The Congress on Monday claimed that not just mining, but the real estate development that is being opened up by the double-engine government will cause further havoc in an "already devastated" ecosystem of the Aravallis. Congress general secretary and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh said this is being done against the recommendations of the Forest Survey of India. "As the nation awaits the Supreme Court's latest directives on the Aravallis, here is more evidence of how the new definition of the Aravallis will cause further havoc in an already devastated ecosystem. "It is not just mining but real estate development that is being opened up by the double-engine sarkar in New Delhi-Jaipur against the recommendations of the Forest Survey of India," Ramesh said in a post on X. The Congress has been strongly opposed to the redefinition of the Aravallis and has raised concerns over it, claiming that this will lead to destroying the hills by opening them to mining, real estate and other projects. The opposition party claimed that more than 90 per cent of the Aravallis will not be protected under the redefinition of the hills and will open them up for mining and other activities. Following a row over the issue, the Centre issued directions to states for a complete ban on granting new mining leases within the mountain range. Amid the row over the definition of the Aravalli hills approved by it, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and is slated to hear the matter on Monday. The top court on November 20 had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and banned the grant of fresh mining leases inside its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until experts' reports are out. The apex court had accepted the recommendations of a committee of the MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the world's oldest mountain system. The committee recommended that "Aravalli Hill" be defined as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief, and an "Aravalli Range" will be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. 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 12:31 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIFlight and train operations across several parts of the country were severely affected on Monday due to dense fog, with Delhi Airport witnessing large-scale disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. A total of 128 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport, including 64 arrivals and 64 departures. In addition, eight flights were diverted, while more than 30 flights were delayed due to poor visibility conditions. Visibility levels at the airport dropped sharply to around 125 metres, significantly impacting flight movements. Flight operations across multiple regions were also hit after dense fog reduced visibility, causing delays and cancellations at several airports. Passengers were seen waiting for long hours as cascading delays led to congestion and inconvenience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense fog in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The maximum and minimum temperatures in the region are expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather department has also issued an orange alert for dense fog in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has declared the period from December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the official fog season window, during which fog-related disruptions are expected to remain frequent. Sharing a passenger advisory on X, Delhi Airport authorities stated that flight operations were being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which could result in delays or cancellations. Passengers were advised to stay updated by checking their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Several inbound flights to Delhi were diverted due to poor visibility, air traffic congestion, and operational delays, further compounding passenger inconvenience. Airlines also issued advisories warning travellers of possible cancellations and delays. IndiGo, in a post on X, said that dense fog in Jammu continued to affect visibility, impacting flights operating to and from the region. The airline added that, depending on weather conditions and operational feasibility, some services might experience delays or cancellations. SpiceJet issued its last update around midnight, informing passengers about disruptions in Kolkata. "Due to bad weather (poor visibility) in Kolkata (CCU), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status," the airline said in a statement. Railway services were also impacted due to foggy conditions, with several trains running behind schedule. Trains delayed included the Mahabodhi Superfast Express (12397), Vikramshila Express (12367), Arunachal Express (22411), Lucknow–New Delhi AC Superfast Express (12429), Bareilly–New Delhi Intercity Express (14315), Muzaffarpur–Porbandar Express (19270), Katra–Kota Weekly Express (19894), among others. According to the IMD, a western disturbance is likely to affect north India, and Delhi may witness partly cloudy skies on the evening of December 31. Light rain is also possible in parts of Delhi-NCR on January 1. The weather department has issued an alert for severe cold and dense fog conditions in Delhi-NCR ahead of the New 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 12:29 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDelhi woke up to another hazardous winter morning on Monday as a toxic mix of dense fog and severe air pollution engulfed the national capital, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) beyond 400and sharply reducing visibility. The national capital was blanketed in thick smog on Monday morning, with the overall AQI recorded at 402 at 7 a.m., placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Pollution levels crossed 400 at more than half of Delhi’s air quality monitoring stations, highlighting extremely hazardous conditions across large parts of the city. Out of 40 monitoring stations, 25 reported AQI levels in the ‘severe’ range. Vivek Vihar recorded an AQI of 458, making it the most polluted area, followed by Anand Vihar at 459, Wazirpur at 444 and Rohini at 445. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remained the dominant pollutant. Data from Lodhi Road and RK Puram stations was unavailable. The pollution crisis was compounded by dense fog, which drastically reduced visibility across Delhi and the surrounding regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red alert’ for very dense fog in most parts of the capital between 5:31 a.m. and 8:31 a.m., advising people to drive cautiously, use fog lights, avoid unnecessary travel and cover their faces while stepping outdoors. Visibility drops; flights delayed Visibility began dropping sharply late Sunday night and remained poor through the early hours of Monday, slowing traffic and making travel risky. At Delhi airport, visibility fell to around 125 metres, with runway visibility ranging between 100 and 150 metres. In a passenger advisory posted on X, Delhi Airport said, “Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays or cancellations.” Authorities warned that disruptions could continue and urged passengers to check flight status with their respective airlines. Ground staff were deployed across terminals to assist travellers. Several airlines also issued advisories. IndiGo said that fog and cold winter conditions at Delhi and Hindon airports had led to fluctuating visibility and slower operations, while reiterating that passenger safety remained its top priority. The airline advised travellers to monitor flight updates and said rebooking and refund options were available. Air India, in a late-night advisory, said, “Weather forecast for tomorrow morning indicates dense fog with low visibility in parts of northern India, including Delhi, which is likely to impact flight operations. We have taken proactive steps to minimise disruptions… However, in the event of unexpected delays, diversions, or cancellations, please rest assured that our ground teams will extend all necessary assistance.” Rail services were also affected, with several trains, including the Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat and Jan Shatabdi, running behind schedule. With air quality remaining in the ‘severe’ category, health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure as authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation. (With inputs from Agencies)
29 December,2025 10:36 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA man was killed after two compartments of the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express caught fire at Yalamanchili, about 66 km from here, a senior police official said on Monday. The official said they received information about the fire at 12:45 am. The official told reporters that there were 82 passengers in one of the affected coaches and 76 in another when the train caught fire. "Unfortunately, a dead body was found from the B1 coach," the official added. The deceased was identified as Chandrsekhar Sundaram. The two damaged coaches were detached from the train, which proceeded towards Ernakulam. The passengers in the damaged coaches will be sent to their destinations. Two forensic teams are working to ascertain the cause of the fire, the police official 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
29 December,2025 09:09 AM IST | Visakhapatnam | PTIPresident Droupadi Murmu on Sunday undertook a sortie onboard Indian Navy’s indigenously-built frontline submarine INS Vaghsheer on the Western seaboard. Murmu is the second President to undertake a submarine sortie. In February 2006, APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, experienced a submarine sortie onboard INS Sindhu Rakshak. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi accompanied President Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, during the sortie in the Kalvari class submarine from the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, officials said. The President, donning a naval uniform, waved at naval personnel before entering the submarine. She also interacted with the crew of INS Vaghsheer and lauded their dedication, while describing the indigenous submarine as a shining example of the Indian Navy's professional excellence and combat preparedness. Murmu, while interacting with the crew, commended their dedication, commitment and spirit of selfless service. Murmu said that this indigenous submarine is a shining example of the Indian Navy's professional excellence, combat preparedness and unwavering commitment to national security. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene project, was commissioned into the Navy in January. It is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. 