India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) on Monday. The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur of Odisha. The rocket was tested for its full strike range of 120 kilometres and performed all planned in-flight manoeuvres. According to officials, it hit the target with high accuracy. Trial coincides with army clearance The successful test came on the same day that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the project for induction into the Indian Army. The approval was granted earlier in the day, making the test especially significant. All tracking systems deployed at the test range monitored the rocket throughout its flight, confirming its performance and precision. Indigenous development and advanced design The LRGR 120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). Support was also provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof & Experimental Establishment. Launched from existing Pinaka system The rocket was fired from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating that the same launcher can be used for Pinaka rockets of different ranges. This highlights the system’s flexibility and operational advantage for the Army. Leaders congratulate DRDO teams Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the achievement, calling the long-range guided rocket a game-changer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces. DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the test, praised the teams for successfully meeting all mission objectives. Pinaka’s growing role and global interest The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is one of India’s most successful indigenous artillery systems, known for its rapid response and precision. The Indian Army has shown strong backing for the Pinaka programme. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has indicated that the force may drop plans for alternate systems once longer-range Pinaka variants are fully operational. Pinaka has also seen success in the export market. Armenia has already inducted the system, while several European countries, including France, have shown interest.
29 December,2025 10:07 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSilver prices extended their record-setting rally for the fifth consecutive day on Monday, climbing Rs 3,650 to touch a fresh high of Rs 2,40,000 per kilogramme (kg) in Delhi markets, driven by sustained buying by traders, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The white metal had closed at Rs 2,36,350 per kg on December 26. So far this year, silver has delivered exceptional returns, rising 167.55 per cent or Rs 1,50,300 from Rs 89,700 per kg recorded on December 31, 2024, PTI reported. Meanwhile, 99.9 per cent purity gold eased from its record levels, dropping Rs 500 to Rs 1,41,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). It had surged Rs 1,500 to hit a fresh record of Rs 1,42,300 per 10 grams in the previous session. Gold traded lower on Monday as traders booked profits after the yellow metal fell nearly USD 70 to USD 4,463 per ounce in international markets amid high volatility, said Jateen Trivedi, Vice-President Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities. In overseas markets, spot gold was down USD 69.67, or 1.54 per cent, at USD 4,462.96 per ounce, PTI reported. Spot silver also retreated from lifetime highs, falling USD 4.06, or 5.13 per cent, to USD 75.09 per ounce following profit-taking after an end-of-year rally that had seen it hit USD 83.97 per ounce. “The broader trend remains volatile as markets reassess positions after the recent sharp rally. This week, the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes will be a key trigger, while the US holiday period could keep trading volumes relatively thin,” Trivedi said. Hareesh V, Head of Commodity Research at Geojit Investments Ltd, said, “In 2025, gold and silver reached record highs, driven by a potent mix of macroeconomic shifts, industrial demand, and structural supply tightness.” Commodities outperform equities as silver and gold rally He added that commodities have emerged as standout performers while equities posted modest gains. “The surge in raw materials reflects rising demand for tangible assets amid inflation concerns, resilient industrial consumption post-Covid, and mounting geopolitical risks, which have boosted commodities’ appeal relative to paper assets,” Hareesh said. Looking ahead, Hareesh said the bullish trend in commodities is expected to continue in 2026 and beyond due to enduring structural dynamics. “Gold remains supported by sustained central bank accumulation and elevated geopolitical risk. Declining real interest rates and ongoing macro uncertainty further strengthen its safe-haven appeal. Silver may benefit from persistent supply deficits and rising industrial demand, particularly from solar, AI, EVs, and electronics, keeping it in price-discovery territory,” he noted. (With PTI inputs)
