, has granted safety certification for the regular operation of Mumbai Metro Line 7 (Red Line) and Metro Line 2A (Yellow Line). This certification marks the successful compliance with all conditions set during the provisional authorization, enabling unrestricted operations at a full capacity speed of 80 kmph—an increase from the previous temporary speed limits of 50 to 60 kmph at certain locations. Read More Actor Tiku Talsania suffers heart attack, condition critical: Reports Actor Tiku Talsania popularly known for his comic roles has reportedly suffered a massive heart attack. The news was confirmed by sources to News18. The actor who is 70 years of age has been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Multiple reports also claim that his condition is critical. Read More Watch out for Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy Skipper Rohit Sharma, one of India's most reliable batters in limited-over cricket, has struggled in Test matches since last September. However, he will look to put that rough patch behind him and redeem himself during the upcoming ICC ODI Champions Trophy in Dubai starting February 20. Read More
11 January,2025 02:32 PM IST | MumbaiAam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced that Sanjay Singh will present significant evidence on Saturday, revealing a "massive fraud" allegedly being carried out in the voter list of Delhi by "Gali galoch party," reported news agency ANI. In a post on X, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said "Today at 11 am, Sanjay Singh ji will present before the country big evidence of the massive fraud being carried out by the "Gali galoch party" in the voter list of Delhi." AAP MP on Friday alleged massive corruption by a political party, referring to it as the "Galli Galoch Party." He claimed that the BJP party's leaders distributed Rs 1,100 openly to buy votes, ANI stated. "We have received information from sources that leaders of the 'Galli-Galoch' party were given Rs 10,000 each by their party to be distributed. Their leaders thought that when there was no chance of winning elections, they should save Rs 9000 and distribute only Rs 1100," Singh stated. He challenged the party to reveal the truth, asking, "Did you give Rs 1,100 to your leaders to distribute among voters or not? Let the public know the reality...I ask the 'Galli-Galoch' party to tell the truth before people... People of Delhi need to expose the corruption of the 'Galli-Galoch party now..." AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday accused the BJP of orchestrating large-scale voter fraud in the New Delhi Assembly constituency. During a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that the local election officer had "surrendered to the BJP" and was actively supporting their fraudulent activities. Kejriwal said about the alleged vote fraud, "The local election officer of the New Delhi Assembly constituency has surrendered to the BJP. He is facilitating all the wrong works of the BJP... The ECI has assured us that they will not allow all these practices to happen and strict action will be taken... The local DEO and ERO should be suspended." Kejriwal also highlighted an alarming number of fake applications for the cancellation of votes. "In New Delhi Assembly constituency, from 15 December to 7 January, in 22 days, 5,500 applications have come for cancellation of votes... These applications are fake... A big scam is going on... In the last fifteen days, 13,000 applications have come," he said, stressing that people listed in these applications denied submitting them, ANI stated. (With inputs from ANI)
11 January,2025 12:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA thick blanket of fog descended over the national capital on Saturday morning, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting train operations. As per officials, as many as 45 trains were delayed due to the adverse weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Safdarjung, one of the key weather monitoring stations, recorded minimum visibility of 50 metres between 12:30 am and 1:30 am. Visibility gradually improved to 200 metres but continued to remain low until 7:30 am, impacting transportation across the city. Dense fog was reported in several areas of Delhi during the early morning hours, causing difficulties for commuters and significantly slowing down traffic. Train services bore the brunt of the reduced visibility, with 45 trains experiencing delays, leading to inconvenience for passengers. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 7.7 degrees Celsius, which is considered normal for this time of year, according to the IMD. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 15 degrees Celsius, with predictions of thunderstorms and rain during the day. The IMD also noted that humidity levels stood at 100 per cent at 8:30 am, adding to the chilly and damp conditions experienced across the city. The combination of high humidity and foggy conditions has led to poor air quality, further exacerbating health concerns for residents. Delhi’s dense fog and cold wave conditions are typical during the winter season but often bring significant disruptions to daily life. The low visibility frequently causes delays in both rail and road transport, while also posing risks for commuters. Authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution, use fog lights, and avoid speeding during these conditions. Railway officials are reportedly working to manage the delayed train schedules and ensure the safety of passengers amidst the foggy conditions. The IMD has issued a forecast for potential thunderstorms accompanied by rain later in the day, which may further impact visibility and outdoor activities. Residents have been advised to stay updated on weather conditions and plan their day accordingly. (With inputs from PTI)
