Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday expressed his disappointment at not being included in the new Mahayuti government and said he would decide his future course after talking to people from his constituency, reported news agency PTI. Thirty-nine legislators from Mahayuti allies, the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, were sworn in on Sunday in the first cabinet expansion of the Devendra Fadnavis-led government. Ten former ministers were dropped from the cabinet, and 16 new faces have been introduced. Former ministers Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil of NCP and Mungantiwar and Vijaykumar Gavit of BJP were some of the prominent leaders excluded from the new cabinet, reported PTI. Talking to reporters, Bhujbal said he was upset at not being included in the new cabinet. Asked about his future course, the legislator from the Yeola constituency in Nashik district said, "Let me see. Let me think it over. I will talk to my constituency and discuss with the Samata Parishad," reported PTI. After the cabinet expansion on Sunday, Fadnavis said Mahayuti allies have agreed to conduct a "performance audit" of ministers during their tenure. Bhujbal declined to comment on the performance audit of ministers. Former minister Deepak Kesarkar, who was also dropped, said he wasn't upset. "When we authorised our party leader to make a decision, we have to abide by it and share the happiness of the newly sworn-in ministers. There are political compulsions as the party leader has to give representation to all regions and communities," the Shiv Sena leader said, reported PTI. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said the performance audit of ministers has no meaning. "If a minister doesn't perform, why wait for two and half years? The duration cannot be a parameter for the performance audit. In the next two and half years, a people's movement will come up against electronic voting machines," he said., reported PTI. Opposition stages protest on Vidhan Bhawan steps against EVMs Opposition members staged a demonstration on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan on Monday and raised slogans against the use of EVMs in elections. The protest was held on the opening day of the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur. Leader of opposition in the state legislative council Ambadas Danve led the demonstration of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders, who called for "saving" the Constitution and democracy and opposed the use of EVMs. Danve was joined by Congress legislators Vijay Wadettiwar, Nitin Raut, Bhai Jagtap and Vikas Thakre, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Bhaskar Jadhav, Varun Desai and Sachin Ahir, and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 02:05 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAfter the Mahayuti leaders in Maharashtra took oath as ministers, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Monday assured that the allocation of cabinet portfolios will be distributed within two days. He asserted that there was no delay, reported news agency ANI. "There is no delay. You will get to know about the portfolios ministers have received within two days," Samant told reporters. Speaking on the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal's resentment for being denied a ministerial berth, Shiv Sena leader Samant said, "We are all family and such things keep happening in a family. Our leaders including Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis will figure a way out." The Shiv Sena MLA said that the Maharashtra Assembly winter session was focused on the development of the Vidarbha region and the entire state, reported ANI. "Today is the first day (of Maharashtra assembly winter session). The newly appointed ministers will be introduced in the assembly and bills will be tabled. The session is in Vidarbha (region) and it is meant for the development of the region and (the entire) Maharashtra," Samant said, reported ANI. Earlier, as the cabinet expansion of the Maharashtra government concluded, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the government was planning to table 20 bills during the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly. The Maharashtra Assembly winter session started on December 16 and is scheduled to end on December 21 in Nagpur. Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur's Ramgiri on Sunday, CM Fadnavis emphasised that "dynamic governance" has begun in Maharashtra. According to a statement by the CM's office, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde outlined the government's commitment to "Mission Prosperous Maharashtra," while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar assured balanced development across the state, reported ANI. Fadnavis on Sunday also announced that 39 leaders have taken the oath as cabinet ministers, including six as state ministers, and that portfolio allocation is expected to be finalised within two days. The cabinet expansion comes after a delay of over two weeks following the swearing-in of CM Fadnavis and his deputies on December 5. The Mahayuti alliance had faced criticism from the opposition for delaying the announcement of its cabinet despite having a significant majority. In the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory, securing 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (With inputs from ANI)
16 December,2024 01:50 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentOn the opening day of the Maharashtra Assembly winter session, the state government tabled supplementary demands amounting to Rs 35,788.40 crore on Monday. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant tabled these supplementary demands, which are additional funds sought by the government over the budgetary allocations. The supplementary demands presented by the Maharashtra government include a provision of Rs 1,400 crore for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. In the last budget, the state government announced Rs 46,000 crore annually to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women in the age group of 21 to 60 years under the Ladki Bahin scheme. More than 2.5 crore women have received the monthly instalments. Similarly, a provision of Rs 36 crore has been allocated for the construction of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan taluka of Sindhudurg district. Earlier this year, a 35-foot statue of the Maratha warrior king collapsed at the fort on August 26, just months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled it on December 4 last year. The government has also allocated Rs 1,204 crore for margin money loans to eligible sugar cooperative factories and Rs 3,050 crore for the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Scheme, aimed at providing free electricity to farmers using agricultural pumps of up to 7.5 horsepower. The Public Works Department has been allocated Rs 7,490 crore, while the industry, power, and labour departments have received Rs 4,112 crore. Additionally, the Urban Development Department has been granted Rs 2,774 crore, the Rural Development Department Rs 2,007 crore, and the Tribal Development Department Rs 1,830 crore. Total supplementary demands: 35,788 crore Department-wise allocations: 1. Department of Public Works: Rs 7,490.24 crore 2. Department of Industries, Energy, Labor and Mines: Rs 4,112.79 crore 3. Urban Development Department: Rs 2,774.43 crore 4. Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department: Rs 2,600.31 crore 5. Department of Water Resources: Rs 2,135.47 6. Department of Women and Child Development: Rs 2,155.40 crore 7. Agriculture and Paddy Department: Rs 2,147.49 crore 8. Department of Medical Education and Medicines: Rs 2,049.69 crore 9. Rural Development Department: Rs 2,007.69 crore 10. Tribal Development Department: Rs 1,830.76 crore 11. Department of Co-operation, Marketing and Textiles: Rs 1,377.55
16 December,2024 01:37 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said he was ready for a discussion in the state legislative assembly on the recent Parbhani violence and murder of a sarpanch in Beed, reported news agency PTI. Speaking in the Lower House on the first day of the Maharashtra Assembly winter session, Fadnavis described both the incidents, which occurred after the BJP-led Mahayuti came to power in the state, as serious, reported PTI. The CM he was ready to discuss the issues and spell out steps taken by his government to maintain law and order, reported PTI. Violence erupted in central Maharashtra's Parbhani city after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Dr B R Ambedkar's statue outside the Parbhani railway station was vandalised on the evening of December 10. More than 50 persons have been arrested and multiple cases registered in connection with the violence. In Beed, the sarpanch of Massajog village, Santosh Deshmukh, was abducted and murdered on December 9. On Monday, Congress leader Nana Patole raised in the assembly the issue of violence in Parbhani over vandalising of a replica of the Constitution and the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district last week and demanded the government's response. CM Fadnavis agreed to discuss the two incidents in the House. "I am sure the opposition will cooperate in suggesting ways to ensure such incidents don't take place again. Our government works by the Constitution and it's insult will not be tolerated. A mentally unstable person, who was involved in the desecration (of the Constitution replica) in Parbhani, has been arrested," he said, reported PTI. Fadnavis also introduced his newly sworn-in ministers on the floor of the House. A total of 39 legislators from Mahayuti allies (BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP) were sworn in on Sunday in the first cabinet expansion of the Fadnavis-led ministry. While 33 legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers, six took oath as ministers of state. The government on Monday also tabled supplementary demands to the tune of Rs 35,788 crore in the House. On the first day of the session, the government reintroduced eight bills, including one for an amendment to postpone elections to the posts of president, vice president and chairpersons of certain zilla parishads and deputy chairpersons of some panchayat samitis. The legislative assembly also paid tributes to former Maharashtra governor SM Krishna, who passed away on December 10. Krishna, who had also served as the chief minister of Karnataka and Union minister, was the governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. The House also paid tributes to former MLA Dinkarrao Jadhav, who died recently. Jadhav represented the Radhanagari assembly constituency from 1980 to 1988. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 01:12 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAs the Mahayuti leaders were sworn in as ministers in the newly formed Maharashtra government, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Sunday accused at least 15 ministers in the cabinet of being "tainted," saying that they have been charged with "corruption" and "harassment", reported news agency ANI. Congress Vijay Wadettiwar says, "There are about 15 ministers in this cabinet, who are tainted and have corruption, harassment charges against them. Sab criminal unki parshbhoomi rahi hai (They have a criminal background). They work with goons and safeguard culprits," Wadettiwar, former Leader of Opposition (LoP), told ANI. The senior leader said that Mahayuti could change ministers after one year instead of replacing them after 2.5 years. If they work well, keep them or else remove them (from the cabinet), he added. "They have such a huge majority that they can change ministers after a year, why do they have to change after 2.5 years? They can keep changing ministers every year. If they work well, keep them or else remove them," Wadettiwar said, reported ANI. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Monday said that the cabinet portfolios will be distributed in two days. He asserted that there was no delay. "There is no delay. You will get to know about the portfolios ministers have received within two days," Samant told reporters. Speaking on the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal's resentment for being denied a ministerial berth, Shiv Sena leader Samant said, "We are all family and such things keep happening in a family. Our leaders including Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis will figure a way out," reported ANI. Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the government was planning to table 20 bills during the Maharashtra Assembly winter session. The Maharashtra Assembly winter session started on December 16 and is scheduled to end on December 21 in Nagpur. Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur's Ramgiri on Sunday, CM Fadnavis emphasised that "dynamic governance" has begun in Maharashtra. According to a statement by the CM's office, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde outlined the government's commitment to "Mission Prosperous Maharashtra," while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured balanced development across the state, reported ANI. Fadnavis on Sunday also announced that 39 leaders have taken the oath as cabinet ministers, including six as state ministers, and that portfolio allocation is expected to be finalised within two days. The cabinet expansion came more than two weeks after CM Fadnavis and his deputies were sworn in on December 5. The Mahayuti alliance had faced criticism from the opposition for delaying the announcement of its cabinet despite having a significant majority. In the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory, securing 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (With inputs from ANI)