29 December,2025 09:00 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Directorate of Education (DoE) has instructed Delhi schools to appoint nodal officers to manage stray dog-related issues around their campuses, in compliance with a Supreme Court directive, reported the PTI. Officials clarified that no specific responsibilities have been assigned to teacher. In an official statement issued on Monday, the directorate clarified, "No directions have been issued by the Directorate of Education concerning the assignment of specific duties to teachers." In a circular dated December 5, the DoE's Caretaking Branch directed district education officers to designate nodal officers from schools for stray dog-related matters and submit their details to the directorate, which will forward the consolidated list to the chief secretary. Teachers' associations, however, opposed the move, claiming that assigning such duties during the academic session could adversely affect teaching work, especially as pre-board examinations are currently underway in several schools, reported PTI. As per the circular, the details to be shared include the name, designation, contact number, and email ID of the nominated nodal officers from schools, stadiums, and sports complexes under the district. The nodal officers will act as point persons for stray dog-related issues, and their details must be displayed prominently outside school buildings and other educational premises for public awareness, it stated. District education officers were directed to submit a compiled district-level list of details, the circular said, adding that replies from individual schools would not be accepted. In North West A district, the deputy director of education has issued an order naming 118 staff members from different schools in the zone for the task. The order also mentions three nodal officers representing three zones. Separately, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also appointed 97 nodal officers in municipal schools for stray dog-related coordination, according to an order issued on November 28. The DoE said the move is linked to public safety and is being implemented in accordance with the Supreme Court's November 7 order pertaining to the stray dog issue, and directions issued during a meeting held on November 20. The task has been marked as a top priority, the circular added, reported PTI. The Supreme Court order directed local authorities to remove stray dogs from public places like schools and hospitals, to sterilise and vaccinate them (ABC rules), and shift them to shelters without releasing them back, citing rising attacks and rabies infections. Teachers' bodies, however, questioned why departments responsible for animal welfare are not handling the issue, cautioning that repeated non-academic assignments undermine the dignity of the teaching profession. President of a government teachers' association, Sant Ram, said teachers have always extended their services whenever required, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but deploying them for non-teaching duties during working days was unfair to students. "If teachers are allowed to focus only on education during school days, it will be in the best interest of society and the country. Such duties can be assigned during vacations, but diverting teachers during the academic session is an injustice to children," he said, reported PTI. The DoE circular follows directions issued by the Supreme Court on November 7 in a suo motu case titled "City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price", which dealt with stray dog management and steps to reduce human-dog conflicts, especially around schools. To implement the court's order, the Urban Development Department of the Delhi government held a meeting on November 12, chaired by the secretary (Urban Development). During the meeting, departments were instructed to take coordinated steps to ensure safety in schools and public spaces, according to a circular dated November 20. As part of the compliance plan, schools, offices, and stadiums were directed to prevent the entry of stray dogs into their premises through security staff, nominate nodal officers, carry out regular inspections to check for dog habitats, and conduct awareness sessions for students and staff on animal behavior, first aid in case of dog bites, and reporting procedures. The Caretaking Branch of the DoE has been designated the nodal branch to coordinate the exercise, it stated, reported PTI. Similar directives involving the deployment of teachers for animal-related matters have been issued earlier in several states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. (With PTI inputs)
29 December,2025 08:45 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Monday said public dissent and criticism over the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges appeared to arise from perceived ambiguity and a “lack of clarity” in certain terms and directives issued by the apex court. Amid outcry from activists, the top court kept in abeyance its November 20 directions that accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and imposed a ban on granting fresh mining leases across areas in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until expert reports are submitted, reported news agency PTI. On November 20, the court had accepted the recommendations of a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on defining the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the world’s oldest mountain system. On Monday, a three-judge vacation bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there had been a significant outcry from environmentalists, who expressed deep concern over the potential misinterpretation and improper implementation of the newly adopted definition and the court’s directions. “This public dissent and criticism appear to stem from the perceived ambiguity and lack of clarity in certain terms and directives issued by this court,” the bench, also comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, stated. The court said there was a pressing need to further examine and clarify the issues to prevent any “regulatory gaps” that could undermine the ecological integrity of the Aravalli region. The order was passed in a suo motu matter titled