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 07:23 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesSeveral policemen were injured and vehicles set ablaze after an ongoing protest against a coal mining project turned violent in the Tamnar area of Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, officials said. The mob also stormed into the coal handling plant of Jindal Power Limited, and torched a conveyor belt, two tractors and other vehicles, besides vandalising the office premises on Saturday, the officials informed. Tension prevailed after protestors indulged in stone-pelting and set ablaze a police bus, a jeep and an ambulance, besides damaging several other government vehicles, they said. People from 14 affected villages under the (Gare Pelma) Sector-I coal block in the Tamnar area have been staging a sit-in protest at CHP chowk in Libra village since December 12 against a public hearing held for the project, a statement issued by the district administration said. Police said the situation was tense but under control, and security has been tightened in the area. 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 07:20 AM IST | Raigarh | AgenciesOn the 140th Foundation Day of the Congress, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday asserted that the Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die. Addressing party leaders and workers at the Indira Bhawan headquarters of the party, he said India has become the world’s largest democracy due to the great leaders of the Congress. Noting that around the time of India’s Independence, many nations gained freedom, the Congress president pointed out that some countries failed while in others, dictatorship prevailed. “Only India is such a country where democracy is vibrant. It is due to the great leaders of the Congress that India has become the world’s largest democracy,” he claimed. “Today, on Foundation Day, I want to clearly say one thing to those who say ‘the Congress is finished’. I want to tell them that our power may be less, but our spine is still straight. We have not compromised; not with the Constitution, not with secularism and not with the rights of the poor. We may not be in power, but we will not bargain,” he said. The Congress chief said those who are giving speeches on history today, their ancestors were fleeing from history. “The Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die,” he asserted. Kharge also said the year 2025 was the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming the Congress president, the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded December 28, 1885. “The 140-year-old glorious history of the Indian National Congress narrates the great saga of truth, non-violence, sacrifice, struggle and patriotism,” he said, while giving his best wishes to every Indian on Congress Foundation Day. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Congress is not just a political party, but the voice of India’s soul that has stood with every weak, deprived and hardworking person. In a post on X, he said, “The resolve is to fight even more strongly the battle for truth, courage, and to protect the Constitution against hatred, injustice, and dictatorship.” “Heartiest greetings to every Congressman on the Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress today. We pay homage to that historic legacy and those great sacrifices that won freedom for India, laid the foundation of the Constitution, and strengthened the values of democracy, secularism, social justice, and equality,” he added. 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 07:18 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday attended the concluding day of the Gadchiroli Festival and flagged off the Maha Marathon 2025, which witnessed participation from over 14,000 youth and citizens. The 21-km marathon saw an intense competition, with Roshan Bodalkar of Chamorshi winning the men’s category and Sakshi Poladwar of Aheri claiming the women’s title. Shorter races of 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km were also held, with winners in each category receiving cash prizes, trophies, medals, and certificates. To motivate participants from remote and tribal areas, Fadnavis, along with Gadchiroli Guardian Minister Ashish Jaiswal and other dignitaries, ran alongside the participants in select categories. The three-day Gadchiroli Festival, held at the Government College of Agriculture, showcased tribal arts, culture, and sports. Events included tribal group dances, the Veer Baburao Shedmake Kabaddi competition, and the Birsa Munda Volleyball tournament. Teams from remote and tribal regions engaged in spirited contests, with winners awarded cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000, along with trophies and medals. Evening cultural programmes featured performances by renowned artists such as Suresh Wadkar, Bharat Ganeshpure, Hemangi Kavi, Madhuri Pawar, and local talent. During the event, Fadnavis also inaugurated 32 four-wheelers for anti-Maoist patrol operations and performed the ‘bhoomipujan (foundation ceremony)’ of a new senior officers’ rest house at the police headquarters. He also released the Gadchiroli Police 2026 table calendar as part of the celebrations. The marathon route spanned the city, passing ITI Chowk, Reliance Petrol Pump, Cargill Chowk, Indira Gandhi Chowk, Trends Mall, Bodhli Chowk, and returning to the zilla parishad ground. Participants were provided with T-shirts, hoodies, medals, certificates, and refreshments. Zumba and DJ sessions were arranged to keep morale high, and the event was streamed live on the Gadchiroli Police’s official YouTube channel. Gadchiroli Marathon showcases youth skills, celebrates tribal culture The festival and marathon aim to provide a platform for youth from remote and tribal areas to showcase their talent, preserve tribal culture, and access developmental opportunities. Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal, along with deputy SPs, assistant SPs, sub-divisional officers, and other police personnel, ensured the smooth organisation and safety of all events.
