The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a stormy debate as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha accused the RSS of “systematically seeking to dominate India’s institutions”. Gandhi further said that there is "no bigger anti-national act than vote chori". While speaking during a discussion on electoral reforms, Gandhi asserted, “Everything in India that exists today has emerged from the vote, and the RSS is trying to capture that." His remarks provoked loud protests from the ruling party members, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene multiple times to restore order. The Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition also alleged that the RSS, in collaboration with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has undermined democratic institutions, beginning with the Election Commission of India (ECI). He further outlined three areas of institutional capture: education, investigative agencies, and the Election Commission. To support his claims, he posed three questions: Why was the Chief Justice of India removed from the selection panel for election commissioners? Why did the government in December 2023 grant unprecedented immunity to election commissioners? Why are CCTV footage of polling stations destroyed after 45 days? Gandhi further argued that these steps weaken transparency and enable manipulation. While slamming the ruling party, Gandhi emphasised, “Today, the Election Commission of India is colluding with those in power to shape the election" Furthermore, in a dramatic moment, the Leader of the Opposition also recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948. “The RSS project began after the Father of the Nation was killed, with the aim of dismantling his vision of an equal India where institutions belonged to the people. “These are uncomfortable truths, but they have to be spoken," said the Congress MP. However, Gandhi’s remarks drew sharp objections from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The BJP minister insisted that Gandhi was straying from the subject of electoral reforms. “He is not speaking of anything related to electoral reforms,” said the minister. Furthermore, Speaker Om Birla also intervened, reminding the Congress MP to confine his speech to electoral reforms rather than making sweeping allegations against institutions. (With inputs from IANS)
09 December,2025 07:17 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCivil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday, while speaking on the floor of the House about the Indigo flight disruptions, informed that the operations were stabilising fast, with airports reporting no "crowding or distress", news agency ANI reported. The Union Minister, addressing the Lower House during the Winter Session of the Parliament, further said that the safety in civil aviation remains non-negotiable. Naidu further informed the Lok Sabha that IndiGo operated 1,800 flights yesterday, compared to merely 706 on December 5, suggesting the situation was expected to improve further. "I would like to inform the House that the disruption caused by IndiGo's operational failures is now rapidly stabilising. IndiGo's daily flight count, which had fallen drastically to 706 on December 5, recovered to 1,800 yesterday and is expected to rise further today. All other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country," he said, adding, “The airports are reporting normal conditions, without crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing, and passenger support measures remain under supervision by the Ministry." The minister also asserted that the Civil Aviation Ministry was committed to providing convenience to passengers. "Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable, passengers' convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are underway to make India's aviation sector more passenger-centric," Naidu added. The Civil Aviation Minister further stated that the government was ensuring accountability as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership. Assuring strict action and compliance with the aircraft rules and Act, the minister said that every possible action will be taken against the culprits. "At the same time, accountability will be ensured. DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Depending on the outcome, strict and appropriate action, as empowered under the aircraft rules and act, will be taken. No airline will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures and non-compliance with statutory provisions," Naidu said. Highlighting the safety in the civil aviation sector, he stated, "Safety in civil aviation is non-negotiable. India is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and remains committed to the highest global standards of safety. The revised flight duty time limitation, designed to prevent pilot fatigue, is being implemented. These reforms are essentially for passenger safety." (With inputs from ANI)
09 December,2025 06:56 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Tuesday said he had suggested forest officials to release goats in large numbers in forest areas to prevent leopards from straying into human settlements in search of prey, news agency PTI reported. The minister was replying to a calling attention motion raised by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Jitendra Awhad in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over the worrying rise in leopard attacks across the state. "If four people are killed in leopard attacks, the state must pay Rs 1 crore (as compensation). So I told officials, instead of paying compensation after deaths, release goats worth Rs 1 crore into the forest so leopards do not venture into human habitats," the minister said, according to PTI. Naik noted that the behaviour and living patterns of leopards have undergone change. "Earlier, they were described as forest animals, but now their habitat has shifted to sugarcane fields," he added. The minister also