In order to provide employment opportunities to the youth of Gadchiroli district and to make them self-reliant in getting jobs in the police force, a pre-recruitment residential training was organised under the guidance of Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal under Project Udaan. On the completion of the training on Monday, a farewell programme of the trainees was held at Eklavya Dham, Gadchiroli. The training programme, which began on December 5, 2024, included detailed instructions on both the field test and written examination for police recruitment. A total of 120 youth, who participated in the 10th session of the training, attended the ceremony. Since the commencement of the programme, 2,080 youth from the remote areas of Gadchiroli district have registered for the pre-recruitment training, with 205 successfully selected for positions in the Police and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). As part of the initiative, all participants were provided with free uniforms, T-shirts, shoes, course books, and other necessary materials for the written exam. At the farewell ceremony, the students who achieved the top two positions in the written test were awarded certificates, which were presented by senior officers. In his closing address, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) M Ramesh encouraged the trainees to approach the upcoming police recruitment process with "courage, hard work, and confidence," stressing the importance of perseverance. Yogendra Shende, Assistant Commissioner of the Skill Department, also shared his guidance and wished the candidates success in their future careers. The completion of this training marks a significant step forward in providing employment and empowerment opportunities for the youth of Gadchiroli, particularly for young women seeking to join the police force.
06 January,2025 11:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Chennai and are currently receiving treatment, a health official confirmed on Monday. These are the first cases to be reported from the city, with the children being treated in two different hospitals, news agency PTI reported. Further details are awaited. Meanwhile, officials from the state health department convened a meeting to discuss measures for screening HMPV and the precautions required to prevent its spread, PTI reported. HMPV Outbreak: Delhi Minister orders health department to make necessary arrangements Following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Monday instructed the Health and Family Welfare Department to make all necessary arrangements in the national capital, news agency ANI reported. In his directive, Bhardwaj emphasised that all hospitals should be fully prepared to manage any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, in line with guidance from the Union Health Ministry. “The Health and FW Department should contact the Union Health Ministry to receive timely updates regarding preparedness in the capital. There is no need for delay; any directives required should be brought to me immediately. It is crucial that the hospitals of the Government of NCT of Delhi are well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, as advised by the Union Health Ministry,” the Minister stated. Bhardwaj also directed the Delhi Health Secretary to inspect three hospitals daily and submit detailed reports, ANI reported. “The Health Secretary will report on the Essential Drug List (EDL), the availability of medicines and ICU beds, the condition of equipment, and the status of PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants,” he said. HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after an outbreak was reported in China. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in individuals across all age groups. Although the governments of Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, the Delhi government has directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illnesses. Two of the three cases in Karnataka were identified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens. A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The infant has since been discharged, according to the health ministry. An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on 3 January after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, the ministry added. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
06 January,2025 08:09 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentCalling it a "classic case" of the state authorities not paying compensation to villagers after acquiring their land, the Supreme Court on Monday warned the officials of the Maharashtra government to disburse the funds by January 31 or face contempt action, news agency PTI reported. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing the case over the land acquired from the villagers of Jambhalkhori Borphadi in Beed district of Maharashtra for the construction of a water tank under the Employees Guarantee Scheme in 2005. "This is a classic case where authorities of Maharashtra government denied the compensation to the people whose land was compulsorily acquired," said the bench. It came on the record that despite the orders for payment of more than Rs 1.49 crore attaining finality, the dues was not paid to the aggrieved villagers, PTI reported. "We are completely disappointed to see the manner in which the state authorities have conducted themselves in this case," the bench said. Saying it had adopted a lenient view and not issued a notice on the plea filed on behalf of the zilla parishad of Beed district or heard the erring officials, the top court chose not to comment further on the issue, PTI reported. 