Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Saturday called for a nationwide demonstration on December 24 against Union Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, ANI reported. Mayawati in a series of posts on X, said that Shah's remarks have hurt the sentiments of the people. "Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the original book in the form of the super-humanistic and welfare constitution for the self-respect and human rights of the Dalits, deprived and other neglected people of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people," she said. 1. देश के दलित, वंचित व अन्य उपेक्षितों के आत्म-सम्मान व मानवीय हकूक के लिए अति-मानवतावादी व कल्याणकारी संविधान के रूप में असली ग्रंथ के रचयिता बाबा साहेब डा. भीमराव अम्बेडकर भगवान की तरह परमपूजनीय हैं। उनका श्री अमित शाह द्वारा किया गया अनादर लोगों के दिलों को आहत पहुँचाता है। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) December 21, 2024 She further demanded that the Home Minister take back his statement. "People from all sections of society in the country are quite agitated, angry by the words spoken by him in the Parliament regarding such a great man. Ambedkarite BSP has demanded him to take back his statement and repent, which has not been implemented till now," Mayawati said. "In such a situation, if the demand is not met, then BSP has talked about raising voice across the country. That is why now the party has decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a completely peaceful dharna demonstration will be held at all the district headquarters of the country," she added. The BSP chief claimed that her party is devoted to Babasaheb Ambedkar, who dedicated his life to securing the rights of the Dalits and Bahujans, including reservation, and enabling them to live independently and with dignity, ANI cited. "Therefore, if Congress, BJP etc., cannot respect Baba Saheb from their heart, then they should not disrespect him either. The day SC, ST and OBC classes got legal rights in the Constitution due to Baba Saheb, they also got heaven for seven lives," she added. Amit Shah on Wednesday reportedly said in Rajya Sabha, "If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs from the INDIA alliance led demonstrations in the Parliament complex, demanding an apology and resignation of the Union Home Minister for his remarks on former law minister BR Ambedkar, ANI reported. When a fight broke out between the two groups, injuring two BJP MPs, INDIA bloc MPs protested on the grounds of Parliament. INDIA bloc MPs protested on the grounds of Parliament when a fight broke out between the two groups, injuring two BJP MPs Two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, suffered head injuries during the altercation on the Parliament grounds. Both parties have claimed that their party members had been pushed around. In addition, Delhi police have filed a formal complaint (FIR) against Rahul Gandhi for the event. (With ANI inputs)
21 December,2024 05:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra's Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Saturday said that the grand memorial for Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill in Dadar area of Mumbai is set to be completed by December 2025, an official statement said. Shinde assured the state legislature that the Mahayuti government is working relentlessly to develop Maharashtra into a prosperous and progressive state. While addressing the state legislative council, Shinde highlighted the government's efforts in improving law and order, boosting industrial growth, and expanding irrigation facilities in underdeveloped regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada. He also discussed plans for creating more jobs, promoting welfare schemes, and tackling challenges in key sectors, the statement said on Saturday. Shinde stated that the government has made significant strides in improving the state's law and order situation, with an increase in the number of crimes being solved. He stated that there is no place for lawlessness in the state, and any form of violence or exploitation will be met with strict action. "We are committed to improving the quality of life for ordinary citizens and creating an environment of happiness and peace," he said. Industrial Growth and Employment in Vidarbha and Marathwada Discussing industrial development, Shinde highlighted Maharashtra's success in attracting foreign investment. He noted that 52 per cent of India's total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) came to Maharashtra alone. Between 2022 and 2024, the state attracted a massive Rs 2.44 lakh crore in foreign investments, leading to the creation of over 2 lakh jobs. He further detailed ongoing projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada, stating that Vidarbha received Rs 1.23 lakh crore in investments across 47 projects, generating 61,454 jobs. Marathwada has seen investments worth Rs 74,646 crore across 38 projects, which will result in the creation of 41,325 jobs. Shinde added that the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is developing new industrial areas in both Vidarbha and Marathwada. As part of an industrial group development mission, 303 projects are being developed, of which 95 have already begun, with plans to support nearly 1 lakh jobs. Naxalism in Tribal Areas Deputy CM Shinde also touched on the government's success in curbing Naxalism in tribal areas, particularly in Gadchiroli, which he has served as a guardian minister. He announced plans to eradicate Naxalism from the region by March 2025. "With new projects and job opportunities, the mindset of the local population has changed. The results were evident in the record voter turnout in recent elections," Shinde said, according to the official statement. Water and Irrigation Projects In the crucial area of irrigation, Shinde stated that the government is working on bridging the irrigation deficit in the state. By June 2024, Maharashtra aims to create 14.4 lakh hectares of irrigation capacity. The Vanaganga-Nalganga river-linking project will provide irrigation to 3.71 lakh hectares in Vidarbha's six districts. The "Jalyukt Shivar" program, aimed at enhancing water availability, has selected 5,852 villages in its second phase, with 72,000 works completed out of a total of 1.5 lakh planned. Shinde also announced a special allocation of Rs 600 crore for the current year. Electricity and Solar Projects for Farmers Maharashtra has become the first state in India to provide free electricity to 44 lakh farmers, the statement stated. Shinde discussed the government's "Solar Energy Agricultural Scheme" to provide continuous, daytime electricity to farmers. The project, which is set to be completed by June 2026, will benefit over 32 lakh farmers. Support for Soybean and Cotton Farmers Eknath Shinde also assured farmers that the state government is committed to providing relief for soybean and cotton producers. For soybean procurement, the government has established 586 centers, with 1.89 lakh metric tons of soybeans purchased so far, the highest in the last 15 years. He also mentioned the government's ongoing procurement of cotton, with 122 centers set up by the Cotton Corporation of India, the statement said.
