Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 on February 5, reported news agency ANI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to attend the mela on January 27, with the addition of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is expected to be a part of the celebrations on February 1, reported ANI. On January 27, Home Minister Amit Shah will participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, according to his schedule, where he will be taking a holy dip at the Sangam, performing Ganga Puja, and holding meetings with officials, reported ANI. Security agencies have increased vigilance in anticipation of his visit, with special surveillance at key intersections and event venues in the city. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is scheduled to take a holy dip at the Sangam on February 1. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is also expected to visit Prayagraj on February 10. During her visit, the President is expected to participate in major events being held in the city. Administrative and security preparations are being strengthened to ensure smooth and secure visits for these leaders, reported ANI. Earlier today, devotees gathered in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 even as dense fog engulfed the area. The inclement weather conditions did not seem to affect the footfall of pilgrims. The footfall of the pilgrims is expected to increase in the upcoming days which will see four key Shahi Snans. Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). As per the data of the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 1.597 million devotees took a dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the ninth day of the Mahakumbh. As of January 20, over 88.1 million have already taken a dip in the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati. (With inputs from ANI)
21 January,2025 02:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a relief to senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea of the Enforcement Directorate challenging the bail granted to him in a money laundering case, reported news agency PTI. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan however rejected Bhujbal's plea challenging his arrest in the matter saying the petitioner was released on bail in 2018, and it was not necessary to go into the question of illegality of his arrest at the present stage. "Impugned orders granting bail have been passed way back in the year 2018. Therefore no case for interference is made out at this stage under Article 136 of the Constitution. The SLPs are dismissed," it held, reported PTI. The Bombay High Court on May 4, 2018, granted bail to Bhujbal in the money laundering case. The former Maharashtra deputy chief minister was arrested after an ED inquiry revealed he and his associates had allegedly misused their office and caused financial loss to the government. According to the ED, Bhujbal awarded contracts related to construction and development works, including one for the construction of the Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, to a particular firm, in return for kickbacks for himself and his family, reported PTI. Bhujbal and his nephew Sameer Bhujbal used to channel such money to illegal companies owned by them, alleged the central probe agency. Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde meets NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde, who is under fire over the Beed Sarpanch murder, on January 10 met his party colleague, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal in Mumbai. In a post on X, Munde said Bhujbal held the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio, which is now with Munde, for several years, and he wanted to seek his blessings and guidance. The Opposition has been demanding Munde's resignation after his close aide Walmik Karad was arrested in an extortion case linked to the last month's brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. Bhujbal, a prominent leader of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) of NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been sulking as he found no place in the new Mahayuti government in the state following the November 20 Assembly elections. (With inputs from PTI)
21 January,2025 01:56 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Tuesday expressed concerns over the situation in Maharashtra's Beed, where sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was murdered last month, saying the state government should put an end to the mafia in the district, reported news agency PTI. Speaking to the reporters, the Baramati MP said the country and state were facing challenges such as rising inflation, unemployment, corruption, cancellation of contracts, injustice towards farmers, and violence. Asked if Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's appointment as the guardian minister of Beed will change the situation in the district, she said she does not expect change from an individual, but the state government as a whole must work towards improving law and order in the region. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly in retaliation for his efforts to prevent extortion attempts against an energy firm linked to a windmill project. "I expect the government to stop all these types of crimes. The government should put an end to any mafia there (Beed)," Sule said, adding that the state will not attract any investments if the situation prevails, reported PTI. "If such an atmosphere persists, who will come to the state to invest so, these issues need to be taken seriously. I have been demanding an all-party meeting over the Beed issue to ensure our state is made the best destination for investments in the country," she said, reported PTI. Sule also expressed concerns about the economic challenges the state and country are facing and said that economists were predicting a potential weakening of the rupee against the US dollar, with speculation that it could surpass Rs 90. "The country and state were facing challenges such as rising inflation, unemployment, corruption, cancellation of contracts, injustice towards farmers and violence. Looking at Maharashtra's economy, the burden of debt and interest being paid on loans, it is worrying how the state will steer out of this situation," she said, reported PTI. She said India is facing significant economic challenges, and detailed insights into the situation will likely emerge in the upcoming budget. "Economists predict a potential weakening of the rupee against the dollar, with speculation that it could surpass Rs 90. If this happens, it could pose severe challenges for the state and the nation," she said, reported PTI. Sule said it has been two months since the government formation, but no policy decisions have been made. Asked about what the second term of the Trump administration would entail for India, the MP said it was too early to say anything. "He (Donald Trump) has made some quick and harsh decisions on the first day. We will wait and watch what bearing these decisions will have on India," she said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
