The government will constitute the Bureau of Port Security, a statutory body for the security of vessels and port facilities, which will ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security-related information, with a special focus on cybersecurity, officials said on Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting for the constitution of a dedicated body for ports and vessel security on Friday, which was attended by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, an official statement said. Modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) will be headed by a director general and will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, it said. The BoPS will be responsible for regulatory and oversight functions relating to the security of ships and port facilities, the statement said. "The BoPS shall be headed by an IPS officer (Pay Level-15). During the transition period of one year, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) shall function as the Director General of BoPS", it 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.
19 December,2025 04:07 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Arunachal Pradesh has arrested a government officer for alleged misappropriation of funds related to a highway project in East Kameng district, officials said on Friday ACB Superintendent of Police (SP) Mridul Yadav said a case was registered on the basis of a complaint, jointly submitted by members and office-bearers of the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), East Kameng unit. Following a detailed scrutiny of documents, interrogation of persons concerned and technical analysis, the ACB arrested the district land revenue and settlement officer (DLRS) on December 17 for alleged misappropriation of compensation funds related to the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project, he said. The SP said the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of compensation funds for those who are affected by land acquisition is underway, he said. The frontier highway, a 1,748 km-long strategic road along the India-China border, is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in remote border regions of Arunachal Pradesh and enhancing India's border management and security, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 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.
19 December,2025 04:06 PM IST | Itanagar | PTICash of Rs 4.62 crore, 313 kg of silver and 6 kg of gold bullion has been seized by the ED during fresh raids in an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to illegal transport of Indians to the US through the 'dunki' route, officials said on Friday. The searches were launched at over a dozen locations in Delhi, Punjab (Jalandhar) and Haryana (Panipat) on Thursday. The officials seized Rs 4.62 crore in cash, 313 kgs of silver and 6 kg of gold bullion worth a total Rs 19.13 crore from the premises of a Delhi-based travel agent, they claimed. The investigators also recovered some "incriminating" chats from the phones and electronic devices found during the searches. From the premises of a "key" player in Haryana, the officials said, records and documents related to 'dunki' business have been found. The agent used to keep property documents of people wanting to go to the US illegally as surety for payment of his commission amount, the officials alleged. The word "donkey", "dunkey" or "dunki" refers to the donkey-like long and hard journey undertaken by immigrants to enter countries illegally. The federal probe agency conducted the first round of raids in July and recently attached assets worth Rs 5 crore of some travel agents after identifying some alleged accused operatives who were behind this illegal racket. The ED investigation stems from a clutch of FIRs registered by the Punjab and Haryana Police in connection with the deportation of 330 Indian nationals to India onboard military cargo planes in February 2025 by the US government. These people were found to be living "illegally" on the US soil. Describing the alleged modus operandi undertaken by the agents, the ED had said that they "cheated" gullible people by luring them under the pretext of sending them to the US legally and charged "hefty" amounts for this. However, the travellers were sent through dangerous routes via South American countries even as they were made to cross over into the US illegally through the country's border with Mexico. Throughout the journey, as per an ED statement issued a few days back, these people were tortured, extorted for even more money and made to commit illegal acts. These agents and their associates generated proceeds of crime (definition for illicit money under the PMLA) by cheating these people, it said. The US has deported more than 1,500 Indian nationals so far this 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.
19 December,2025 04:05 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPolice have arrested four accused involved in a cattle theft case following an encounter early Friday, officials said. Circle Officer Manjhanpur Shivank Singh said that on December 18, Rahul Yadav, a resident of Shamshabad village under Manjhanpur police station, reported that three of his buffaloes had been stolen by Firoz, Guddu and Dilshad, residents of Karari police station area in Kaushambi district. Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered. The CO said that on the intervening night of December 18 and 19, police received information that the accused involved in the cattle theft were present near Patauna bridge and were planning to commit another offence. Acting on the tip-off, the police team reached the spot and arrested Firoz, Guddu and Dilshad near Patauna bridge. During interrogation, the arrested accused confessed to their involvement in several incidents of buffalo theft. They also disclosed that another accomplice was present on the Raghavapur road in the police station area. The officer said that when the police team conducted a raid at the indicated location, the accused, identified as Aryan alias Barati Lal, opened fire on the police after finding himself surrounded. In retaliatory firing, he was hit by a bullet in the leg. A country-made pistol and a cartridge were recovered from his possession. The injured accused has been admitted to the district hospital for treatment. 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.
