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Nagpur violence: Local leader Fahim Khan among six booked for sedition

The cyber police have booked local leader Fahim Khan, a key accused in the Nagpur violence, and five others on charges of sedition and spreading misinformation on social media during the unrest here, officials said on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. These six persons are among 50 accused against whom the cyber department has registered four First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the Nagpur violence on Monday, they said. The cyber crime department has also asked for information from Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube authorities about 230 profiles on their platforms and sought for them to be blocked, DCP Cyber Crime Lohit Matani said at a press briefing, reported PTI. As soon as the department gets the information, the accused will be identified and arrested, he said. The official said their probe has indicated that misinformation was spread initially after some videos were shared on social media, which fuelled violence further and then more videos "glorified the violence", reported PTI. Six persons, including Minority Democratic Party (MDP) city head Fahim Khan, have been booked for sedition in the cyber police's FIRs, Matani said, reported PTI. Rumours about a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions being burnt during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) seeking the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, was the prima facie trigger for violence on Monday. Thirty-three police personnel, including three DCP-rank officers, were injured on Monday night when mobs went on a rampage, damaging vehicles, hurling petrol bombs and stones at police, and attacking houses. Matani said Khan edited a video of a protest against Aurangzeb's tomb, and circulated it (on social media) and he had also shared videos of "glorification of the violence". The four FIRs have been registered in connection with the creation of provocative videos of protest against Aurangzeb's tomb and their circulation to instigate violence. Besides, clippings of violence were shared (on social media) to incite more riots. Also, indecent posts were shared which further instigated the violence, and videos of the riots and chants (made by some people) were glorified to trigger more violence, Matani said referring to the FIRs. (With inputs from PTI)

20 March,2025 06:40 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI

Three days after violence, curfew lifted, relaxed in parts of Nagpur

Curfew was lifted or relaxed in some areas of Nagpur on Thursday, three days after violence rocked the city, officials said, reported news agency PTI. Violent mobs went on a rampage in central Nagpur areas on Monday night amid rumours that a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during protests led by VHP and Bajrang Dal for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Subsequently, a curfew was imposed in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar and Kapil Nagar police station areas, reported PTI. Considering the people's convenience and law and order, Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal ordered the lifting of curfew from Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar police station areas from 2 pm on Thursday, reported PTI. Besides, Singal ordered for the relaxation of curfew in Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara and Imambada areas from 2 pm to 4 pm to allow the people to venture out to buy the essential items of daily need, reported PTI. Nagpur violence: Police form 18 special teams to nab culprits Police have formed 18 special teams to track down and arrest those involved in the violence in Maharashtra's Nagpur city, officials said on Thursday, reported PTI. As of now, 69 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence which took place here on Monday. Curfew remained imposed in several areas of the city for the third day on Thursday. The police have so far identified 200 accused and are actively working to identify another 1,000 suspects captured in CCTV footage of the riots, a senior official said. On Monday, five First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered at the Ganeshpeth and Kotwali police stations wherein 200 accused have been named, reported PTI. Efforts were on to identify the others involved in the violence with the help of the CCTV footage, the official said. Nagpur Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal on Wednesday told reporters that the special teams formed include personnel from the Ganeshpeth, Kotwali and Tehsil police stations, along with the Crime Branch, reported PTI. The teams are also working closely with the cyber cell to help identify the suspects, another official said. Among the 69 persons arrested so far in connection with the Nagpur violence is Minority Democratic Party (MDP) leader Fahim Khan, reported PTI. Officials earlier said Khan allegedly led a protest outside a Nagpur police station on Monday. Police records show Khan was earlier accused in multiple cases, including electricity theft and a protest in 2023-2024. A group of 50 to 60 people led by Khan unlawfully gathered outside Ganeshpeth police station on Monday and submitted a memorandum against Vishwa Hindu Parishad's protest that had taken place earlier in the day, the FIR against him stated, reported PTI. Subsequently, Khan and eight others went to the Bhaldarpura area where 500 to 600 people from a minority community had gathered near Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. He was later arrested, an official said. Asked if Khan was the mastermind of the violence, Singal on Wednesday said that investigations were underway to identify attackers and the role of the persons named in the FIR. Thirty-three police personnel, including three DCP-rank officers, were injured on Monday night when mobs went on a rampage, damaging vehicles, hurling petrol bombs and stones at police, and attacking houses. (With inputs from PTI)

20 March,2025 05:48 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
The tickets for unreserved coaches can be booked through UTS. Representational Pic/File

