The Supreme Court on Monday formed a high-powered committee to amicably resolve the problems of farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu. The panel, led by Justice Nawab Singh, a former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, sought to address farmers' concerns without politicising the Shambhu border case, reported PTI. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan urged the committee to convene its first meeting within a week and work with protesting farmers to clear the tractors and trolleys that were blocking the Shambhu border, therefore bringing respite to commuters, the news agency report stated. The court stated that the Punjab and Haryana governments are free to make proposals to the committee. Shambhu border case: SC tells committee to request farmers to remove their tractors According to the PTI report, the committee's members include retired IPS officer PS Sandhu, Devender Sharma, Professor Ranjit Singh Ghuman, and Dr Sukhpal Singh, an agricultural economist at Punjab Agricultural University. The panel was also ordered to seek the expert opinion of Professor B R Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, as a special invitee, as needed. "The High powered committee should reach out to and request the agitating farmers to remove their tractors. We hope the farmers will listen to the committee and vacate their vehicles from the border to provide huge relief to the general public...," an ANI report quoted the court as saying. The court warned the protesting farmers to stay away from political parties and avoid making unrealistic demands. It emphasised that the farmers' concerns should be addressed gradually by the committee and that they are free to move their peaceful protests to other locations, the PTI report added. Shambhu border case: SC was hearing plea from the Haryana govt This ruling came as the court heard a petition from the Haryana government appealing a high court order for the removal of barricades at the Shambhu border, where farmers have been protesting since February 13. The Haryana government first set up the barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to the 'Samyukta Kisan Morcha' (Non-Political) and 'Kisan Mazdoor Morcha' announcing a march to Delhi in support of their demands, which included a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. With agency inputs
23 December,2024 09:58 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentOpposition members staged a protest for the third consecutive day at the Vidhan Bhawan steps in Nagpur on Wednesday, accusing the government of apathy towards farmers and not providing them adequate price for crop production, reported news agency PTI. The Maharashtra assembly winter session began on Monday in Nagpur. On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve, his Shiv Sena (UBT) colleagues Sunil Prabhu and Bhaskar Jadhav, Congress leaders Nana Patole Nitin Raut, Bhai Jagtap and other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) legislators staged a demonstration at the Vidhan Bhawan steps, reported PTI. They raised slogans claiming the government was not addressing the problems of farmers, and not paying adequate price to the cultivators for soyabean and cotton crops. Speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Danve demanded that paddy farmers be paid a bonus. He claimed the cotton and soyabean farmers were not getting adequate price for their produce. Over the last two days, the MVA members targeted the BJP-led Mahayuti government in the state over various issues, including the problems of farmers, violence in Parbhani last week and murder of a sarpanch in Beed district. Maharashtra govt withdraws amendment bill to increase illegal tree felling penalty The Maharashtra government on Tuesday withdrew an amendment bill proposing a multi-fold hike in penalty for illegal felling of trees and not recognising cutting of branches as an offence. The bill to amend the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act of 1964 proposed to increase the penalty for illegal felling of trees from Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the legislative assembly that he was under the impression that the amendments would have been implemented in urban areas. Fadnavis said he was apprised of updated information regarding redefining urban areas by including Nagar Panchayats and new townships. He said rural areas were also covered in the ambit of the bill. "Since we want to reassess the impact on rural areas, we are withdrawing the amendment bill,' he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said trees are cut in rural areas with the objective of growing more trees, and it's also a source of income for the rural population. Jadhav and Shekhar Nikam (NCP) demanded that rural areas be excluded from the ambit of the amendment bill. Meanwhile, the Assembly passed a bill to increase the number of trustees of Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai from 9 to 15. It also extended the tenure of the trust's chairman and vice chairman to five years from two-and-a-half years. (With inputs from PTI)
