A 22-year-old nurse was allegedly raped by the director of a private hospital in Kanpur, police said Monday. It is suspected that the nurse was given a soft drink laced with intoxicants before being raped. An FIR has been registered and the accused arrested. Kalyanpur's Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abhishek Pandey said the woman has been working as a nurse at a private hospital in Kalyanpur for the last couple of months. On Sunday evening, she attended a party thrown by the director in the hospital. The accused asked her to stay at the hospital during night hours on the pretext of official work, he said. Around midnight he called her to his room and forcefully pulled her inside and locked the door, the ACP said. The director took the nurse hostage and allegedly raped her, said another official requesting anonymity. The accused also threatened the nurse to kill her if she reported the incident to anyone, the official added. The police have not yet disclosed the identity of the accused. He was produced before the court following the arrest, the official said. The victim's medical examination would be conducted and she would be produced before the court to record her statement before the magistrate, the police 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
05 November,2024 09:55 AM IST | Kanpur (UP) | PTIA privately operated bus fell into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Monday, killing at least 36 of the about 60 people on board and injuring 24. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a compensation of R4 lakh for the next of those killed and a financial assistance of R1 lakh for the injured. Four of the injured are serious out of which three were airlifted to AIIMS, Rishikesh and one was taken to Sushila Tiwari Hospital, Haldwani, Almora District Disaster official Management Officer Vineet Pal said. There were around 60 people on board the 43-seater bus when the accident took place, he said, adding that overloading of the vehicle could have led to the accident. District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey said the bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owner Association, was on its way from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon about 250 km away when the accident took place around 8 am. The 43-seater bus plunged into a 200-metre gorge and landed close to a rivulet in Almora’s Marchula area just 35 km before its destination Ramnagar, the DM said. He said that the police and NDRF personnel rushed to the spot and launch a search and rescue operation. Assistant Regional Transport Officers of Pauri and Almora were suspended following the accident in which a magisterial probe was also ordered. 24No. of people injured PM, President condole deaths PM Narendra Modi and President Drouapdi Murmu condoled the deaths and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The PM also announced an ex-gratia of R2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and R50,000 for the injured. “The news of the death of many people in a road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand is heart-rending,” Murmu said. Kharge, Rahul express grief New Delhi: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi expressed grief and urged the local authorities to provide immediate compensation to the victims’ families and support to the injured. They also urged local Congress workers to provide all possible help to the families of those affected. “The news of the deaths of many people in a horrific road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand, is extremely sad,” Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. 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
05 November,2024 09:32 AM IST | Dehradun | AgenciesTaking a strong exception to Delhi’s high pollution levels during Diwali, the Supreme Court on Monday sought to know from the Delhi government and the Delhi Police Commissioner about the steps taken to implement the firecracker ban. “We want all the orders to be placed on record banning the sale, manufacture and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi. We are also issuing notice to the Delhi police commissioner on the action police has taken against the violators and the steps it is taking to implement the orders of the court,” a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said. The responses will have to be filed within a week. 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
05 November,2024 09:26 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesUnion Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said India has been re-elected as the President of Indian Solar Alliance (ISA) from 2024 to 2026. Addressing the press conference at 7th General Assembly of the ISA, Joshi informed that France has been reelected as Vice-President of the ISA. India’s election to the President post is a testament to the impactful work the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been doing over the years for the global good in advancing solar energy adoption across the globe and boosting investment in essential solar projects, including mini-grids and healthcare solutions, Joshi opined. Eight Vice Presidents of the Standing Committee, two from each of the four ISA geographical regions, were also selected by the Assembly. ISA Member Countries have also selected the third Director General of the Alliance. Ashish Khanna is the Director General Designate and will assume office in March 2025, when the tenure of the incumbent Director General, Ajay Mathur, comes to a close, he informed. 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
