External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will represent the government and people of India at the funeral of the former Prime Minister (PM) of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, who was also the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar will be visiting Dhaka on Wednesday for the funeral, reported news agency IANS. Zia passed away early on Tuesday morning in Dhaka after a prolonged illness at the age of 80, her party confirmed. According to a statement issued by BNP, Zia died around 6 am at Evercare Hospital in the national capital, where she had been undergoing treatment for over a month, reported IANS. The former Bangladeshi PM was admitted to the private hospital on November 23 after developing serious complications involving her heart and lungs. However, various reports further suggested that she was also battling pneumonia during her final days. She remained under close medical observation for 36 days, with doctors describing her condition as fragile, IANS reported. Earlier on Tuesday, India’s PM Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow over Zia's death. Taking to social media, PM Modi remembered Zia as a historic leader whose contributions to Bangladesh and relations with India will always be remembered. ঢাকায় সাবেক প্রধানমন্ত্রী ও বিএনপি চেয়ারপার্সন বেগম খালেদা জিয়ার পরলোকগমনের সংবাদে গভীরভাবে শোকাহত।তাঁর পরিবার এবং বাংলাদেশের সকল মানুষের প্রতি আমাদের আন্তরিক সমবেদনা। সর্বশক্তিমান যেন এই অপূরণীয় ক্ষতি সহ্য করার শক্তি তাঁর পরিবারকে দান করেন।বাংলাদেশের প্রথম নারী… pic.twitter.com/Aezd2Hl7x6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025 "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh," PM Modi wrote on X. Hailing her leadership, PM Modi further wrote, "As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace." Khaleda Zia was suffering from multiple medical conditions Over the years, Zia had struggled with multiple chronic ailments, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and long-standing complications affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight. Her treatment was overseen by a team of specialists from Bangladesh and abroad, including doctors from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia. Earlier this month, there were efforts to shift her to another country for advanced treatment. However, the doctors ultimately advised against international travel due to her weakened condition. The widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, Zia, made history as Bangladesh’s first woman PM and served two terms in office. (With inputs from IANS)
30 December,2025 07:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep concern over reports claiming that the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod Region was targeted, as the Russia–Ukraine conflict continues amid ongoing peace efforts. In a post on X, PM Modi stressed the importance of diplomacy and cautioned against actions that could derail efforts to resolve the conflict. “Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them,” PM Modi said in his post. Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025 His remarks came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine had carried out a drone attack on President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region overnight on Monday. As reported by TASS, Lavrov said that Kyiv deployed 91 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the attack. According to TASS, Lavrov confirmed that all the drones were intercepted and destroyed, and no casualties or damage to property were reported. He further warned that Moscow would respond to the incident, adding that the timing and targets of Russia’s retaliatory measures had already been decided. Despite the incident, Lavrov maintained that Russia would not withdraw from the ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict. However, he noted that the attack would lead Moscow to reassess its negotiating position, TASS reported. Russia-Ukraine War: Zelenskyy dismisses claims as fabricated, says Kyiv will not undermine diplomacy Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Lavrov’s claims, describing them as “fabrications” and asserting that Ukraine would not take steps that could undermine diplomatic efforts. “Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump’s team. We keep working together to bring peace closer. This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war. Typical Russian lies. Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X. Zelenskyy added that the claim was an attempt to weaken his peace initiatives, calling it “another lie from the Russian Federation". The developments come shortly after US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Sunday as part of continued efforts to advance peace talks aimed at ending the four-year-long conflict. (With ANI inputs)
30 December,2025 06:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAt least 32 people have fallen ill in Madhya Pradesh's Indore from suspected water contamination, prompting the administration to collect samples of drinking water for testing, news agency PTI reported. A local councillor also claimed that an 80-year-old man has died after drinking the contaminated water. However, the city officials and the administration have not confirmed the death yet. Speaking to the media about the incident, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hassani said that at least 32 people from the Bhagirathpura area have been admitted to different hospitals in the city, PTI reported. "Patients complained of vomiting and diarrhoea after drinking contaminated water," the CMHO highlighted. Hassani further emphasised that the drinking water samples have been collected for testing from the locality, and reports will arrive in 48 hours, PTI