21 January,2025 01:32 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe West Bengal government has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court demanding capital punishment for Sanjay Roy, the convict in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. The move challenges the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court’s decision to sentence Roy to life imprisonment. Advocate General Kishore Dutta presented the state’s case before the division bench, requesting the imposition of the death penalty on the accused. As per ANI, the High Court has allowed the matter to be filed and will proceed with hearing the plea. This decision comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disapproval of the lower court’s verdict. Addressing the media in Malda on Monday, Banerjee stated, “We have always demanded capital punishment and continue to do so. However, this is the court’s decision, and I cannot intervene. In three other cases, Kolkata Police ensured capital punishment following investigations completed within 54-60 days. Had this case been investigated under Kolkata Police, we would have secured the death penalty long ago.” The case pertains to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, whose body was discovered on 9 August in the hospital’s seminar room. The Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹50,000. However, the sentencing has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the punishment does not fit the severity of the crime. As per ANI, the victim’s father has raised serious concerns over the investigation conducted by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Kolkata Police. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We want justice, not compensation. The Kolkata Police caused us more anguish than the loss of our daughter. The CBI’s investigation was also inadequate. The evidence provided to the court appears insufficient for a stronger sentence.” The verdict has been met with widespread outrage, with doctors, women’s rights activists, and political leaders joining the call for capital punishment. Many argue that a life sentence is insufficient for such a heinous and brutal crime, which should have been classified under the rarest of rare cases deserving of the death penalty. (With inputs from ANI)
21 January,2025 01:32 PM IST | MumbaiFormer Union Minister and senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Tuesday released the second part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, reported news agency PTI. The BJP leader announced several ambitious schemes, including free education for needy students from kindergarten to postgraduate level in government institutions. BJP’ ‘Sankalp Patra’ also promises a financial boost for students preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services and State PCS, offering Rs 15,000 for up to two attempts, PTI stated. If voted to power in Delhi, BJP will launch Bhimrao Ambedkar Stipend Scheme, where students from the Scheduled Caste community pursuing technical courses in ITIs and polytechnic skill centres will receive stipends of Rs 1,000 every month. For drivers, Rs 10 lakh life insurance and Rs 5 lakh accident insurance to be provided under the formation of Auto-Taxi Driver Welfare Board was proposed by the BJP. As per PTI, another welfare board for domestic workers is on the cards, with the same insurance benefits. The BJP will form an SIT to investigate the AAP government's irregularities and scams, announced the former union minister if voted to power in the national capital. Thakur also criticised the AAP government for failing to implement the Jal Jeevan Mission in Delhi, reiterating the BJP's commitment to improving infrastructure and welfare if voted to power. On January 17, Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda released the first part of the party's manifesto. It included assurances of continuing existing welfare schemes and new promises like a monthly pension of Rs 2,500 for senior citizens aged 60-70 and Rs 3,000 for those above 70, PTI stated. BJP introduced the Matru Suraksha Vandana scheme for women offering six nutrition kits and Rs 21,000 to every pregnant woman. The BJP last ruled Delhi 27 years ago, and has struggled in previous assembly elections, securing only three and eight seats in 2015 and 2020, respectively. The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will take place on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. (With inputs from PTI)