21 December,2024 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDespite police permission being denied, top Telugu actor Allu Arjun attended the theatre where 'Pushpa-2' was screened on December 4, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy charged on Saturday. Even after the death of a woman in a stampede, the actor did not leave the cinema hall, prompting the police to force him out, CM alleged. Responding to the issue after AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi raised it in the Assembly, Reddy, referring to videos in circulation, found fault with Allu Arjun for holding a roadshow and waving to the crowds in spite of the heavy crowd. Reddy further said the theatre management gave a letter to the police on December 2 seeking security for the visit of top actors and others on December 4. However, the police rejected the application, citing difficulties in crowd management. Before entering the theatre and exiting, the actor stood through the sunroof of his car and waved to the crowds leading to thousands of fans jostling to get a glimpse of him, he said. He slammed film personalities for making a beeline for Allu Arjun's residence to meet him after his arrest but not showing empathy to visit the boy who is undergoing treatment in hospital after suffering injuries in the incident. "I appeal to the top film personalities that they should not be inhuman," he said. He also said there won't be any special privileges when untoward incidents like death in a stampede happen and said the government would not spare those who troubled common people. A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was hospitalised on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when thousands of fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of the blockbuster 'Pushpa 2,'. Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family. 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
21 December,2024 04:54 PM IST | Hyderabad | PTIArvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced on Saturday the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship for Dalit students to pursue higher education, ANI reported. Kejriwal stated that under this scholarship scheme, the Delhi government will cover the expenses of Dalit students after they get admission to top universities across the world. Government employees from the Dalit community are also eligible for this scholarship. Addressing a public event, Kejriwal said, "I want to ensure that no person from the Dalit community is deprived of higher education, for this, I am announcing the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship. Now any student from the Dalit community who wants to study in top universities across the world, the Delhi government will bear their expenses after the admission of the students...This scholarship will also be applicable to government employees from the Dalit community." He added that this scholarship is a response to Union Minister Amit Shah's disrespectful remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar. "We are giving an answer to BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah who disrespected Dr BR Ambedkar by announcing the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship," he said, ANI cited. On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his address in the Rajya Sabha, reportedly said, "If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have gotten heaven for seven lives." Amid the ongoing Ambedkar row, BSP Chief Mayawati on Saturday called for a nationwide protest on December 24 against Amit Shah's remarks, ANI reported. Mayawati, in a series of posts on X said, "Ambedkarite BSP has demanded him to take back his statement and repent, which has not been implemented till now. In such a situation, if the demand is not met, then BSP has talked about raising voice across the country. That is why now the party has decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a completely peaceful dharna demonstration will be held at all the district headquarters of the country." On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs from the INDIA alliance led a demonstration in the Parliament complex, demanding an apology and resignation of the Union Home Minister for his remarks on former law minister BR Ambedkar, ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)
21 December,2024 04:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMinister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav released the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) on Saturday at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. The report, prepared biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s forest and tree resources. As per the data released, India's total forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, reaching 25.17 per cent of the total geographical area in 2023.Together, the forest and tree cover amount to 8,27,357 sq km or 25.17 per cent of India's geographical area, with forest cover alone rising by 156 sq km. Forest cover refers to all land that has a tree canopy density of more than 10 per cent and spans over an area of one hectare or more, regardless of the type of ownership or legal status. This includes natural forests as well as man-made plantations, orchards and tree patches in urban and rural areas that meet the size and canopy density criteria. Tree cover is defined as patches of trees and isolated trees outside the Reserved Forest Area (RFA) that are less than one hectare. He further mentioned that India has achieved an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes compared to 2005 levels. India's carbon stock in 2023 is estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, which is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes compared to 2021. As part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet the Paris Agreement goals, the country has committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. FSI Director General Anoop Singh said bamboo cover has also been estimated and included in the tree cover. India's total bamboo-bearing area is now estimated at 1,54,670 sq km, an increase of 5,227 sq km compared to 2021. The states with the biggest gains in total forest and tree cover were Chhattisgarh (684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km), and Rajasthan (394 sq km). The highest gains in forest cover were reported in Mizoram (242 sq km), Gujarat (180 sq