16 December,2024 01:01 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s Constitution has successfully withstood the test of time over the past 75 years, standing apart as a unique and enduring document while many countries that gained independence around the same time have rewritten or overhauled their constitutions. This was highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, marking the 'Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India'. Initiating the debate, Sitharaman paid tribute to the 389 members of the Constituent Assembly, including 15 women, who undertook the challenging task of drafting the Constitution during a period of great adversity. "The Constitution of India has stood the test of time. Today, we are extremely proud of the way India’s democracy is growing," she stated, as per PTI reports. Reflecting on the post-World War II era, Sitharaman noted that over 50 countries gained independence and had constitutions written for them. However, many of these nations have since rewritten or fundamentally altered their constitutions. In contrast, India’s Constitution has remained resilient, adapting to the changing needs of the nation through amendments, which she described as “the need of the hour.” As the country commemorates 75 years of the adoption of its Constitution, Sitharaman called for reaffirming a collective commitment to uphold the spirit of this "sacred document" and to build a strong and unified India, referred to as Bharat. Speaking about the uniqueness of India’s Constitution, the Finance Minister emphasised how it represents a separate league of its own. She acknowledged that while the document has undergone numerous amendments to address evolving challenges and priorities, its foundational principles have remained intact, serving as a guiding light for India’s democratic growth. The discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Constitution’s journey and significance will continue on Monday and Tuesday, with Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar assuring that all members wishing to contribute to the debate will be accommodated. He said time would not be a constraint, and the duration of the discussion could be extended if needed. Sitharaman’s remarks not only celebrated the Constitution’s longevity but also highlighted the vision of its framers, who crafted a document capable of sustaining the complexities of governance in a diverse and dynamic nation like India. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 12:49 PM IST | New DelhiSurat Police on Saturday arrested three individuals after seizing fake currency notes worth Rs 1,06,400 during a routine vehicle check, ANI reported. Speaking to ANI, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Prakash Patel said that a police team caught three people with fake currency enveloped in the real currency of Rs 500 and Rs 200 denomination. "During vehicle checking, a police team caught three people with fake currency enveloped in real currency of Rs 500 and Rs 200 denomination--worth Rs 1,06,400," he said. ACP Prakash Patel further added that the accused revealed that they target people in the markets of Surat and other crowded places, ANI cited. "During the investigation, the accused told us that they target people in the Surat market and other crowded places... All three accused have been arrested under the charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating... They have come with the currency from Mumbai... Further investigation is going on," ACP added. As per the police, the three people were arrested as part of their regular vehicle checking operations. The suspects are alleged to have used fake notes to deceive people by mixing them with real currency notes during transactions. Meanwhile, charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating have been filed against the accused by the authorities, and a search for other potential leads is also in progress, ANI reported. Further investigations are underway. Mumbai: Man booked for attempting to deposit counterfeit currency at Thane bank A 48-year-old man was booked for attempting to deposit counterfeit currency at a cooperative bank in Maharashtra's Thane district. The incident occurred on December 3 when the man, identified as a resident of Khadavli, visited the bank to deposit Rs 45,000 in Rs 500 denomination notes. However, upon verification, it was discovered that 45 of the notes were fake. According to a police official, the man arrived at the bank to deposit the money but raised suspicion when the notes were found to be counterfeit. The bank immediately alerted the authorities, and a case was registered under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with the use of counterfeit coins, government stamps, and currency notes, along with other relevant provisions. The police have confirmed that no arrest has been made yet, but investigations are underway to trace the origin of the counterfeit notes and determine whether the accused was part of a larger network. As per PTI, the accused is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to uncover more details about how the fake currency came into his possession. The case highlights the continuing issue of counterfeit currency in circulation and the efforts being made by authorities to tackle it. With the rise of technology and sophisticated techniques to print fake notes, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance in financial transactions. The police are also looking into whether the accused had any previous involvement in such activities. (With ANI and PTI inputs)