CR to run 332 summer vacation special train services, check details

In view of extra passenger rush during the vacation season,the Central Railway on Thursday said that it will run 332 summer special train services starting from April 1, an official statement said.  It said that considering the onset of the summer vacations and the increasing number of passengers, Central Railway has decided to run 332 summer special train services between Mumbai-Nagpur/Karmali/Thiruvananthapuram, between Pune-Nagpur and between Daund-Kalaburagi to clear the extra rush of the passengers. The Central Railway also shared the details of the special trains- 1. CSMT-Nagpur-CSMT Bi-weekly special (50 trips) Train no.02139 Bi-weekly special will leave CSMT at 00.20 hrs, every Tuesday & Sunday from 06.04.2025 to 29.06.2025 and will arrive Nagpur at 15.30 hrs same day. (25 trips) Train no.02140 Bi-weekly special will leave Nagpur at at 20.00 hrs every Tuesday & Sunday from 06.04.2025 to 29.06.2025 and will arrive CSMT at 13.30 hrs next day (25 trips) Composition:  One  AC-2 Tier, 5 AC-3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Class, 4 General Second Class and 2  General Second Class cum Guard’s brake van . Halts: Dadar (only for 02139), Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri (only for 02140), Nashik Road, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Malkapur, Shegaon, Akola, Murtizapur, Badnera, Dhamangaon and Wardha. 2. CSMT-Karmali-CSMT Weekly special (18 trips) Train no.01151 Weekly special will leave CSMT at 00.20 hrs every Thursday, from 10.04.2025 to 05.06.2025 and will arrive Karmali at 13.30 hrs same day (9 trips). Train no.01152 Weekly special will leave Karmali at 14.15 hrs , every Thursday, from 10.04.2025 to 05.06.2025  and will arrive CSMT at 03.45 hrs next day (9 trips). Composition : One  AC-2 Tier, 5 AC-3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Class, 4 General Second Class and 2  General Second Class cum Guard’s brake van .  Halts: Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Pen, Roha, Mangaon, Khed, Chiplun, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhavwadi Road, Kankavali, Sindhudurg, Kudal, Sawantwadi Road and Thivim. 3. LTT- Karmali -LTT Weekly special (18 trips) Train no.01129 Weekly special will leave LTT at at 22.15 hrs every Thursday from 10.04.2025 to 05.06.2025 and will arrive Karmali at 12.00 hrs next day (9 trips). Train no. 01130 Weekly special will leave Karmali at 14.30 hrs every Friday from 11.04.2025 to 06.06.2025  and will arrive LTT at 04.05 hrs next day (9 trips).  Composition:  One First AC , Two  AC 2-Tier, Six AC 3-Tier, 8 Sleeper class, 2 Generator Cars and 1 Pantry car( in locked condition). Halts: Thane, Panvel, Pen, Roha, Mangaon, Veer, Khed, Chiplun, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhavwadi Road, Nandgaon Road, Kankavali, Sindhudurg, Kudal, Sawantwadi Road  and Thivim. 4. LTT-Thiruvananthapuram North -LTT Weekly Special – (18 trips) Train no 01063 Weekly special will leave Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 16.00 hrs every Thursday from 03.04.2025 to 29.05.2025 and will arrive Thiruvananthapuram North at 22.45 hrs next day. (9 trips) Train no 01064 Weekly special will leave Thiruvananthapuram North at 16.20 hrs every Saturday from 05.04.2025 to 31.05.2025 and will arrive Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 00.45 hrs third day. (9 trips)  Composition: One AC-2 Tier, Six AC-3 Tier, 9 