19 December,2025 04:04 PM IST | Kaushambi (UP) | PTIA leopard entered a residential building in Bhayandar on Friday morning, causing panic among residents. Confirming the incident to mid-day, Deputy Conservator of Forests Sachin Repal of the Thane Territorial Forest Department said the department had received reports of the animal’s presence and immediately dispatched a rescue team to the site. Volunteers from NGO SARRP- India are also on the spot to assist the forest department. A total of six injured were taken to the local government hospital. Repal urged locals to stay away from the building and avoid provoking the leopard, warning that any such attempt could trigger a human–leopard conflict. Watch full video | Leopard enters in Maharashtra's Bhayander residential building View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) A leopard entered a Bhayandar residential building, injuring six people, prompting forest and NGO teams to rush in and safely rescue and contain the wild animal.Vc 📷: Special arrangements pic.twitter.com/C7uG59DJAh — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 19, 2025 A local said, "The presence of local politicians and their workers in large numbers near the building is making it difficult for the forest department to rescue the leopard."People gathered near the site as the leopard caused havoc, sparking panic among residents. Pic/Ranjeet Jadhav SGNP Director Anita Patil has sent the SGNP leopard rescue team to the spot along with Wildlife veterinarian Dr Nikhil Bangar, who has expertise to rescue the Leopard. Rescue efforts are underway. PIC/ Aditya Shinde The leopard was trapped inside a room at the Paraijat Cooperative Housing Society. Police manage crowd as rescue operation continues at Parijat CHS, Bhayandar East. PIC/Satej Shinde. A veterinarian trying to dart the leopard. PIC/ Sources An official from the Forest Department confirmed that the leopard was successfully tranquilised around 2.18 pm. The leopard is now rescued and taken to SGNP.
19 December,2025 03:00 PM IST | | Ranjeet JadhavDelhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Friday announced that air purifiers will be installed in 10,000 classrooms to ensure clean air for the students. Addressing a press conference, Sood said that the government is committed towards tackling the problem of pollution through long-term administrative measures. "We are not those who flaunt IIT degrees and do campaigns like Odd-Even or Gaadi On, Gaadi Off campaign. We are tackling the issue of pollution through long-term administrative measures," he said, taking a dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party government. He added, "We want our children to study smart and also breathe smart air. In the first phase, air purifiers will be installed in 10,000 classrooms." The minister, who also holds the urban portfolio, said the Public Works Department, using the environment cess, will also procure mechanical road sweepers for each of the assembly constituencies. 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.