In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues. The bench noted that the Aravalli hills and ranges, often described as the “green lungs” of northwestern India, have for centuries sustained diverse ecosystems and supported the livelihoods of numerous communities. “They serve as an indispensable ecological and socioeconomic backbone of the region, functioning as the primary geographical barrier separating the arid northwestern desert from the fertile northern plains,” it said. Owing to their ancient geological formation, the Aravallis host some of the country’s most significant mineral deposits, the bench noted. It further observed that the region has repeatedly been subjected to escalating anthropogenic pressures. “Decades of unchecked urbanisation, systematic deforestation, and intensive resource extraction are said to have exerted immense strain on this inherently fragile ecosystem,” the bench stated. The court recalled that since 2002, the apex court has been actively seized of issues concerning mining operations in the Aravallis and the need to protect their fragile ecology. It said that before implementing the committee’s report or executing the November 20 directions, a “fair, impartial and independent expert opinion” must be obtained after involving all relevant stakeholders, PTI reported. Such a step was essential to resolve “critical ambiguities” and provide definitive guidance on whether additional issues or systemic vulnerabilities might arise during the proceedings, warranting further judicial intervention, the bench said. The court proposed constituting a high-powered expert panel comprising domain specialists to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the committee’s report, PTI reported. The study would include a detailed identification of territories that may be excluded from protection under the proposed criteria and an analysis of whether “sustainable” or “regulated” mining within the newly demarcated Aravalli areas could cause adverse ecological consequences despite regulatory oversight. It would also assess whether areas excluded from the definition risk eventual degradation or erasure, thereby compromising the overall ecological integrity of the Aravalli range. The bench further directed a multi-temporal evaluation of the short-term and long-term environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of the recommended definition and associated directions. Notice was issued to the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. The matter has been listed for hearing on January 21. (With PTI inputs)
29 December,2025 08:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged people to preserve their mother tongues and emphasised on collective efforts towards the betterment of society. She was speaking at the 22nd Santali ‘Parsi Maha’ (Language Day) and the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of the Santali language at the Dishom Jaherthan courtyard in Karandih, on the outskirts of Jamshedpur in East Singhbhum district, reported news agency PTI. Beginning her address with a prayer to ‘Jaher Aayo’, the tribal mother deity, in Santali, Murmu said, “There is no harm in learning other languages, but never forget your own mother tongue. When you speak with your own people, always try to converse in your mother tongue.” Highlighting the importance of the Ol Chiki script for the Santal community, she said the script, created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925, has become a powerful symbol of Santal identity. She noted that prior to its creation, Santali was written in multiple scripts such as Roman, Devanagari, Odia and Bengali, which did not always convey the language accurately, reported PTI. Appreciating Tata Steel for its contribution to promoting Ol Chiki, the President said collective efforts are essential for societal progress. According to PTI, Murmu also said she had the opportunity to release the Constitution of India in the Santali language, written in the Ol Chiki script, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 25. She expressed confidence that Santali-speaking people would now be able to read and understand the Constitution in their mother tongue. Calling for development with a focus on environmental conservation, Murmu said language and literature bind communities together. She encouraged translations and literary exchanges to make Santali literature accessible to students of other languages. The President noted that the Centre had released Rs 24,000 crore for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and felicitated 12 distinguished Santali individuals for their contributions to literature. Murmu, the chief guest at the event, also paid tributes to Pandit Raghunath Murmu by garlanding his bust. The programme was attended by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and TMC MP from Jhargram (West Bengal) and Padma Shri awardee Kalipada Soren, reported PTI. Governor Gangwar said Ol Chiki was not just a script but a symbol of ideological consciousness, cultural pride and tribal identity. Chief Minister Soren said the state government was committed to ensuring the teaching of the Santali language in the Ol Chiki script in Jharkhand. “We are continuously moving forward in the direction of developing tribal languages and ensuring they remain safe, protected and enriched,” the Chief Minister said, reported PTI. The programme, organised by the All India Santali Writers’ Association and the Dishom Jaherthan Committee, marked 100 years of the Ol Chiki movement, launched in 1925. The President arrived in Jharkhand on Sunday night on a three-day visit. On Tuesday, she will visit Gumla to address the ‘Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh–Kartik Jatra’, an interstate folk cultural gathering. (With PTI inputs)