Sleeper Class, 4 General Second Class, 1 General Second Class cum Guard’s brake van and 1 Generator Car. Halts: Thane, Panvel, Pen, Roha, Khed, Chiplun, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, Sindhudurg, Kudal, Sawantwadi Road, Thivim, Karmali, Madgaon Jn, Karwar, Gokarna Road, Kumta, Murdeshwar, Bhatkal, Mookambika Road  Byndoor, Kundapura, Udupi, Suratkal,  Mangaluru Jn, Kasaragod, Kannur, Calicut, Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanaseri, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayankulam and Kollam. 5.  Pune - Nagpur- Pune Weekly Superfast AC special (24 trips) Train no.01469 AC Weekly Superfast special will leave Pune at 15.50 hrs, every Tuesday from 08.04.2025 to 24.06.2025 and will arrive Nagpur at 06.30 hrs next day (12 trips). Train no.01470 AC Weekly Superfast special will leave Nagpur at 08.00 hrs, every Wednesday from 09.04.2025 to 25.06.2025 and will arrive Pune at 23.30 hrs same day (12 trips). Composition: Three AC 2 tier, 15 AC 3-Tier , 1 General Second Class cum Guard’s brake van & and 1 Generator Van. 6.  Pune - Nagpur- Pune Weekly Superfast special (24 trips) Train no.01467 Weekly Superfast special will leave Pune at 15.50 hrs, every Wednesday from 09.04.2025 to 25.06.2025 and will arrive Nagpur at 06.30 hrs next day (12 trips). Train no.01468 Weekly Superfast special will leave Nagpur at 08.00 hrs, every Thursday from 10.04.2025 to 26.06.2025 and will arrive Pune at 23.30 hrs same day (12 trips). Composition:  One First AC, One AC 2-Tier , Two AC 3-Tier, 5 Sleeper class , 6 General Second Class and  2  General Second Class cum Guard’s brake van. Halts for 01469/01470 & 01467/01468 :- Uruli, Daund Chord Line, Ahmednagar, Belapur, Kopergaon,  Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Malkapur, Shegaon, Akola, Badnera, Dhamangaon and Wardha 7) Daund-Kalaburagi  Unreserved Special – 5 days a week (128 trips) Train no 01421 Unreserved Special  will leave Daund at 05.00 hrs, 5 days a week (except Thursday & Sunday) from 05.04.2025 to 02.07.2025  and will arrive Kalaburagi at 11.20 hrs same day. (64 trips) Train no 01422 Unreserved Special  will leave Kalaburagi  at 16.10 hrs, 5 days a week (except Thursday & Sunday) from 05.04.2025 to 02.07.2025  and will arrive Daund at 22.20 hrs same day. (64 trips) 8) Daund-Kalaburagi  Unreserved Special – Bi-Weekly (52 trips) Train no 01425 Unreserved Special  will leave Daund at 05.00 hrs, every Thursday & Sunday from 03.04.2025 to 29.06.2025  and will arrive Kalaburagi at 11.20 hrs same day. (26 trips) Train no 01426 Unreserved Special  will leave Kalaburagi  at 20.30 hrs, every Thursday & Sunday from 03.04.2025 to 29.06.2025  and will arrive Daund at 02.30 hrs next day. (26 trips) Composition for 01421 /01422 & 01425 / 01426:, 10 General  Second Class and 2 General Second Class cum Guard’s brake van  Halts for 01421 /01422 & 01425 / 01426:  Bhigwan, Parewadi, Jeur, Kem, Kurduwadi, Madha, Mohol, Solapur, Tikekarwadi, Hotgi, Akalkot Road, Boroti, Dudhani and Ganagapur. "Bookings for Special train No. 02139, 02140, 01151, 01152, 01129, 01130, 01063, 01469, 01470, 01467 and 01468 on special charges will open on 24.03.2025 at all computerised reservation centers and on IRCTC website," the Central Railway said. It said that the tickets for unreserved coaches can be booked through Railway's Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app with normal charges for unreserved accommodation as applicable for trains.