said that Ahilyanagar, Pune, and Nashik districts were witnessing the highest number of leopard-related incidents, PTI reported. Maharashtra: Two injured after human-leopard conflict at Nagaon near Alibag Two residents of Nagaon Village, located near the popular Nagaon Beach in Maharashtra's Alibag, were injured on Tuesday following a human–leopard conflict incident, which triggered panic in the locality. Soon after learning about the incident, the Maharashtra Forest Department rushed to the spot. Considering that leopards have been roaming freely in residential areas, efforts are underway to locate and safely rescue the wild cats from the densely populated area. In view of the rescue operation, Pune-based wildlife rescue NGO RESQ CT has also departed for Alibag to assist the forest personnel in the mission. The NGO is expected to provide technical expertise and equipment for safely capturing the big cat. Speaking about the situation, Nagaon's Sarpanch said, "Two people have been injured after a human-leopard conflict. The police team along with the forest department are already here and the situation is under control." Leopard cubs reunited with mother after two-day rescue operation in Maharashtra's Sangli District On December 5, villagers from Shirala in Maharashtra's Sangli District alerted animal organisation Sahyadri Rescue Warriors after two leopard cubs were spotted during sugarcane harvesting. The Sahyadri Rescue Warriors team, along with Maharashtra Forest Department officials, immediately reached the site and placed the cubs in a crate to facilitate their reunion with the mother leopard. On December 7, around 5 am, the mother leopard finally returned and successfully retrieved both cubs, concluding a careful and coordinated two-day operation. (With PTI inputs)
09 December,2025 06:50 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe district administration demolished a section of the Romeo Lane restaurant in the Vagator area in Goa on Tuesday, officials said, reported the ANI. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also run Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub where a fire on Sunday claimed 25 lives. Gaurav and Saurabh had reportedly fled to Phuket in Thailand just hours after the tragedy, according to the Goa Police. Ahead of the demolition, Deputy Director of Goa Tourism, Dhiraj Wagale, stated that the 198-square-metre encroachment on the beach side would be removed, according to the ANI. The massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the Arpora nightclub, resulting in a high-casualty incident. The Goa government has set up a committee to investigate the tragedy. In a significant development, the Goa Police have launched international efforts to trace the absconding owners. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Varsha Sharma confirmed that Lookout Circulars (LOCs) have been issued against the Luthra brothers. The police are working with Interpol and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to bring them back to India, as they were not present in Goa at the time of the incident. DIG Sharma also confirmed that Ajay Gupta, a co-owner and partner in the business, has been named among the accused and is now the subject of a Lookout Circular. Speaking to ANI, Sharma described the fire as a 'very painful accident' and said that police action has been swift, covering identification of bodies, post-mortem examinations, and handing over remains to families, alongside the ongoing criminal investigation. She added that advisories and guidelines are being issued to restaurants, and foot patrolling has been increased ahead of the upcoming tourist season. So far, 21 of the 25 victims’ bodies have been handed over to families, with two still pending. Earlier, Bharat, the fifth accused responsible for managing the nightclub’s daily operations on behalf of the owners, was brought to Anjuna Police Station. "Goa Police have taken further steps to coordinate with the Interpol Division of the CBI to apprehend both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra at the earliest," a senior police officer said, reported the PTI. (with ANI and PTI inputs)
09 December,2025 06:38 PM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondentThere is no shortage of essential anti-TB drugs like Rifampicin and Ethambutol in the central and state warehouses, Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. She was responding to a question on whether there has been any shortage of key anti-tuberculosis drugs in recent months, the reasons for delay in tender finalisation by the Central Tuberculosis Division and the measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted drug supply under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). In a written reply, Patel said the NTEP is being implemented under the aegis of National Health Mission (NHM) across the country. "There are no shortages of any key anti-TB drugs, including for Rifampicin and Ethambutol, in the Central and State warehouses. Rate contract model has been established for all drugs including newer and shorter regimen drugs for 2025-27, while ensuring adequate buffer," she stated. Several steps have been taken to strengthen the supply chain of quality drugs, the response stated. These include timely submission of indents to the procurement agency, real-time tracking of drug availability and utilisation via the drugs and vaccines distribution management system (DVDMS), regular physical stock verification by state, district, and national teams during field visits, and supervision at both state and district levels. Coordination with suppliers through the procurement agency to ensure timely supply of drugs, necessary diagnostics, reagents and kits has also been strengthened, the minister stated. As per the World Health Organization's Global TB Report 2025, India recorded an estimated 21.7 lakh tuberculosis (TB) cases, and around 3 lakh deaths due to the infection in 2024. 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.