reported. Residents of Bhagirathpura said that they fell ill after consuming water from the Narmada River supplied to homes through municipal tap connections. Speaking on the concerning situation, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said, "We have sent water samples for testing. We can comment on the matter only after the test reports arrive." CM Yadav directs local administration to ensure prompt treatment Meanwhile, Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav has directed the local administration to ensure prompt and quality treatment for all patients. According to Councillor Kamal Baghela, the residents complained of unusual smell in the water on December 25. "Perhaps some fell ill after drinking this water. Only after the test reports come will it be known how the water got contaminated," said Baghela, who claimed that one of the ill residents, Nandlal Pal, who was admitted to a private hospital, has died. Pal's son Siddharth said that his father was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea allegedly due to contaminated water. Moreover, residents have claimed that two women also died after falling ill due to contaminated water. Bhagirathpura resident Jitendra Prajapat said his elder sister, Seema Prajapat (50), who suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea allegedly due to contaminated water, died on Monday. He added, "My sister suddenly complained of vomiting and diarrhoea, and we did not even get a chance to handle the situation. She died on the way to the hospital." However, the administration has not confirmed any deaths so far. (With inputs from PTI)
30 December,2025 05:20 PM IST | Indore | mid-day online correspondentAjit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) worker along with his supporters, allegedly vandalised the party’s office in Nagpur after being denied a ticket for the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections, reported the PTI. The incident took place at the NCP office in the Ganesh Peth area of the city. According to sources, angry party workers smashed television sets and broke window panes at the office. The protest followed the party’s decision to deny a ticket to Avinash Pardikar, who was seeking to contest the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, as per the PTI. The situation arose amid strong competition for party tickets, with several aspirants eyeing the same seat. Party leader responds Speaking to reporters, NCP Nagpur city unit chief Anil Ahirkar said that such reactions were understandable in a competitive political environment. He stated that more than ten party workers were competing for a single seat, but only one candidate could be selected. He added that the party had made efforts to ensure fairness in the selection process, the news agency reported. Civic polls on Jan 15 Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on January 15, with vote counting on January 16. The last date for filing nominations is Tuesday, while 2 January has been set as the final date for the withdrawal of nominations for the polls. Congress and NCP (SP) to contest separately in Nagpur civic polls Meanwhile, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents, the Congress and NCP (SP) will contest the Nagpur municipal corporation elections separately, with the Sharad Pawar-led party accusing the ally of not allocating 15 seats, according to the PTI. Nagpur NCP (SP) president Duneshwar Pethe claimed on Tuesday that discussions continued with Congress leaders until Monday night. However, later the leaders stopped responding to our phone calls, which indicated that they do not want to forge an alliance, he told PTI Videos. Pethe said the NCP (SP) had initially demanded 25 seats but eventually agreed to contest 15 seats; still, Congress ignored our demand, he added. "It seems the Congress wants to help the BJP and decided against allying with us", the NCP (SP) leader alleged. In the last election held for the 151-member Nagpur civic body in 2017, the BJP had won 108 seats, the Congress 28, BSP 10, Shiv Sena (undivided) 2, and NCP (undivided) one seat. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will be held on January 15, and the votes will be counted the next day. The deadline for filing nominations is Tuesday, while January 2 is the last date for withdrawal, and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
30 December,2025 05:15 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentNight temperatures increased marginally in parts of Rajasthan due to the influence of a western disturbance, the meteorological department said on Tuesday. Fatehpur (Sikar) was recorded as the coldest place on Monday night with a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, followed by Vanasthali in Tonk, where the night temperature was 4.6 degrees Celsius, officials said. Sikar recorded the minimum of 6.5 degrees Celsius, Pali 6.9 degrees, Alwar and Pilani 7 degrees, Churu 7.2 degrees, while the night temperature in Jhunjhunu was 8.2 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius in Jaipur. Due to the western disturbance, light rain or drizzling is likely over some parts of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Ajmer divisions and Shekhawati region on December 31, according to the weather department. Light rainfall activity is expected over parts of Bikaner, Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions on January 1, while the weather is likely to turn dry again from January 2, it said. Dense fog is likely in the northern and western parts of the state between January 1 and 3. Cold wave conditions are also expected in the Shekhawati region between January 2 and 4, and minimum temperatures are likely to drop to 2-4 degrees Celsius during this period, officials 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.
