The swing ride collapse at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Haryana has once again raised concerns about amusement ride and cable car safety in India. The incident took place on Saturday at the mela venue in Faridabad, when a giant swing malfunctioned and collapsed mid-operation, killing a police inspector and injuring several others. Authorities have suspended all ride operations and ordered an official inquiry. Here is a list of major amusement ride and cable car accidents in India over the years: Darjeeling ropeway, West Bengal (2003): Several cable cars slipped due to a mechanical failure on October 19, 2003, killing four people and injuring several others. The ropeway was shut down for an extended period and later overhauled. Kankaria Amusement Park, Ahmedabad (2019): A pendulum ride crashed on July 14, 2019, after a pipe on the main shaft broke, killing two people and injuring nearly 30 others. Authorities suspended the ride and ordered a safety audit of the park. Trikut ropeway, Deoghar, Jharkhand (2022): Two cable cars collided mid-air on April 10, 2022, killing two people and leaving dozens stranded for hours. The state government ordered an inquiry and later blacklisted the private operator. Nainital ropeway, Uttarakhand (2023): A technical snag halted the cable car mid-route on July 27, 2023, stranding 12 passengers, including six foreign tourists. All were rescued safely, and services resumed after repairs and safety inspections. South West Delhi amusement park (2025): A 24-year-old woman died on April 3, 2025, after falling from a roller coaster due to a seat belt failure. The ride was shut down, and police initiated action against those responsible for maintenance. VGP Universal Kingdom, Chennai (2025): A thrill ride stalled mid-air on May 28, 2025, leaving at least 30 riders stranded for nearly three hours. Fire and rescue teams evacuated passengers, and the ride was closed for inspection. Kagal fair, Kolhapur, Maharashtra (2025): A tower ride malfunctioned on October 25, 2025, leaving 18 people stranded nearly 80 feet above the ground for several hours. Fire services rescued the riders safely, and authorities ordered safety checks of all rides at the fair. Pavagadh hill ropeway, Gujarat (2025): A cable snapped on a cargo ropeway on September 6, 2025, killing six people. Police registered an accidental death case, and a technical committee was formed to investigate the incident. Jhabua fair, Madhya Pradesh (2026): A giant swing collapsed at a local fair on January 19, 2026, injuring around 14 schoolchildren. The district administration ordered a magisterial inquiry and suspended the ride. (With PTI inputs)
08 February,2026 01:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was investigating an alleged anti-India conspiracy involving Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and 'British citizen' Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi (wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi) will be hand over its probe to central agencies. CM Sarma said that the SIT probe has reached a point where it cannot proceed further without central assistance. "The Assam government had constituted an SIT to enquire an alleged anti-India conspiracy involving Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, in connivance with British citizen Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi. The case has been investigated, and sensitive material information has been obtained from various sources. However, the SIT has reported that beyond a point, it may not be possible to continue the investigation as assistance from Interpol and sensitive information from the Government of India and Parliament are required. It has therefore been decided that the case will be handed over to a Central government agency to be selected by the Ministry of Home Affairs," CM Sarma said. Earlier on January 28, CM Sarma revealed details from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, which he said allegedly proves Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi's "direct link with Pakistan". Chief Minister said the SIT report pertained to a case registered against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, along with Elizabeth Gogoi and Gaurav Gogoi, and alleged links to Pakistan. "The SIT has given the proof that three persons have a direct link with Pakistan - Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Elizabeth Gogoi and Gaurav Gogoi. After seeing the presentation, our cabinet ministers were shocked," the Chief Minister told reporters. In January, Sarma alleged Pakistani links of Gogoi through his British wife. He reiterated the charges and claimed that the Congress leader was a "Pakistani agent", planted by "foreign power", and that he had evidence to prove it. "Gaurav Gogoi is a Pakistani agent. He is a pure Pakistani agent. If he has the courage, lodge a defamation case against me. What I have is the evidence, he is a 100 per cent Pakistani agent. He has been planted by a foreign power in our country. He is a planted person. I am saying this with facts. As a Chief Minister, I am saying that he is a pure Pakistani agent. After giving justice to Zubeen Garg, I will prove it," Sarma told reporters. In May 2025, CM Sarma described Gogoi as a "deep-rooted Pakistani agent." The Assam Chief Minister claimed that Gogoi had only revealed 10 per cent about his visit to Pakistan and that he and his wife are deeply involved in anti-India activities. In February last year, the Assam Chief Minister said that Ali Tauqeer Sheikh had visited India at least 18 times. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi had also fired back at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's allegations, saying that if his wife is accused of being an ISI agent, he might as well be called a R and AW agent. "If my wife is an ISI agent of Pakistan, then I am a R and AW agent of India. I don't mind if a family against whom there are various cases and several allegations makes accusations against me. The Assam Chief Minister is making these allegations only to divert attention from the allegations against him," he 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
08 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Guwahati | ANIPolice have arrested a subcontractor for failing to alert the authorities about Kamal Dhyani falling into a pit leading to his death, police said. DCP (West) Darade Bhaskar said, Rajesh Kumar Prajapati , 47, knew that someone had fallen into the pit, hours before the matter came to the police’s notice. Call detail records showed that he was informed about the incident at around 12.22 am. However, Prajapati neither informed the police nor any emergency authority. Information about the incident reached police only the next morning at around 8 am. According to a senior official, an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh is likely to be given to the victim’s family soon. The family has alleged negligence on DJB’s part and also suspects foul play. 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
08 February,2026 09:20 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesProtecting the “personality rights” of actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi, the Delhi High Court has restrained several entities from misusing his name, voice, and image for commercial or personal gain. Oberoi filed a suit in the Delhi High Court on February 4, 2026, to protect his personality and publicity rights. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and likeness in AI-generated, deepfake, which was causing “incalculable loss to his goodwill and reputation”. In an interim order, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela held Oberoi has a “copyright” over his own personality, which includes his image, likeness, voice, name and signature, and his long standing career and stellar success in films clearly demonstrate his goodwill, reputation and acceptability, observed the court. The court therefore restrained several entities from violating Oberoi’s “personality/publicity rights” by misusing his name “Vivek Oberoi”, voice, image or other aspects of his persona for any commercial or personal gain through the use of any technology including AI, deep fakes, or face morphing. It also restrained the creation and sharing of any products, like t-shirts and posters, bearing his personality’s attributes. The court directed the online platforms, including YouTube, Meta Platforms and X Corp, to take down the links of all offending articles within 72 hours. “These videos are vulgar and sexually explicit in nature. What is particularly egregious is the fact that the defendants are exploiting the plaintiff’s image and creating such YouTube Shorts/videos to gain traction for their videos,” it stated. Several public figures, like actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, her husband Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, “Art of Living” founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, and podcaster Raj Shamani had earlier approached the high court seeking protection of their personality and publicity rights. The court granted them interim relief. 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
08 February,2026 09:16 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesIndia has finalised eight free trade agreements (FTAs), covering 37 developed countries in the last few years, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. He also said that India is in active dialogue for similar pacts with several countries, including Chile, Peru and Canada. Trade negotiations with Chile, he said, are almost at conclusion, where India has interests in critical minerals. "We've done eight free trade agreements covering 37 developed countries in the last few years under the Modi-government," the minister told PTI. Since 2014, India has finalised eight trade pacts -- Mauritius (April 2021 implemented), Australia (December 2022 implemented), UAE (May 2022 implemented), Oman (signed in December 2025), UK (signed in July 2025), EFTA (implemented in October 2025 - Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), New Zealand (talks concluded in December 2025), and the European Union (27-nation bloc). Goyal added that talks for a trade pact have started with the Mercosur group of countries to expand the existing PTA (preferential trade agreement).The Mercosur trade bloc members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), a group of six nations from the Middle Eastern region, too, has expressed a desire to start and launch negotiations for an FTA with India, theminister said. "We have finalized terms of reference with them," he said, adding that Canada and India are actively talking for a pact."We're going to quickly start negotiations with Canada," Goyal said. India and SACU, the South African-led union, are also considering whether the two sides can look for a trade deal, he added. "So a lot of potential trade deals on the anvil. We'll certainly be hearing many more good news stories and making India an international player, a global player of significance in the years to come," he said. Under trade pacts, two or more nations either eliminate or reduce import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. They also ease norms to promote trade in services and attract investments. 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.
07 February,2026 10:54 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIn what can be termed good news for wildlife lovers, a third tigress, STR-06, was released into the wild at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in western Maharashtra on Saturday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) The tigress was captured on Thursday around 5 pm from the Nagalwadi forest range of Pench Tiger Reserve in central India, following which she was transported to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. After the road journey, the wild cat was taken by boat into the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, which forms part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, on Friday night. Upon arrival, veterinary officers conducted a medical examination, after which the tigress was offered water and meat, both of which she consumed. On Saturday at 6 am, the tigress was released at a safe location in the core forest area of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Tigress STR-06 expected to pair with resident male tiger Baji at Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary Officials said tigress STR-06 is expected to pair with the resident male tiger STR-03, popularly known as Baji, in the sanctuary. The development is likely to boost wildlife tourism in the region. Spread across 1,165 sq km, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve spans Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts and is one of the Maharashtra government’s ambitious conservation projects. The reserve is rich in biodiversity and is home to several rare species of flora and fauna in western Maharashtra. Saturday’s operation was carried out under the guidance of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Field Director Tushar Chavan, with Deputy Director Kiran Jagtap, Assistant Conservator of Forests Baba Hakke, Range Forest Officer Sangram Godse (flying squad), Akshay Salunkhe (Koyna), Vijay Bate (Bamnoli), Tushar Jankar (Patan), Akshay Karmalkar (Kandat), honorary wildlife wardens Rohan Bhate and Sunil Bhoite, along with forest guards and frontline staff. Speaking about the tiger's release into the reserve, Chavan said, “This third tigress released at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve marks the beginning of a new phase for Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. With no resident female for the existing male tiger STR-03, the introduction of a new tigress into his territory is expected to aid the continuity of the species and also strengthen the tourism prospects of the reserve.” The tigress was earlier identified as PTR-123 at Pench Tiger Reserve. Following her relocation to Sahyadri, she has been assigned the official identification number STR-06. Local guides at Sahyadri have named her ‘Hirkani’.
07 February,2026 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavPolice on Saturday shared fresh details about the three-day anti-Maoist operation along the Gadchiroli–Chhattisgarh border, in which seven Maoists were encountered and one C-60 commando was killed in action, shedding light on the scale and complexity of the action in the dense Abujhmaad forest. According to officers, the operation began late on Tuesday after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of Company No 10 cadres and other Maoist members from Chhattisgarh in the border forests, allegedly planning violent activities. Multiple teams of the elite C-60 unit were deployed in the rugged terrain near Phodewada village under the supervision of the Bhamragad Sub-Divisional Police Officer. On Wednesday, Maoists opened fire on police teams during a search operation, leading to retaliatory firing in self-defence. Two Maoist camps were destroyed during the day, and a large quantity of supplies and documents were recovered. However, thick forest cover and difficult terrain allowed the Maoists to evade immediate capture, officers said. As exchanges of fire continued intermittently, additional C-60 units and a Central Armed Police Force (CRPF) Quick Action Team were brought in to reinforce the cordon. On Thursday, security forces recovered the bodies of three Maoists along with weapons, including an AK-47 and an SLR rifle. The operation continued into the following day, when four more bodies were recovered from different locations in the forest. Police said those killed included senior cadres carrying a cumulative cash reward of Rs 71 lakh. Several of the Maoists were wanted in multiple cases related to murder, arson and attacks on security forces, though verification of all identities is still underway. Apart from firearms, police recovered ammunition, explosives, Maoist literature, magazines and other materials during the operation. Officers said the seizure indicates the group was well-equipped and capable of launching major attacks. Gadchiroli encounter: Another commando undergoing treatment, say police A C-60 commando who sustained a bullet injury during heavy firing was airlifted from the forest but later succumbed to his injuries. Another commando was injured and is undergoing treatment. Police said anti-Maoist operations in the region would continue, adding that further details would be shared at a briefing.
07 February,2026 04:49 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Police carried out two major intelligence-led operations in Palghar and Thane districts, resulting in the seizure of high-value contraband, news agency PTI reported. In Palghar, officers intercepted a tempo that was allegedly transporting medicines and discovered liquor worth Rs 9.38 lakh hidden inside the cargo. In Thane, the crime branch arrested an autorickshaw driver for allegedly possessing heroin worth Rs 6.68 crore. Palghar: Liquor found hidden in medicine shipment In Palghar’s Talasari area, a police team intercepted a tempo on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway after receiving a tip-off, PTI reported. Upon searching the vehicle, police found a large quantity of liquor concealed among medicines, Deputy Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh said. The seizure was made during a routine check, and officers said the liquor was carefully hidden to avoid detection. The driver, identified as Shivendrakumar Lalbabu Thakur (41), claimed he was carrying medicines for a pharmaceutical company and produced a bill to support his claim. However, officers discovered that the liquor was hidden within the stock. Following the discovery, police registered a case against Thakur under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. An investigation is ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the liquor. Police are also trying to establish whether the driver was part of a larger smuggling network. 50-year-old rickshaw driver held with heroin in Thane In a separate operation in Thane city, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Thane Crime Branch arrested Fardin Gulzar Mulla, a 50-year-old autorickshaw driver, for allegedly carrying heroin, PTI reported. The arrest was made after a tip-off, and the suspect was intercepted in the Ghodbunder Road area on the night of February 1, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav said. Authorities said the arrest followed a targeted surveillance operation based on leads. Police recovered 2.288 kg of heroin from Mulla, estimated to be worth Rs 6.68 crore. He has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The DCP added that further investigation is underway to trace the source of the drugs, identify the intended buyers, and uncover other members of the drug supply network. Officers said the case is likely linked to a larger trafficking chain that uses small vehicles and local transport services to move drugs across regions. (With PTI Inputs)
07 February,2026 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA special event was organised on Saturday to mark the 105th Foundation Day of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, a landmark occasion in the state's democratic history. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, and Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju participated in the event in Patna. Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Cabinet Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, along with several senior leaders and legislators, were also present on the occasion. February 7 holds special significance in Bihar's political and democratic traditions. On this day in 1921, Bihar's legislative tradition formally came into existence. The first session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly was held on February 7, 1921, following the completion of the present Assembly building in 1920, after Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal Province. Since then, the date has remained synonymous with Bihar’s democratic identity. Addressing the media upon his arrival in Patna, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju described the day as historic for Bihar. He said the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) would be launched and a NeVA Service Centre inaugurated, marking a major step towards Digital India and strengthening digital legislative functioning. "A very significant programme is being organised today in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Through the e-Vidhan system, MLAs will be able to take full advantage of digital technology in legislative work. This is why I have come here," Union Minister Rijiju said. During his remarks, the Union Minister also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the party had ruined the country in 60 years, while claiming that India is progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state administration made elaborate arrangements to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the event. The celebration of the 105th Foundation Day was not merely ceremonial but reflected the enduring strength of the Constitution, the tradition of parliamentary debate, and the spirit of democracy that continues to guide Bihar even after more than a century. 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.