09 December,2025 06:37 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIThe Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Tuesday said that it has busted an illegal mephedrone manufacturing facility in Wardha district of Maharashtra during a special operation. The crackdown was part of DRI's 'Operation Hinterland Brew', officials said. The operation, conducted on December 7 and 8, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 128 kg of mephedrone, worth approximately Rs. 192 crore, along with 245 kg of precursor chemicals, raw materials, and a complete drug-processing setup. The DRI officers acted on specific intelligence and carried out discreet surveillance before raiding a remote area in Karanja (Ghadge), about 60 km from Wardha. The factory was hidden in dense shrubland and operated from a temporary, modular structure, designed to evade detection. Officers recovered a fully functional drug-processing setup, including makeshift reactors and vessels used to manufacture mephedrone, an official statement said. It said that three suspects, including the mastermind, who also financed and chemically supervised the operation, were arrested along with two associates. All three were actively involved in the manufacturing and distribution network of mephedrone and face charges under the NDPS Act, 1985. This is the fifth clandestine drug factory dismantled by the DRI this year, the statement said.
09 December,2025 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilCivil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday assured the Lok Sabha that no airline, however large, will be permitted to cause hardship to passengers through planning failures and non-compliance with regulations. While speaking in the Lower House during the Parliament's Winter Session, Naidu asserted, “Strict and appropriate action will be taken against IndiGo for the flight disruptions that have affected passengers across the country." He further said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already issued notices to IndiGo and that the airline is being held fully accountable for the chaos caused by its internal crew-rostering failures. Naidu, while hinting that IndiGo flight schedules are now slowly stabilising and all other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country, said, "IndiGo was ordered to issue refunds promptly, and more than Rs 750 crore has already reached passengers." The minister further asserted that airports across the country are reporting normal conditions, with no crowding or distress. While speaking about passengers facing issues over refunds, baggage and reschedules, Naidu emphasised, "Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under the supervision of the ministry. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation." Slamming the airline for all the ruckus caused across the nation amid the aviation crisis, Naidu stated, "Based on the report, strict and appropriate action will be taken.” The Union Civil Aviation Minister also said that the government is determined to build a robust and competitive aviation ecosystem. "Through our policies, we are encouraging more new airlines to start and operate in India," he highlighted. The Civil Aviation Minister also said that the government was ensuring accountability as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership. Assuring strict action and compliance with the aircraft rules and act, the minister said that every possible action will be taken against the culprits. However, expressing dissatisfaction over the minister's statement, Opposition parties staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha. (With inputs from PTI)
09 December,2025 05:45 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAdani Group chairman Gautam Adani on Tuesday said the conglomerate will invest over USD 75 billion in the energy transition space over the next five years, asserting that the country must do what is best for itself, define its own development path and resist external pressures. Speaking at the 100th foundation day of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Adani said the group is building the world's largest renewable energy park at Khavda in Gujarat, spread over 520 sq km. "At full capacity by 2030, this park will generate 30 gw of green energy. At average household consumption, this is equivalent to powering over 60 million homes a year," he said. "With the first 10 GW already commissioned, we are on track to deliver the world's lowest-cost green electron, setting a global benchmark in energy transition," he added. Adani said India is the world's third-largest electricity consumer, but its per capita consumption remains "less than 1,400 kWh a year, less than half the global average, one-tenth of America, and one-fifth of Europe." Referring to the global sustainability debate, Adani said, "This narrative surfaced at the 2025 COP-30, where a report downgraded India's sustainability ranking, arguing that our nation lacks a coal-exit timeline and continues to auction coal blocks." "Yes, we rank third in total CO2 emitted. But per capita, our people emit under 2 tonnes compared to 14 tonnes in the US, 9 tonnes in China and 6 tonnes in Europe," he said. "In 200 years of industrial activity, our country has contributed just 4 per cent of cumulative global emissions, against 13 per cent from Europe, 19 per cent from the US and 20 per cent from China," 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.
09 December,2025 05:33 PM IST | Dhanbad | PTIA 13-foot-long whale shark entangled in a shore seine net was successfully freed and released back into the sea. The rescue effort was carried out by local fishermen, the forest department, coastal police, as welll as tourists. This rescue marks Kollam district’s first recorded whale shark rescue and the 50th along the Kerala coast since the launch of the Wildlife Trust of India's (WTI) 'Save the Whale Shark Campaign' in 2017, in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department and supported by Oracle. The campaign aims to raise awareness, promote sustainable fishing practices, and strengthen rescue responses for these endangered marine giants. Following last year’s whale shark death in Kollam, WTI intensified awareness programs along the coast, engaging fishermen, students, and government agencies. The successful rescue reflects growing community commitment to protecting endangered marine species. The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish on Earth, can grow up to 18 metres and weigh 21 metric tons. Despite their widespread distribution, they face threats from accidental bycatch, habitat degradation, and illegal fishing. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, whale sharks are a vital keystone species for marine ecosystems. Sajan John, Coordinator-Marine Projects, WTI, said, “Because whale sharks often approach the shore, entanglement in fishing nets is increasingly common. The joint efforts of fishers, government departments, students, and environmental communities are crucial to ensuring their survival.” Dr P Pugazhendi IFS, Addl Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, said, “The whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, and its survival depends on coastal community support. The rescue by Fishers, the Forest Department, the Police, and tourists is commendable. We urge continued cooperation in conservation efforts.”
