An Indian-origin couple has been found guilty of defrauding a government company for over USD 2 million in Christchurch of New Zealand, the PTI reported on Tuesday. According to the New Zealand Herald Amandeep Sharma pleaded guilty on May 16 and will now be sentenced in June, the news agency reported. Earlier this month, after pleading guilty to a series of charges including obtaining by deception, money laundering, and using a forged document, his wife was jailed for three years, the newspaper said. According to news portal the press.co.nz, the government agency Oranga Tamariki made 103 payments to Amandeep's company, Divine Connection, between July 2021 and October 2022, corresponding to 326 invoices. The total amount paid was just under USD 2.15 million, reported PTI. The New Zealand Herald detailed how the couple orchestrated the fraud and reported that Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive Andrew Bridgman confirmed an internal investigation was launched in November 2022, immediately after concerns were raised. The matter was then referred to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), leading to the prosecution, reported PTI. Neha began working as a property manager at Oranga Tamariki in 2021 by submitting forged references from her previous role at the Ministry of Education. Upon joining, she agreed to a code of conduct that explicitly prohibited conflicts of interest. However, disregarding these rules, she leveraged her role to register her husband Amandeep’s construction company, Divine Connection, within the agency’s system, assigning it tasks related to property maintenance and similar services. According to New Zealand Herald, “Of the 203 jobs recorded as being assigned to Divine Connection in LogIT, 91 were created by Neha Sharma herself, 64 were created by the helpdesk and 20 were created by the friend. The remainder appeared to have been created by another Facilities Management Officer (FMO). No one knew about their marriage until after they'd conned the government agency out of more than USD 2 million.” The internal investigation uncovered multiple warning signs, one of which was that Amandeep’s company was registered at the same address as Neha’s residence. When Oranga Tamariki confronted her during the inquiry, Neha immediately resigned. Shortly afterward, Amandeep was removed as the company’s director, and the business address was updated. Neha subsequently secured a job with another organization. By the time the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) carried out its raids, the couple had amassed significant assets, including three properties, three vehicles, and around USD 800,000 in their joint bank accounts. The newspaper said,“Less than two weeks after the SFO knocked on their front door, the couple booked two one-way tickets flying business class on Singapore Airlines to Chennai, India. The trip seemed strange since the couple had a busy schedule ahead in Christchurch, including pregnancy.The couple boarded their flight on April 14, with 80 kgs of luggage between them and before leaving, they attempted to liquidate their properties and cars and transferred just under USD 8,00,000 in cash from their bank accounts to accounts held in India.” The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation uncovered that the hidden funds had been transferred from Amandeep’s Bank of India account to seven other bank accounts located in India. Additionally, the High Court in Christchurch issued restraining orders concerning the couple's properties and the proceeds from any sales. Quoting SFO director Karen Chang, thepress.co.nz said, “We would like to acknowledge the police and Indian authorities for their swift action and assistance in securing the defendant's assets.” In court on Friday, Neha's lawyer attributed her actions to ‘baby brain’, suggesting impaired judgment due to pregnancy or early motherhood. However, the Crown argued that she showed no signs of remorse and had made no attempt at reparation. Neha is currently serving her sentence in prison with her infant, while the couple’s older child is staying in India with Amandeep’s sister. (With inputs from PTI)
20 May,2025 11:05 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentThe Crime Branch team of the New Delhi Range, RK Puram, has arrested Dr Devender Kumar Sharma, a convicted serial killer who had been on the run after jumping parole. Sharma was serving a life sentence for multiple cases of kidnapping and murder involving truck and taxi drivers. He absconded in August 2023 while on parole, which was granted during his imprisonment for cases registered in both Delhi and Rajasthan. Authorities noted that he is a repeat offender, having previously jumped parole in 2020. Sharma was also involved for his involvement in a kidney transplant racket operated between 1998 and 2004 alongside a person identified as Dr Amit. During interrogation, he admitted to facilitating around 125 illegal kidney transplants. He was granted a two-month parole on June 9, 2023, in connection with FIR No 55/2004 under sections 302, 365, 392, and 201 IPC at Sarita Vihar Police Station, Delhi, but never surrendered at the end of the parole period, reported ANI. Following his disappearance, the Crime Branch team launched an extensive manhunt. Officers conducted discreet and prolonged investigations across multiple cities, including Aligarh, Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, and Prayagraj. Over six months, they persistently gathered intelligence from possible hideouts and networks, which eventually led to Sharma’s arrest. Sharma, who is already serving a life sentence for multiple murders and was previously involved in a major illegal kidney transplant racket, remains a high-profile and habitual parole violator. Devender Sharma was successfully located in Dausa, Rajasthan, where he was posing as a priest in an ashram. The team disguised as his followers