The District Administration Office (DAO) of Parsa has extended the curfew in Birgunj City as religious tensions continue to rise over a TikTok video that sparked unrest, news agency ANI reported. The local administration had initially issued a prohibitory order on Monday afternoon in parts of the district, but both groups staged simultaneous protests, defying the order, prompting authorities to impose a curfew. “The curfew order issued yesterday, 2082.09.21 (2026.01.05) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM on 2082.09.22 (2026.01.06), in view of the latest security situation, has been continued in the following four forts within the Birgunj Metropolitan City area of Parsa district, as per Section 6 (a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028, from today, 2082.09.22 (2026.01.06), until 1:00 PM, prohibiting anyone from moving within those boundaries, holding any kind of gathering, procession, demonstration, meeting, or siege,” the latest order said. The DAO has identified Bus Park, Nagwa, Inarwa (East), Sirsia River (West), Gandak Chowk (North), and Shankaracharya Gate (South) as the four areas under curfew, ANI reported. “During the curfew, security personnel are allowed to shoot on sight, so it is requested that you do not step out of your home except for essential purposes. If you must go out, coordinate with the nearest security personnel or call 100,” the administration warned. Authorities also clarified that essential service vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, hearses, health workers’ vehicles, media personnel, tourist vehicles, vehicles of human rights and diplomatic missions, and air passengers with tickets will be allowed movement during the curfew. Mosque vandalised in Nepal, demonstrators stage rallies Tensions have escalated in Birgunj, near the Indian state of Bihar, since Sunday after a dispute between two groups over a TikTok video from Dhanusha’s Kamala Municipality. The video, uploaded by youths Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari in Janakpur, allegedly hurt religious sentiments, prompting locals to hand the youths over to the police, ANI reported. The situation worsened after a mosque in ward 6 of Kamala Municipality was vandalised, triggering protests. Demonstrators staged rallies in and around Birgunj, burning tyres and shouting slogans since Sunday. What began as a local dispute in Dhanusha and Parsa escalated via social media, with both sides taking to the streets over issues affecting religious and communal sentiments. (With ANI inputs)
06 January,2026 07:43 PM IST | Nepal | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Maharashtra local body elections, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday targeted the BJP, Congress and the two parties allies ahead of Latur civic polls. Owaisi also stirred political debate after saying voters could accept money allegedly distributed during elections and use it for building toilets if they felt such practices were unethical, reported the PTI. Addressing a rally ahead of the Latur civic polls, Owaisi said cash distribution began only after his party entered the electoral contest. “If you feel taking money is wrong or ‘haram’, then use it for something useful like constructing toilets,” he told the gathering. Owaisi urged Muslims to strengthen their political leadership, saying minorities lacked political power despite forming a significant portion of the population. He said Dalits and Muslims make up a large share of the poor, but development has failed to reach their neighbourhoods, according to the PTI. Attack on BJP and Centre’s Policies Criticising the Narendra Modi-led government, Owaisi questioned its priorities. “The BJP talks about nationalism, but farmers are dying, young people are unemployed, and the focus remains on issues like love jihad,” he alleged, reported the PTI. He also claimed that the Prime Minister and the BJP remained silent about remarks allegedly made by US President Donald Trump suggesting that India’s leadership took decisions to please him. Questions Over State Welfare Scheme Owaisi alleged that the Maharashtra government’s ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ welfare scheme had seen a steady decline in beneficiaries. He also raised concerns about the state’s debt, saying loans worth Rs 9.30 lakh crore had been taken and questioned who would repay them. Criticism of Ajit Pawar and Waqf Law Targeting Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Owaisi questioned his loyalty to the public, stating that a