29 December,2025 07:15 PM IST | Jamshedpur | mid-day online correspondentWhile New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the United States, it is not a gazetted national holiday in India. Instead, the Indian government has classified January 1 as a Restricted Holiday (a paid day off for employees to celebrate). It also means that most offices, banks and businesses will function normally across the country. However, some government offices, educational institutions and private establishments may remain closed or operate with reduced staff in select states, depending on local decisions. As the New Year 2026 eve approaches, several offices and services usually remain open or closed during the holidays, here's a complete guide on what services will remain open and which will remain closed on January 1, 2026. Here’s what will be open in Mumbai and India on January 1, 2026. Central government offices: Mostly open, as January 1 is a restricted holiday Banks: Most bank branches in Mumbai and Maharashtra are open Stock markets: BSE and NSE remain open for regular trading Retail shops and malls: Open; many offer New Year sales Restaurants and cafes: Open, often with extended hours Public transport: BEST buses, local trains, metro and taxis operate Emergency services: Hospitals, police and ambulances function normally Private offices: Open, subject to company policy Tourist attractions: Remain open What’s closed or partially closed on January 1 Banks in select states: Physical branches remain closed in states such as West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya due to local holidays Digital banking services (UPI, ATMs, mobile banking) remain fully operational nationwide, according to reports. Government offices: Some state government offices may be closed or operate with reduced staff Postal services: Select post offices may function on limited schedules Courts: The Supreme Court of India remains closed for winter holidays from December 22, 2025, to January 1, 2026 Bottom line for Mumbai For Mumbai residents, January 1, 2026, will largely be a normal working day, with banks, markets, transport, restaurants and stock markets operating as usual, making it easier to balance celebrations with daily routines. Metro Line-3 to run overnight on New Year’s eve Commuters in Mumbai can look forward to uninterrupted metro services this New Year as the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) announces that Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) will operate throughout the night on January 1, 2026. The special night service will begin at 10:30 pm on December 31 and continue until 5:55 am on January 1, ensuring safe and convenient travel for those celebrating New Year’s Eve. Regular services will resume from 5:55 am onwards.
29 December,2025 07:12 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir in Guwahati. The auditorium is the largest in the Northeast, marking a major milestone in Assam's efforts to strengthen cultural and public infrastructure. The auditorium has been constructed at a cost of Rs 291 crore, news agency IANS reported. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art cultural complex has a seating capacity of 5,000 and is spread over 45 bighas, covering nearly 15 acres in the Khanapara area of the city. Officials said the facility has been envisioned as a premier venue capable of hosting large-scale cultural programmes, conferences and national and international events, positioning Guwahati as a key cultural hub for the region. Apart from the main auditorium, the complex includes a modern convention centre, five VIP suites and a multi-level parking facility with a capacity of around 450 vehicles, IANS reported. The officials also noted that it has been equipped with advanced audio-visual systems, digital infrastructure and modern stage facilities have been incorporated to meet global standards. Assam CM hails Jyoti–Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir Speaking on the auditorium, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said, “The Jyoti–Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir reflects the state government's commitment to promoting culture alongside sustainable development." Sarma also noted that the complex will operate on green energy, with solar panels installed on the rooftop to reduce its carbon footprint and align the project with Assam’s environmental goals, IANS reported. Named in honour of two towering cultural icons of Assam, Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, the marvellous infrastructure is expected to serve as a major platform for artists, cultural organisations, and institutions from across the Northeast. Officials said that the venue will also facilitate large public gatherings and government programmes. During his visit, the Union Home Minister also felicitated around 1,000 beneficiaries of the Congenital Heart Disease programme at the newly inaugurated auditorium, highlighting the government’s focus on social welfare alongside infrastructure development. The inauguration of the Jyoti–Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir has been widely welcomed by cultural circles and officials. Officials from the Assam Government, hailing the project, said that it is a significant addition to Assam's cultural landscape. The project is expected to boost cultural tourism, encourage large-scale events and further consolidate Guwahati’s role as a regional centre for culture, governance, and public engagement in the Northeast. (With inputs from IANS)