19 December,2025 02:17 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday claimed that some of those arrested for allegedly supplying illegal codeine-based cough syrup have links to the Samajwadi Party, reported news agency PTI. “Everyone knows that every ‘mafia’ group has ties with the Samajwadi Party,” Adityanath told reporters ahead of the Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The chief minister said the Legislative Assembly is unlikely to transact any business on Friday due to the sudden death of an MLA. However, the government will respond to questions in the Legislative Council or if the issue is raised outside the House. “Initial investigations have revealed that some of the men arrested by the STF or the UP Police have links to the Samajwadi Party. The involvement of the Samajwadi Party, which already has a tarnished reputation, will also come to light as a state-level SIT is monitoring the entire case. Officers from the UP Police and the Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDSA) are part of it,” Adityanath said, reported PTI. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that a massive scam involving the illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrups, worth thousands of crores, originated in Uttar Pradesh, and accused the BJP government of shielding those involved. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters after a meeting of SP MLAs, Yadav claimed the racket started from the “area of Pradhan Sansad” (Varanasi MP), indirectly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per PTI, he said that several important issues to be raised in the upcoming Assembly session were discussed, with the alleged codeine cough syrup racket being a major concern. Taking a jibe at Yadav on Friday, Adityanath said the SP chief was “cleaning the mirror to remove dust from his face.” “Details of illegal transactions will come to light. Let the investigation proceed. The truth will be revealed to everyone,” he said. The UP chief minister said codeine phosphate, used in the manufacture of cough syrup containing codeine, falls under the NDPS Act and is regulated by the Central Narcotics Bureau. In this case, he said, the state government acted after receiving complaints about its misuse as a narcotic substance and illegal trafficking in several places. The Uttar Pradesh government, through the FDSA, UP Police and the STF, is conducting the investigation. So far, a large-scale illegal trafficking operation has been uncovered and numerous people have been arrested, Adityanath added, reported PTI. FDSA officials said codeine-based syrups fall under Schedule H and are legal if sold against a valid prescription. Violations occur when large quantities are supplied without proper documentation, often facilitating their abuse as intoxicants. Officials said FIRs have been registered against 128 establishments across 28 districts under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act. (With PTI inputs)
19 December,2025 02:16 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentDense fog continued to disrupt operations at the Delhi airport on Friday as well. At least 79 flights were cancelled on Friday amid the concerning visibility around the national capital. As reported by news agency PTI, more than 230 flights were delayed at the airport, and the average delay for departures was 49 minutes on Friday morning, as per data from the flight tracking website. The official, while addressing the concerning situation, said that a total of 79 flights, including some international services, have been cancelled. The Delhi airport operator DIAL, while posting on social media platform X, wrote, "Flight operations continue to be in CAT III conditions due to dense fog. Both arrivals and departures are taking place, though some flights may experience delays or disruptions," as cited by news agency PTI. Indira Gandhi International Airport handles 1300 flights daily Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the country's largest airport that generally handles around 1,300 flights daily. While regretting the inconvenience, DIAL said its on-ground officials are working closely with all stakeholders to assist passengers and provide necessary support across the terminals, reported ANI. Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had also advised passengers to stay in close contact with their airlines for real-time flight updates. The Ministry also advised travellers to regularly check official airline and airport websites or apps and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience. The passenger facilitation teams have also been deployed across airports to provide necessary assistance and guidance to travellers affected by the weather conditions, reported ANI. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, while posting on social media, stated, "The ongoing fog conditions in Northern India are impacting airport operations. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time flight updates, regularly check official airline and airport websites or apps, and plan their journeys with additional travel time to avoid inconvenience. Passenger facilitation teams are deployed across airports to provide necessary assistance." Considering the unfavourable weather conditions, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday also issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog conditions across Northern India, cautioning passengers about low visibility and possible flight delays at several airports. (With inputs from ANI)