leader who did not remain loyal to his political mentor could not be trusted by voters. On the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Owaisi alleged that the law was being misused to lock mosques and dispute ownership of centuries-old dargahs. He objected to provisions allowing non-Muslims on Waqf boards, while Muslims are barred from Hindu trust boards, as per the PTI. Mumbai train blast case raised The AIMIM chief also questioned the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blast case while in jail. He said 11 Muslim men were arrested and spent 19 years in prison before being acquitted, adding that questions remained unanswered about the death of one of them. Congress also under fire Owaisi criticised the Congress, stating that despite ruling Maharashtra and Latur for years, the party failed to provide basic civic facilities. He alleged that minority areas in Latur continue to face waterlogging during monsoon and drinking water shortages, the news agency reported. Despite former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh serving two terms, Owaisi claimed the city had seen little meaningful development. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 07:42 PM IST | Latur (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentWith the Maharashtra civic polls 2026 just around the corner, Nashik on Tuesday witnessed a significant political development as former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) MLA Nitin Bhosale officially joined the Shiv Sena. Bhosale was accompanied by a large number of supporters while joining the Shiv Sena. He was formally inducted into the party by taking the saffron flag, marking a major boost for Shiv Sena’s organisational strength in Nashik District. The legislator's entry to the Shiv Sena is being seen as politically important ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra civic body elections in the region. ЁЯУН рдард╛рдгреЗ |#рдирд╛рд╢рд┐рдХ рдЬрд┐рд▓реНрд╣реНрдпрд╛рддреАрд▓ рдорд╣рд╛рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░ рдирд╡рдирд┐рд░реНрдорд╛рдг рд╕реЗрдиреЗрдЪреЗ рдорд╛рдЬреА рдЖрдорджрд╛рд░ рдЖрдгрд┐ рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░рд╡рд╛рджреА рдХрд╛рдБрдЧреНрд░реЗрд╕ рд╢рд░рдж рдкрд╡рд╛рд░ рдЧрдЯрд╛рдЪреЗ рдкреНрд░рджреЗрд╢ рдЙрдкрд╛рдзреНрдпрдХреНрд╖ рдирд┐рддреАрди рднреЛрд╕рд▓реЗ рдпрд╛рдВрдиреА рдЖрдкрд▓реНрдпрд╛ рдЕрд╕рдВрдЦреНрдп рдХрд╛рд░реНрдпрдХрд░реНрддреНрдпрд╛рдВрд╕рд╣ #рд╢рд┐рд╡рд╕реЗрдирд╛ рдкрдХреНрд╖рд╛рдд рдЬрд╛рд╣реАрд░ рдкреНрд░рд╡реЗрд╢ рдХреЗрд▓рд╛.рдпрд╛рд╡реЗрд│реА рддреНрдпрд╛рдВрдЪреНрдпрд╛рд╕рд╣ рдорд╣рд╛рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░ рдЯреНрд░рд╛рдпрдерд▓реЙрди рдЕрд╕реЛрд╕рд┐рдПрд╢рдирдЪреЗ рд╕рдЪрд┐рд╡ рд░рд╛рдЬреЗрдВрджреНрд░… pic.twitter.com/0LjjcuD4Fl — Eknath Shinde - рдПрдХрдирд╛рде рд╢рд┐рдВрджреЗ (@mieknathshinde) January 6, 2026 Along with Bhosale, leaders including Rajendra Limbalkar, Prashant Thackeray, Yuvraj Bhosale, Sachin Sonavane, Prasad Ambekar, Anup Bhosale, and Prithvish Bhosale also joined the Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena leader Mangesh Chivate welcomed the new entrants into the party. Shiv Sena leaders expressed confidence that the induction of experienced leaders and grassroots workers would further strengthen the party's presence and outreach in Nashik. Political observers believe that Bhosale’s switch could influence local political issues and energise the party cadre at the district and state levels. Milind Deora campaigned for two candidates on Monday Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora campaigned for Mahayuti candidates in South Mumbai. Taking to social media platform X, Deora said that he campaigned for the two 'promising' candidates and wished them success in the upcoming polls. Expressing confidence over their victory, Deora further said that the candidates would connect with voters and help secure victory for the Mahayuti alliance. He said that the two candidates, Ruchi Wadkar from Ward No 224 and Rita Makwana from Ward No 222, stating that both the leaders have the potential to win the trust of citizens in their respective wards. Campaigning by senior political leaders has intensified ahead of BMC Election 2026, with major parties focusing on local outreach and grassroots mobilisation, particularly in the important areas of Mumbai. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and NCP led by Ajit Pawar, is seeking to strengthen its presence in Mumbai’s civic body through coordinated campaigning and strong local candidates.