05 November,2024 08:15 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the "deliberate" attack on a Hindu temple in Canada and expressed his dismay over the "cowardly attempts" to intimidate India's diplomats, stating that New Delhi expects Ottawa to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law." I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2024 The statement from PM Modi followed hours after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, which occurred the previous day, reported news agency ANI. "We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries regarding the violence in Brampton. Won't be deterred by intimidation: PM Modi "The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment, and violence," PM Modi. India has consistently expressed its deep concern about extremism, violence, and anti-India activities in Canada, seeking action against such conduct. This marks the first statement from PM Modi since the Canada-related controversy began, stated ANI. An Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton experienced a "violent disruption" on Sunday (local time). The incident drew widespread criticism both in Canada and abroad. Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it "completely unacceptable." Relations between India and Canada have significantly deteriorated following Canadian leaders' allegations regarding an assassination on their soil without providing evidence. The decline in diplomatic ties has prompted India to withdraw its High Commissioner from Canada. Last month, India summoned Canada’s then Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheeler and conveyed that the "baseless targeting" of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats and officials in Canada was entirely unacceptable. India underscored that, in an environment of extremism and violence, the actions of the Trudeau Government endangered the safety of its diplomats. "We have no faith in the current Canadian Government's commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials," the MEA stated in a release. Bilateral relations soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that he had "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has denied all allegations, labelling them "absurd" and "motivated," while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements. Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. Trudeau also stated last month that his government had not provided India with hard evidence, only intelligence regarding the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil. During testimony at Canada's foreign interference inquiry, Trudeau said that India had been pressing for evidence regarding the allegations levelled by Canada. "Behind the scenes, we were trying to get India to co-operate with us. Their ask was...give us the evidence you have on us. Our response was it is within your security agency. You should be looking into how much they know, you should be engaging... 'No, no but show us the evidence'. At that point, it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof. So we said let's work together..." he said. (With ANI inputs)
04 November,2024 09:08 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMadhurima Raje Chhatrapati withdrew her candidature for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 from the Kolhapur West Assembly seat, leaving the Congress red-faced, news agency PTI reported. A visually upset Satej Patil expressed dismay at Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati pulling out of the race in Kolhapur, leaving the Congress without representation in one of its western Maharashtra strongholds. The setback comes after the Congress changed its earlier candidate on the seat, ex-corporator Rajesh Latkar, and nominated her after a party office was vandalised by those opposed to the former. Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati is the daughter-in-law of Kolhapur Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) and royal family member Shahu Chhatrapati. Quoting sources, PTI stated that Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati may have pulled out of the race owing to the negative publicity over the snub to Latkar. They added the Congress is likely to support Latkar, who is contesting as an independent. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to convince two-time lawmaker Gopal Shetty to opt out from Mumbai's Borivali. Shetty, who had won the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat with more than 4 lakh votes in 2014 and 2019, was not given a ticket in the 2024 general polls. He had rebelled for the seat, among the safest for the BJP, and said that a ticket had been given to "outside" candidates for several years now, while local party workers were being ignored. He had also flagged the lack of communication from the leadership with grassroot functionaries, PTI reported. On Monday, Shetty announced that he will support the party's official nominee, Sanjay Upadhyay. Sada Sarvankar firm on decision However, despite Shetty's decision to not contest as an Independent candidate, the headache for the Mahayuti continued as Sada Sarvankar refused to pull out from the contest in Mahim on a Shiv Sena ticket, amid pressure from the party leadership. He is pitted against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's son Amit, who has the backing of the BJP, a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti along with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Meanwhile, the BJP also managed to get rebel Nana Kate to withdraw his nomination from the Chinchwad in Pune district, leaving the seat clear of intra-party hurdles for official candidate Shankat Jagtap, who is pitted against Rahul Kalate of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. There were good tidings in Pune for the Congress as well after Mukhtar Shaikh withdrew from the Kasba Peth Assembly Constituency and announced his support to the party's official candidate Ravindra Dhangekar. Shiv Sena candidates Rajashri Aherrao from Deolali and Dhanraj Mahale from Dindori (Nashik), who hit the headlines after their AB forms (essential poll documents from the party) were ferried on special aircraft, also withdrew their nominations. The two were fielded by the Shiv Sena despite the seats being officially allotted to ally NCP as part of the Mahayuti's seat sharing agreement. The voting for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 will take place in 288 seats in a single phase on November 20. The votes will be counted on November 23. (With PTI inputs)
04 November,2024 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who is leading the BJP's election efforts in Jharkhand, expressed confidence on Monday about the party's prospects in the upcoming state assembly elections, reported news agency ANI. Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Local residents united to support BJP Speaking to party workers in Khijri, Chauhan claimed that local residents are united in their support for the BJP, viewing the party as key to the state's development, security, and job creation. Speaking to party workers in Khijri, the Union Minister said, "The people of Khijri have taken the resolution to save Jharkhand's 'mati, beti, and roti.' Everyone has unitedly decided to make BJP win so development will take place...infiltrators can be thrown out, youths can get jobs...law and order situation can be improved...we will win all the seats in Jharkhand." Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Shehzad Poonawalla criticises JMM-Congress alliance Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday criticised the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress alliance, labelling it as the “biggest threat” to the tribal community's welfare and cultural heritage in the state. "They (people) are supporting BJP as they know that JMM-Congress is the biggest threat to the 'Roti, Beti, Maati, Sanskriti' of the tribal community...The people have seen it happen in the last 5 years. There is an existential threat they are facing, and therefore they have stood up against this kind of JMM 'Jhol, Mafia, and Muslim appeasement' government," Poonawalla told ANI. Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Mandal Murmu joins BJP The BJP received a boost on Sunday when Mandal Murmu, who had previously supported JMM leader Hemant Soren's candidacy, joined the party. After joining BJP, Murmu pledged to address demographic changes in the Santhal Pargana region. "First of all, I bow before my ancestors...Sidhu-Kanhu, Phulo Jhano sacrificed themselves for this nation...I belong to that family. We will take the initiative regarding the demography in Santhal Pargana," Murmu told reporters. Mandal Murmu joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister and BJP's Jharkhand election in-charge, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Assam Chief Minister and BJP co-in-charge of Jharkhand, Himanta Biswa Sarma, stated ANI. The Jharkhand Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results to be announced on November 23. In the 2020 Assembly election in Jharkhand, JMM won 30 seats, BJP won 25 seats, and Congress won 16. In 2014, BJP won 37 seats, JMM won 19 seats, and Congress won only 6 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
04 November,2024 05:51 PM IST | Khijri, Ranchi, Jharkhand | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Monday lifted a bail condition for Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, removing the necessity for him to appear at a police station in Uttar Pradesh once a week in connection with a UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) case, reported PTI. According to the report, the ruling was made by a bench of Justices PS Narasimhan and Sandeep Mehta, and it altered the condition set at Kappan's bail hearing in September 2022. "The order dated September 9, 2022, is modified, and it shall not be necessary for the petitioner to report to the local police station," noted the bench, noting that Kappan's other demands might be followed independently. Kappan was first arrested in October 2020 while on his way to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where a Dalit woman had died after reportedly being sexually raped. When Kappan was granted bail after nearly two years in prison, the court ordered him to return to the relevant police station every week, citing concerns for national security and potential links to the Popular Front of India (PFI), which had previously been accused of inciting protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the report further stated. Reportedly, Kappan was released with various bail conditions, including a six-week stay in Delhi and a weekly report to the Nizamuddin police station. Following this period, he was allowed to return to his native district of Malappuram, Kerala, but was required to report to the local police station on Mondays. He was also barred from leaving Delhi without court permission and was compelled to appear in trial court every day, either in person or through a lawyer. He also had to surrender his passport to the investigating authorities. Kappan and three others were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and UAPA for allegedly associating with the PFI and attempting to disrupt law and order in Hathras, the PTI report further stated. The Hathras case, which involves the alleged rape of a young woman on September 14, 2020, garnered national attention, especially after she died from her injuries two weeks later in a Delhi hospital. Her nighttime cremation in her community allegedly carried out without her family's permission, provoked significant indignation. The family claimed they were denied the opportunity to carry her remains home for a final farewell, prompting accusations of mistreatment by local officials.
