The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the "bhatakti aatma" jibe, saying his soul is "restless" for the cause of farmers and the common man, and ready to be restless "100 times" to highlight their plight, reported the PTI. "There is a 'bhatakti atma' (wandering soul) in Maharashtra. If it does not manage success it spoils others' good work. Maharashtra has been a victim of it," PM Modi had said at a rally on Monday, hitting out at Sharad Pawar without taking his name, according to the PTI. Addressing a Lok Sabha elections 2024 meeting on Tuesday, Sharad Pawar recalled PM Modi's 2016 statement about having come into politics holding the former's finger, and said "PM Modi is angry with me of late", as per the PTI. "Some years ago, PM Modi had delivered a speech in Pune stating that he (PM Modi) had come into politics by holding the finger of Pawar saheb. Yesterday, he said a 'restless' soul in Maharashtra has been causing restlessness across the state for the last 45 years, the news agency reported on Tuesday. "PM Modi had also said this soul was creating obstacles for the government. He also spoke about the need to safeguard against this soul," Sharad Pawar said while addressing an election meeting in Junnar tehsil for NCP (SP)'s Shirur Lok Sabha candidate Amol Kolhe. Sharad Pawar further said he has read Modi's speech and the ('bhatakti aatma') statement. "It is correct that the soul is 'asvastha' (restless) but not for the self but to highlight the hardships faced by farmers. I am restless to put forward the plight of the common man suffering from inflation. I am ready to be restless 100 times to highlight the woes of the people," the veteran politician said, as per the PTI. Sharad Pawar also criticised the prime minister for dubbing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a 'shehzada' (prince), saying three generations of his family had served the country and sacrificed their lives. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief further said that hardships faced by the common people and other issues should be raised. "I imbibed these values from the first chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan. We will not compromise on these values," said Sharad Pawar, according to the PTI. He said that PM Modi had promised to bring down the prices of fuel and LPG cylinders after coming to power (in 2014). "But check the prevailing prices of these commodities," he said. "PM Modi asked what he (Sharad Pawar) has done all these years. Rather, he (PM Modi) should answer these questions because he has been in power for the last 10 years. He doesn't answer (these questions) but has only one-point agenda to criticise others," the former Union minister said, a PTI report stated. Sharad Pawar said that the Prime Minister should uphold the prestige of his post. "Everybody is ready to uphold the prestige of that position (Prime Minister) but if the person who is sitting on that chair is spreading lies, criticising in a wrong way, then there is no point keeping power in the hand of such a person. We have to decide on taking out power from him," he added, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
30 April,2024 07:22 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAtleast four passengers were killed and 34 others injured after a state-run bus they were travelling in rammed into a truck in Nashik district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, police said, reported the PTI. Among the deceased were a teenage boy and a woman. Nine of the injured persons are in a serious condition, the police said, as per the PTI. The incident involving the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus occurred close to Aher Vasti near Chandwad town in the district on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway around 9.45 am, they said. "The bus was on its way to Nashik city from Bhusawal in neighbouring Jalgaon district when the left side of the bus crashed into the truck while trying to overtake it. Almost half the portion of the left side of the bus was damaged in the accident," a police official said, as per the PTI. "There were around 45 passengers in the bus. Four of them lost their lives in the accident, while 34 others were injured. The condition of nine of them is stated to be serious," he said, according to the PTI. The injured persons are being treated at the Chandwad government hospital and other private hospitals, the police said. Two of the four deceased are men, while two others are a 14-year-old boy and a woman, they said. 6 killed, 3 injured as truck rams into jeep in Bihar's Bhagalpur Meanwhile, in an another incident, six people, including two minors, died and three others were injured after a speeding truck rammed into a jeep in Bihar's Bhagalpur district, police said on Tuesday, according to the PTI. The accident took place in Aamapur village around 11.30 pm on Monday, they said. "The speeding stone chips-laden truck reportedly lost control and collided with the jeep on National Highway-80. The passengers were on their way to a marriage party," said Ajeet Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Ghogha Police Station, as per the PTI. The injured have been admitted to the nearest government hospital. The driver of the truck, which has been impounded, fled, he said. "The rescue work continued for three hours... The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination," Kumar added. (with PTI inputs)
30 April,2024 03:44 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentA man-eater tiger that had killed six persons in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra in the last two months has been captured, the officials said on Tuesday, according to the PTI. The PTI reported that the nine-year-old tiger has been caged and it has marked the successful culmination of a two-month-long operation to capture the elusive big cat on the prowl which had struck terror in villages, the officials said. The tiger which had managed to throw foresters off his trail with his sharp animal instincts finally took the bait placed inside a cage on Monday night in the Karva-Ballarpur forest area, a senior official said on Tuesday, as per the PTI. The man-eater tiger had killed four persons in the Central Chanda division and two others in the Chandrapur division in Maharashtra in the last two months, the official added. "In view of the human-tiger conflict, villagers in the forest area were living in the atmosphere of terror, prompting the Forest Department to set up a team to capture the big cat," said Swetha Boddu, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Central Chanda division, the news agency reported on Tuesday. She said that the operation to capture the tiger was going on continuously for the last two months. "As the tiger was more cautious, it became difficult to capture him. The team initially faced a tough time, but with persistence and patience, the forest department succeeded in the operation by caging the tiger on Monday night in the Karva-Ballarpur forest area," said Swetha Boddu, the PTI reported. The caging of the troublesome tiger before the start of the Tendu leaf collection season came as a huge relief for forest department personnel and villagers in the central Chanda division. "Further action about the tiger will be taken on directions from senior officials," the DCF said as per the PTI. Another official said troublesome tigers are generally shifted to a zoo in Nagpur and not released in the wild again. Leopard roaming in Vasai captured The male leopard, which was first sighted at the remains of an Indo-Portuguese fort on March 29 in Vasai and triggered panic among residents, has been caught by the joint efforts of the Maharashtra Forest department, wildlife NGOs and researchers last week. The officials had installed multiple trap cameras to monitor the movement of the leopard, which initially survived on the stray dogs but, later, it is believed that the big cat was surviving on rodents that are found abundant in the fort. (with PTI inputs)
30 April,2024 03:17 PM IST | Chandrapur | mid-day online correspondentDepartmental action has been initiated by 70 officials who didn't turn up for the training of presiding and polling officers held here. The District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar has taken action against all these officials. On Monday, Gangwar who took stock for the first day of the training session informed the respective departments to take strict action against these officials under the relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act. Also Read: Five of a family killed in car-lorry collision in Kerala's Kannur The training included the provision of a comprehensive understanding of the polling process and the guidelines that need to be followed for holding free and fair elections. Gangwar also noted that a total of 3,200 officials are to be trained. “There are two batches of officials being trained in two shifts. Each shift has around 1,600 officials. We had previously issued warning to the officials that attendance is a must because, during these training, officials will learn several strategies to mitigate issues that may arise on the day of polling,” Gangwar noted. Additionally, the officials were made aware of the operating of EVMs and VVPATs. They were also informed about the procedure to be carried in case the EVMs appear to be damaged. (With IANS Inputs)
30 April,2024 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith student suicides becoming a growing concern in India, Rajasthan's education minister Madan Dilawar on Monday said that only coaching institutes should not be blamed for students' suicides. He went on to add that their parents and friend circle also contribute to the factors leading to the suicide cases. "There may be some percentage of pressure from the coaching institutes but most of it is from the parents and more than that from the friend circle he keeps who are his friends or if he has taken the extreme step after failing in love," he said. Dilawar said that parents expect their children to achieve more than their capacity. He added that only coaching institutes should not be blamed in such a situation. "In the cases of suicide, only one person or organisation cannot be blamed. I do not believe that only coaching institutes will be the culprit. There may be some percentage of pressure from coaching institutes but parents also have an equal role in it," Dilawar said in Jaipur. "The parents always expect their son to achieve higher targets more than his capacity to study or learn, but he is not able to achieve more than his capacity. Whenever there is a test, they ask which rank they are running in. Even after trying his best, if he does not come in top ranks then he finally commits suicide after writing that he will not be able to fulfill the parents and, therefore, leaving," 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
30 April,2024 12:21 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentIn a year that has seen misbehaviour on flights, delayed flights and more, hoax calls are not far behind with the most recent incident. The Madhya Pradesh police on Monday has registered a case in connection with an email sent to Raj Bhoj airport in Bhopal and other airports with a threat to blow up flights, a police official said. On the complaint of Bhopal airport authorities a case under Indian Penal Code section 507 (criminal intimidation) and Aircraft (Security) Rules was registered, Bhopal Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Sunder Singh Kanesh told PTI. "The case was registered at Gandhi Nagar police station. Efforts are on get those involved in sending the threat mail," the DCP said. Gandhi Nagar police station inspector Sunil Kumar Maihar said a probe had begun. Planes were searched at the airport here after the email was received but nothing suspicious was found, sources 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 April,2024 12:18 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentAn incident took place in Kerala's Kannur on Monday, in which five members of a family including a child were killed after their car collided with a lorry. The deceased were identified as KN Padmakumar (59) resident of Kalichanadukkam, Choorikkatt Sudhakaran (52) resident of Bheemanadi, Ajitha (35), Kozhummal Krishnan (65), and Akash (nine). Also Read: Mizoram: Meth tablets worth Rs 6.66 crore seized in Aizwal, one held The accident took place around 10.15 PM in Kannapuram area in Kannur. The family was travelling from Thalassery to Kasargod. The lorry with which the car collided was consisting of gas cylinders and was coming from Karnataka's Mangaluru, reported police. The police also said that the people in the car lost their lives on the spot and the nine-year-old Akash's death was confirmed at the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital later. The lorry driver also sustained injuries in the accident, they added. According to police, the family was returning their way home after dropping Sudhakaran's son Saurav at a hostel in Kozhikode, who is currently pursuing CA. The fire department officials and the police reached the spot and took the deceased out of the car. Motor Vehicle Department authorities also arrived at the site. The police have taken the lorry and the driver into custody. (With ANI Inputs)
30 April,2024 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIsraeli officials believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on charges related to the ongoing war with Hamas, The New York Times reported, citing five Israeli and foreign officials. The Israeli officials believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's name will be included in a warrant, the report said. Further, the Israeli and foreign officials believe the court is considering issuing arrest warrants for leaders from Hamas. It is not clear who might be charged by Hamas or what crimes would be mentioned. If the court proceeds, the Israeli officials could potentially be accused of preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip after a harsh response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, according to two of the five officials, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. The Israeli officials did not reveal the nature of the information that sparked concerns about potential ICC action and the court did not make a statement on the matter, The New York Times reported. ICC's arrest warrants would probably be considered a humbling moral rebuke, particularly to Israel, as the nation has faced backlash over its military action in Gaza, including from US President Joe Biden, who described it "over the top." The arrest warrants could impact Israel's policies as the country continues to conduct its counter-offensive against Hamas. The Israeli and foreign officials said they did not know about the stage of the process. Any warrants would need approval from a panel of judges and would not necessarily lead to a trial or even the target's immediate arrest. ICC's chief prosecutor Karim Khan has previously said that his team is carrying out investigation into incidents during the war, The New York Times reported. Earlier on April 26, Netanyahu said that any intervention by the ICC "would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of all democracies fighting savage terrorism and wanton aggression," The New York Times reported. Although he did not mention what prompted his statement. Netanyahu further said, "Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East's only democracy and the world's only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it." Meanwhile, the US administration does not support the International Criminal Court's investigation into Israel's actions in Gaza, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a press briefing on Monday. Asked whether the issue of ICC's potential warrants was discussed during talks between Israeli PM Netanyahu and US President Biden, Jean-Pierre said, "I don't have anything to read out beyond the readout. I don't have anything to lay out there. Obviously, and I said this moments ago, what was significantly discussed, the primary focus of that call was obviously that hostage deal, getting to a ceasefire, getting humanitarian aid into Gaza. That was incredibly important. And obviously our continued support for Israel's security. That continues to be ironclad, obviously, that we've shown that." "But, we need to get to that hostage deal. We need to get the hostages home. We need to get to a ceasefire and that was the primary conversation. And obviously the Rafah operations was discussed as well. We just don't believe it's in the ICC jurisdiction in this situation. We do not support the investigation and I think that kind of answers that question. When we say we do not support this and we do not believe it's in their jurisdiction, ICC's jurisdiction," she 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 April,2024 12:05 PM IST | Tel Aviv | ANIA suspected smuggler was arrested by Assam Rifles in collaboration with the Special Narcotics Police Station and CID (Crime) and also seized 20000 Meth tablets worth Rs. 6. 66 crores in Aizwal, Mizoram. "In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles, along with Special Narcotics Police Station, CID (Crime), Aizawl, Mizoram seized 20000 Methamphetamine tablets weighing 1.908 kg worth 6.66 crore in General Area Mualpuikawn, Salem Veng K-Section, Aizawl and apprehended one individual on April 27," according to a press release. Also Read: Six dead following a tyre burst in Bihar Acting on the specific inputs, Assam Rifles and Special Narcotics Police Station, CID (Crime) launched the operation, targeting illicit drug activities in the region. The recovered consignment and apprehended individual have been handed over to the Special Narcotics Police Station, CID (Crime), Mizoram, Aizawl for further legal proceedings, the press release further said. The release further stated that the Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the 'Sentinels of Northeast' have continued their efforts against illegal drug trafficking and have also doubled their efforts to nab the kingpins of the drug racket in Mizoram. Previously, Assam Rifles in collaboration with Mizoram Police recovered 61 grams of heroin from Chamhai district and also apprehended a Myanmar national, officials said on April 22. According to officials, the estimated value of the seized contraband is worth Rs 42.70 lakh. "Assam Rifles alongwith Mizoram Police recovered Heroin No 4 weighing 61 grams worth Rupees 42.70 lakhs and apprehended one lady who is a Myanmar national, in the border area of Zokhawthar, Champhai District, Mizoram on 20 April 2024," the Assam Rifles said in a post on X. (With ANI Inputs)
30 April,2024 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDepartmental action is being initiated against 70 officials who did not turn up for the training of presiding and polling officers held in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha elections 2024, the officials said on Tuesday, reported the IANS. District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar has now directed action against all such officials, the officials said. The district magistrate, who took stock of the first day of the training session on Monday, directed the respective departments to take strict action against the officials under the relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act, as per the IANS. According to the district magistrate, the training is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the polling process and the guidelines that need to be adhered to for holding free and fair elections, reported the IANS. Gangwar noted that a total of 3,200 officials are to be trained. “There are two batches of officials being trained in two shifts. Each shift has around 1,600 officials. We had previously issued warning to the officials that attendance is a must because, during these trainings, officials will learn several strategies to mitigate issues that may arise on the day of polling,” Gangwar noted, according to the IANS. During the training, the officials were made aware of the functioning of the EVMs and VVPATs. Besides, they were also made aware of what to do in case EVMs appear to be damaged. Fire breaks out in Lucknow Police van carrying women prisoners, cops A van carrying nine women prisoners and 14 police officials from the Lucknow District Jail to the court caught fire outside the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, officials said, according to the PTI. All the passengers were safely rescued while the police van was totally charred, they said, as per the PTI. The incident took place in the front of gate number 14 of Raj Bhavan, causing panic among the passersby. Ram Kumar Rawat, Hazratganj Fire Station Officer, told PTI Videos that two fire tenders were rushed to the spot on receiving information and the fire was doused within 15 minutes. Rawat said the driver spotted sparks from around the battery in the bus, following which the vehicle was stopped and prisoners and women security personnel were taken out. (with IANS and PTI inputs)
30 April,2024 11:36 AM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentA heavily loaded truck fell on an SUV in Bhagalpur, Bihar on Monday night. Following the accident, six people lost their lives including a child. The accident took place close to Aamapur village's National Highway 80, within the jurisdiction of the Ghogha police station. According to sources, travellers in the SUV were travelling from Dhapari in Munger to Shrimatpur in Kahalgaon. The people who lost their lives were a part of a wedding party. Also Read: Kanpur man celebrates daughter's homecoming after divorce According to reports, a speeding truck, loaded with heavy rods, was overturned and fell onto the car due to a tyre burst. Local authorities and residents, with the assistance of an earthmover, worked tirelessly to extricate the mortal remains of the victims from the wreckage. The rescue operations continued late into Monday night. Following the incident, officials reported that the bodies were removed from the scene and were taken to the nearby hospital for post-mortem. Further updates are awaited. (With ANI Inputs)
30 April,2024 11:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