06 January,2026 06:15 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentA thin layer of fog engulfed Srinagar on Tuesday morning as the cold wave continued to tighten its grip on the Kashmir Valley, reducing visibility and intensifying the winter chill. The iconic Dal Lake remained shrouded in mist, yet tourists braved the freezing temperatures to enjoy shikara rides and the serene winter landscape. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius on January 5, which was 2 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees below normal. The IMD on Tuesday forecast isolated light to moderate rainfall or snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Ground frost conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand. In southern India, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is likely over Tamil Nadu on January 8 and 9, while heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Mahe on January 9 and 10. The weather agency has also predicted a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-3degC over Northwest India during the next four days, with no significant change thereafter for the next three days. A similar fall of 2-3degC is likely over Central and East India during the next two days, followed by no significant change for the subsequent five days. No major change in minimum temperatures is expected over the remaining parts of the country. Meanwhile, cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Jharkhand and Punjab. Cold-day conditions are expected in isolated pockets across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Dense fog is very likely at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh. Dense to very dense fog is anticipated at isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Over the seas, squally weather with wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is likely along and off the Sri Lanka coast, over most parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, many parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin area. Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the Somalia coast and adjoining sea areas. 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,2026 06:05 PM IST | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | ANIMultiple bomb threats were reported across India on Tuesday, triggering evacuations at Mau railway station and Mysuru district court, while police in Kannur, Kerala, seized 12 explosive devices, prompting nationwide security alerts. Panic at Mau Railway Station as bomb threat on Kashi Express turns out to be hoax At Mau railway station in Uttar Pradesh, panic erupted after authorities received a call claiming a bomb had been planted on the Kashi Express (15018 Down) en route from Gorakhpur to Mumbai. Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police (SP), quickly rushed to the scene, reported news agency PTI. A joint operation involving the local police, Government Railway Police (GRP), and Railway Protection Force (RPF) safely evacuated all passengers and conducted a thorough inspection of each coach. Bomb disposal squads inspected the train, while platform number one and nearby areas were cordoned off. Authorities later confirmed the threat appeared to be a hoax, and efforts were underway to trace the source of the call. The train resumed its journey only after completing all security checks. Bomb threat forces evacuation at Mysuru district court Meanwhile, in Mysuru, Karnataka, the District Court received a bomb threat via email. Judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and court staff were evacuated as a precaution, and court proceedings were temporarily suspended, reported PTI. A bomb disposal squad was deployed to conduct a detailed search of the premises. Police confirmed that the precautionary evacuation ensured the safety of all present. 12 explosive devices seized in North Kerala, police launch investigation Police in north Kerala on Wednesday seized a total of 12 country-made explosive devices from two separate locations, according to PTI reports. Eight crude explosives were recovered from a school ground at Thangal Peedika in Mokeri, under the jurisdiction of Panoor police station. The devices were found hidden beneath tarpaulin sheets, and a machete was also recovered at the site. In a separate incident, four steel explosive devices were discovered inside a bag on a deserted plot in Kannavam. Authorities across the country remain on high alert following these incidents, emphasising vigilance and swift action to ensure public safety. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 04:28 PM IST |The District Court in Mysuru received a bomb threat via email on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to evacuate the premises as a precautionary measure, police said. Following the threat, judicial officers, lawyers, litigants and court staff were evacuated from the complex, and court proceedings were temporarily halted, they said. A bomb disposal squad was rushed to the spot and was conducting a thorough search of the premises, a senior police officer said. 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,2026 12:37 PM IST | Mysuru | PTIDuring the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026, the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru) — the state animal of Maharashtra — was sighted in the Pune Forest Division, highlighting the region’s healthy and biodiverse forest ecosystem. The wildlife survey, which began on January 1, 2026, is being conducted across all forest ranges of the Pune Forest Division to document the presence and population indicators of tigers, leopards, and other wildlife species through direct sightings and indirect signs. According to forest officials, the Indian Giant Squirrel was spotted on January 5, 2026, at around 7:45 am along a transect line near the Tiger Point tourist area at Mauje Atvan in the Lonavala range, while census activities were underway. The sighting was officially recorded by Lonavala Forest Guard Ganesh Mehetre and Atvan Forest Guard Krishna Dethe, who were part of the survey team at the site. The Indian Giant Squirrel is an arboreal species that inhabits tall, dense, and undisturbed forests and is considered a key indicator species for assessing forest health. Living primarily in the upper canopies of mature trees, the species plays a significant role in seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration, contributing to ecological balance. Forest department officials noted that while the tiger census mainly focuses on big cats, sightings of indicator species such as the Indian Giant Squirrel provide valuable insights into overall habitat quality. “The presence of Shekru reflects a well-preserved ecosystem with sufficient tree cover and food resources,” an official said. The species has been reported earlier in parts of the Maval region and is commonly found in larger numbers in Junnar taluka. Its recent sighting near Lonavala further highlights the ecological importance of the Western Ghats belt, which passes through Maval taluka and comprises hills, valleys, and dense forest patches supporting a wide range of wildlife. The incident also reinforces that forests around popular tourist destinations like Lonavala are not merely recreational zones but critical wildlife habitats. More comprehensive data on wildlife diversity and forest health in the region is expected to emerge as subsequent phases of the Tiger Census 2026 are completed. While speaking to Mid-Day, Dr Sachin Anil Punekar, Conservation Biologist and Founder of Biospheres, said, "It’s a good sign that the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica indica) was sighted at Atvan near Lonavala, indicating that certain healthy forest patches still exist and need immediate conservation action. Protecting this dwindling species is important, particularly for possible tiger corridors. This arboreal species plays a pivotal role in seed dispersal and maintaining the forest canopy, which ultimately supports big cats like tigers by sustaining their prey base and providing year-round water along migratory paths."