09 December,2025 05:14 PM IST | Kerala | Ranjeet JadhavMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed the state assembly that the Union Government has given its nod for installing a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj within the premises of Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Replying to a query in the House, Fadnavis said the statue has been included in the large-scale redevelopment plan of the heritage railway station, news agency PTI reported. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav raised the issue, pointing out that although CSMT was renamed after the Maratha warrior king, a suitable statue had still not been constructed. He added that the site carried deep historical and cultural significance and deserved a monument worthy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Responding to this, Fadnavis said, “The Union government has already taken the decision. A fresh proposal from the state was not required. The statue has been incorporated in the master plan of the revamped CSMT.” He clarified that a recent reply from the Union Minister of State for Railways pertained to an earlier proposal connected to the station’s older layout and not the current redevelopment blueprint, PTI reported. The development comes ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Elections, where both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are expected to foreground Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy as a key electoral plank. Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament (MP) Arvind Sawant had written to the Centre seeking installation of the statue. Sawant said he had received a reply from the Railways stating that the earlier proposal did not fall under its jurisdiction. Fadnavis chides MLAs for citing Ladki Bahin scheme during unrelated debates Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday admonished legislators — including a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member — for repeatedly invoking the state government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahini scheme while raising unrelated matters during Question Hour in the assembly. Visibly displeased by the frequent references, Fadnavis told the House that members must avoid using the scheme as a casual political point and warned that continued misuse could have serious consequences, PTI reported. “If this continues, you will have to sit at home,” he said sharply, prompting a brief lull in the proceedings. The exchange took an unusual turn when BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Abhimanyu Pawar — formerly Fadnavis’s personal assistant — raised the issue of alleged illegal liquor distribution and made a passing mention of the scheme. The CM immediately cut him short and reiterated his caution, reported PTI. “I have already asked members not to randomly mention the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana while raising unrelated concerns,” he said firmly, making it clear that the warning applied equally to ruling and opposition members. Earlier, Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad had invoked the scheme during discussion on a separate matter, triggering the first visible sign of the CM’s displeasure. (With PTI inputs)
09 December,2025 05:03 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentTwo residents of Nagaon Village, located near the popular Nagaon Beach in Maharashtra's Alibag, were injured on Tuesday following a human–leopard conflict incident, which triggered panic in the locality. Soon after learning about the incident, the Maharashtra Forest Department rushed to the spot. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) Considering that leopards have been roaming freely in residential areas, efforts are underway to locate and safely rescue the wild cats from the densely populated area. In view of the rescue operation, Pune-based wildlife rescue NGO RESQ CT has also departed for Alibag to assist the forest personnel in the mission. The NGO is expected to provide technical expertise and equipment for safely capturing the big cat. Speaking about the situation, Nagaon's Sarpanch said, "Two people have been injured after a human-leopard conflict. The police team along with the forest department are already here and the situation is under control." Maharashtra Forest Dept, Sangli villagers rescue leopard cubs Earlier on Friday, villagers from Shirala in Maharashtra’s Sangli District alerted animal organisation Sahyadri Rescue Warriors after two leopard cubs were spotted during sugarcane harvesting. The Sahyadri Rescue Warriors team, along with Maharashtra Forest Department officials, immediately reached the site and placed the cubs in a crate to facilitate their reunion with the mother leopard. Despite the efforts, however, the mother did not return on the first night. The following morning, the cubs were shifted to the forest department for hand-feeding, veterinary examination, and observation. Later that evening, they were again positioned inside the sugarcane field for another reunion attempt. However, the female leopard did not show up on the second day either. On Sunday, around 5 am, the mother leopard finally returned and successfully retrieved both cubs, concluding a careful and coordinated two-day operation.
09 December,2025 04:24 PM IST | Nagaon | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
-1765280337314_d.png "Representational image")
-1765276438098_d.png "Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. File Pic")