20 March,2025 04:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Mamata Banerjee. File Photo

Nagpur violence: India is known for unity in diversity, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the violence in Maharashtra's Nagpur, arguing that India is known for unity in diversity. Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat, Mamata Banerjee abstained from making a detailed statement on the issue, stating, "I don't want to comment on it. But we condemn this violence. Our country is known for its unity in diversity. After the demolition of Babri Masjid, I hit the streets to protect communal harmony. I don't want to make any comment on the Nagpur situation." Banerjee noted that her INDIA alliance partner Uddhav Thackeray, the president of Shiv Sena (UBT), will comment on the situation, as per PTI. Rumours about a 'chadar' with Quranic inscriptions being burnt during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal seeking the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb led to a savagery in Nagpur on Monday that cause injuries to several police officials, reported PTI.  On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the assembly that no ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions had been burned, but the circulating rumors still stirred emotions. Nagpur Violence: Over 140 inflammatory posts linked to riots identified by cyber cell Maharashtra Cyber Cell has identified over 140 objectionable posts and videos on social media linked to the recent Nagpur violence. Legal action is being taken against those responsible In the aftermath of the recent violence in Nagpur, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has identified over 140 online posts and videos containing objectionable content aimed at inciting communal unrest, according to officials. These posts and videos were found on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, PTI reports. According to PTI, the identified content was designed to provoke public sentiment and escalate communal tensions in the state. Notices have been issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 to facilitate the immediate removal of these posts. Additionally, notices have also been served under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to uncover the real identities of individuals behind the accounts spreading such content. The Maharashtra Cyber Department, working alongside the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station, has tracked multiple social media accounts engaged in disseminating inflammatory content related to the Nagpur riots, which erupted on Monday. The content in question was deliberately crafted to hurt the religious sentiments of a particular community and disrupt peace, the Maharashtra Cyber Department stated in a release. The department highlighted that such material was intended to exploit deep-seated religious beliefs, create discord among communities, and further destabilise the state's law and order situation. It warned that such actions not only breach legal provisions but also pose a significant threat to peace and communal harmony. The riots in Nagpur resulted in extensive damage to public property, PTI reports. Maharashtra Cyber officials have confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for creating and spreading provocative content. People have been urged to exercise caution while sharing information online and to refrain from engaging with unverified or inflammatory material. Meanwhile, police have arrested 69 individuals in connection with the Nagpur violence, including Minority Democratic Party leader Fahim Khan and eight Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) workers, according to PTI. Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, stated on Wednesday that any attacks on police personnel would be dealt with strictly and that strong action would be taken against the perpetrators. The riots left 33 police personnel injured, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officers. Rioters reportedly vandalised vehicles, hurled petrol bombs and stones at the police, and even attacked residential properties. Allegations have also emerged that a group of rioters misbehaved with a female constable and attempted to disrobe her during the violence, according to an FIR. The violence was allegedly triggered by rumours concerning the burning of a 'chadar' bearing holy inscriptions during protests led by the VHP, which demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refuted these claims in the state assembly, stating that no religious verses were burned and that the rumours were deliberately spread to incite unrest. Speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis said, "The investigation into the Nagpur violence case is underway. There is peace in the city at present, and there have been no riots here for several years. Some people deliberately spread this rumour to create unrest." He added, "We will identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks." (With inputs from PTI)

20 March,2025 04:12 PM IST | India | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

Brown sugar valued at Rs 72 lakh seized in Bhubaneswar during raids

The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police has seized contraband brown sugar valued at Rs 72 lakh during raids at two different places in Bhubaneswar, a senior police officer said here on Wednesday.  The sleuths have also arrested five persons and apprehended one juvenile on the charges of involvement in the drugs peddling. Police sources claimed that the Special Crime Unit (SCU) of twin-city police intercepted and seized 448 grams of contraband brown sugar worth around Rs 45 lakhs during a meticulously planned operation near Loyala School Square in Nayapalli area of Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. “Acting on credible intelligence, the SCU team, led by a senior officer, raided the location. During the search, the police team recovered the Brown Sugar from a backpack carried by the juvenile. His accomplice S.K. Sohit who was with him could manage to escape. The seized brown sugar was properly sealed and marked as evidence,” added a senior police officer. The police during the course of investigation ascertained that the accused duo was part of a larger drug peddling network, with links to suppliers from West Bengal. The drug peddlers’ duo had conspired to deliver the contraband to local peddlers in Bhubaneswar. The juvenile has been apprehended and booked under Sections 21(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act for the unlawful possession and trafficking of brown sugar in criminal conspiracy with S.K. Sohit, who is currently absconding. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the absconding accused. In another operation, the day patrolling party of Maitri Vihar Police Station in Bhubaneswar apprehended five habitual drug peddlers near Hatiasuni under Maitrivihar Police Station on Wednesday. The police seized brown sugar weighing 270 grams valued at Rs 27 lakh, a four-wheeler, scooter, four mobile phones and Rs 14,500 as cash from the possession of the accused persons. 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