16 December,2024 11:09 AM IST | Surat | mid-day online correspondentVijay Diwas commemorates the 1971 Liberation War, observed nationwide on December 16 to celebrate India's victory against Pakistan in the 13-day war, which ended with Pakistan signing the instrument of surrender in Dhaka and the subsequent liberation of Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan), ANI cited. India and Bangladesh will jointly celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas on Monday, with the annual exchange of war veterans and serving officers. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Dhaka to commemorate Bangladesh's Victory Day celebrations, ANI reported. On this occasion, several Indian political leaders greeted the citizens through social media. President Droupadi Murmu on Monday paid tribute to soldiers who showed 'indomitable courage' during the 1971 war on Vijay Diwas She said on X, "On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to our valiant soldiers who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war, securing victory for India. A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our brave hearts whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national pride." On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to our valiant soldiers who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war, securing victory for India. A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our bravehearts whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2024 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also remembered the soldiers who martyred during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. "On Vijay Diwas, we pay homage to the martyrs of the 1971 war and honour the unmatched gallantry of our armed forces," the office of the vice president wrote on X. On Vijay Diwas, we pay homage to the martyrs of the 1971 war and honour the unmatched gallantry of our armed forces. Their heroic valour and selfless sacrifices, which led to a historic triumph, continue to inspire every Indian. We remain forever indebted to their service to… — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 16, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to soldiers Modi said in a post on X, "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us." "This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation's history," he added. Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to the soldiers In a post on X, the Singh said that the country will never forget the sacrifice and service of the Indian armed forces and saluted the 'bravery' and 'sacrifice' of the forces for their unwavering courage and patriotism. "Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India's armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service," the post read. Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2024 Rahul Gandhi along with a paying tribute to the martyrs posted pictures of his grandmother the then-prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi greeting the soldiers. He wrote in Hindi, "On the glorious occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the valour, dedication and resolve of our armed forces. The country will always remember the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of all the heroes of the 1971 war who liberated Bangladesh from injustice while protecting the sovereignty of India." विजय दिवस के गौरवशाली अवसर पर हमारे सशस्त्र बलों के शौर्य, समर्पण और संकल्प को नमन करता हूं।भारत की संप्रभुता की रक्षा करते हुए बांग्लादेश को अन्याय से मुक्त करवाने वाले, 1971 के युद्ध के सभी वीरों के अदम्य साहस और सर्वोच्च बलिदान को देश सदा याद रखेगा। pic.twitter.com/9HfibRf3e8 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 16, 2024 Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami recalls sacrifices of war veterans on Vijay Diwas He wrote, "Vijay Diwas, December 16, marks India's historic victory in the Indo-Pak war of 1971. On this day, Pakistan surrendered to the Indian Army. This day is dedicated to the unparalleled courage, valor and struggle of the Indian Army, who displayed unprecedented strategies and bravery in this war. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the valour and courage of the soldiers! #VijayDiwas." विजय दिवस, 16 दिसम्बर, 1971 के भारत-पाक युद्ध में भारत की ऐतिहासिक जीत का प्रतीक है। इस दिन पाकिस्तान ने भारतीय सेना के समक्ष आत्मसमर्पण किया था। यह दिन भारतीय सेना के अद्वितीय साहस, वीरता और संघर्ष को समर्पित है, जिन्होंने इस युद्ध में अभूतपूर्व रणनीतियों और वीरता का परिचय दिया।… pic.twitter.com/7sBsJ8mplm — Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) December 16, 2024
16 December,2024 10:37 AM 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. Markets decline in early trade amid weak global trends Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday in line with weak global cues and caution ahead of the WPI inflation data to be announced later in the day. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 215.59 points to 81,917.53 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 49.45 points to 24,718.85. Explained: Why Maharashtra ATS intensified drive against illegal Bangladeshi migrants The regime change in Bangladesh has become a significant concern for Indian agencies, which are devising multiple strategies to secure the border as they believe illegal immigration is no longer the biggest issue. There is a growing apprehension that terror outfits from the neighbouring country might attempt to orchestrate terror activities in India, potentially using Bangladeshi illegal immigrants as sleeper cells. Read more. All you need to know about the new ministers sworn in Devendra Fadnavis government Leaders of the Mahayuti alliance were sworn in as cabinet ministers in the Maharashtra government during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur on Sunday. The 10-day-old BJP-led alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. In the expansion, BJP got 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine for Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. While 33 legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers, six took oath as ministers of state. Read more. Smith adds to India's 'Head'-ache in Brisbane Familiar heroes from both sides made their presence felt, but while Jasprit Bumrah plugged away almost single-handedly, Travis Head was supported by a welcome return to form for Steve Smith at the Gabba on Sunday. Consequently, Australia dominated Day Two of the third Test, pulling away after a tricky opening session to flay a tiring attack. Scoring at more than 5.5 runs an over in the extended final session, Australia ended the day on 405-7, a commanding tally especially considering that they were asked to bat first by Rohit Sharma. Read more. Aamir Khan wraps up Sitaare Zameen Par shoot on Sunday night; actor to shift focus to 'extensive editing & visual effects' Recently, Aamir Khan announced that Sitaare Zameen Par, which was to originally release this December, was being pushed to 2025. On Sunday, the superstar reported to the Film City set for the last portion of the RS Prasanna-directed venture. Sources tell us that it was a patch shoot. Read more.
