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 DahiwalMore than 33 students fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal at the Odakkalpalayam Government Middle School near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and were admitted to various hospitals for treatment, officials said. The incident occurred on Sunday at Odakkalpalayam Government Middle School, which falls under the Sultanpet Union, where the mid-day meal was served on Tuesday. Shortly after having food, around 33 students complained of vomiting and severe stomach pain. The affected students were immediately rushed to private hospitals in Sultanpet and the surrounding areas. According to the latest information, some students are receiving treatment at Aram Hospital in Sultanpet, while others have been admitted to Purushothaman Hospital and Royal Care Hospital in Senjeri Malai. Upon receiving information, the Sultanpet Block Development Officer visited the spot and conducted an inquiry. Orders have been issued to inspect the quality of the midday meal, and the Sultanpet police have launched an investigation into the incident. The incident, in which more than 33 students from a single school were affected due to a suspected food-related illness, has caused shock and tension in the locality. Meanwhile, in a separate incident reported earlier in December from Karnataka, a video showing worms in children's lunch at the Old Ningapura Government School in Koppal taluk went viral. School authorities said the rice was supplied under the Akshara Dasoha scheme and was likely stored for an extended period. Parents and students raised concerns over the health and hygiene of mid-day meals after children found dead worms in the cooked rice and alerted school staff and parents. The students reportedly discarded the food and reported the incident to senior management, alleging negligence by the meal staff. Chairman of the school development committee, Hanumanthappa Hatti, said, "This matter has come to our attention. I have called the cooks and advised them to wash and cook the rice thoroughly. If there are worms, they should be informed and replaced. However, since the Akshara Dasoha officials distribute the rice crop that has been stored in stock, the children have to eat such cooked meals." The incidents have renewed concerns over food safety and monitoring of the mid-day meal scheme in government schools. 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 08:36 AM IST | Coimbatore | ANIThe number of suspected typhoid infections linked to a leak in a water pipeline in Gandhinagar has risen to 108. Recently, around 18 new suspected cases were reported, officials said on Monday. As reported by PTI, two patients undergoing treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital died on Monday. While the authorities clarified that neither death was linked to the typhoid outbreak, the situation in Gandhinagar looks critical. Authorities, while clarifying about the typhoid outbreak caused by a leak in the water pipeline, added that the issue of water contamination has now been fully resolved, with multiple teams working on the ground. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi further highlighted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who represents the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, is closely monitoring the situation and conducted an early morning review over the phone. On the other hand, while emphasising the typhoid crisis during the press conference, Dr Meeta Parikh, Superintendent of Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, stated, "At present, 108 patients with suspected typhoid are admitted to our hospital, including 18 new patients admitted today. Of these, 50 have tested Widal positive, while 25 patients have been discharged after treatment. The two deaths reported today were not linked to the typhoid outbreak, as they occurred due to other causes,” as per PTI. She further added that several tests, including the Widal test and blood culture analysis, are being conducted on suspected patients to confirm typhoid infection. Furthermore, blood samples from the two deceased patients have been sent for blood culture tests to determine whether their deaths were linked to typhoid. Typhoid outbreak caused by leaking water pipeline The outbreak of the waterborne disease has been reported from Sectors 24 and 28, as well as the Adivada area of Gandhinagar, and was caused by a leaking water pipeline a few days ago, according to the government. The district administration and the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation have formed teams to resolve the issue. The water contamination problem has been completely addressed. Yesterday, 367 water samples were collected, and all test results were satisfactory. He further said that a team of 22 doctors, including five MD specialists, has been deployed to monitor and treat suspected patients, reported PTI. Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister further added, "Everyone is receiving proper treatment. Amit Shah is in direct contact with hospital authorities and speaks with the district collector daily. He conducted an early morning review today to assess the situation,” as cited by news agency PTI. According to medical experts, a positive Widal test indicates that a person has developed antibodies against Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi, which may suggest a current or past typhoid infection or recent vaccination. However, the test does not definitively confirm an active typhoid infection. The government also asserted, “With suspected cases being reported, authorities started round-the-clock OPDs (outpatient departments) in the affected areas, and food arrangements had been made for the relatives of those patients being treated in the Civil Hospital,” as per PTI. Intensive health management and survey work have been carried out in Gandhinagar city by 75 health teams in view of the suspected typhoid cases, as per the release issued on Sunday. The survey teams of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation have so far inspected more than 20,800 houses and covered more than 90,000 people. Chlorine tablets and ORS packets were distributed as a preventive measure As a preventive measure, 30,000 chlorine tablets and 20,600 ORS packets have been distributed. The survey teams are distributing awareness leaflets by contacting people from house to house and asking them to boil water, not to eat outside food, and to keep their hands clean, reported PTI. The Gujarat government further said, “The process of ‘super chlorination’ of water has been accelerated to control the spread of the disease, and the amount of chlorination in drinking water is also being checked.” Some leakages found in the pipeline in the disease-affected areas have also been repaired on an immediate basis, they added. (With inputs from PTI)