and camped with him to make sure he was Dr Devender. Upon apprehension, the accused confessed to his criminal past and admitted that he had jumped parole to never return to jail. Devendra Sharma, is a permanent resident of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. His father worked for a pharmaceutical company in Siwan, Bihar. He earned a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree in 1984 from Bihar and later opened his own clinic, Janta Clinic, in Bandikui, Rajasthan, which he ran for 11 years. In 1994, he suffered a major financial setback after being defrauded of Rs 11 lakh in a gas dealership scam. Following this loss, in 1995, he turned to criminal activities and allegedly started operating a fake gas agency. During interrogation he confessed that it was during this time that he came in contact with Dr Amit. Between 1998 and 2004, he facilitated over 125 illegal kidney transplants, earning between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh per procedure. He acted as an intermediary, arranging donors for Dr Amit. In 2004, Dr Devender Kumar Sharma was arrested in Gurugram for his involvement in an illegal kidney transplant racket. Around the same time, he and his gang were implicated in a series of taxi driver abductions and murders. They would sell the stolen vehicles in Uttar Pradesh’s grey market, earning approximately Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per car. Sharma was charged with the murder of 21 taxi drivers. He received life sentences in seven different cases filed across Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana. In addition, a Gurgaon court sentenced him to death for one of the taxi driver murders. During interrogation, Sharma admitted to killing over 50 individuals. His wife and children abandoned him in 2004 after his horrific crimes became public. The fugitive has now been handed over to the jail authorities. (With inputs from ANI)
20 May,2025 09:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid demands for a special session of Parliament on Operation Sindoor, CPI leader D Raja on Tuesday said it is "unacceptable" that foreign governments are to be briefed on the matter while Indians "remain in the dark," reported news agency PTI. The Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary, D Raja, further accusing the government, said that political parties were neither consulted nor briefed on the matter, and there was "no clarity" on the mandate of these delegations. Raja also stated that the government's decision to send all-party delegations to key countries, including UNSC members, after Operation Sindoor has been marked by "opacity" and "exclusion." The Centre on Sunday announced the names of members of seven delegations, which will consist of political leaders, parliamentarians, and former ministers, cutting across party lines, travelling to world capitals to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Taking to his social media page, he quoted, "It is unacceptable that foreign governments will be briefed while India's own Parliament and people remain in the dark," on X. 1/ The government’s decision to send all-party delegations to key countries, including UNSC members, after Operation Sindoor has been marked by opacity and exclusion. Political parties were neither consulted nor briefed, and there is no clarity on the mandate of these… — D. Raja (@ComradeDRaja) May 20, 2025 Talking about the recent arrest of an Ashoka University professor over his post on Operation Sindoor to the fore, the CPI leader called it a suppression of dissent. “Since the Pahalgam attack, the nation has responded with unity against terror. Yet, the BJP has chosen to exploit the moment to deepen divisions, score political points, and suppress dissent. The arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, targeted not for his words, but for his identity and reasoned critique, is one among many troubling signs," his post read. According to PTI, the CPI leader Raja further sought an explanation from the government on the "growing confusion" over the ceasefire terms between India and Pakistan and the role of US President Donald Trump, "who irresponsibly alluded to a nuclear conflict." "Shockingly, the government has yet not explicitly denied or condemned his claims. This stands in direct contrast to the Foreign Secretary's reported statement before a parliamentary panel that both sides used conventional warfare," he said. Following US President Donald Trump's involvement in the ceasefire, Raja questioned whether the government would answer these questions or if India's national security dialogue would "remain hostage to Donald Trump's monologues." Raja also emphasised the fact that many opposition parties, including Congress, have been demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor that was launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Following the central government's silence on the request made by the opposition party, the CPI leader asserted that the government must first "respect its own people and institutions" before reaching out to the world. "India deserves transparency, unity, and dignity, not arrogance, opacity, and suppression," he added. According to PTI, Raja also trained guns on the BJP-led government's foreign policy, stating that "no major nation has stood unequivocally with India." "Worse, BJP leaders like Vijay Shah, who linked a decorated officer, Colonel Sofia Qureshi, to terrorists purely based on her religion, continue as a minister, bringing international embarrassment," his post on X read. However, the foreign diplomatic delegations will be led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), and will visit a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, reported PTI. (With PTI inputs)
20 May,2025 09:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBengaluru has experienced heavy rainfall in the past 36 hours, bringing normal life to a standstill on Tuesday. Heavy traffic jams were reported across the city and residents were seen wading through knee-deep water. According to PTI, the rain-related toll went up to five in the state. The Sai Layout area continued to resemble an island due to the torrential rains. The homes on the ground floor were submerged partially in water, leaving residents trapped indoors. Authorities reported that around 150 people were rescued and relocated to safer places on Monday. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) provided food and drinking water to those affected at Sai Layout. However, residents, criticising the civic authorities, claimed that the officials showed little concern for their hardships. In Hennur, another rain-hit area, an orphanage faced severe flooding. Rescue teams from the Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Disaster Response Force, evacuated the occupants as the premises were inundated. Commuters struggled to navigate through knee-deep water in several parts of the city, including areas near Manyata Tech Park, which is home to several multinational offices and the Silk Board Junction. The continuous downpour also led to the formation of new potholes, increasing the risk for motorists. Waterlogging caused widespread traffic congestion, leaving vehicles stranded across Bengaluru. As per reports of PTI, two people, including a 12-year-old, were electrocuted while trying to drain rainwater that had entered an apartment in the city, police said on Tuesday. According to Mico Layout Police, 63-year-old Manmohan Kamath, a resident of Madhuvan Apartment in NS Palya near BTM 2nd Stage, attempted to use a motorised pump on Monday evening to remove water that had entered his home. "When he connected the pump to a socket, there was a short circuit, leading to his electrocution," a police officer involved in the investigation said. He further added that Dinesh (12), son of a Nepalese man, who worked at the apartment complex, was standing near Kamath, was also electrocuted. Both were declared dead by doctors at a hospital. The station head confirmed that both the cases have been registered under Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs). Another case was registered within the limits of Mahadevapura Police Station on Monday when a compound wall fell on Sasikala (35) while she was sweeping at a company. Two people died of lightning in Raichur and Karwar, officials said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru has received about 30 mm rain in the last 24 hours. The city was flooded with record rain of 105 mm on Sunday night and Monday morning. Heavy rains were observed in several parts of Karnataka, especially south Karnataka, coastal and Malnad region. Mangaluru, the district headquarter town of Dakshina Kannada, recorded 90 mm rain in the last 24 hours. Orange alert has been declared in Bengaluru by IMD and yellow alert in various other places across Karnataka on Tuesday. An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu stated that an orange alert has been issued for Bengaluru due to anticipated rainfall of eight to 10 cm, which is likely to have a significant impact on the city. "The amount of rainfall we are receiving is nothing for rural areas. But because cities like Bengaluru are concretised mostly, and thus blocking the outlets for water drainage, we have issued an orange alert so that authorities can prepare accordingly," he said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for multiple districts across Karnataka as heavy rains continue to lash the state. According to the IMD, areas likely to be affected today include Bagalkot, Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Belgaum, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Kolar, Koppal, and Vijayanagara districts. A yellow alert has been sounded in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Dharwad, Bengaluru Rural, and Bengaluru Urban districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall between six cm and 11 cm. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in the affected districts over the next 24 hours. In light of the weather conditions, the IMD has appealed to residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. "Take safe shelters. Do not take shelter under trees. Unplug electrical electronic appliances immediately. Get out of water bodies immediately. Keep away from all the objects that conduct electricity," the bulletin read. (With inputs from PTI)
20 May,2025 08:44 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentThe Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have unanimously adopted the world's first Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly on Monday to prevent future pandemic outbreaks. In a major move aimed at safeguarding global health, the agreement seeks to boost international coordination and ensure equitable access to life-saving tools during future pandemics, while reaffirming respect for national sovereignty in public health decisions. This agreement and resolution will be adopted and further discussed by all the members during the World Health Assembly on May 20. According to a WHO press release, a high-level segment featuring statements from Heads of State of various countries will follow immediately afterwards. In a press release, WHO stated, "This watershed agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. It aims to foster stronger collaboration and cooperation among countries, international organizations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics occurring in the first place, and to better respond in the event of a future pandemic crisis." Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, General Director of WHO, congratulated members of states for resolving unanimously after Covid-19 to protect the world from future pandemics. The WHO press release further stated, “Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential. I congratulate WHO's Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat.” This resolution compiles multiple precautions for taking the world forward and also prepares the countries for implementing the agreement. It involves initiating a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the agreement that will establish a 'Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS)' system, facilitated by an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The outcome of this process will be reviewed at next year’s World Health Assembly. Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the Pandemic Agreement will be opened for signature and potential ratification by national legislatures. The Agreement will come into force after receiving 60 ratifications. Additionally, Member States directed the IGWG to begin establishing the Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, as well as the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL). These initiatives aim to ‘enhance, facilitate, and work to remove barriers and ensure equitable, timely, rapid, safe, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products for countries in need during public health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic emergencies, and for the prevention of such emergencies.’ In a press release, the WHO stated, "According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO 'rapid access targeting 20 percent of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.' The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out on the basis of public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries and those supported through the GSCL." The Pandemic Agreement is aligned with the International Health Regulations, which were amended by governments at last year’s World Health Assembly to strengthen global rules for detecting, preventing, and responding to outbreaks, reported by ANI WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his gratitude to the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for leading and facilitating the drafting and negotiation process of the Agreement. He also commended the dedication and expertise of the WHO Secretariat team, led by Dr Michael Ryan and Dr Jaouad Mahjour, for their support to the Bureau and Member States. A truly historic evening at the #WHA78: the #PandemicAccord resolution was approved in Committee A with 124 in favour, 0 against and 11 abstentions. The final step: adoption in plenary tomorrow morning. My thanks once again to @WHO Member States for choosing to keep the world… pic.twitter.com/eYzhJDrwKi — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 19, 2025 He stated, "An immensely talented, experienced and driven WHO team was assembled to support the vision of governments to develop this historic Pandemic Agreement." "This group of individuals, representing so many countries and regions of the world, deserve enormous credit and thanks from the international community for what they have done to help make the world safer for future generations," he added. (With inputs from ANI)
20 May,2025 08:39 PM IST | Geneva, Switzerland | mid-day online correspondentIn a major breakthrough as part of anti-Naxal operations in India, the Gadchiroli Police in Maharashtra along with the CRPF has nabbed five hardcore Maoists, including four women, who were collectively carried a reward of Rs 36 lakh on them, police said. They were planning a major attack in the Binagunda forest area, police said on Tuesday. Among the five held, three senior Maoists were arrested, including one Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and one Area Committee Member (ACM), along with two other armed members, police officials said. The police said that it has seized seven weapons, including one automatic SLR rifle, one .303 rifle, three single-shot rifles, and two country-made guns. According to the officials, the operation was carried out during the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) period, a time when Maoist activity traditionally increases. Acting on confidential intelligence, C-60 commando teams and CRPF’s 37 Battalion ‘A’ Company were deployed to the Binagunda area under Laheri police limits on 18 May 2025. On the morning of May 19, the teams surrounded the village and tactfully detained five Maoists without opening fire, as local civilians were also present, officials said. Those held by the police in the operation were identified as Ungi Mangru Hoyam alias Sumli (DVCM, Platoon 32), 28, carrying a reward of Rs 16 lakh, Pallavi Kesa Midiyam alias Bandi (PPCM, Platoon 32), 19, having a reward of Rs 8 lakh, Deve Kosa Podiyam alias Sabita (Member, Platoon 32), 19, having a reward of Rs 4 lakh on her and two other armed Maoist members – jointly carried Rs 8 lakh in rewards on them, police said. Senior officers including Special IG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sandeep Patil, DIG Ankita Goyal, SP Nilotpal, CRPF DIG Ajay Kumar Sharma, and other top officials led and coordinated the operation. SP Nilotpal has vowed to intensify anti-Maoist operations in the region and has urged Maoists to surrender and rejoin society with dignity under the government’s rehabilitation policy. Police said that all five are active Maoist operatives involved in various anti-national activities including attacks on security forces and destruction of government property. While three have been formally arrested, two others -- believed to be minors -- have been taken into protective custody for further legal verification and presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The police said that it has also recovered three wireless sets and other Maoist supplies. The Maharashtra government had declared a total reward of Rs 36 lakh for the capture of the five Maoists. With this action, the Gadchiroli police have now arrested 103 Maoists since January 2022.