16 December,2024 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDelhi is enduring a severe cold wave, compounded by worsening air quality, as temperatures dip and pollution levels soar. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) in the capital has reached alarming levels, breaching the ‘very poor’ category for the second time in as many days. On Monday, at 5:30 AM, Delhi's temperature was recorded at 5°C, a drop from 6°C the previous day. Along with the chill, the air quality also took a turn for the worse, with the AQI at 345 at 7 AM on Monday. This marks a sharp increase from 246 on Sunday. Certain areas of the city, such as Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Burari Crossing, saw AQI levels between 350 and 397, falling within the ‘very poor’ range, while other localities like Dwarka Sec 8, Nehru Nagar, and Rohini recorded AQI levels above 370, placing the air quality into the ‘severe’ category. The CPCB categorises AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is ‘good,’ 51-100 is ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 is ‘moderate,’ 201-300 is ‘poor,’ 301-400 is ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 is ‘severe.’ As of Monday morning, Delhi’s air quality was far exceeding the ‘very poor’ range, triggering health warnings for residents. As temperatures continue to plummet, many vulnerable individuals are seeking shelter in night homes across the city. In areas like Sarai Kale Khan, people can be seen gathered in shelter homes, bundled up in thick blankets, braving the harsh cold. Vicky Kanojia, a caretaker of a shelter home, shared that the facility accommodates those without homes, including individuals recovering from hospital stays. The shelter provides essential services such as medicines, meals, and even ambulances for medical assistance. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, Moradabad is facing its own cold wave, with the temperature dipping to 8°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the region is experiencing a ‘Cold Wave,’ with locals relying on bonfires to stay warm amidst the ongoing chill. Fog has further intensified the cold, making daily life difficult. (With inputs from ANI)
16 December,2024 09:31 AM IST | New DelhiThe West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors (WBJPD) has announced plans for a 10-day sit-in demonstration in central Kolkata, beginning on Tuesday. This protest stems from the CBI’s ongoing investigation into the rape and murder case of a female doctor at Kar Medical College and Hospital, where two key suspects were granted bail. The WBJPD, an umbrella organisation of five prominent medical associations, will stage the protest at Doreena Crossing, Kolkata, until December 26. The doctors are demanding a thorough investigation, with the immediate submission of a supplementary chargesheet by the CBI. Dr. Punyabrata Gun, joint convener of WBJPD, stated that the protest would be peaceful and organised without disrupting traffic. He emphasised that the doctors had already written to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, Manoj Verma, seeking permission for the sit-in. "We have assured the authorities that our demonstration will follow all legal and safety guidelines," Gun said, adding that they had also requested the police to ensure the safety of all participants. On Saturday, the WBJPD organised a march to the CBI office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake to press for their demands. This protest follows the shocking discovery of the body of an on-duty female doctor from the state-run hospital in Kolkata, who was found dead on August 9, sparking widespread protests across the country. The case saw a new development on Friday when the Sealdah court granted bail to two key accused – Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kar Medical College, and Abhijit Mondal, the former officer-in-charge of Tala police station. The court granted bail after the CBI failed to file a charge sheet within the legally mandated 90-day period, a decision that has sparked outrage among the medical community and the public. The ongoing investigation and the recent developments, including the court’s decision to grant bail to the suspects, have caused significant unrest among medical professionals in the region. The WBJPD is firm in its call for justice, with a focus on ensuring accountability in this high-profile case. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 09:06 AM IST | KolkataADVERTISEMENT