30 December,2025 04:21 PM IST | Jaipur | PTIAir India expands partnership with airBaltic to offer seamless connectivity between India and Latvia via major European gateways. Air India on Monday announced a new unilateral codeshare partnership with AirBaltic, the national airline of Latvia. Air India’s collaboration with Air Baltic will help in strengthening its presence in Europe and making the Baltic region more accessible for Indian travellers. The collaboration between the two airlines will also help in boosting and building the interline partnership between the two carriers that was established in June 2025. Under the codeshare agreement, Air India has started placing its ‘AI’ designator code on airBaltic-operated flights between Riga and several key European hubs served by Air India. These include Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, and London Gatwick. The arrangement allows passengers to travel between India and Latvia on a single Air India ticket, with smooth connections via major European gateways. In addition to Riga, Air India’s interline partnership with Airbaltic enables travellers to reach Tallinn in Estonia and Vilnius in Lithuania through select European points, offering wider coverage across the Baltic region. Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, Nipun Aggarwal, while commenting on the development, asserted, “The expanded cooperation aligns with the airline’s focus on enhancing global connectivity. Latvia and the wider Baltic region are growing travel markets, but reaching them earlier was less convenient. With Airbaltic as our partner, our customers can now enjoy more seamless and efficient travel options.” Air India currently operates nonstop services from Delhi to Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, and Zurich, along with flights from Mumbai to Frankfurt and from Amritsar and Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has rapidly expanded its global network. The airline now has 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, offering access to over 800 destinations worldwide. Codeshare flights under the new agreement are available for booking through both airlines’ official websites and travel agents globally. Air India ordered 570 new aircraft As part of the transformation, Air India has placed an order for 570 new aircraft. In 2024, sister airlines AirAsia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and the airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy.
30 December,2025 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, who quit in July, is yet to be provided with an official residence, people close to him said on Tuesday. Dhankar, while quitting from the post of Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, cited health reasons. Jagdeep Dhankar submitted his resignation soon after the proceedings of day 1 of the Monsoon Session of Parliament ended in 2025. Weeks later, in September, he vacated the Vice President's Enclave, the official residence of the vice president, and moved to a private farmhouse in south Delhi's Chhatarpur area, reported PTI. The farmhouse in the Gadaipur area of Chhatarpur belongs to INLD leader Abhay Chautala. Furthermore, on August 22, Dhankhar wrote to the Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, requesting an official residence for former vice presidents. Addressing that Jagdeep Dhankar has not yet been provided government accommodation, a person close to him highlighted, "But so far, he has not been provided with an accommodation he is entitled to," as cited by news agency PTI. Jagdeep Dhankar to be given a type-VIII bungalow As a former vice president, Dhankhar is entitled to a pension of nearly Rs 2 lakh per month, a type VIII bungalow, one personal secretary, one additional personal secretary, one personal assistant, one physician, one nursing officer, and four personal attendants. After a former vice president dies, his or her spouse is entitled to a smaller type VII house, reported PTI. Jagdeep Dhankar also applied for MLA pension Soon after submitting his resignation in August from the Rajya Sabha, citing health reasons, former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar also applied for resumption of his MLA pension. The Rajasthan Assembly did begin processing his application, making him entitled to multiple pensions, including as a former MP and vice-president. Jagdeep Dhankhar represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998. As reported by news agency PTI, Jagdeep Dhankhar received a pension as a former legislator until July 2019. However, the pension was discontinued after he was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal. Officials said, “With his tenure as the Vice-President ending following his resignation on July 21, former Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has applied afresh to the Rajasthan Assembly Secretariat seeking resumption of his pension as a former MLA,” as cited by news agency PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
30 December,2025 02:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA combination of winter chill, severe air pollution, and dense fog on Tuesday created a dire situation across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Authorities have issued an alert for extremely dense fog for two consecutive days, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 450 in several areas, raising serious health concerns. The situation worsened significantly, with visibility dropping to zero in many locations on Monday night. This severely disrupted road, rail, and air traffic, causing delays and safety risks for commuters. According to data from various air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, the AQI was recorded at 451 in Anand Vihar, 433 in Ashok Vihar, 446 in Rohini, 449 in Wazirpur, and 432 in Chandni Chowk. Other areas also reported alarming levels, with the AQI reaching 411 at DTU Delhi, 410 at Siri Fort, 401 at Shadipur, 426 at Punjabi Bagh, and 421 at Sonia Vihar. In Bawana, the AQI stood at 368, while Alipur recorded 379 and Vivek Vihar 380. All these readings fall under the ‘very poor’ category, which is considered extremely hazardous to human health. The situation remains equally alarming in neighbouring cities of Noida and Ghaziabad. In Noida, AQI levels were recorded at 433 in Sector-1, 388 in Sector-125 and 372 in Sector-62. Ghaziabad reported even worse conditions, with the AQI touching 459 in the Vasundhara area. Other localities such as Sanjay Nagar, Indirapuram, and Loni recorded AQI levels of 393, 382, and 360, respectively. These figures indicate that the entire NCR continues to remain under the grip of severe pollution. Extremely dense fog likely, says IMD The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast “extremely dense fog” during the morning hours of December 30, followed by “dense fog” till the afternoon. The maximum temperature for the day was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to 8 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels reached 100 per cent, further worsening the foggy conditions. The IMD has also issued a warning for dense fog on the morning of December 31. However, light rain or drizzle is expected on January 1, which may bring some relief from pollution and fog conditions. (With inputs from IANS)
30 December,2025 01:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Bangladesh’s former PM and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, remembering her as a historic leader whose contributions to her country and relations with India will always be remembered. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh.” He added, “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace.” Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness at the age of 80, her party confirmed. According to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), she died at around 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been undergoing treatment for over a month. “The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am, just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” the party said in its statement. Expressing grief, the BNP added, “We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul.” Khaleda Zia had been admitted to the private hospital on November 23 after developing serious complications involving her heart and lungs. Media reports said she was also battling pneumonia during her final days. She remained under close medical observation for 36 days, with doctors describing her condition as fragile. Over the years, the former prime minister struggled with multiple chronic ailments, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and long-standing complications affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight. Her treatment was overseen by a team of specialists from Bangladesh and abroad, including doctors from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia. Earlier this month, there were efforts to shift her overseas for advanced treatment, but doctors ultimately advised against international travel due to her weakened condition. The widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, made history as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and served two terms in office. 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.
30 December,2025 11:07 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe Air India Express pilot, accused of assaulting passenger Ankit Dewan at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, was arrested and subsequently released on bail as he was held under a bailable offence, Delhi Police said on Tuesday. During the probe, after registering the case, the police collected relevant CCTV footage and recorded the statements. The accused was also called for questioning. The pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, joined the investigation and was questioned on Monday, Delhi Police said in a statement. "Captain Virender Sejwal has joined the investigation. If the IO (Investigating Officer) is not satisfied with his reply, he can be arrested in the assault case. Investigation is being carried out in the matter based on merits and available evidence," Delhi Police said. Earlier, Ankit Dewan, who alleged that he was assaulted by an Air India Express pilot at Terminal-1 of Delhi's IGI airport, said the incident occurred during security checks while he was travelling with his family. Speaking to ANI, Dewan explained the chronology of the incident, saying, "We were travelling with our four-month-old baby in a stroller, and CISF personnel directed us towards a particular security check area. I later realised this is an old-style machine, and old-style machines have been while other-style machines have been upgraded. So this machine that could handle big luggage like a guitar and strollers, and this has also been used by the staff." Dewan said the security area already had a long queue, including staff members, and more people continued to join. "I was standing in the passengers' queue. A group of people with guitars were also ahead. I had a lot of luggage, so I asked my wife to take the baby through the ladies' gate while I managed four trays, three bags, and a stroller," he said. Dewan also raised questions to the airport operator DIAL, the aviation regulator DGCA, and the airlines, seeking clarity on the incident involving the off-duty Air India Express pilot. 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.
30 December,2025 10:20 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe off-duty Air India Express pilot accused of assaulting a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport here has joined the investigation and is being questioned by the Delhi Police, an official said on Monday. Captain Virendra Sejwal appeared before the investigating officer and cooperated with the probe, police said, adding that his replies were being examined in light of the available evidence. "If the investigating officer is not satisfied with his explanation, he may be arrested in the assault case," a police source said. A senior police officer said the investigation is being carried out strictly on merit and based on the evidence collected so far. "Whatever information can be shared without hampering the process and outcome of the investigation will be made public," a senior police officer said. Earlier, the Delhi Police had recorded the detailed statement of the complainant, Ankit Dewan, and begun collecting material evidence in connection with the alleged assault by the pilot at Terminal 1 of the airport. Police said Dewan was called to record his statement, collect evidence and undergo a medical examination. Further recording of statements of all relevant individuals and examination of material evidence are continuing, officials said. CCTV footage from multiple cameras installed in and around the security area of Terminal 1 is being collected and scrutinised to reconstruct the sequence of events, the police added. "The investigation is at a preliminary stage. CCTV footage from the terminal is being examined and other relevant evidence is being gathered," an officer had earlier said, adding that the accused would be questioned in due course. An FIR has been registered under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint lodged by Dewan via email. The case pertains to an alleged incident on December 19 near the security checkpoint of Terminal 1, where Dewan claimed he was physically assaulted by Sejwal, who was off duty at the time and travelling as a passenger. According to the complainant, the altercation began after he objected to some airline staff allegedly jumping the queue at the security checkpoint. Dewan alleged that the pilot abused and assaulted him in public view, causing injuries and traumatising his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the incident. In a subsequent statement, Dewan said a CT scan had confirmed a displaced fracture of his left nasal bone. Air India Express has said it is aware of the incident involving one of its employees and that the pilot, who was travelling on another airline at the time, has been removed from official duties with immediate effect pending an internal inquiry. 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
30 December,2025 09:23 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