05 January,2026 10:47 PM IST | Gandhinagar | mid-day online correspondentA 42-year-old man was arrested on Monday arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl at a village in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Monday. As reported by news agency PTI, the accused, a father of five, was booked following a complaint by the girl's father, the officials said. Circle Officer (Kaushambi) JP Pandey, while briefing about the incident, said that the complainant approached the police on Monday. The circle officer further asserted, According to the complaint, the incident occurred on Saturday evening when his 15-year-old daughter went to a hand pump to wash utensils. The accused, who is a neighbour, allegedly dragged her into his cattle shed and raped her. The family members rushed to the spot after hearing the girl's screams, prompting the accused to flee, as per PTI. He further highlighted that a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. While briefing more about the investigation, the circle officer said that the girl's statement has been recorded, and she has been sent for medical examination, as reported by PTI. Minor girl gang-raped in Mumbai by three men In a different scenario, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men in the Malwani area of Mumbai. As per the officials, two out of the three accused have been arrested by the police. The officials also added that a manhunt has been launched to nab the third suspect in the case. According to preliminary information, the incident took place about a week ago, but an FIR was registered only two days ago. Police sources said that the 17-year-old victim and the accused are residents of the same area. The accused worked in a fabrication unit and resided in the workshop. Police said that the victim was friends with one of the accused and would secretly meet him on several occasions. On the day of the incident, when the victim went to meet the accused, two other men were also present at the spot. All three allegedly took turns to sexually assault her. The victim initially did not disclose the incident to anyone. However, the matter came to light after the brother of the victim learnt about it through a person and questioned the victim, following which she revealed the truth, sources said. They said that the victim was then taken to the police station, where a complaint was lodged two days ago under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act and gang rape. Acting on the complaint, the police arrested two of the accused, while the third accused is absconding and is being searched for, said an officer from Malwani police station. The ages of both the arrested and absconding accused are reported to be between 21 and 23 years, said an official. (With inputs from PTI)
05 January,2026 08:43 PM IST | Kaushambi | mid-day online correspondentAn interstate criminal with Rs 1 lakh bounty on his head was nabbed by a joint team of Gurugram and Nuh police after a brief encounter, officials said on Monday. The criminal, Yad Ram (50), has committed nearly two dozen crimes, including attempted murder, and robbery, across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Some cases under the Arms Act are also registered against him. A native of Uttar Pradesh's Auraiya district, Ram was residing in Jaipur in Rajasthan. He was arrested after police on Sunday night received information that he was seen riding a bike without a number plate towards Sohna, Gurugram police spokesperson said. He was also carrying weapons, the official added. On the information, a team of Gururgam police and Crime Investigation Agency, Nuh, set up barricades in the Mahendrawada Kachha Rasta area on Sohna-Gurugram road. The official said that around 10:15 pm, an attempt was made to stop a suspect riding a bike matching the description provided. Finding himself cornered, the biker opened fire indiscriminately at the police team. In the police's retaliatory fire, the accused sustained bullet injuries on both legs and fell down. The police team then immediately apprehended Ram. A bike, two illegal pistols, nine empty cartridges and two live cartridges were recovered from the spot. 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.
05 January,2026 07:14 PM IST | NCR | PTIShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, stating that the duo has remained in jail for the past five years without a charge sheet being filed, news agency ANI reported. #WATCH | Delhi: On the Supreme Court rejecting the bail plea of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the larger conspiracy case of the Delhi riots, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "They have said that there is no such thing as personal liberty under UAPA. Now, charges… pic.twitter.com/0wJtapWgna — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2026 Her remarks came after the Supreme Court rejected Khalid and Imam’s bail pleas, while granting relief to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad, the other accused in the case. Chaturvedi said it was troubling that bail had not been granted despite the absence of a charge sheet even after five years. “There has been no charge sheet filed for five years, still bail wasn’t granted,” she said. Speaking to ANI, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, “They have said that there is no such thing as personal liberty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Now, charges have been framed under UAPA, but no charge sheet has been filed for five years. There is no charge sheet, bail was not granted, there was a hearing in the Supreme Court, some people got bail, but these two did not.” She added, “I hope that in this case, a charge sheet will be filed at the earliest and action will begin. These two have been in jail for the past five years without knowing the charges.” Delhi riots 2020: SC cites “central role” in alleged conspiracy Earlier in the day, the apex court denied their bail plea relating to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The court observed that the two stood on a “qualitatively different footing” compared to the other accused in terms of prosecution material and evidence, ANI reported. The bench noted that Khalid and Imam were attributed a “central” role in the alleged offences, and held that although their incarceration has been prolonged, it does not violate constitutional safeguards or override the statutory embargo under applicable laws. The judgment was delivered by a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria on the bail pleas filed by Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad. On December 10, 2025, the apex court had reserved its verdict after hearing detailed arguments from all parties. On September 2 last year, the Delhi High Court had rejected the bail pleas of nine accused, including Khalid and Imam, prompting them to approach the Supreme Court. The high court had observed that, prima facie, the role of Imam and Khalid in the alleged conspiracy was “grave”, stating that they had delivered inflammatory speeches on communal lines to “instigate mass mobilisation of members of the Muslim community”. Khalid, Imam, and others were arrested in January 2020 under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. The violence erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), leaving 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. (With ANI inputs)
05 January,2026 07:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