04 November,2024 05:14 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a public rally in Haveri on Monday, emphasising what he termed "injustice" in the distribution of funds from the central government to the state, reported news agency ANI. He claimed that Karnataka contributes significantly more in taxes than it receives in return, calling out the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for their silence on this issue. Karnataka: Siddaramaiah criticises BJP The Karnataka chief minister also criticised the BJP for “doing politics” regarding the Waqf land issue. He said he is ready to provide proof of the notices given to farmers during the tenure of former CM B S Yeddiyurappa, stated ANI. Siddaramaiah criticised the financial allocations, stating, "Injustice is happening for Karnataka did Prahlad Joshi raised voice against this? Did Bommai raise the voice? Did Shetter speak about injustice to Karnataka? How can it be treated as politics if we say injustice has done to Karnataka? Getting back 60 thousand crores after giving 4.5 lakh crore, is that not injustice?" He questioned why prominent BJP figures, including Prahlad Joshi, Basavaraj Bommai, and Jagadish Shettar, have not spoken out against this disparity. Karnataka: 16th Finance Commission visit He recalled raising this issue with the 16th Finance Commission during their visit to Bangalore, where he highlighted the inequities faced by Karnataka in the previous finance commission's assessments. "The 16th finance commission was formed and they came to Bangalore. We explained how much injustice happened to our Karnataka in the 15th finance commission. More than 4.5 lakh crore rupees are being paid as tax from Karnataka annually. We are getting 55 to 60 thousand crores in return is it the correct thing?" he said. Karnataka: CM on Waqf issue The Chief Minister also addressed the Waqf land issue, accusing the BJP of politicising the matter. He stated, "They are doing politics in the Waqf issue even after we withdraw notices. No farmers will be vacated, as soon as we came to know we withdrew notice. But why have they (BJP) given notice in 216 cases? I am ready to give information on notices on the cases during the tenure of B S Yeddyurappa." Siddaramaiah defended his government's development initiatives, questioning if "guarantees are not development?" He cited his previous term as CM, and said, "Earlier when I was CM I assured 165 programmes in the manifesto out of then 158 fulfilled are they won't come under development? Out of 3 lac 71 crore 52 thousand crores are being used for guarantees, approximately 60 thousand crores are being utilised for development under irrigation, PWD and others, all these things are not development?" (With inputs from ANI)
04 November,2024 04:50 PM IST | Haveri, Karnataka | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday reviewed the preparations for Chhath Puja at ITO ghat and said that at more than 1000 locations Chhath ghats are being prepared, reported news agency ANI. "Today, Chhath ghats are being made at more than 1000 locations in the city. All our ministers and MLAs are inspecting the Chhath ghats...I urge the BJP not to do politics over Chhath puja," Atishi told reporters. Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to the sun that is celebrated in several Indian states and even outside the country. The festival will be celebrated this year from November 5 to 8. Meanwhile, MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj continued his attack on the BJP for allegedly preventing people from offering prayers at certain locations in the capital. "Chirag Delhi Chhath Ghat has become a cantonment. After the police, now the CRPF battalion is also present. If the public is with BJP then why is there so much fear?," the MLA posted on X Earlier, the Delhi CM criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party for engaging in "cheap politics," alleging that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is obstructing Purvanchalis from celebrating Chhath Puja by keeping the gates closed. Notably, DDA is a statutory body that comes under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Atishi claimed that the Delhi development authority was banning entry of people into the Chhath Ghaat in Greater Kailash. Earlier, Atishi declared a public holiday on November 7 for Chhath Puja, calling it an "important festival" for the residents of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, reported ANI. This festival witnesses a high participation rate of women, is marked with fanfare, and is also regarded as an occasion to take a break from household chores and be refreshed. It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by the diaspora from these regions. Chhath Puja spans over four days and is one of the most significant and rigorous festivals, involving strict rituals and fasting to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. (With inputs from ANI)
04 November,2024 02:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTelugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nawab Jan has voiced strong opposition to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 legislation, emphasising that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will not permit the implementation of any bill that harms the interests of Muslims, reported news agency ANI. The TDP is also the alliance partner of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre. Speaking at the 'Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan' organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Sunday, Nawab Jan called for unity among various groups to prevent the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 from being passed in the Parliament. He stated, "Central Government is continuously trying to bring in a Waqf Bill, we all have to go ahead together to thwart that attempt," Nawab Jan said. The TDP leader highlighted the significant benefits that the Muslim community has received under Naidu’s leadership, claiming they are unprecedented since India’s independence. "Our (Andhra Pradesh) CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu is a secular-minded person. He says that Hindus and Muslims are two eyes of the body, any harm done to one eye affects the whole body and I can't tolerate this...Under no circumstance, he (Naidu ) will let a Bill that harms Muslims be implemented," he said. Nawab Jan also credited Naidu for the decision to refer the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to Parliament's Joint Committee (JPC), suggesting that this move was made possible due to his influence. The Waqf Act, of 1995, originally designed to regulate waqf properties, has faced criticism over issues such as mismanagement, corruption and encroachments. The new Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to introduce comprehensive reforms, including digitisation, stricter audits, enhanced transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is currently conducting meetings to gather insights from a range of stakeholders, including government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), now in its third consecutive term, governs at the Centre with the support of allies like the TDP and Janata Dal (United). Both TDP and JD-U are crucial allies of the BJP in the NDA government. TDP has 16 MPs and JD-U has 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha. The BJP-led NDA coalition secured 293 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, with the BJP alone winning 240 seats. Both TDP and JD-U play vital roles in supporting the BJP-led government. (With inputs from ANI)
04 November,2024 01:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
