Welcome 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. India continues to hold steady despite global uncertainties: CareEdge Ratings CareEdge Ratings expects the central government to continue on the path of fiscal consolidation and projects India's GDP growth to moderate but remain healthy at 6.5 per cent in the current financial year. For the next financial year, 2025-26, it pegged India's GDP growth at 6.7 per cent, in a webinar held on Economic and Sector Outlook for 2025. LS to take up financial business first, 'ONOE' bills later The government has deferred the introduction of bills related to 'one nation one election' in the Lok Sabha till after the completion of financial business, sources said. Mumbai: Fatal accident involving BEST bus claims life of 25-year-old in Shivaji Nagar A tragic incident occurred on the night of 14th December 2024, when a fatal accident involving a BEST bus resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man. The accident took place around 23:30 hours near the Shivaji Nagar Junction Highway Bus Stop on Route 375 Sr. 33, with the bus proceeding towards Kurla Bus Station (East) from Shivaji Nagar. Varun Dhawan asks ‘Hanuman’ Amit Shah the difference between Ram and Ravan, here’s what the Home Minister said Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan, who awaits the release of his upcoming film Baby John, recently attended the ‘Agenda Aaj Tak, 2024’ summit where he interacted with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He asked Shah the difference between Ram and Ravan and also called him the Hanuman of our country. Read More IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Ton-up Head, gritty Smith flay Indians as Australia reach 234 for 3 at tea India's nemesis Travis Head (103 batting) scored his second successive century of the series while Steve Smith laboured to an unbeaten 65 as Australia took control of the second day's proceedings, reaching 234 for 3 at tea in third Test here on Sunday. Read More
15 December,2024 01:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair the concluding day of the fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi on Sunday, reported news agency ANI. This three-day conference, which commenced on Friday, focuses on evolving and implementing a common development agenda aimed at enhancing the partnership between the central and state governments. The discussions aim to leverage India’s demographic dividend by promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skill development initiatives, and creating sustainable job opportunities in both rural and urban areas. Based on the extensive deliberations between central Ministries/departments, NITI Aayog, States/UTs and domain experts, the fourth National Conference will focus on the theme 'Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment & Skilling - Leveraging the Demographic Dividend' covering best practices and strategies for States/UTs to follow, stated ANI. Key topics of discussion include six areas of focus; manufacturing, services, rural non-farming, urban development, renewable energy, and the circular economy have been identified for detailed discussions. Additionally, four special sessions will cover subjects such as Frontier Technology for a Developed India, Developing Cities as Economic Growth Hubs, Economic Reforms in States for Investment, and Capacity Building through Mission Karmayogi. Besides, focused deliberations over meals would be held on Atmanirbharata in Agriculture: Edible Oils and Pulses, Care Economy for the Ageing Population, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Implementation, and Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, stated ANI. Best practices from states/ UTs under each of the themes would also be presented at the Conference to encourage cross-learning across States. Chief Secretaries and senior officials from across states and union territories, along with experts, will also be present at the Conference. The conference aims to showcase various practices from various states and union territories to help grow cross-learning across States. The Conference of Chief Secretaries is driven by the vision of the Prime Minister to strengthen cooperative federalism and ensure better coordination between the Centre and States to achieve faster growth and development. The Conference has been held annually for the last 3 years, stated ANI. This annual conference series began in June 2022 at Dharamshala with previous iterations held in January 2023 and December 2023 in New Delhi respectively. (With inputs from ANI)
15 December,2024 01:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Veer Savarkar in the Parliament, and asked his party's other faction Shiv Sena (UBT), whether it agrees with the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition's remarks. He highlighted former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's remarks in which she had praised Savarkar. "I only made them recall what Indira Gandhi had said about Veer Savarkar. They had no reason to be so rattled...I tweeted the letter (written by Indira Gandhi to Veer Savarkar) because it reveals the truth. They always try to demean and insult Veer Savarkar. I want to ask Shiv Sena (UBT) as well, do they agree with what Rahul Gandhi keeps saying about Veer Savarkar? I think he didn't know what his grandmother had written about Veer Savarkar," Shinde said. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske also slammed Rahul Gandhi and said that his speech only proved his "immaturity." Shrikant Shinde highlighted the positive things that Indira Gandhi said about Veer Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi only proved and exposed his immaturity," Mhaske said. Earlier today, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP. Taking a jibe, he said that whenever BJP defends the Constitution, they are 'defaming' Savarkar. "I want to ask you (BJP), do you stand by your leader's words? Do you support your leader's words? Because when you speak in Parliament about protecting the Constitution, you are ridiculing Savarkar, you are abusing Savarkar, you are defaming Savarkar," he said. The Lok Sabha, on December 13, initiated a two-day debate on the Constitution to commemorate the beginning of the 75th year of its adoption. The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20. 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