'Beed Collector to ensure that the villagers received the amount' The court, however, issued a host of directions and directed the chief secretary, principal secretary (finance) and principal secretary (panchayat and rural development) of Maharashtra to take cognisance of the matter within one week. "Issue necessary sanction for the release of compensation amount to the respondents [villagers] along with the interests till date as also exemplary cost that may be determined by the reference court," the bench held. Going by the directive, the compensation will have to be paid to the landowners and other similarly-placed persons by January 31 with filing of compliance reports in the high court. The bench directed the collector of Beed district to act as a nodal officer and ensure that the villagers received the amount. "The chief secretary is further directed to seek the explanation of collector Beed and thereafter determine which is the department concerned liable to pay the compensation and take suitable action against the erring officials," it said. The bench said if the exercise was not carried out by January 31, the registrar general of Bombay High Court would hear the case for registration of suo motu contempt proceedings against all officers concerned and proceed with the contempt of court case. Farmers denied compensation for 19 years: Supreme Court "The cost amount of Rs 1 lakh imposed by the high court shall be recovered personally from the officers found guilty/responsible for non-payment of compensation amount," it directed. The bench said that instead of suo motu summoning the collector and awarding a befitting sentence for contempt of court, the high court made certain observations against that officer in its order on November 18, 2024. It noted after the authorities did not pay the compensation to the villagers, they moved the court for execution of the award. The civil judge then attached the bank account of zilla parishad as one of the coercive measures for the recovery of the dues. However, the parishad moved the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court against the step and argued that the Maharashtra government, through the Beed collector, was liable to pay the compensation. On November 18, 2024, the high court said there were a number of schemes floated by the Maharashtra government for distribution of money including 'Ladki Bahin', etc., and it clearly showed there was no dearth of funds. The high court said the lands of the claimants were acquired as early as 2005, and despite its orders they were denied the compensation in the past 19 years. While dismissing the plea, the high court imposed Rs 1 lakh as costs on the Beed collector or zilla parishad, jointly or severally, for their failure to pay the compensation. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2025 07:28 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court (SC) on Monday refused to examine a plea against the appointment of Delhi government's Principal Secretary (Home) Ashwani Kumar as the Delhi Waqf Board administrator on January 10, reported news agency PTI. A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal asked the petitioner to move to the Delhi High Court. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by one Zameer Ahmad Jumlana. According to PTI, the plea was to seek directions to restrain and prohibit Kumar from discharging functions as the administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board and to vacate the office with immediate effect. Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena, who approved Kumar's appointment, also gave the go-ahead to the appointment of IAS officer Azimul Haque as Delhi Waqf Board's CEO on Friday. The petition alleged that the term of Delhi State Waqf Board expired on August 26, 2023, and since then no board was constituted, as per PTI. The plea contended in the absence of the board, its powers were taken over by the LG by appointing Kumar purportedly using the powers under Section 99 of the Waqf Act, 1995, stated PTI. "When the tenure of the board has lapsed on August 26, 2023, there is no question of exercise of any power of the state government under Section 99 of the Waqf Act 1995 to take over the board. Thus, the respondent number 1 is an usurper of the power of the Delhi State Waqf Board," it said. Kumar was not eligible under the Waqf Act of 1995 and took advantage of the fact that the Delhi Waqf Board was in an indefinite abeyance due to the negligence of the respondents, as per the petition. The Delhi High Court, on May 28, dismissed a similar plea filed by one Yasmin Ali and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. The high court said the plea was publicity-oriented and an abuse of the process of law as it did not give any valid reasons for quashing the appointment of the city government officer as the administrator of the board, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
06 January,2025 06:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAfter the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka, the state government on Monday urged citizens not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19. In a post on social media platform X, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the state is fully equipped to manage cases. "No need to panic, HMPV virus is present in India for decades. It behaves similar to common cold or influenza. All necessary precautions are in place to prevent further transmission. Our Health Department is fully prepared to manage cases and ensure community safety. Stay calm, follow hygiene practices, and trust authentic updates from right resources," he said. No need to panic, HMPV virus is present in India for decades. It behaves similar to common cold or influenza. All necessary precautions are in place to prevent further transmission. Our Health Department is fully prepared to manage cases and ensure community safety.Stay calm,… pic.twitter.com/Of7Drd1cv2 — Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) January 6, 2025 Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) said in a release that hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, news agency PTI reported. To prevent HMPV outbreak, citizens have been advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons. The advisory also stated that citizens must not reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places, PTI reported. According to DME, HMPV causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes, the advisory stated. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, PTI reported. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms with supportive care such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, and congestion. Severe cases might require hospitalisation for oxygen therapy or IV fluids, the advisory informed. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2025 06:03 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentA two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said on Monday. The HMPV case count in India now stands at three as two patients had earlier been tested positive for the virus in Karnataka. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel appealed to citizens to not panic and assured that the state government has made preparations to tackle the viral infection, news agency PTI reported. The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality in Ahmedabad, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection, PTI reported. After tests, he was found positive for HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said. "HMPV [infection] was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late," Solanki said. The baby was kept in isolation, the official said. HMPV outbreak: Two patients detected from Karnataka earlier Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator. His condition is stable now, Solanki said. Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens. According to PTI, Patel said the state Health and Family Welfare Department is on alert and has made preparations and arrangements to tackle this viral infection. "As part of the precautionary measures, the health department held a meeting on January 4 and instructed every chief district health officer, civil surgeon, superintendents of sub-district hospitals in the state to pay full attention to matters related to the infection of this virus," he said. Arrangements will be made for the diagnosis of HMPV in various government hospitals, the minister further informed. He appealed to citizens to not panic, but understand the viral infection symptoms and take measures accordingly. Meanwhile, the Union health ministry has emphasised that HMPV outbreak has been reported globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been registered in various countries. Furthermore, based on the current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in the Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country, the ministry informed. Amid reports of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks, a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) was held under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Saturday. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2025 04:46 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentThree tigers and a leopard died of avian influenza at an animal rescue centre in Maharashtra's Nagpur, prompting the authorities to put zoos on alert, an official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The Central government has issued an advisory, directing zoos to take precautionary measures following the deaths that occurred at the end of last month, the official said. Shatanik Bhagwat, divisional manager of the Gorewada project, said the animals had been relocated to Gorewada Rescue Centre from Chandrapur following incidents of man-animal conflict, stated PTI. Bhagwat stated that the big cats died at the centre at the end of December. The tigers were brought to the rescue centre in the second week of December, while the leopard had been housed there since May, he said. The animals showed different symptoms but limped and suffered from fever in the third week of December, he said, adding that their samples were sent to Bhopal for testing, and the test reports that arrived on January 2 confirmed they were positive for the H5N1 virus, as per PTI. According to the Central and state government guidelines, the disinfection process is underway, he said. Mumbai: Wildlife conservationist Dr Jane Goodall praises human-leopard co-existence Legendary wildlife conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, renowned for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, praised Mumbai’s human-leopard coexistence model during a visit to the city. She also highlighted the pivotal role of young people in environmental protection. Addressing state forest department officials and young conservationists at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Dr Goodall (90), emphasised, “Young people have the power to create positive change. The youth are the future, and they must unite to lead efforts in environmental and wildlife conservation.”Dr Goodall commended Mumbai’s unique human-leopard coexistence, stating, “Mumbai is a prime example that shows the world how humans and wildlife can live in harmony. We must recognise that wildlife and humans are inseparable, and the only way forward is peaceful coexistence.” The 90-year-old conservationist visited India for the first time as part of her Hope Global Tour. Since November 16, she has been in Mumbai, promoting Roots & Shoots, a global initiative by the Jane Goodall Institute India. (With inputs from PTI)
06 January,2025 03:52 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentNaxalites on Monday blew up a vehicle carrying security personnel with an improvised explosive device in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said, adding that casualties are feared in the incident. The blast occurred on the Bedre-Kutru Road in Bijapur district. Further details are awaited. 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.