20 March,2025 01:05 PM IST | Bhubaneswar | IANS
Pramod Sawant. File pic

Goa CM Pramod Sawant completes six years in office, thanks people for support

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed his gratitude to the people of Goa as he completed six years in office. In an X post, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wrote, "On completing 6 years in office, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Goa for your trust, support, and affection-you inspire me every day." He further added, "I am grateful to the Bharatiya Janata Party for this opportunity. My deepest gratitude goes to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for his visionary leadership. I also extend my sincere thanks to BJP4India President Shri JPNadda ji, Union Home Minister Shri AmitShah ji and State Leadership for their guidance in making Goa Viksit & Swayampurna. I deeply appreciate all BJP Karyakartas for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey." On completing 6 years in office, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Goa for your trust, support, and affection-you inspire me every day.I am grateful to the Bharatiya Janata Party for this opportunity. My deepest gratitude goes to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri… — Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) March 19, 2025 Sawant also thanked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister and expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership. He also thanked BJP President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the state leadership for their guidance in making Goa more developed and self-reliant. "As we move forward, I pledge to serve with dedication, sincerity, and a vision for a Viksit Goa," Sawant in his X post added. In his message, Sawant also praised the efforts of BJP workers, saying their unwavering support and encouragement helped him throughout his journey. Chief Minister also promised to continue serving the state with dedication and a vision for a developed Goa. Recently, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised Goa's vision of becoming a leading entrepreneurship hub in the country through a series of innovative programs said an official release. The Chief Minister was speaking at the 1st anniversary celebrations of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Goa Centre, and the 50th anniversary of EDC Limited. Marking the occasion, he highlighted the success of the Chief Minister Rozgar Yojana (CMRY) scheme, stating, "Under the CMRY scheme, over 8,000 beneficiaries have received support worth Rs 300 crore, while MSME term loans have empowered over 13,000 businesses with Rs 4,100 crore across the state". During the event, CM Pramod Sawant inaugurated the EDII Goa website and unveiled souvenirs celebrating the institute's achievements over the past year. 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

20 March,2025 01:03 PM IST | Panaji (Goa) | ANI
Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates visits Parliament House, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. Pic/PTI

Bill Gates, Indian ministers discuss AI, health, agriculture

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday met Union Health Minister J P Nadda and reviewed the collaboration between the government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the healthcare sector. In a post on X, Nadda highlighted the strides India has made in areas such as maternal health, immunisation, and sanitation with the Gates Foundation's support. “Met with Mr Bill Gates, founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, during his visit to India today. We discussed the remarkable progress India has achieved in healthcare, particularly in maternal health, immunisation, and sanitation, through our collaboration with the Foundation,” Nadda said. Gates also held discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to improve service delivery in the fields of healthcare, education, agriculture, and employment generation.  After his meeting with Gates, Naidu in a post on X lauded the role of the Gates Foundation in realising the vision of ‘Swarna Andhra Pradesh 2047’—a long-term developmental goal of the state.  On Monday, Gates met Union  Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan who said the discussions covered a range of topics, including food security, rural development and the application of AI and Machine Learning in agriculture. AI mission  India AI Mission and Gates Foundation will soon sign an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).  The India AI Mission focuses on developing AI applications in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, weather forecasting, and disaster management. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Gates hailed India's achievements in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adding that India's leadership in AI will drive innovation worldwide. Addressing the—Future Forward—an action-driven forum that brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and changemakers to drive real-world collaboration and impact event said, “Similar to how DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) has garnered global attention, India's leadership in AI will drive innovation worldwide.” Gates said that he’s spoken to Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure the participation of India in upcoming AI Summit to benefit countries, especially from the Global South. He said that AI will accelerate advancements in areas like mRNA vaccines, agricultural innovation, and the fight against malnutrition. Gates also hailed capabilities of Indian companies in developing low-cost, high-quality vaccines and the country's healthcare sector. Gates also visited Parliament on Wednesday where the Budget Session is presently underway. 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

20 March,2025 07:56 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Farmer leaders arrive for a meeting in Chandigarh. Pic/PTI

Farmers, Centre hold fresh talks

The seventh round of talks between farmer leaders and a central delegation concluded on Wednesday, with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announcing the next meeting on May 4.  The talks were held to discuss the various demands raised by the farmers, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops, among others. Ahead of the talks, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said a 28-member delegation of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) will take part in the meeting.  The two farmer bodies are spearheading the farmers’ stir. The last meeting between the farmers and the central delegation was held here on February 22.  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

20 March,2025 07:56 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
The police further said the exact motive behind the killings would be confirmed after further interrogation. Representational pic

Delhi: Elderly couple found murdered in Kohat Enclave, domestic help arrested

An elderly couple, both around 70 years old, was found murdered in their residence in Kohat Enclave, North-West Delhi, with police suspecting their domestic help to be behind the crime.According to local police, the couple was allegedly strangled to death, and their bodies were discovered on Tuesday. Following an investigation, Delhi Police arrested the prime suspect, while efforts are underway to trace his accomplice.Police officers believe the murder occurred two to three days ago but came to light only when the couple's son, who lives in the same locality, visited their house and found them dead. He immediately informed the authorities.The police further said the exact motive behind the killings would be confirmed after further interrogation.  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.