20 May,2025 07:51 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAs rains continue to batter Bengaluru, disrupting normal life and inundating several parts of the city, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister (CM) DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said officials have been deployed for the aid of residents and they are attending to the issues caused by the downpour. He also said that there is no need for anyone to worry. Shivakumar, who is also minister in-charge of Bengaluru Development, stated that the Karnataka government is committed to protect the lives and properties of the people, as he hit back at the opposition's criticism of the administration's "failure" in managing the situation, by asking them whether they can stop nature? Bengaluru witnessed heavy downpour in the past 36 hours, bringing normal life to complete standstill on Tuesday, too. Residents were seen wading through knee-deep water even as traffic jams were reported in several areas. "We got information about two deaths late last evening. We have sent out officials. I will also go. Instructions have been given to officials. All are on the field and are attending. There is no need for anyone to worry. Our priority is to save the lives and properties of people. We are committed to it," Shivakumar said. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru ahead of traveling to Hosapete to attend an event organised to commemorate the state government's two years in office, Shivakumar said CM Siddaramaiah will be visiting some rain-affected spots on Wednesday. "I visited some spots last night. Irrespective of wherever we are, our duty is to save Bengaluru's pride, and we will do it," he added. When asked about the opposition’s criticism of the Congress government and its ‘Brand Bengaluru’, the Deputy CM asked, "Can they stop nature? No one can stop. Let them criticise, we will do our duty." Replying to a question on the possibility of more rains, Shivakumar said, "I'm someone who says let there be rains, let anyone say anything. More the rain comes, the better for the state." Speaking on the condition of roads in Bengaluru amid the rains, Shivakumar said that work is on and permanent concrete roads are being laid. (With PTI inputs)
20 May,2025 07:25 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentVeteran scientist and former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, MR Srinivasan, who played a key role in the country's indigenous nuclear energy programme, died in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, his family said. He was 95 and is survived by wife and daughter. "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr M R Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)," the family said in a statement. It said Srinivasan joined the DAE in September 1955 and began his distinguished career working alongside Dr Homi Bhabha on the construction of the country's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality a year later. In 1959, he was appointed as the Principal Project Engineer for the construction of India's first atomic power station. "His leadership continued to shape the nation's nuclear program when, in 1967, he took charge as Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS)," the statement said. He held several key positions of national importance, such as the Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division, DAE, and Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board. "In these roles, he oversaw the planning, execution, and operation of all nuclear power projects across the country." "In 1987, he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he became the Founder-Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Under his leadership, 18 nuclear power units were developed, seven of which were operational, seven under construction, and four in the planning stage," the statement added. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to India's nuclear energy program, Dr Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of the nation's highest civilian honors. District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of Srinivasan. 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 May,2025 04:43 PM IST | Udhagamandalam | PTIThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that an upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form around May 21 over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast.A low-pressure area will likely form over the same region around May 22, under its influence and thereafter, it is likely to move northwards and intensify further, the IMD said.The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bengaluru has issued warnings for coastal Karnataka. It predicts extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning with strong surface winds until May 21 and very heavy to heavy rains until May 26.For south interior Karnataka, the IMD forecast extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning until May 21 and heavy to very heavy rains until May 26.For north interior Karnataka, the IMD predicts very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning until May 21 and heavy rains until May 26.Meanwhile, heavy rains has wrecked havoc in Bengaluru with a total of three deaths over the past few days.Manmohan Kamath (63), a resident of Madhuvan Apartments in NS Palya, and Dinesh (12), son of Bharath, a Nepal national residing in an apartment in the BTM Second Stage Dollars Colony, NS Palya, died due to electrocution yesterday.As per Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), South East Bengaluru, Sarah Fathima, Kamath was connecting a motor to pump out water from the basement of the apartment when he got electrocuted and died.One person had died earlier, after a wall collapsed.Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will conduct a city-wide inspection on May 21.Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara asserted that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has been replaced by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), was making efforts to tackle the severe waterlogging affecting several areas of the city, which saw heavy rainfall. 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 May,2025 04:29 PM IST | Bengaluru | ANIThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala in the next four-five days, much earlier than the usual date of June 1. The conditions are likely to become favourable for the further advance of southwest monsoon over some more parts of South Arabian Sea, remaining parts of Maldives and Comorin area, some parts of Lakshadweep area, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, South and Central Bay of Bengal, Northeast Bay of Bengal and some parts of Northeastern states during the same period, IMD said. As per the weather department’s earlier forecast, the monsoon onset over Kerala was expected by May 27. If the monsoon arrives in Kerala as expected, it will be the earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it was recorded on May 23, according to IMD data. "Conditions are likely to become favourable for monsoon onset over Kerala during next 4-5 days," the IMD said in an update on Tuesday afternoon. Normally, the southwest monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15. The monsoon had set in over the southern state on May 30 in 2024, June 8 in 2023, May 29 the year prior to that, June 3 in 2021, June 1 in 2020, June 8 in 2019, and May 29 in 2018. Last month, the weather bureau had predicted above-normal cumulative rainfall for the country this year, ruling out the possibility of El Niño conditions, which are associated with below-normal rainfall in the Indian subcontinent. According to IMD, the rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of the 50-year average of 87 cm is considered 'normal', while rainfall less than 90 per cent of the long-period average is considered 'deficient'; between 90 per cent and 95 per cent is 'below normal'; between 105 per cent and 110 per cent is 'above normal'; and more than 110 per cent is considered 'excess' precipitation. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of about 42.3 per cent of the population and contributes 18.2 per cent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). It is also vital for replenishing reservoirs critical for drinking water and power generation across the country. (With PTI inputs)
20 May,2025 03:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTributes poured in for eminent astrophysicist, science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who passed away in Pune on Tuesday. A towering figure in Indian science, Dr Narlikar was widely known for his pioneering contributions to cosmology, his efforts to popularise science, and for setting up premier research institutions in the country. According to family sources, the eminent astrophysicist died in his sleep early in the morning. He is survived by three daughters. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote that the passing of Dr Jayant Narlikar is a "monumental loss to the scientific community". "He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. Condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," stated PM Modi. The passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar is a monumental loss to the scientific community. He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025 Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis wrote that Dr Narlikar had played a very important role in spreading science by creating literature on scientific subjects. The CM also said that the astrophysicist explained complex subjects to ordinary readers in very simple terms. "We have lost a great scientist and an equally great writer. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him," the CM wrote, adding that his last rites will be conducted with full state honours. ज्येष्ठ खगोल शास्त्रज्ञ आणि विज्ञान लेखक, महाराष्ट्र भूषण जयंत नारळीकर यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय दुःखद आहे.वैज्ञानिक विषयात साहित्य निर्मिती करून विज्ञानाचा प्रसार करण्यात त्याची अत्यंत मोलाची भूमिका राहिली. त्यासाठी जागतिक पातळीवर त्यांना पुरस्कारांनी गौरवण्यात आले. खगोल… pic.twitter.com/1Tws7nMaVR — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 20, 2025 Former Union Minister Sharad Pawar also paid his tributes and said that among the Maharashtrian scientists who contributed to research at the national and international levels, Dr Narlikar will always be remembered with respect and honour. The Hoyle-Narlikar theory is considered very important in the scientific world, noted Pawar. The the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, co-developed by Narlikar, advocated alternative models to the Big Bang theory. His work challenged conventional thinking and expanded the frontiers of astrophysics and he gave a significant direction to scientific research in India during his stints at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pawar noted. The veteran politician also stated that Narlikar's writings and lectures were invaluable for the dissemination of science and that he advocated scientific thinking and opposed superstition. महाराष्ट्राचे सुपुत्र, आंतरराष्ट्रीय कीर्तीचे खगोलशास्त्रज्ञ आणि विज्ञान लेखक डॉ. जयंत नारळीकर यांच्या निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत वेदनादायक आहे.राष्ट्रीय आणि आंतरराष्ट्रीय पातळीवर मराठी वैज्ञानिकांनी दिलेल्या योगदानात डॉ. नारळीकर यांचे नाव नेहमीच आदराने व सन्मानाने घेतले जाते.… pic.twitter.com/YvQix2EwM2 — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) May 20, 2025 Calling Dr Narlikar "one of the world's greatest astrophysicists", Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated, "Along with his doctoral adviser Fred Hoyle, he set the world of cosmology ablaze with his path-breaking contributions. He returned to TIFR in 1972 and thereafter emerged as a phenomenal mentor, educator, author, science communicator, and institution-builder. The world-class Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) he established in Pune in 1988 and shaped decisively thereafter is a tribute to his accomplishments, vision, and indeed his personality.” Dr Narlikar combined "to an unusual degree formidable scholarship with humility", he noted. The Congress General Secretary also shared a picture of a write-up published by the Planning Commission magazine ‘Yojana’ in its July 5, 1964, issue. "It captures the impact he [Dr Narlikar] had when he first shot into global fame," he added. One of the world's greatest astrophysicists Dr. Jayant Narlikar has just passed away.He hailed from a very distinguished intellectual family and excelled in Cambridge Univ in the 1960s. Along with his doctoral adviser Fred Hoyle, he set the world of cosmology ablaze with his… pic.twitter.com/YjN6MUvvWF — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 20, 2025 In his post honouring Dr Narlikar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray wrote, “Veteran astronomer Jayant Narlikar passed away today. In 1964, at the age of 26, a young Marathi scientist, along with his mentor Fred Hoyle, proposed a new theory of gravity, which gave impetus to research on the mystery of the creation of the universe. At that time, the Big Bang theory was the prevailing and widely accepted theory, but it was Narlikar who appealed to it, and many new possibilities regarding the creation of the universe are still being explored today.” ज्येष्ठ खगोल शास्त्रज्ञ जयंत नारळीकर यांचं आज निधन झालं. १९६४ साली वयाच्या २६ व्या वर्षी एका तरुण मराठी शास्त्रज्ञाने आपले गुरु फ्रेड हॉयल यांच्या सोबत गुरुत्वाकर्षणाचा नवा सिद्धांत मांडला आणि यातून विश्वनिर्मितीच्या रहस्यावरील संशोधनाला चालना मिळाली. त्यावेळेस बिगबँग थिअरी ही… pic.twitter.com/x78a62zYIH — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) May 20, 2025 Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, Dr S Somanath, also mourned Dr Narlikar’s death and said that the country has lost a "visionary astrophysicist and science communicator who inspired my generation with his popular works such as 'The lighter side of gravity' and 'Seven wonders of the cosmos'." His pioneering contributions in cosmology, including the Hoyle- Narlikar theory and the founding of IUCAA will be remembered for ever, the former ISRO Chairman said, adding that Narlikar's dedication to public science education including the creation of early science books by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) inspired generations. "A true luminary, his legacy will continue to shine," Somanath added. Meanwhile, IUCAA, also took to X to condole Dr Narlikar’s. In an official post, the Pune-based institute tweeted, "The IUCAA family is in grief. The institute also informed that Dr Narlikar’s last rites will be performed on Wednesday. Was awarded the Padma Bhushan at the young age of 26 Born on July 19, 1938, Dr Narlikar completed his early education on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was a professor and Head of the Mathematics Department. He then pursued his higher studies at Cambridge, becoming a Wrangler and Tyson Medalist in the Mathematical Tripos. In 1965, Dr Narlikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his scientific contributions. He was only 26 years old at the time. From 1972 to 1989, Dr Narlikar worked in TIFR. Under his charge, the Theoretical Astrophysics Group expanded and acquired international standing, reported PTI. In 1988, the University Grants Commission invited Dr Narlikar to set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) as its Founder Director. For his contributions in science, Dr Narlikar was honoured by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1996 with the Kalinga Award for popular science works. He held the directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Under his direction, IUCAA has acquired a worldwide reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics. He was an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA. In 2004, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the Centre. In 2011, the Maharashtra government honoured him with the state's highest civilian award, the Maharashtra Bhushan. In 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences awarded Dr Narlikar their prize for setting up a centre for excellence in science, reported PTI. Besides his scientific research, Dr Narlikar was well-known as a science communicator through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes. He is also known for his science fiction stories. In 2014, the Sahitya Akademi, the premiere literary body in India, selected his autobiography for its highest prize in regional language (Marathi) writing. (With PTI inputs)
20 May,2025 02:46 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