15 December,2024 11:05 AM IST | New Delhi | ANISeveral members of the Muslim Shia community, carried out a candlelight march in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh against the 'atrocities' against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The candlelight march was carried out at the Chhota Imambara in Lucknow on Saturday. Maulana Kalbe Jawad, who led the march, urged the Union government to pressure the United Nations to take stock of the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh and also declare Pakistan a 'terrorist country.' "We are always taught to stand up against the oppressor and in favour of those being oppressed...We urge the Indian government to pressurise the United Nations and Pakistan should be declared as a terrorist country," Jawad told ANI. He also called for "strict action" against Bangladesh if the atrocities are not stopped. "If Bangladesh does not mend its ways, strict action should be taken against them also," Jawad added. During the march, protestors chanted slogans against the atrocities. They criticised Israel, and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while affirming support for Syrians and reaffirming their stance to stand with the oppressed people and fight against the oppressors anywhere in the world. Notably, there have been multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. India has repeatedly Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. Recently, Foreign Secretary Misri visited Dhaka on December 9. It was the first high-level visit from India to Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina was deposed as Prime Minister in August this year and since the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, assumed office. During his visit to Bangladesh, Misri told the media that India desires positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationships and that the relationship is people-centric. The Foreign Secretary told reporters in Dhaka that he had a frank, candid, and constructive exchange of views with his interlocutors and discussed the entire gamut of issues in the "extremely important bilateral relationship". He also raised the issue of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, with Bangladesh leaders and officials. 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
15 December,2024 11:04 AM IST | Lucknow | ANIIndia has dispatched a fresh consignment of around 60 tons of emergency medical equipment, generators, and other utilities to Jamaica which will support the country's healthcare needs and enhance their disaster preparedness. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal shared the details of the humanitarian assistance on Saturday. "India sends Humanitarian Assistance to Jamaica. A consignment of approx 60 tons of emergency medical equipment, Gensets & other utilities has departed for Jamaica. This assistance will support health care needs and rehabilitation of medical infrastructure as well as strengthen the disaster preparedness of against Hurricanes," Jaiswal stated in a post on X. https://x.com/meaindia/status/1867986980904018399?s=46 India and Jamaica share strong historical and cultural linkages, reflected in their shared colonial past, values of democracy and freedom, and passion for cricket. Recently, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness paid his first-ever visit to India from September 30-October 3. Both leaders held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi. PM Andrew Holness expressed his country's desire to strengthen cooperation with India in various sectors, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), education, digitalisation, security, and energy. PM Modi also hailed India-Jamaica ties stating that the relations between the two nations are based on a "shared history," adding that PM Holness has been a "long-standing friend of India." The Prime Minister expressed confidence in Holness' India visit, underscoring that his visit will give new energy to bilateral relations. Jamaican PM Andrew Holness called his official trip to India a success and praised New Delhi for being a strong voice for the Global South while providing a pathway for development to countries like Jamaica. PM Holness lauded India's prowess in cricket and Jamaica's excellence in track and field, adding that it provides tremendous opportunities for mutual exchange and cooperation. 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