11 January,2025 10:01 AM IST | New DelhiThe Agartala GR police station, in collaboration with the Agartala Railway Protection Force (RPF), arrested two individuals, a man and a woman, at the Agartala railway station on charges related to a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) case. The accused duo, identified as Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Nazmul (20) and Shaheena Akhtar (30), were allegedly involved in trafficking narcotics across state borders using long-distance trains. During the operation, authorities seized a total of Rs 8.3 lakh in cash from the accused, suspected to be proceeds from drug transactions. Rs 6.3 lakh has been seized from Nazmul, while Rs 2 lakh has been seized from Akhtar. The arrested individuals will be presented before a court tomorrow. Authorities believe further arrests may follow as the investigation into the case continues. The joint operation conducted by the Agartala GRP police and RPF highlights ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at seven locations across Tripura as part of a major crackdown on suspected financial irregularities linked to drug trafficking networks. The simultaneous operations, which began early in the morning, saw a significant deployment of security personnel to maintain law and order during the search and seizure operations. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the raids are connected to an ongoing probe into money laundering activities tied to the illegal drug trade. Officials are reportedly examining documents, digital records, and other evidence to uncover the operations of a suspected nexus between drug traffickers and financial offenders. Further details about the outcome of the raids and the evidence collected are awaited. 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
11 January,2025 07:51 AM IST | Agartala (Tripura) | ANIMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar praised the RSS after realising how the outfit managed to overcome the fake narrative spread by the opposition in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The opposition had claimed BJP wanted to win 400 seats to change the Constitution and end reservations, a narrative which BJP leaders later claimed hit the party hard. On Pawar praising the RSS recently, the CM said the MVA was successful in creating a fake narrative during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "When assembly polls were approaching, many people from diverse fields who are inspired by the RSS played their role and burst the balloon of this fake narrative. Sharad Pawar saheb is very intelligent. He would have certainly studied this aspect. He realised that this (RSS) is not a regular political power but a nationalist power. In any competition it is good to praise others," he added. That is why Pawar may have praised the RSS, Fadnavis said. Speaking at an interaction with senior editor Vivek Ghalsasi at Late Vilasji Fadnis Jivhala programme here, Fadnavis also said he had asked for organisational work when Eknath Shinde was made chief minister in June 2022, but senior leaders asked him to join the government.He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him not to behave like an extra-constitutional authority in the government. Asked about who between Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah is more strict, Fadnavis said Modi is a very disciplined politician, while Shah can be convinced once in a while to take a political decision for convenience. "However, Modi ji won't do something for convenience," Fadnavis asserted. He said the decision to become deputy chief minister on the command of the party leadership earned him a lot of praise from the cadre. After the massive mandate the ruling alliance received in the 2024 assembly polls, Fadnavis said people and party workers would not have been happy if the CM was not from the BJP. Shinde himself agreed within minutes that the CM must be from the BJP, which itself got 132 seats and was close to a majority of its own in the 288-member assembly, he added. On Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray meeting him during the winter sessions of the legislature in Nagpur, Fadnavis said he had announced he would not indulge in politics of revenge after becoming CM and all leaders responded positively to it. On chances of the NCP (SP) and NCP coming closer or reuniting, Fadnavis said, "If you see the developments that took place from 2019 to 2024, I realised never say never and anything can happen. Uddhav Thackeray goes to some other party and Ajit Pawar comes to us. In politics anything can happen though I am not saying this should happen." Earlier, Uddhav Thackeray was a friend and now Raj Thackeray is a friend, he said, though adding that the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief was not a "shatru". Asked if he preferred to be CM or BJP national president, he said he would take up whatever assignment is given to him by the party. "If I was not in the BJP, no one would give me any importance. I know if I start my own party, I and all those with me will lose their deposits in the polls. My identity is because of BJP. If it asks me to sit at home, I will without question do it," Fadnvais asserted. He praised BJP leader Arun Gujarati from whom he learnt patience, which he claimed was an important quality in politics along with the ability to take criticism. In a lighter vein, he said, "I only get angry when I am hungry. If you see me angry then give me something to eat and my anger will go away." 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
11 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Nagpur | PTIADVERTISEMENT