07 February,2026 02:52 PM IST | Patna | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the interim trade agreement with the US will strengthen 'Make in India' by opening up new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, and create jobs for women and youngsters. The prime minister also thanked US President Donald Trump for his personal commitment to robust ties between India and the US. "Great news for India and USA! We have agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement between our two great nations," Modi said in a post on X. He said this framework reflected the growing depth, trust and dynamism of the India-US partnership. "It strengthens 'Make in India' by opening new opportunities for India's hardworking farmers, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, StartUp innovators, fishermen and more. It will generate large-scale employment for women and youngsters," the prime minister said. Modi said India and the United States share a commitment to promoting innovation, and this framework will further deepen investment and technology partnerships between the two countries. He said this framework will also strengthen resilient and trusted supply chains and contribute to global growth. "As India moves forward towards building a Viksit Bharat, we remain committed to building global partnerships that are future-oriented, empower our people and contribute to shared prosperity," the prime minister 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
07 February,2026 01:16 PM IST | New Delhi | PTISecurity forces in Manipur carried out a series of coordinated operations across several districts, targeting illegal poppy cultivation, militant activity and drug trafficking. The actions led to the destruction of large poppy fields, burning of huts, arrests of militants and smugglers, and seizure of narcotics and weapons. A combined team of security forces, the forest department and an Executive Magistrate destroyed three acres of illegal poppy plantation at Lakhamai Hills under Phaibung Police Station in Senapati district on Friday, reported ANI. During the operation, three huts found at the plantation sites were burnt and destroyed. In another drive, a joint team also destroyed around 80 acres of illegal poppy plantation at the Sihai hill range under Ukhrul Police Station in Ukhrul district. Ten huts found at the plantation sites were also burnt and demolished. PREPAK cadre arrested in Imphal Meanwhile, security forces arrested an active PREPAK cadre, Sapam Barlin Singh alias Nongthang (22), of Thangmeiband Khomdrang Selungba Leikai, Imphal West district. He was arrested from Porompat Ayangpalli Road near the JNIMS main gate under Porompat Police Station, Imphal East district. In another operation, security forces intercepted a four-wheeler, an A-Star, at Lilong Alia Lamkhai under Lilong Police Station in Thoubal district and arrested its occupant Md. Abbas Ahamed (42). From his possession, the forces recovered 1.543 kg of brown sugar along with the vehicle used for transport, as reported by ANI. Assam rifles operation and arms recovery Earlier last month, acting on intelligence about illicit narcotics cultivation, Assam Rifles, along with CRPF and Manipur Police, launched a joint operation in the Ngatan Hill Range in Kangpokpi district on January 9. During the operation, the team detected and destroyed 40 acres of poppy cultivation and 11 makeshift huts used for processing and storing narcotics. Earlier on January 8, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the Songjang (Pakang) area under Kangpokpi police station. The seized items included pumpi guns, rifles, pistols, live ammunition, empty cartridges and locally made weapons. In another anti-narcotics operation, a combined team of security forces and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials arrested two drug smugglers, Hangkhankap and Khupjamal, on January 7 from between Maukot village and Singngat in Churachandpur district. Authorities seized 4.3 kg of heroin powder packed in 320 soap cases, along with a four-wheeler and a two-wheeler. (With ANI Inputs)
07 February,2026 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1770452532230_d.png "Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla (L), Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar (R) during the foundation day celebration of the state Assembly, in Patna. Pic/PTI")
-1770441647777_d.png "Major crackdown in Manipur as illegal poppy farms get cleared. Representational Pic")