19 December,2025 02:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid opposition protests over the passage of the VB-G Ram G Bill, Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday by Speaker Om Birla after Vande Mataram was played in the House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from a three-nation visit yesterday, was also present in the House on Friday, as reported by news agency ANI. Rajya Sabha chairman Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan adjourned the Upper House of Parliament shortly after it resumed at 11 am on Friday. Prior to the adjournment of the house, statements and reports were laid on the table. While adjourning the Rajya Sabha sine die, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said, "The conduct of members during the minister's reply yesterday, which included protesting and tearing of papers, was unbecoming of the House, and I express the wish that they reflect on their behaviour," as cited by news agency ANI. The Chairman, while adjourning the house, further said, "The session was very productive," and expressed the hope that they will have more fruitful discussions in the coming sessions also, as cited by news agency ANI. Opposition staged a protest against VB-G-RAM G Bill Meanwhile, the Opposition continued its vocal protest against the passage of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill. On Friday, a united Opposition staged a protest outside Parliament, while members of the Trinamool Congress continued their demonstration on the steps at the entry to the House. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is currently in Germany, joined the chorus of criticism against the Bill and termed it "anti-state" and "anti-village" by design. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, while criticising the revamp of MGNREGA, wrote on social media, "Last night, the Modi government demolished twenty years of MGNREGA in one day. VB-G RAM G isn't a 'revamp' of MGNREGA. It demolishes the rights-based, demand-driven guarantee and turns it into a rationed scheme which is controlled from Delhi. It is anti-state and anti-village by design." Rahul also said that the earlier scheme empowered rural workers and strengthened rural livelihoods. On December 18, the penultimate day of the Winter Session 2025, Parliament passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, with the Rajya Sabha approving the legislation after it received the Lok Sabha's nod. The Bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work. (With inputs from ANI)
19 December,2025 01:53 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe ED seized cash worth Rs 4.62 crore, 313 kg of silver, and 6 kg of gold bullion during fresh raids linked to an ongoing money laundering probe involving the illegal transport of Indians to the US via the 'dunki' route, officials said on Friday, according to the news agency PTI. The searches were conducted on Thursday across more than a dozen locations in Delhi, Punjab (Jalandhar), and Haryana (Panipat). From the premises of a Delhi-based travel agent, authorities recovered cash, silver, and gold bullion valued at a total of Rs 19.13 crore, they added. Investigators also recovered some "incriminating" chats from phones and electronic devices found during the searches. From the premises of a "key" player in Haryana, officials said they found records and documents related to the 'dunki' business. The agent allegedly kept property documents of people wanting to go to the US illegally as surety for payment of his commission amount, the officials claimed, reported PTI. The word "donkey," "dunkey," or "dunki" refers to the long and arduous journey undertaken by immigrants to enter countries illegally. The federal probe agency conducted the first round of raids in July and recently attached assets worth Rs 5 crore of some travel agents after identifying alleged operatives behind this illegal racket. The ED investigation stems from a series of FIRs registered by the Punjab and Haryana Police in connection with the deportation of 330 Indian nationals to India on board US military cargo planes in February 2025. These people were found to be living "illegally" in the US, reported PTI. Describing the alleged modus operandi of the agents, the ED said they "cheated" gullible people by luring them under the pretext of sending them to the US legally and charged "hefty" amounts. However, the travellers were sent through dangerous routes via South American countries and were made to enter the US illegally through the border with Mexico. Throughout the journey, according to an ED statement issued a few days back, these people were tortured, extorted for additional money, and forced to commit illegal acts, reported PTI. The agents and their associates generated proceeds of crime (as defined under the PMLA) by cheating these people, the ED said. So far this year, the US has deported more than 1,500 Indian nationals. (With PTI inputs)
19 December,2025 01:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Delhi High Court on Friday set aside a Lokpal order granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a charge sheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in connection with the alleged cash-for-query row. A bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar allowed Moitra’s plea challenging the Lokpal’s sanction order and directed the Lokpal to reconsider the issue in accordance with law and take a fresh decision within one month. Setting aside the impugned order, the Justice Kshetarpal-led Bench accepted Moitra’s contention that the anti-corruption body had failed to properly consider the statutory requirement of examining the comments and material submitted by the public servant before granting sanction under Section 20(7)(a) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The case arose from allegations levelled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, who accused Moitra of accepting cash and luxury gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in the Parliament. Acting on the complaint, the Lokpal had earlier directed the CBI to investigate "all aspects" of the matter under Section 20(3)(a) of the Act and submit a report within six months. Later, the Lokpal’s full bench exercised its powers under Section 20(7)(a) and Section 23(1) of the Lokpal Act, allowing the CBI to file a charge sheet and requiring that a copy be submitted to the anti-corruption body. Aggrieved by the Lokpal’s order, Moitra moved the Delhi High Court, arguing that the sanction violated natural justice and the statutory scheme since her written and oral submissions were not considered at all. Senior advocate Nidhesh Gupta, appearing for Moitra, submitted that Section 20(7) clearly mandates consideration of the comments of the public servant before sanctioning prosecution. On the other hand, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the CBI, argued that the Lokpal’s order was passed in accordance with law and that the statute grants only a limited right to the accused at the stage of sanction. Senior Advocate Jivesh Nagrath, representing complainant Dubey, argued that Section 20 of the Act is a complete code and that the comments were properly submitted to the Lokpal. 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.
19 December,2025 01:30 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