29 December,2025 12:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAkums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited has informed the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that its president (finance), Rajkumar Bafna, has resigned from his position with effect from December 31. In a regulatory filing to NSE and BSE under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, the company said Bafna stepped down citing “personal reasons”. The company added that it has accepted his resignation and relieved him from his duties with effect from December 31. However, an internal email sent by Bafna earlier this month cited Delhi’s pollution levels as the reason for his decision. In the email sent on December 3 to a senior company official, Bafna stated, “I would like to inform you that due Delhi Pollution level I m resigning from my position as President Finance. Kindly relieve me asap (sic).” He also offered assistance during the transition, stating, “If I can be any help during this transition Pls let me know (sic).” The company acknowledged his resignation on December 12, citing his “health issue”, and confirmed that he would be formally relieved on December 31. Dense smog engulfs Delhi as air quality remains hazardous Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution since October-November. On Sunday, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi touched 391, entering the ‘very poor category, with several localities recording AQI levels above 400 (‘severe’), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures, including the ‘No PUC (Pollution Under Control certificate), no fuel’ rule, to address the situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage-4 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities. The Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of key decisions to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance. It cleared an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi Government. Of the around 1,000 water bodies in the national capital, 160 fall under the Delhi Government’s jurisdiction. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, "The rejuvenation of Delhi's water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year." (With ANI inputs)
28 December,2025 04:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAir quality in the national capital continued to remain hazardous on Sunday, posing serious health risks to residents. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi touched 391, entering the ‘severe’ category, with several localities recording AQI levels above 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Thick smog combined with fog trapped pollutants near the surface, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life as residents woke up to chilly conditions. Several areas reported severe pollution levels, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 445, Patparganj 425, Nehru Nagar 433, Shadipur 445, Mundka 413, and the IGI Airport area 320, indicating widespread deterioration in air quality. As per CPCB categorisation, AQI values between 0–50 are considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’. Minimum temperature drops to 6.3 degrees Celsius The minimum temperature settled at 6.3 degrees Celsius, 0.5 notches below the season's average, while the humidity was recorded at 71 per cent at 8.30 am, according to the India Meteorological Department. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 21 degrees Celsius, with the weather department forecasting mainly clear skies. Authorities said pollution levels are being closely monitored and enforcement measures such as the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule are in place to curb vehicular emissions. The Commission for Air Quality Management has also invoked Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which include restrictions on construction activities and certain industrial operations. Experts attributed the persistent smog to a combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog, which is preventing the dispersion of pollutants. Similar conditions are expected to prevail in the coming days, prompting calls for sustained and stricter pollution-control measures. On Saturday morning, Delhi’s AQI was in the ‘very poor’ category, crossing the 300 mark in several areas, before worsening further by evening and slipping into the ‘severe’ range. Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of decisions aimed at strengthening the capital’s fight against pollution and improving environmental governance. The Cabinet sanctioned an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies in the city. Of the nearly 1,000 water bodies in Delhi, around 160 fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiative would play a key role in pollution control. “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will significantly contribute to improving environmental quality. The Chief Minister has directed that all necessary financial support be provided to complete the work within the year,” he said. The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi’s first e-waste park at Holambi Kalan, spread over 11.5 acres. The facility will operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model while adhering to the highest pollution-control standards. (With inputs from Agencies)
28 December,2025 01:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) appeal on December 29, challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. A three-judge vacation bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will hear the plea of the CBI. Sengar was convicted in December 2019 in the Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25 lakh. Though granted bail in this case, he will continue to remain in jail as he is serving a 10-year sentence in another CBI case related to murder. The victim of the 2017 Unnao rape case, along with her mother, met officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the national capital on Saturday and submitted a complaint alleging that the investigating officer (IO) colluded with a judge to ensure the accused side wins. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the victim said she had sought to meet a senior official but was told it was a holiday and that she should return on Monday. However, she said a junior official accepted her complaint. "The junior official has received my application and said that the senior official will meet on Monday," the victim told ANI. Alleging serious misconduct, she claimed that the Investigating Officer (IO) had acted against her interests. "The complaint is that the investigating officer has wronged me. He colluded with the judge to ensure that the other party won, so that the rape victim would lose, her courage would be broken, and she would not be able to pursue the case further," the victim pointed out. The victim's mother also spoke to ANI, stating that they are ready to go to the Supreme Court. "They have received my complaint. Now we have to see when the authority meets us. We trust the Supreme Court," she said. She further added that while the CBI is handling the matter, the family's faith would depend on whether the agency stands by them during legal proceedings. "The CBI is there, but I will only trust them if they stand by my side in the Supreme Court," the victim's mother added. Earlier on Friday, the CBI filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's December 23, 2025, order that suspended Sengar's life sentence pending appeal and granted him bail. 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
28 December,2025 09:45 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1766990732034_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Jairam Ramesh. File Pic")