km), and Odisha (152 sq km). In terms of total area, Madhya Pradesh has the most forest and tree cover (85,724 sq km), followed by Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km). Madhya Pradesh has the highest forest cover (77,073 sq km), followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km). When it comes to forest cover as a percentage of geographical area, Lakshadweep ranks first (91.33 percent), followed by Mizoram (85.34 percent) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (81.62 percent). The FSI also examined forest cover changes in the Western Ghats and Eastern States Area (WGESA) during the last decade, revealing a total loss of 58.22 sq km. During this time, very dense forests expanded by 3,465.12 sq km, whereas moderately dense forests and open forests contracted by 1,043.23 and 2,480.11 square kilometres, respectively. The country's hill districts have a forest cover of 2,83,713.20 sq km, accounting for 40 percent of their total geographical area. According to the most recent study, hill districts' forest cover has increased by 234.14 sq km. According to the most recent ISFR study, the northeastern region's forest cover has decreased by 327.30 sq km. The region's total forest and tree cover is 1,74,394.70 sq km, or 67 percent of its geographical area. According to the research, the country's overall mangrove cover is 4,991.68 sq km, representing a 7.43 sq km drop since 2021. According to the research, the categories of moderately dense forest and open forest decreased by 1,043.23 sq km and 2,480.11 sq km, respectively, during the last decade, despite gains in very dense forest. The FSI has been measuring forest cover since 1987, and tree cover since 2001. According to the National Forest Policy of 1988, 33 percent of India's geographical area should be covered with forest or trees.
21 December,2024 03:50 PM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentNational Farmers Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated every year on December 23 in India to honour the contributions of farmers to the nation's growth and development. This day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that farmers play in ensuring food security, sustaining rural economies and preserving the agricultural heritage of the country. The significance of National Farmers Day Kisan Diwas was instituted in 2001 by the Government of India, but its roots trace back to the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a prominent Indian political leader and farmer’s advocate. Charan Singh served as the 5th Prime Minister of India from 1979 to 1980. His leadership focused on agricultural reforms, rural development, and the welfare of farmers, and his policies are still remembered as a foundation for agricultural progress in India. The government decided to celebrate this day in his honour, recognizing his lifelong work in addressing the issues faced by Indian farmers. Why is National Farmers Day celebrated? To Acknowledge Farmers’ Contribution: Farmers are the backbone of India’s economy, contributing to the majority of the country’s agricultural production and ensuring a steady supply of food and raw materials. On Kisan Diwas, the government, organizations, and communities come together to celebrate their hard work, resilience, and indispensable role in society. To Raise Awareness about Agricultural Challenges: Kisan Diwas brings attention to the various challenges that farmers face, such as unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, and inadequate access to modern technology. It is a day for policymakers to discuss reforms that can better support the farming community. To Promote Agricultural Innovation: On this day, government bodies, agricultural institutions, and experts often conduct programs and workshops focused on enhancing agricultural techniques and introducing sustainable farming practices. Farmers are encouraged to adopt new methods to increase crop yields and ensure environmental sustainability. To Honor Farmers' Welfare: National Farmers Day emphasizes the importance of ensuring that farmers' welfare is prioritized in public policies. It is a reminder to policymakers to work towards schemes and programs that provide financial support, insurance, and better living conditions for farmers. A Day of Unity and Support: Kisan Diwas also serves as a reminder of the collective efforts needed to ensure the well-being of farmers. Communities and organizations across India come together to show solidarity and support for the farming community. The Legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy continues to resonate in the policies and reforms related to the agricultural sector in India. He is remembered for his significant work in promoting the rights of farmers, advocating for a fair and just price for their produce, and fighting for the betterment of rural communities. One of his most significant contributions was the enactment of the Farmers’ Debt Relief Bill, which aimed to relieve farmers burdened by debts. His emphasis on a rural-centric economy and sustainable farming continues to influence modern agricultural policies. Celebrations Across India On National Farmers Day, various events and activities take place to honor the farmers. These include: Award Ceremonies: Recognising exceptional farmers for their contributions to agriculture, innovation, and community development. Conferences and Seminars: Discussions on the challenges faced by farmers and the solutions that can be implemented to improve the agricultural sector. Rural Development Programs: Introducing new initiatives and schemes that aim to improve the standard of living for farmers and rural communities. Cultural Programs: In some parts of India, local festivals and fairs are organized to celebrate the agricultural heritage and the hard work of farmers. National Farmers Day or Kisan Diwas is not just a day to celebrate the farmers but also an opportunity to address the pressing issues they face and explore ways to uplift the agricultural sector. As India’s population continues to grow, the importance of supporting and empowering farmers becomes ever more critical. This day serves as both a celebration of their vital role in society and a call to action for a sustainable future for agriculture in India. Let us use this day to reflect on the sacrifices made by farmers and to ensure that the government, institutions, and society continue to work towards their well-being and prosperity.