23 December,2024 09:57 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentFarmers in Nashik, briefly halted auctions at the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) on Thursday, the country's largest wholesale onion market due to drop in onion prices, reported news agency PTI. The farmers were protesting the significant decline in onion prices, which have been falling steadily in recent days. The farmers demanded removal of the 20 per cent export duty on onions and an aid of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 per quintal of the produce, the APMC officials said, reported PTI. Approximately 1,500 onion-laden vehicles arrived for auction on Thursday. The morning session saw prices ranging from a minimum of Rs 800 to a maximum of Rs 2,900 per quintal, with an average price of Rs 1,900. When auctioneers announced prices between Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per quintal, farmers immediately stopped the auction in protest. Later, the prices improved slightly. The agitation was called off after about half-an-hour and the auctions restarted, stated PTI. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged the central government to remove 20 per cent export duties and provide relief to the growers. In a letter to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Pawar highlighted the farmers' distress, noting that unseasonal rains and changing climate have already impacted their earnings. “The onions grown here (in Nashik) are available in other states of India and also exported in large quantities. As of today, onions from the summer yield have been exhausted and the fresh crop has reached various market committees in Maharashtra,” Pawar wrote. Due to the arrival of a large stock of onions, farmers are now in distress as they are forced to sell their produce at a much lower rate since they have yet to receive any minimum support price, said Pawar. They are selling onions at an average of Rs 2,400 per quintal, Pawar said. The Centre has levied a 20 per cent duty on the export of onions due to which the kitchen staple from the state loses its competitiveness in international markets, according to farmers, stated PTI. On Wednesday, 1,950 vehicles of onions arrived at the Lasalgaon APMC. The prices were Rs 800 per quintal minimum, Rs 2,801 per quintal maximum and Rs 1,950 per quintal average. Prior to that, on Tuesday, 1,689 vehicles of onions arrived for auction at the APMC, with the prices being Rs 1,000 per quintal minimum, Rs 3,252 per quintal maximum and Rs 2,200 per quintal average, as per officials. PTI (With inputs from PTI)
23 December,2024 09:56 AM IST | Nashik (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentEvery year on December 23, National Farmer's Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated nationwide to acknowledge and pay tribute to farmers, who are considered the backbone of the country. This day is dedicated to honoring the birth anniversary of Choudhary Charan Singh, India's fifth Prime Minister. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, where agriculture is a significant occupation, actively observe National Farmer's Day. Farmers, working tirelessly year-round, contribute to the production of food to prevent starvation and hunger-related deaths. Despite their continuous efforts, many farmers face challenges in ensuring they have access to at least two meals a day. The annual celebration of Farmer's Day aims to raise awareness about the invaluable contributions of farmers to society and recognize and reward their hard work. History of National Farmer's Day: Chaudhary Charan Singh, a prominent Kisan leader who served as the President from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980, authored influential books addressing farmers' issues and proposed solutions to enhance their lives. He introduced various welfare schemes for farmers during his tenure. In 2001, in honor of Chaudhary Charan Singh's birth anniversary, the government officially declared Kisan Diwas. Also read: Maharashtra farmers to get Rs 6,000 a year under new scheme approved by Cabinet Following in the footsteps of the second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, who gave the famous slogan "JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN" (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer), Chaudhary Charan Singh continued to prioritize the welfare of farmers. Quotes for Farmer's Day 2022: "If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right in the country." – M. S. Swaminathan "I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world." – George Washington "The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself." – Franklin D. Roosevelt "The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways." — John F. Kennedy "It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn." — B.C. Forbes
23 December,2024 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA coldwave gripped the national capital today, with light rain bringing a noticeable chill to Delhi and its neighbouring regions. A thick layer of fog enveloped the city, intensifying the cold conditions. According to ANI reports, the minimum temperature recorded in Delhi stood at 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature reached 20 degrees Celsius. Locals reported a significant drop in temperatures following the rain, which began early this morning at around 5 am. Residents in parts of the city sought refuge in night shelters set up on Lodhi Road to escape the biting cold. "The temperatures have dropped because it has been raining... the rain started around 5 am today," shared a local resident. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted below-normal coldwave conditions in northwestern India this winter, signalling that colder weather may persist in the coming days. However, alongside the chilly weather, the air quality in Delhi-NCR has deteriorated, remaining in the 'severe' category. As per ANI, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded at a hazardous 403 at 7 am today, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). AQI levels in several other areas also remained in the 'severe' range. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 439, Ashok Vihar 456, Bawana 473, CRRI Mathura Road 406, and Narela 430. For context, the AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with values between 0-50 considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. The CPCB’s data reflects that several areas in Delhi have surpassed the 400 mark, with Alipur at 411, Anand Vihar at 427, and RK Puram at 408. To combat the deteriorating air quality, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stage IV measures have been implemented across the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16. These measures were introduced in response to the worsening air quality, aiming to reduce the level of pollutants and curb the health risks posed by such levels of air pollution. Previously, on December 22, the AQI in Delhi was recorded as 'very poor,' which had a noticeable effect on visibility across the city. The AQI was measured at 388 at 7 am, while areas such as ITO, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and IGI Airport also recorded very poor air quality. As per ANI, the air quality in Delhi continues to pose significant health concerns for its residents, especially those with respiratory conditions. (With inputs from ANI)
23 December,2024 09:06 AM IST | New DelhiAt least 10 people were killed when a small plane crashed into the southern Brazilian city of Gramado on Sunday, CNN reported. The aircraft collided with several buildings, causing widespread damage and leaving over a dozen people injured, according to official Brazilian authorities. The Civil Defence of Rio Grande do Sul confirmed that at least 17 people were injured in the crash, with many suffering from smoke inhalation due to a fire sparked by the collision. Two individuals are reported to be in serious condition, suffering from severe burns. The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from the local airport, according to the National Civil Defence. The plane first collided with the chimney of a building before crashing into a residential home and then striking a furniture store. Debris from the crash also hit an inn, reported CNN. Video footage from the scene showed the aftermath, with flames and smoke rising from the wreckage and scattered debris covering the area. The footage also showed an overcast sky with fog enveloping the city. Local authorities have expressed concerns that there were no survivors on board the aircraft. Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite indicated that initial reports suggest the plane's occupants did not survive. Preliminary information indicates the plane was carrying 10 people, but it is unclear whether all the fatalities were passengers or included individuals on the ground, CNN reported. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. The tragic incident has rocked Gramado, a small but popular resort town in southern Brazil, known for its holiday attractions, especially during the Christmas season. 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
23 December,2024 08:58 AM IST | Gramado (Rio Grande do Sul) | AgenciesA few lockers in the Chinhat branch of Indian Overseas Bank were found broken Sunday and their contents missing, police said. They said the theft took place in the branch located in Lucknow's Matiyari. Bank manager Sandeep Singh said that he suspected the thieves stole inside the building by making a hole into a wall the bank shares with an empty plot of land, an officer said. Prima facie, it seems four people must be involved in the job, police said. Six teams have been formed to nab the robbers, they said. Though police said there was neither any alarm nor any security guard in the bank at the time of the theft, the bank said it was robbed despite "adequate security" measures. "Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is aware of the unfortunate incident involving a robbery which occurred despite adequate security measures at our Chinhat Branch in Lucknow. "We are fully committed to supporting the authorities in their investigation and are working closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that the matter is resolved swiftly," the bank said in a statement. "The bank has insurance coverage in place for such incidents. The safety and security of our customers and their assets remain our top priority," it added. 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
23 December,2024 08:58 AM IST | Lucknow | PTIThe controversy surrounding the 70th BPSC examination has taken a serious turn, with Leader of Opposition in Bihar Tejashwi Yadav levelling allegations of malpractice and institutional corruption in the recruitment processes. Tejashwi Yadav has written a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar outlining eight demands, emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in competitive examinations. Yadav has alleged that the examination conducted on December 13, 2024, was marred by malpractice, pointing to systemic corruption within the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). “The cancellation of the examination at the Bapu Examination Centre in Patna and the re-examination at the same venue is a measure aimed at concealing institutional flaws,” Yadav said in his letter. The RJD leader claimed that BPSC had used employees from a private agency, rather than government employees, to conduct such a significant exam. He strongly criticised the credibility of the examination process. Tejashwi pointed out that all future exams must be conducted solely by government employees, and advocated for removing private agencies from the process. “I want to urge the Chief Minister to Identify and penalise those