06 January,2025 03:46 PM IST | Bijapur | PTIBihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday firmly dismissed any possibility of parting ways with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speaking to the media, Kumar, the Janata Dal-United (JD(U)) chief, underscored his long-standing relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting the history of support he has received from the party, especially from the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Kumar recalled how Vajpayee had played a key role in his political career, including making him a Union minister and offering substantial backing for his proposals. Reflecting on their relationship, Kumar said, “It was respected Atal ji who made me a Union minister. He used to shower so much affection on me. I never faced any difficulty in getting my proposals cleared.” Kumar’s loyalty to the NDA was evident as he reiterated his longstanding connection with the BJP, specifically recalling Vajpayee’s encouragement for him to become Bihar’s Chief Minister after the NDA’s victory in the state assembly elections in 2005. “It was Vajpayee’s wish that I become the CM when the NDA first won assembly polls in Bihar in 2005,” Kumar said. In light of ongoing political speculation regarding his future in the NDA, especially after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's ambiguous comments regarding his role as a potential chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections, Kumar's statements came as a strong rebuttal. The recent political buzz surrounding his future was further fuelled by comments from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad, who remarked that he was keeping his “doors open” for Kumar, despite their rivalry. Kumar acknowledged that while his party had made two “mistakes” in forming alliances with the Congress and RJD in the past, he had corrected those mistakes. He stated, “A couple of times the people in my party committed a mistake (by pressing for an alliance with the Congress-RJD combine). I rectified it both times.” Kumar’s assertion comes as speculation about the JD(U) leader’s political future and his relationship with the BJP continues to circulate. However, his firm stance and praise for his relationship with the BJP’s leadership highlight his current commitment to the alliance. (With inputs from PTI)
06 January,2025 01:41 PM IST | New DelhiThe Congress party has unveiled a new scheme called the ‘Pyari Didi Yojana,’ under which it has promised to provide Rs 2,500 per month to women in Delhi if it is voted to power in the upcoming assembly elections. This initiative mirrors a similar welfare programme adopted by the Congress government in Karnataka, which aims to financially empower women. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, who was present for the announcement, emphasised the party’s commitment to women’s welfare and economic independence. Shivakumar outlined that the scheme would be implemented as soon as the new Congress government takes charge, with its rollout scheduled for the first Cabinet meeting. “We are confident that the people of Delhi will elect a Congress government, and as soon as the new Cabinet is formed, we will launch the Pyari Didi Yojana to ensure that every woman in the capital receives Rs 2,500 each month,” Shivakumar declared during a press conference. The announcement was made in the presence of Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav, Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin, and other senior leaders of the party. The promise comes ahead of Delhi’s assembly elections, which are slated for February 2025. The Congress party is hoping to replicate the success of the Karnataka model, where the scheme has received praise for its potential to support women’s financial independence. The party claims that this scheme will not only provide financial assistance but also empower women, offering them a sense of security and autonomy in a city known for its challenges related to gender inequality. The announcement is seen as part of the Congress’s broader strategy to strengthen its appeal to women voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate. If implemented, the Pyari Didi Yojana will place a direct financial benefit in the hands of Delhi’s women, a move that could shape the upcoming elections. As the election date nears, the promise of the Pyari Didi Yojana is expected to stir political discussions, as the Delhi electorate weighs its options. With the Congress party gaining attention with this welfare plan, the competition in Delhi’s political landscape is likely to intensify. (With inputs from PTI)
06 January,2025 01:29 PM IST | New DelhiShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, has called for strict action, urging Prime Minister Modi to take a stand on women's respect by ensuring Bidhuri is excluded from the elections, reported news agency ANI. Raut on Ramesh Bidhuri's controversial remarks, said, "In politics, people criticize each other, but Delhi's Vidhan Sabha has become an arena of chaos. The BJP has become desperate in Delhi, and there's no control over their words. If Prime Minister Modi truly respects women, Ramesh Bidhuri should be kept out of the elections. Only then will we believe that the Prime Minister is cultured." Raut on the issue regarding the Maha Kumbh Mela and waqf land, firmly stated, "This country, India, belongs to everyone. The Kumbh Mela has been held for years and will continue. The land does not belong to anyone's father." Congress candidate from Kasturba Nagar Assembly constituency, Abhishek Dutt also reacted to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ramesh Bidhuri's 'controversial' remarks and said that he should not have said it, stated ANI. Dutt further added, "We all know the comments Bidhuri makes. The people don't need leaders like this who make such comments. It is true that Kejriwal is a scammer and it is also true that Bidhuri should not have made any such remarks." The assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in February 2025. Congress, which was in power in Delhi for 15 successive years, has performed poorly in the past two assembly polls, failing to win any seat. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eight seats. Meanwhile, Raut supported AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, stating that the BJP launches "projects before elections, then does nothing for five years" and that it's a "habitual tactic." Raut expressed confidence that the people of Delhi would remain loyal to Arvind Kejriwal. "It is their (BJP's) habit. They launch such projects worth thousands of crores before the elections. It was done in Maharashtra as well. They do not do anything for 5 years and before the announcement of the election date, they want to do everything. They again go silent for the next 5 years. The people of Delhi are with Kejriwal," Raut said. (With inputs from ANI)
06 January,2025 01:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