15 December,2024 11:04 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThree individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old deputy general manager who died by suicide in his Bengaluru apartment. Subhash, who was allegedly harassed by his wife and her relatives, left behind a detailed 24-page suicide note before taking his life. The police have arrested his wife, Nikita Singhania, along with her mother, Nisha Singhania, and her brother, Anurag Singhania, in relation to the incident. According to the police, Nikita Singhania was apprehended from Gurugram in Haryana, while the other two accused were arrested in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Following their arrests, all three have been remanded to judicial custody by the court. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Whitefield Division, Bengaluru, Shivakumar confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying, "Accused A1 Nikita Singhania has been arrested from Gurugram, Haryana. Accused A2 Nisha Singhania and Accused A3 Anurag Singhania were arrested from Allahabad and were produced before the court, where they were sent to judicial custody." Atul Subhash, who worked as a deputy general manager at a private firm, died by suicide in the early hours of December 9, allegedly due to the emotional and mental toll from continuous harassment. In his suicide note, Subhash accused his wife and her relatives of subjecting him to harassment, and also stated that he had been the victim of multiple legal cases filed against him by his wife. Among these accusations were charges of murder, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dowry harassment, and others. He also alleged that a judge had demanded Rs 5 lakh to "settle" a case against him. Speaking to ANI, Pawan Kumar, Atul's father, described his son as being emotionally devastated, adding, "My son used to say that there is a lot of corruption, but he will fight because he is on the path of truth...He was broken from inside, though he didn’t tell anyone anything." Subhash’s suicide note, which carried the message "Justice is due" on every page, reflected his despair and sense of helplessness in the face of his legal battles and family issues. The police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the multiple cases filed against Subhash and his family, with further action expected as the case unfolds. (With inputs from ANI)
15 December,2024 10:33 AM IST | Uttar PradeshAuthorities in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, have deployed police personnel outside the Lord Shiva and Hanuman temple, which reopened on Sunday after being closed for decades. The temple, which had been shut since 1978, is now undergoing restoration efforts after it was rediscovered during an inspection linked to electricity theft in the area. According to ANI reports, the district administration found the temple on Saturday while conducting an inspection related to allegations of electricity theft. The premises were promptly cleaned, and provisions for electricity were arranged. In addition, CCTV cameras were installed for security reasons, ensuring that the temple is protected as it reopens to the public. The reopening of the temple marks the end of its closure, which lasted more than 40 years. Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, Patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, stated that the temple had remained closed since 1978 due to the absence of priests willing to take up residence there. "We used to live in the Khaggu Sarai area, where this temple of Lord Shiva is located. After 1978, we sold our house and left the area. Since then, no priests were willing to stay there, and the temple fell into neglect," Rastogi explained to ANI. Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra announced that plans are in place to restore the temple to its original structure. Mishra revealed that the temple had been cleaned, and steps were taken to restore essential utilities such as electricity. "We have written to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assist with the restoration process. Police will also remain stationed near the temple for security," SDM Mishra said, as per ANI. As per ANI, the temple was rediscovered during an inspection carried out by the Sambhal district authorities in response to encroachment complaints in the area. Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary confirmed that the temple was uncovered during this drive. "We received information about encroachment on a temple in the area. Upon inspection, we discovered a temple at the site," Chaudhary told ANI. Further investigations led to the revelation of an ancient well hidden beneath a ramp that had been constructed over it. Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Pensiya, who visited the site, explained that the ramp was removed to uncover the well. "The (ancient Lord Shiva) temple is being cleaned. A ramp had been built over the ancient well. When we dismantled the ramp, the well was revealed," DM Pensiya stated. The discovery of the temple, alongside the ancient well, has sparked excitement among the local community. The temple is set to be handed over to the community it belongs to once it is fully restored. "Action will be taken against those who encroached on the temple's land," the District Magistrate added, as per ANI. This reopening is seen as a significant moment for the local Hindu community, many of whom have long remembered the temple as a central point of their spiritual and cultural lives. The authorities’ swift action to restore the temple and secure its future has been met with enthusiasm, as the temple is expected to reopen for worship after decades of abandonment. (With inputs from ANI)
15 December,2024 10:24 AM IST | SambhalTo ensure the safety and security of the vast number of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh 2025, a state-of-the-art anti-drone system has been implemented. The system, activated on Friday, has already proven effective by successfully intercepting two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying in restricted areas. As per PTI, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a team of experts to manage the anti-drone technology. These specialists are stationed at a central monitoring location, where they continuously track all drones in the area. The system has the ability to disable any drone that is considered suspicious or operating without authorisation mid-flight. Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajesh Dwivedi, confirmed that the anti-drone system was fully operational during the Maha Kumbh fair. "On the very first day, the system successfully shot down and deactivated two drones that were flying without permission. Notices have already been issued to the operators involved," Dwivedi said. He further stressed that flying drones within the Mahakumbh Nagar fair area would not be permitted without prior approval from the police. In line with security measures, any individual seeking to operate a drone in the vicinity of the Maha Kumbh is required to obtain formal permission from the local police. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those found violating this directive. The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is expected to draw a massive crowd, with over 45 crore devotees from across the globe anticipated to attend. Given the scale of the event, ensuring the safety of attendees is a top priority, with heightened security measures now in place, including the deployment of cutting-edge drone detection and countermeasures. (With inputs from PTI)
15 December,2024 09:22 AM IST | PrayagrajThe air quality in Delhi continued to deteriorate on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'poor' category amid a cold wave gripping the city. As per ANI reports, the AQI stood at 246 at 7 am on Sunday, up from 212 the previous day. The worsening air quality coincided with a further drop in temperature. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury in Delhi plunged to 6 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am on Sunday, a significant decrease from the previous day’s 9.4 degrees Celsius. Several parts of Delhi saw AQI levels reaching alarming numbers. In Anand Vihar, Alipur, Bawana, and Burari Crossing, the AQI levels were recorded at 292, 256, 298, and 288, respectively. Meanwhile, areas like Dwarka Sec 8, Nehru Nagar, Rohini, and Mundka reported AQI readings of 258, 299, 288, and 317, respectively. For context, the AQI is classified as follows: 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. With levels well above the 'poor' category, Delhiites are facing serious health risks due to the high levels of pollution. As per ANI, the extreme weather has prompted many to seek shelter, especially with temperatures dropping to low single digits. In areas like Jama Masjid and AIIMS Delhi, images surfaced showing people wrapped in thick blankets trying to find warmth amid the harsh cold conditions. In a shelter near AIIMS Delhi, Ved Pal, who manages the facility, said that over 40 people sought refuge there on Saturday night. "This is a family shelter, and here we provide proper beds and as many blankets as required. We also offer food twice a day, along with tea and rusk in the morning," he shared. He further added that medical help is available, with a doctor visiting regularly. In case of any serious health issues, individuals are taken to nearby AIIMS hospital. The cold wave in Delhi is part of a larger pattern affecting much of North India. The IMD has issued warnings for cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Soma Sen Roy, a scientist at IMD, mentioned that temperatures could drop by another 1-2 degrees Celsius due to the prevailing winds in the region. According to her, the cold wave is expected to last for one to two days in North and Central India. (With inputs from ANI)
15 December,2024 09:10 AM IST | New DelhiA physical exercise routine that claims to be combining various disciplines including Yoga has triggered a political row in Kerala, bringing archrivals CPM and BJP on the same platform, with some Muslim organisations also going up in arms against the workout plan titled Multi-Exercise Combination (MEC) 7. The ruling CPM and some Muslim organisations are alleging the involvement of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and Jama'at-e-Islami in promoting the workout plan, MEC 7 which has gained popularity in North Kerala. The BJP has also joined the row along with the Left party and Sunni factions of Islam by alleging that the workout programme was “mysterious”. BJP leader and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan alleged there are sufficient reasons to believe that the PFI, Jama'at-e-Islami, and National Development Front (NDF) are behind the programme. “Hence, the state should remain vigilant,” he warned. Those behind MEC 7 dismissed any charges against the initiative, saying its members come from different religious backgrounds. 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
15 December,2024 08:27 AM IST | Kozhikode | AgenciesJammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has bluntly termed the dual governance model in the Union Territory—where he shares power with the lieutenant governor—a “recipe for disaster”, as he urged the Centre to keep its promise and restore statehood to the region at the earliest. In his first sit-down interview since assuming office in October, Abdullah expressed cautious optimism over the Centre's commitment to restoring J&K's statehood, citing repeated promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during election campaigns. The CM's candid remarks underscore the complex political landscape in Jammu & Kashmir, and the difficulties in pushing for a more defined and unified administrative leadership by virtue of getting statehood. Abdullah drew parallels with corporate leadership, challenging anyone to name a successful business with multiple leaders. Also, acknowledging growing discontent among INDIA bloc Abdullah has asked the party to justify its leadership role in the alliance instead of taking it for granted. Abdullah, while recognising the Congress' significant position as a pan-India party and the largest Opposition in Parliament, emphasised that leadership "has to be earned" and cannot be taken for granted. 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
15 December,2024 08:26 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