21 December,2024 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReflecting on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked on Saturday that Ram Mandir was a national movement to which everyone contributed, including RSS, Shiv Sena, VHP, and even the Congress, ANI reported. Speaking to ANI, Raut attacked Bhagwat and said that he is the one who brought such people to power and now should take responsibility. "Ram mandir was a movement in the history of this nation. I believe everyone contributed to that movement. Not only BJP and PM Modi contributed to it but RSS, BJP, Shiv Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal and Congress also contributed to the movement...It is right that no one can become a leader just by constructing a temple. This nation is a temple, you should build it...Mohan Bhagwat, you are the one who brought such people to power. So now, you take the responsibility," Raut said. On Friday, Mohan Bhagwat appealed for national unity and harmony, emphasising that controversial themes should not be raised to incite enmity, while also emphasising the significance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a symbol of Hindu devotion, ANI cited. Speaking at the inauguration of the Hindu Sewa Mahotsav in Pune on Thursday, Bhagwat said, "Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram temple, and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus." However, he cautioned against creating divisions. "But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony, so we should have a little experiment in our country," the RSS chief added. Talking about India's diverse culture, Bhagwat said, "We have ideologies of different sects and communities in our country." Bhagwat also spoke of Hinduism as an eternal dharma, claiming that the Acharyas of this eternal and Sanatan religion adhere to the "sewa dharma," or the dharma of humanity. Speaking to the crowd, he described Sewa as the core of Sanatan Dharma, transcending religious and societal borders. He encouraged individuals to volunteer not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to give back to society, ANI cited. (With ANI inputs)
21 December,2024 01:36 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAs he embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India and the Gulf nation have shared interest in peace, security and stability in West Asia, reported PTI. PM Modi's visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years, comes two weeks after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and amid signs of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. In a departure statement, PM Modi said his talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and Kuwait. "We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region," he said, reported PTI. The prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. "I am confident that this visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait," PM Modi said, reported PTI. The prime minister said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir, the Crown Prince and the prime minister of Kuwait. "It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region," he said. "I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," he added. PM Modi's engagements in Kuwait include a visit to an Indian labour camp, an interaction with the Indian community and gracing the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament. "I express my gratitude to the leadership of Kuwait for the special gesture of inviting me to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a premier sporting event in the Gulf region," the prime minister said, reported PTI. "I look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity," he said. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and Kuwait are expected to focus on shoring up ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade during the prime minister's visit to the Gulf nation. Discussions are underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact, according to officials. At a media briefing, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said a few bilateral documents are expected to be firmed up during the prime minister's visit. "The historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait bilateral relations," he said. "It will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values and build a stronger and more dynamic partnership for the future," he added. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The Gulf nation is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24. Kuwait is India's sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country's energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time in 2023-24 while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceeded USD 10 billion. (With inputs from PTI)
21 December,2024 01:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Bharat Gogawale on Saturday said that the allocation of portfolios in the Mahayuti government is expected during the day, reported news agency PTI. The Winter Session of the state assembly, which began on December 16, will conclude on Saturday. Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Gogawale said, "The allocation of portfolios is expected today. Leaders of all three alliance partners met on Friday, and we had a breakfast meeting with the chief minister this morning," reported PTI. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were sworn in on December 5, and 39 ministers were inducted ahead of the Winter Session on December 15 at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur. However, portfolio allocation in the Mahayuti government is yet to take place. The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, secured a landslide victory in the November 20 assembly polls by winning 230 out of 288 seats. The Shiv Sena leader asserted that there was no difference of opinion among Mahayuti leaders over portfolios and that whatever decision they make will be acceptable to all. Gogawale said he expected to become the guardian minister of his home district, Raigad. "I am confident I will get the guardian minister post for Raigad," he said. Despite having majority why so much delay: Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday expressed concern over the delay in the allocation of portfolios in the Maharashtra Cabinet and questioned the Mahayuti government regarding the reason for the delay despite having an adequate majority. Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Raut said, "What is happening in government, it's is difficult to understand. The government (Mahayuti government) has been formed but no portfolio has been allocated till now. There are a lot of law and order issues..who is accountable... despite having so much majority why is so much delay." (With inputs from PTI)
21 December,2024 12:37 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentDelhiites woke up to a foggy morning on Saturday with the minimum temperature in the national capital settling at 7.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Delhi's air quality improved significantly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) came down to 392 in the 'very poor' category from 429 on Friday, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. The Air Quality Index in Delhi's Anand Vihar was recorded at 414 while the number reached 413 in Dwarka Sector 8. The north campus of Delhi University recorded AQI at 376 while the number at Lodhi Road was 362. The AQI at Delhi's Rohini was recorded at 425 while the number decreased to 398 in Najafgarh, but remains close to the 'severe' category. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. Humidity levels were recorded at 100 per cent at 8.30 am, the IMD said. The weather officer has forecast mainly clear skies during the day and the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 23 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the Republic Day parade rehearsals were underway at Kartavya Path as cold waves and dense fog engulfed the national capital. Visuals from Akshardhan in Delhi as thick layer of fog engulfes the area. Meanwhile, IMD predicts severe cold wave conditions for Himachal Pradesh and remote areas in Jammu and Kashmir. It also predicted cold wave conditions in isolated Punjab and Rajasthan. Dense fog at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and east Rajasthan. Earlier on Friday, a layer of dense fog engulfed Delhi as a cold wave gripped the city. The minimum temperature in the national capital had dropped to seven degrees Celsius. As per the IMD, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are to prevail in most of North India.
21 December,2024 11:40 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTwo Naxalites carrying a combined bounty of Rs 8 lakh surrendered before the security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, police said on Saturday, PTI reported. As per PTI, Ramasu Poyam also known as Narsingh (55), a native of Gadchiroli, and Ramesh Kunjam known as Govind (25), a native of Narayanpur in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, surrendered before the Gadchiroli police and the Central Reserve Police Force on Friday, police stated in a release. According to the statement, Poyam, who had a Rs 6 lakh bounty, was recruited as a member of the Tipagadh LOS in 1992 and has been the area committee member (ACM) for Kutul and Nelnar LOS since 2010. Poyam has 12 cases to his name, including six encounters, five murders and an offence of dacoity, police said, PTI reported. In 2019, Kunjam joined the militia with a bounty of Rs 2 lakh. He joined the Kutul LOS in 2021 after being recruited as a member of the Chetna Natya Manch (CNM) in 2020, they said. The duo surrendered due to the Gadchiroli police's aggressive crackdown on Maoist activities in the area. Their family members also persuaded them to lay down arms following the arrest of their colleagues, PTI reported. The men will receive Rs 4.5 lakh each for rehabilitation as announced by the Centre and Maharashtra government. Gadchiroli police claimed that a huge number of members of the banned CPI (Maoist) were being lured by the state government's surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, and to date, 680 active Maoists have surrendered. As many as 20 Maoist loyalists surrendered this year itself. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police, Neelotpal, has assured that necessary assistance would be provided to those willing to surrender and join the mainstream society, PTI reported. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis introduces bill to prevent ‘urban naxal’ The Maharashtra government has tabled a bill on December 18, to legislate a law to prevent the unlawful activities of the ‘Urban Naxals’ more effectively. The bill, the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, was put up for the state legislature’s perusal. It was also sent to a joint select committee for scrutiny and feedback was sought from members of civil society who want to discuss the matter. Some Opposition members wanted to know why a new Act was needed when existing laws had sufficient powers to tackle extremism. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said states where the new Act was in force had seen good results. According to the CM, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha had enacted the Public Security Acts to more effectively prevent the unlawful activities of Maoist bodies and 48 banned frontal organisations. In the absence of a similar law in Maharashtra, such organisations are active in the state, Fadnavis stated. (With PTI inputs)
21 December,2024 11:23 AM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