29 December,2025 06:43 PM IST | Guwahati | mid-day online correspondentRising Indian batting star Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been felicitated with the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Vaibhav has been awarded for his scintillating batting performances for Team India in age-group cricket and for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 14-year-old batter from Bihar has become the talk of the entire nation with his batting exploits. With many comparing his rise to that of Indian cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, who also started as a teen prodigy from Mumbai. Domestic batting star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, who made history last year by becoming the youngest player to earn an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract after being bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.1 crore, has achieved plenty of milestones in a career that has taken off over the last year or so, reported ANI. Before his maiden IPL appearance, the Bihar batter had cracked a 58-ball century for India in a four-day game against Australia U19 and had featured in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in 2024, scoring 176 runs at an average of 44, with two fifties. Vaibhav made his IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants in the absence of injured skipper Sanju Samson, smashing his first ball, bowled by Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, for a huge six and scoring 34 in 20 balls. The Bihar batting sensation, in just seven innings of his debut IPL season, got 252 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of above 206, with a century and a fifty to his name. Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored an IPL ton in his debut season Suryavanshi’s century against the Gujarat Titans made him the youngest centurion in all of T20 cricket, and he also outclassed the former Indian hitter's record for the fastest IPL century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 35 balls, smashing seven fours and 11 sixes in his knock. Fastest century in U-19 Later, after the IPL, during the India U19 team's tour of England, the hard-hitting leftie smashed the fastest century in the U19 ODI format and became the youngest to do so, blasting a brutal 78-ball 143, comprising 13 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 183.33. Suryavanshi's ton came off 52 balls, surpassing Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam's 53-ball effort against England back in 2013, as per ANI. Suryavanshi was the top run-getter of the ODI leg of the series, with 355 runs in five innings at an average of 71.00, a strike rate of 174.01, with a century and fifty. Vaibhav’s prolific run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophies Last month, in his side's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Maharashtra, he became the youngest ever to score a century in the tournament's history, smashing a 61-ball 108, with seven fours and seven sixes against Maharashtra at a strike rate of over 177. At 14 years and 272 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest player to hit a century in men's List A cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 Plate League fixture against Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. It was Vaibhav's first non-T20I ton in senior cricket, which came in just 36 deliveries. This was the teenager's seventh List A game, after debuting against Madhya Pradesh in December 2025. (With inputs from ANI)
29 December,2025 06:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentLok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday raised concerns over multiple issues faced by ex-servicemen, including shortfalls in recruitment, difficulties in accessing medical treatment, and insufficient allocation of healthcare funds, during the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence meeting, sources told news agency ANI. Gandhi highlighted the challenges ex-servicemen face in private hospitals, where many deny treatment due to pending government dues. He also questioned the adequacy of financial assistance for serious illnesses, pointing out that ex-servicemen currently receive only Rs 75,000 for cancer and kidney-related treatments. “How is cancer or kidney treatment possible with such a small amount? The assistance should be increased,” said Gandhi. The meeting’s agenda focused on reviewing resettlement policies, healthcare facilities, and other support mechanisms for ex-servicemen, ANI reported. Gandhi, who is a member of the committee, urged the government to address these gaps to ensure proper care and support for veterans. Earlier, the Lok Sabha LoP had also strongly condemned the racial killing of Tripura student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “normalising hate,” which he said leads to such incidents. Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael were attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and blunt objects on December 9, resulting in Anjel’s death at a hospital. “What happened to Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael in Dehradun is a horrific hate crime. Hate doesn’t appear overnight. For years it is being fed daily—especially to our youth—through toxic content and irresponsible narratives. It is being normalised by the hate-spewing leadership of the ruling BJP,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. Rahul Gandhi condemns hate crime against Tripura student “India is built on respect and unity, not fear and abuse. We must not become a dead society that looks away while fellow Indians are targeted. We must reflect and confront what we are allowing our country to become,” he added. Expressing solidarity with the Chakma family and the people of the Northeast, Gandhi said, “My thoughts are with the Chakma family and the people of Tripura and the Northeast. We are proud to call you our fellow Indian brothers and sisters.” Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack, including two minors sent to a juvenile reform home, ANI reported. Police are continuing raids to apprehend an absconding accused, with a reward of Rs 25,000 announced. A team has also been sent to Nepal in search of the absconding suspect, according to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Office. (With ANI inputs)
29 December,2025 05:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe pilgrim footfall at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir fell below the 70-lakh mark in 2025, marking a significant decline as a series of security-related incidents and prolonged weather disruptions affected the annual pilgrimage, officials said. According to officials, a total of 68.85 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the shrine till December 28 this year, with around 70,000 more expected to visit in the remaining days of 2025, given the heavy influx of pilgrims in view of the New Year. Compared to last year when annual footfall had crossed the 94.84-lakh mark, the over 27.4 per cent drop underscores the cumulative effect of security concerns and natural disruptions on religious tourism in the region, they said. The year saw multiple setbacks, with the Pahalgam terror attack in April that left 26 persons dead and prompted heightened security measures across the region. This was followed by a major counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, next month when the Indian armed forces hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan, leading to tensions on the border. Adding to the challenges, a landslide triggered by incessant rain along the yatra track near Katra on August 26 resulted in the death of 35 pilgrims and caused damage to a critical stretch, forcing authorities to halt the pilgrimage for three weeks in August-September. Officials said the prolonged closure during what is traditionally considered a high-footfall period had a direct impact on the overall pilgrim footfall for the year. "Safety of pilgrims remains the top priority. Decisions to suspend the yatra were taken based on real-time assessments of weather and track conditions," a shrine board official said. Despite the challenges, he said the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board continued infrastructure upgrades, including track maintenance, disaster preparedness measures and enhanced surveillance. The yatra was resumed after restoration work and safety audits, with additional deployment of security forces and continuous monitoring of weather advisories, he added. According to official data, the highest footfall was recorded in April when 9,81,228 pilgrims visited the shrine, while the lowest, 1,85,165 devotees payed obeisance at the shrine in September when the Jammu region witnessed record rainfall and flood-like conditions. March recorded the second highest pilgrim turnout of 9,40,143 followed by June (9,26,263), July (6,77,652), January (5,69,164), August (5,33,756), November (4,23,553), May (4,13,365), October (3,84,952) and February (3,78,865). As many as 4,71,396 pilgrims visited the shrine in December till now. From 13.95 lakh in 1986 when the shrine board took over the affairs of the shrine, there has been a steady increase in pilgrim footfall with each passing year, touching the all time high of 1.04 crore in 2012, after 1.01 crore devotees visited the site in 2011. The pilgrim arrivals at the shrine touched 31.15 lakh in 1991 and reached 74.17 lakh in 2007. However, the number dropped to 67.92 lakh in 2008 which was attributed to the two-month long Amarnath land row agitation, but again went up to 82 lakh in 2009 and 87.2 lakh next year (2010). The pilgrim arrivals dropped from 93.24 lakh in 2013 to 78.03 lakh in 2014 and further to 77.76 lakh in 2015 and 77.23 lakh in 2016. It increased to 81.78 lakhs in 2017 and 85.87 lakhs in 2018 but again dropped to 79.40 lakhs in 2019 -- the year in which the Centre revoked the special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution, and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union territories. Only 17 lakh pilgrims, the lowest in over three decades, visited the shrine in 2020 when the shrine, for the first time in its history, remained closed for five months amid the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened for the pilgrims on August 16, 2020, the data showed. The number of pilgrims increased to 55.77 lakh next year. 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.
29 December,2025 05:11 PM IST | Jammu | PTITwo persons from Madhya Pradesh were arrested for allegedly running a sex racket in Manali, police said on Monday. Four women, who were being forced into the trade, were rescued during the operation. The accused have been identified as Dharmindra Solanki and Nikki Parmar alias Yogi. Both are residents of Gawalior in Madhya Pradesh. Acting on a tip-off that several women were being held against their will in Manali and Rangri, the police conducted raids in these areas. The operation led to the arrest of the two men and the rescue of the victims, said Kullu SP Madan Lal, adding that further investigation is underway. 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.
29 December,2025 05:07 PM IST | Shimla | PTIADVERTISEMENT