21 January,2025 01:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde has said she tried to meet the family of murdered sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh but was asked not to visit due to the situation in their village in Beed district, reported news agency PTI. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly in retaliation for his efforts to prevent extortion attempts against an energy firm linked to a windmill project. Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, Pankaja Munde's cousin, has been arrested in a related extortion case. Talking to reporters on Monday, Pankaja Munde said, "I tried to meet the family of Santosh Deshmukh, but they refused due to the situation in their village. My visit to Massajog and expressing my feelings on the incident is my personal issue," reported PTI. The state environment minister said the slain Beed sarpanch's family told her that the situation in the village was not in their hands and urged her not to visit, reported PTI. "I will visit with their due permission. Justice to the family is more important than my visit," she said, reported PTI. The Beed sarpanch's family and opposition parties have been demanding Dhananjay Munde's ouster from the state cabinet over his aide Karad's alleged link in a related extortion case. Maratha outfit stages protest over Beed sarpanch's murder; black flags shown to Ajit Pawar Activists of a Maratha outfit staged a protest against the murder of a sarpanch in Beed, showing black flags to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Jalna on Monday. Activists of the Maratha Mahasangh showed black flags to Pawar, who attended an event of the Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) district unit. Arvind Deshmukh, the district president of Maratha Mahasangh, led the demonstration, with activists raising slogans condemning the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, and the death of Dalit man, Somnath Suryavanshi, arrested in connection with the violence in judicial custody. "Pawar, who is the guardian minister of Beed, should ensure justice to the families of the murdered sarpanch and the Dalit man in Parbhani," Arvind Deshmukh said. (With inputs from PTI)
21 January,2025 12:46 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday morning accused the BJP of trying to "turn the tide" ahead of civic polls in Mumbai while asserting that Mumbai remains a safe city, reported news agency ANI. Raut further accused the BJP of raising the "Bangladeshi issue" each time before elections. The responsibility lies with Union Home Minister Amit Shah if there was an influx of Bangladeshi nationals in Mumbai, he said. "The security is fine in Mumbai. BJP apni hawa bana rahi hai...jab bhi kuch hota hai to Bangladeshi ka mudda layenge..abhi chunaav aya na Mumbai ka (BJP was trying to turn the tide...they raise the Bangladeshi issue whenever anything happens in Mumbai...now that elections are coming). If there are Bangladeshis in Mumbai, then who is responsible? The Union Home Minister. What are the Union Home Minister and Defence Minister doing?" Raut remarked during a press conference. The Sena (UBT) leader said they (BJP) are worried about Bangladeshi only during the elections while reacting to a letter written by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena raising concerns over the alleged involvement of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in criminal activities. The senior leader questioned LG's timing of writing the letter, saying that the BJP government has been in power for 10 years. "They are worried about the Bangladeshis at the time of the elections. Why did they not think of it earlier? They have been in power and they must answer how Rohingyas and Bangladeshis entered our country. The LG is writing letters now, could he not see the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in the last 10 years?" Raut said. The Delhi LG's letter came following the attack on Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai where a Bangladeshi national was implicated in a house break-in and assault. He wrote a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner and directed the launch of a special mission to identify such infiltrators, ANI stated. Meanwhile, Raut earlier attacked the BJP-led Mahayuti government over the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan and expressed his concerns about the safety of the common people. The UBT MP questioned Maharashtra's Home Minister on the prevailing law and order situation in the state. According to ANI, Raut further claimed that such incidents are happening on a "daily basis" in slum areas but this incident came to light because a celebrity was attacked. (With inputs from ANI)
21 January,2025 12:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi woke up to a sunny morning on Tuesday with the minimum settling at 10.6 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches above the season's average. The air quality at 9 am was recorded in the poor category, with a reading of 287, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The humidity at 8.30 am was recorded at 83 per cent, with the weather department predicting fog during the day. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 25 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. Fog condition prevails in North India, Prayagraj; Ayodhya under dense fog A layer of fog covered Delhi on the morning of Tuesday, January 21, reducing visibility which led to disruption in train services. As per the IMD, the minimum temperature for today is 11degC with a forecast of moderate fog. Apart from that, Rain is expected in several parts of Delhi NCR on January 22 and 23. As per the weather update shared by the IMD, rainfall is also expected in several North Indian states including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. However, the temperature will remain normal and there are predictions of a cold wave. Several cities in the northern part of India witnessed dense fog conditions disrupting routine activities. Flights at Prayagraj airport are running on time amidst the dense fog. As per the IMD, the minimum temperature in Prayagraj for today is 11degC with a forecast of fog in the morning and mainly clear sky later in the day. However, amidst the dense fog, thousands of people gather on the ghats of Sangam to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam in the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Apart from that, Ayodhya is also blanketed with a dense layer of fog as the cold wave continues. As per IMD, the minimum temperature forecasted in Ayodhya is 10degC. Earlier, due to dense fog yesterday, as many as 41 trains originating from various stations in the national capital were running behind schedule. Some of the trains affected include Kir-Asr Express (15707), Lichchvi Express (14005), Gorkhdham Express (12555), Purushottam Express (12801) and Mahabodhi Express (12397). The Railways has advised passengers to check the latest train schedules before embarking on their journey.
21 January,2025 12:12 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Indian stocks continue to surge as Trump 2.0 begin, markets relieved as no universal tariffs imposed so far Indian stock markets continued to gain on Tuesday's opening as Trump 2.0 began, with both indices surging in the opening session. The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,421.65 with a surge of 76.90 points or 0.33 per cent, while the BSE Sensex was up by 188.28 points or 0.24 per cent to open at 77,261.72. Saif Ali Khan attack case: The river crossing that assailant used to enter India The arrest of Saif Ali Khan’s attacker, Shariful Islam, 30, has not only fetched police officers laurels but has also brought to light an unusual route Bangladeshis use to cross the border in a manner akin to that depicted in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki. Hours after his arrest, Shariful narrated to the cops how he eluded the Border Security Force (BSF) by crossing the Dawki river, also known as the Umngot, which flows between India and Bangladesh. Read more. 270 trains cancelled, major block on Mumbai-Pune expressway this weekend Mumbaikars are set to face a double whammy this weekend as over 270 suburban train services are set to be cancelled, with 150 partially affected, due to a major block for Bandra-Mahim rail bridge work. Adding to the woes, a traffic block on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will disrupt travel from Wednesday to Friday afternoon. Read more. Net gains for dizzy Sinner Defending champion Jannik Sinner battled dizzy spells on Monday in energy-sapping heat to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals, admitting a long interruption when he accidentally broke the net was “big, big luck”. The World No. 1 again dropped a set before coming home 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Danish 13th seed Holger Rune on Rod Laver Arena with both men needing medical attention. Read more. Sikh body on Panjab 95: 'We want to save CBFC from the shame of banning a gut-wrenching biopic' On January 17, leading man Diljit Dosanjh unveiled the teaser of Panjab ’95 on Instagram, announcing that it will be released internationally on February 7. He ended the post with, “P.S. Full movie, no cuts.” While human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra’s biopic is poised to release around the globe, director Honey Trehan’s hope of familiarising the Indian audience to the braveheart’s journey remains unfulfilled so far. The biopic’s teaser was pulled down from YouTube India on January 18, indicating a ban of sorts on the movie. Read more.
21 January,2025 10:21 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Rohini assembly seat, Pradeep Mittal has expressed confidence in his party's victory in the assembly election saying Arvind Kejriwal will become the Chief Minister for the fourth time. Mittal is contesting against BJP's sitting MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta. Speaking to ANI on Monday, Mittal said, "Security is a big issue in Rohini assembly constituency. Incidents like chain snatching, mobile snatching and bomb blasts keep happening here every day. This time the people of Rohini have made up their minds that they want all the changes and certainly this time AAP will win with a huge number of votes in Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal will become the Chief Minister of Delhi for the fourth time." With polling day approaching, Delhi's political landscape is heating up. BJP has alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party, which once claimed it would not allow criminals in the assembly to ensure the passage of strict laws, had fielded the highest number of candidates with criminal records. Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said, "Aam Aadmi Party used to say that they do not want criminals in their assembly because criminals will not be able to pass important and strict laws. But when the list (of candidates) was released, it was found that the Aam Aadmi Party has the highest number of people with criminal records nearly 60%, followed by Congress. This means that Aam Aadmi Party has taken a U-turn once again." A total of 699 candidates are in the fray for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi in the elections to be held on February 5; counting of votes will take place on February 8. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats respectively out of a total of 70 seats while the BJP got only three and eight seats. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 January,2025 08:22 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIUnion Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, who is in Brussels, met with the delegation of Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) on Monday and asserted that India will safeguard the interests of its small and medium enterprises and individuals in the diamond industry. In a post on X, Goyal said, "Met with the delegation of Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) led by their President and other stakeholders from the diamond industry. Conveyed India's stand on safeguarding the interests of our Small & Medium Enterprises and individuals in the diamond industry." During the meeting, Goyal requested the European Commission trade commissioner to extend the deadline for technology-based certification in the diamond sector. "Also, deliberated on the progress of the request made to the Trade Commissioner regarding an extension of the deadline for technology-based certification, highlighting its crucial role in supporting Indian small businesses and protecting consumer interests in the diamond sector," Goyal said on X. Earlier, Union Minister Piyush Goyal held discussion with senior management of several European companies and heads of business associations in Brussels. "Had a wonderful interaction with senior management of several European companies and heads of business associations in Brussels," Goyal said on X. During the discussion with senior management of several European companies and heads of business associations Goyal called upon captains of industry to explore India's fullest potential. "Conveyed to them India's commitment to a fair, equitable, and commercially meaningful Free Trade Agreement. Underlined that India offers a great investment opportunity and called upon captains of industry to explore its fullest potential," Goyal said on X. Goyal also met with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in Brussels from January 18 to 19 and engaged in high-level dialogue with the Commissioner. As part of their discussions, the two leaders outlined directions for both sides to work together on establishing a mutually beneficial trade and investment agenda, as well as a roadmap for a Free Trade Agreement. They also reviewed progress within the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and agreed to resolve any legacy issues, the press release stated. Both sides committed to continuous consultations at the senior official and ministerial levels, ensuring that global challenges are met with strong, aligned efforts. Senior officials from both sides were present at the meeting, underscoring the importance of ongoing collaboration. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 January,2025 08:21 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