20 March,2025 02:59 AM IST | Delhi | ANI

Nagpur violence: Cops identify individuals behind provocative social media posts

Maharashtra Cyber Cell has identified individuals who posted provocative content on social media amid the recent violence in Nagpur.Authorities have stated that notices are being sent to these individuals as part of their investigation."We have identified a few people who posted provocative posts on social media. They are being sent notice," the police said.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, stated that an investigation is underway into the Nagpur violence.He assured that peace prevails in the city and emphasised that there had been no riots in the area for several years. Fadnavis also alleged that misinformation was deliberately spread and reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order."The investigation is underway in the Nagpur violence case...There is peace in the city at present. There have been no riots here in the past several years...Some people did all this deliberately... The rumour was deliberately spread...There are many challenges on the issue of law and order, and we will be able to meet them," he told in the state assembly."The Commissioner of Police (CP) has stated that the investigation is ongoing and no conclusion has been reached yet. Therefore, there is no difference between my statement and that of the CP," the Chief Minister added. He also assured that those responsible for the attacks would be identified."We will dig out the person who attacked even from the grave," he added.Fadnavis further stated that Nagpur remains peaceful and has not witnessed riots since 1992. He also refuted claims that religious verses were burned during the violence, stating, "This rumour was deliberately spread. No verses were written and burnt." Shifting the focus to law and order, Fadnavis emphasised the role of perception in assessing crime statistics.He noted that Maharashtra ranks eighth in the country, with no city from the state appearing in the top five for crime rates. Among the top 10 cities, Nagpur ranks seventh, primarily due to rural areas being merged into its jurisdiction. Without these areas, its ranking would fall between 22nd and 24th place. Meanwhile, Mumbai is positioned at 15th, while Pune stands at 18th.Presenting crime data, he pointed out that while overall crime rates have declined between 2023 and 2024, cases of molestation and rape have risen. He attributed this increase to changes in crime definitions following the Nirbhaya case in 2013, which expanded the classification of such offences and introduced stricter legal provisions."This increase is worrying, but in another way, it is satisfactory as these cases were earlier not reported due to social taboos," he said in the assembly.Highlighting Nagpur's growing academic and research infrastructure, Fadnavis stated that after Mumbai received the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, Nagpur will now house a National Forensic Science campus. 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.

20 March,2025 02:50 AM IST | Nagpur | ANI
Foreign language programmes, including BA (Hons) in Turkish and other languages, have witnessed a 37.15 per cent fee rise in Jamia Millia Islamia. Representational pic

Jamia Millia Islamia hikes fees by up to 41 per cent across courses for 2025-26

Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has announced a fee hike for the academic year 2025-26, with increases ranging from 16 to 41 per cent across various courses. A comparison of the latest prospectus with that of the previous year reveals a sharp rise in tuition fees. The Department of Persian of Jamia Millia Islamia has seen a 41.41 per cent increase, with fees rising from Rs 6,700 to Rs 9,475 per year. The Department of Arabic follows closely, with a 37.15 per cent hike, pushing annual fees from Rs 7,200 to Rs 9,875. Similarly, foreign language programmes, including BA (Hons) in Turkish and other languages, have also witnessed a 37.15 per cent fee rise. Social sciences programmes, including MA and BA (Hons) in Political Science, four-year BA (Multidisciplinary), and B Com (Hons), now cost Rs 9,875 per year, reflecting a 32.99 per cent increase from the previous Rs 7,425. Science programmes, including BSc (multidisciplinary), Geography, Mathematics, and Physics, have undergone a 34.29 per cent hike, raising fees from Rs 7,800 to Rs 10,475 per year. The fees for professional courses have also been increased. B Tech programmes have seen a 19.04 per cent hike, increasing from Rs 16,150 to Rs 19,225 per year, while M Tech programmes now cost Rs 21,375 per year, marking a 16.48 per cent rise. Law programmes, including LLM (regular) and BA LLB (Hons), have experienced a 19 per cent increase, raising fees from Rs 15,000 to Rs 17,850 annually. With all programmes witnessing an increase in tuition fees, students may face additional financial strain. Meanwhile, JMI has also announced the launch of 14 new courses and expanded its use of Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores for admissions. This year, 25 programmes, including nine undergraduate, five postgraduate, eight diploma, and three advanced diploma courses, will admit students based on CUET merit, up from 20 last year. 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.

20 March,2025 01:39 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
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