responsible for the malpractice in the December 13 exam. I also demand a high-level independent inquiry into the allegations of corruption in the BPSC,” he said. Tejashwi demanded a comprehensive reform in BPSC to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in government recruitment. The state government should provide suitable remedies or compensation to candidates whose efforts were undermined by the irregularities, establish a mechanism to hold the Commission accountable for lapses and ensure the integrity of the merit-based selection process without external influences or biases. He claimed that reports of irregularities were not limited to the Bapu Examination Centre but also emerged from several other centres. The BPSC has acknowledged the lapses, which indicates systemic flaws. “I demand the cancellation of the entire 70th Preliminary Examination and the organisation of a re-examination for all candidates to ensure fairness,” Yadav said. He further said around 90,000 registered candidates were allegedly unable to complete the application process due to corruption and procedural inefficiencies. He advocated for allowing these candidates to fill out the examination form and participate in the re-examination. “Allegations levelled by students that private coaching institutes predicted more than 25 per cent of the questions in the paper raise concerns about potential leaks. A thorough investigation is needed into it. An independent and impartial judicial probe is required to investigate the widespread irregularities,” he said. Tejashwi Yadav in his letter said thousands of candidates have been protesting in harsh weather conditions, expressing discontent with the BPSC's handling of the situation. He criticised the insensitive behaviour of the state government towards the agitating students. Tejashwi urged Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to cancel the 70th Preliminary Examination to eliminate doubts about fairness. He said that the Commission should announce a re-examination date with clear guidelines to rebuild candidate confidence. 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
23 December,2024 08:58 AM IST | Patna | IANSA fire broke out in Gandoh Bhalessa village area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda on Sunday, said officials. The region has witnessed several fire incidents in past couple of weeks. On Saturday as well fire broke out in the Dessa Forest Area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda. No casualties have been reported. The fire brigade team reached the site and commenced extinguishing fire immediately after receiving word about the incident, said officials. Assistant Director, Fire & Emergency Services Doda & Kishtwar, Amit Shogtra stated, "The fire broke out approximately 500 metres up in the forest from Dessa Road. A lot of such incidents have been happening lately... If you see the smallest spark, beat it in the initial stages or call Fire and Emergency... We have received more than 100 calls reporting fire..." On December 17, a massive forest fire broke out in Chenab Valley in Doda district. 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
23 December,2024 08:57 AM IST | Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) | ANIThe NDA will contest the Assembly polls in Bihar next year under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary said on Sunday. Elections to the 243-member Bihar Assembly are due in late 2025. Choudhary said, “The NDA is working under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar and we will continue to contest elections under the leadership of both leaders.” “There is no confusion,” he said during a press conference at the BJP headquarters when asked to comment on speculation that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could do a rethink on projecting Kumar as its leader in the polls. He was responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent interview to a news channel in which he was asked if the NDA could go to the polls in Bihar without declaring a chief ministerial candidate, like it recently did with great success in Maharashtra. 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
23 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hit out at Left parties for turning Tripura into a “backward” state during their 35-year rule and said it could witness progress only after the BJP assumed power in 2018. Addressing a public meeting here after visiting a village where displaced Bru tribals were rehabilitated, Shah said that Tripura remained behind on all parameters of development during the communist rule but is now moving forward on the path of progress. “For 35 years, the communists ruled Tripura. The communists claimed that they worked for the welfare of the poor. The Congress also ruled Tripura for a considerable time. But the people of the state always remained poor. It was when the BJP came to power that Tripura could witness development,” he said. Shah said when he visited Tripura in 2017 as BJP president and stayed for five days, only 11 people took party membership. “Gradually we started our work. We worked hard and could oust the communists from power” after toiling for years, he said. The home minister said during the Left rule, just 2.5 per cent of the people used to get piped drinking water and now 85 per cent get potable water.“Tripura is now peaceful following the signing of peace accords with insurgents….Tripura will be one of the most developed states in the country. Today, I am getting immense happiness,” he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Dhalai (Tripura) | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