06 January,2026 12:04 PM IST | | Archana DahiwalThe investigation into the twin blasts in Manipur's Bishnupur district was handed over to the NIA, officials said on Tuesday. Two people were injured in the consecutive explosions that rocked Ngaukon in the Phougakchao police station area on Monday morning, they said. The first blast, suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), occurred around 5.45 am at an abandoned house. The second one occurred nearly 200 metres away around 8.45 am, when locals gathered after getting news of the earlier blast. "The case has been forwarded to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further investigation," a statement issued by the state police said. "Combining and search operations are being carried out in the adjoining areas, and security has been strengthened to prevent any further escalation of violence. Investigation and operational efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the blasts," it said. The incident further escalated tensions in the restive state, where over 260 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in the ethnic clashes that broke out in May 2023. The house, where the first explosion happened, has remained abandoned since ethnic violence broke out, with its owner and his family currently living at a relief camp. Several organisations, including the Indigenous People Organisation and the All Manipur Students' Union, called for a 24-hour shutdown across the state, starting 12 am on Wednesday, to protest the blast Meitei civil organisation Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) demanded an immediate, transparent and time-bound investigation into the blasts.Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February 2025, after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid criticisms of his administration's handling of the ethnic clashes between Kukis and Meiteis. 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,2026 10:39 AM IST | Manipur | PTIResearchers at the Guwahati Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed a photocatalytic material that can convert carbon dioxide into methanol fuel using sunlight. The effort is aimed at addressing one of the most essential challenges — meeting rising energy needs without further harming the environment. The findings of the study have been published in the prestigious Journal of Materials Science. “The dependence on petroleum-based fuels continues to be a source of carbon dioxide emissions. To address this, researchers are working on designing photocatalytic methods to convert carbon dioxide into clean fuels,” said Mahuya De, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering. Researchers worldwide have been working on addressing this critical challenge by utilising graphitic carbon nitride, a low-cost, metal-free, non-toxic material. However, due to limitations such as rapid energy loss and low fuel generation, no prominent solution has been developed so far. To overcome this challenge, the IIT Guwahati research team combined graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene. Known for its electrical conductivity and energy transfer capabilities, this ultra-thin carbon material helped minimise energy loss within the catalyst. 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,2026 10:13 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesAs many as 142 persons are currently hospitalised, including 11 in ICUs, amid a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated drinking water in Indore, while 20 new patients were detected during screening of over 9000 people in the Bhagirathpura area, officials said on Sunday. Health teams examined 9416 individuals from 2354 households during an ongoing survey in Bhagirathpura, where six persons have lost their lives due to contaminated water, and identified 20 fresh cases, said officials. According to officials, 398 patients had been admitted to hospitals so far following the outbreak. Of them, 256 patients have been discharged. The outbreak is under control now, they added. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Prasad Haasani said a team from the Kolkata-based National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (NIRBI) has arrived in Indore to probe the health crisis. The administration has confirmed six deaths so far. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava had put the death toll at 10, whereas locals claimed that 16 persons died. 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,2026 10:10 AM IST | Indore | AgenciesFormer Union Minister, senior Congress leader, and veteran sports administrator Suresh Kalmadi passed away on Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. According to information released by his office, Kalmadi’s mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, until 2 pm on Tuesday to allow people to pay their last respects. The cremation will take place at Vaikunth Smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm. Kalmadi was a prominent political figure and played a significant role in India’s sports administration. He served as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for several years and was closely associated with the development and promotion of sports at the national level. He came under national scrutiny in connection with the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case and was booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged misappropriation of funds. He was arrested in April 2011, following which the Congress party suspended him. Despite the controversy, Kalmadi continued to retain influence within sports bodies. In 2016, he and Abhay Singh Chautala were appointed life presidents of the IOA by a panel of over 150 members. However, after the Union Sports Minister sought a probe into the decision, Kalmadi declined the honor, stating in a letter to then IOA President N. Ramachandran that the timing was not appropriate for him to accept the post. Before entering active politics, Kalmadi served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force from 1964 to 1972 and retired in 1974. He later entered public life and went on to serve as Minister of State for Railways between 1995 and 1996 during a Congress-led government. He also represented Pune as a Member of Parliament for multiple terms. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed deep condolences, stating that Kalmadi’s demise has created a significant void in Pune’s political, social, cultural, and sports spheres. In his condolence message, Pawar recalled Kalmadi’s journey from an Indian Air Force pilot to a seasoned leader who left a lasting imprint on Pune’s public life. He noted that initiatives such as the Pune Festival and the Pune International Marathon, launched under Kalmadi’s leadership, helped give the city national and international recognition. “His contributions to Pune’s social and cultural life will always be remembered. With his passing, the city has lost an experienced and influential leader,” Pawar said in his tribute.
06 January,2026 10:06 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalADVERTISEMENT
